A large tree stood between two children. Both sat back against the all to familiar wall of oak while eying nature's results. Today felt odd. A hint of something out of the norm cloaked the air itself, back then both shared their space without so much as one exchange in word. A fact that remained true for weeks as both returned again and again. At most a meeting in eyes before taking their places on each side of the tree, but today was different, a beginning of sorts. Astral could feel it, his small brown sandals dangling near the edge of the hill, where below a always sparkling lake waited with calm waves, stretching ahead as flocks of red and orange birds circled the body of water above. And at his right where squirrels, foxes and dear slept, and wandered upon the land’s healthy grass just before the lake’s beauty began. Here was a safe zone of sorts, a location where all were welcomed, regardless of what or who. A place Astral had deemed very interesting since his first visit, which was so long ago he could barely remember the details. At the body of water’s center sat a isle of land, decorated with trees and life of it’s own.

"Hey," said the boy on the other side of the tree. Astral turned his head to the side, offering his attention. A breeze came. Blowing the branches above up and down as a trail of live and dead leaves leaped through the air, passing them down the hill.

"When you sleep, what do you dream of?" Astral’s sight slid back below. He'd lost interest in wondering why Angel repeatedly asked the question, and why he would wait three, four, sometimes seven visits to ask again.

"Nothing," Astral replied, like always. "That sounds horrific," Angel added. Astral couldn't help but give in to a short laugh. Across the water, past his then larger pair of footwear, a lone bird caught his eye, black and still. "What about you?" The boy also watched the water, wrapping along the land they sat upon. Though his side couldn’t escape the sun’s light, only the fall of leaves. "I don't." Astral raised his chin to the cloudy sky. "How poetic."

•

Susan laid sideways when she woke from her slumber, a oddity for sure. It was rare indeed she slept in such a posture, but as of now she thought nothing of it while assuming a issue developed with the bed. But she soon felt her senses scramble when noticing the subtle differences; no pillow, no alarm, no snoring, no light pulling her eyes wide from her left. Quickly she attempted to open her eyes, hoping she was mistaken. But almost instantly she grew reluctant, the light was now repositioned ahead. And it hit her hard, digging through her skull, momentarily blinding her right eye while also confirming her fears. It was real, and the side effects had already latched onto her withered body.

A door opened and shut, footsteps began before a wave of silence took hold. Lingering a moment too long for comfort. "Is she okay?" Someone said in a whisper, clearly a woman. "She'll be fine," said the young man. His voice stern but warm, always reminding her of the sky at it’s calmest state. There aren't many people that could make her feel so safe so quickly. But his was without doubt one of them.

"No more excuses, Crow, you need to tell me why this is happening, now!" A stomp followed the woman's low outrage. The one called Crow only raised his hands in surrender with half a smile. "I've told you, she's just growing too fast."

"She's been unconscious for three days!"

"And when she wakes, she'll feel so refreshed."

The woman cracked a small smile while still holding her look of worry. Letting a long exhale out as she eyed him up and down. "Crow," she said, rubbing her forehead. A easy tell when the woman was building on top her pile of stress. "Rakma, lend me strength. Oma my fortitude, you and your secrets are going to drive me crazy." A tear fell from under the hand that covered her strong blue eyes. "Just—just promise me something."

"Anything," immediately the lone bird replied. "Be sure you four take care of each other. I won't be here to worry forever." Crow eyed Ms. Clarke for a moment. Then lowered his head close to the posture of a bow. "Yes ma'am."

"Good," the lady said while wiping her eyes quickly. "When she wakes, tell her to clean the room! Likely my end will be sooner with so much worry …" she said while turning away. Without daring to glace at, or mention the almost spotless room, Crow simply kept his low form and closed his eyes, hiding the smile he would always wear when hearing her voice as the woman left the room shaking her head. "Damned children," she added aloud to finish her exit.

Behind Crow led a unhurried applause. A distinct measure of space between every clap. "What a performance, she couldn't have doubted a word," Susan analyzed. "Ms. Clarke! How would you rate such a showing?" Sue yelled, both hands around her lips. "Poor! No better then the bird’s singing!" the woman replied from the kitchen.

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Crow turned to the should-be asleep girl with squinted eyes. Failing to contain a smile, the oldest bird listened to the girl’s unruly laughter while directing his stride over to the window. His gaze found the pure white clouds within frame, and just below the rising sunshine nearing it’s peak, beaming from the sky. He waited a moment before closing the blinds with a tug and sway alone. "Thanks," the girl said as her eyes were finally able to escape the darkness without hesitation. Crow walked to her, the girl already in her routine to stretch away the rust that had gathered in her deep sleep. While also hoping her oldest brother had not seen her moment of weakness. When she felt comfortable enough to freely blink and glance around, she realized she was laying on the couch inside Ms. Clarke's living room. She turned to Crow, his tone of skin identical to her own normally, which often caused her to wonder. Though unlike her own it never seemed to alter throughout the seasons, regardless of how often he roamed in sunlight. There is a connection between each of the them, but for awhile- no, over the years it was clear to Susan none were relatives truly. In fact, the more time crawled the more obvious the four shared a much deeper bond.

Questions, some similar while many not, have always bombarded Susan’s mind. Why hasn't she asked Crow? Why was she so hesitant? Why did they all end with him as a dead end. Sue eyed her brother, he had wild black hair that curled at the ends, frequently wore dark colors, sweaters or long sleeves, mostly when his coat went missing, but how he loved to wear that damn long coat. Of course he would never admit to such emotions, not that Sue was sure he had many, and if he did the tone in his voice or facial expression wouldn't convey the feeling. How or why he never broke a inch of sweat, she had no idea. You didn't need to know him or look at his matching black bottoms and boots to understand he didn't care for style.

Crow lowered to take a seat on the hard floor with one arm laying on his propped knee. Sweater day I see. "The effects will wear off soon."

"I know," Sue said while glancing once more at the closed blinds. "How do you feel?"

"Like I deserve some answers." Sue held her eyes to the blinds with inches of sunlight slipping through the slim spaces. She didn't mean to say that, her words had never came out without thinking like that. Maybe to someone else like Megan or Ms. Clarke, but never to Crow.

The oldest bird breathed through his nose as he looked directly into her eyes. "Not yet." Sue bit her bottom lip as her glance to the window bloomed into a hard stare. Now out of all the letters in the alphabet, why would he choose such words? Not even a don't worry, soon. Or even a request for patience. Crow remained quiet as time continued by, all the while Susan could feel her temperature rise by the minute. It felt like ten had flew by at least before he turned to her. And for a split second, his grey eyes grew cold, as if they were looking through her, evaluating every action and decision in recent memory. Why did her heart start to sprint? Why was she so damn nervous.

The girl, a second too late tried to calm her shaky palms, which are never as self evident by the naked eye, but when given a purpose, had the tendency to fall out of control. Such as dropping dishes or missing targets easy as the stair rail before descending. It didn't happen often, especially when Megan was nearby, but there were moments. And others that spoke to both girls in less then a whisper. Moments that called their intuition, telling them there are reasons why Crow and the other Astrals should be feared. Whenever Sue discussed it with Megan, they both could never put a finger on the warning signs, but they were indeed there. Sue actually started to regret the demand, but as always, she kept confidence written across her face. No matter how shallow the seeming ocean truly was. His expression caught her off guard again, transitioning into a soft smile.

"You've grown to a fine young woman, haven't you?" Before she could respond Crow stood, making his way toward the door her shoulder had burst through a few days earlier. "Wait," she called. He didn't turn to her, but did pause. "Yes?" Her eyes lowered to his sleeves. Since today was the day to feel brave …

"Why are you wearing a sweater? It's summer." The question wasn't as clean as she'd hoped, and obviously, this wasn't the first summer he'd worn such clothing, which probably told him she had been watching for awhile. But she had to admit, she was quite proud of her steady words. Susan crossed her legs and arms on the couch, patiently waiting for his answer. Crow's head slowly turned until his body halfway faced her. A smirk crawled upon his lips. "Shrewd also? Impressive." Her eyes widened before falling to the wooden floor. Of course he didn't give her an answer. Of course. But he did give her something. Something she will think on, long and hard. When the young woman glanced upward again he was gone. Not even the sound of the door opening or closing to warn her of his steps.