Standing atop the balcony of the High-rise apartment, a man, taller than any, stared at the bright lights of Newark beneath him. Not a new sight for him, but it was a sight he never got tired of. His silver hair waved calmly in the wind as he took a pull from his cigar. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the little dark-skinned girl he called his niece. His face was lined with experience, but who was he kidding. He was getting old.
That didn’t worry him as much as it used to. Time will claim us too, old friend, just hope by that day someone will be here to replace us.
His phone rang unexpectedly, but it didn’t steal his gaze from the beautiful city lights below. He placed the device on his ear and answered it.
“Aldred…” A long pause followed as he heard his niece on the other end. She exhaled a long sigh. “I need your help.” She said, finally getting him to look away from the city.
“My help?” He asked, his tone soft and composed. What could she want? She never asks for help, especially from him. So, what could she need?
“I fear that a friend of mine might kill herself.” She started.
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“And?” Aldred asked coldly.
“I need you to save her, with everything that’s happened I don’t think I have what it takes to pull her out of it.” Aldred scoffed at her request.
“And what makes you think that I can help her?” Another pause came between them and Aldred could only imagine the face she was making. As much as he wanted to, he had to let her deal with it herself.
“Because you did the same with me.” Her answer cracked his composed demeanor for a moment, before he hardened his face again. Though Nami tried to be as composed as him, Aldred could still hear the subtle hesitation in her speech. She was desperate.
Aldred turned to look at the man enshrouded in darkness. The man’s golden eyes being the only thing piercing through it like a soft candle flame
“You may go.” The man said, giving Aldred the conformation he needed.
“I’ll be there in a moment.” He dropped the call and extinguished his cigar.
“It’s not everyday that little girl asks for help, so make sure to save her friend… Maze, was it? She’ll be important for the day to come.” The man’s tone was low and carefree, and Aldred could tell that he wore that same arrogant grin he’d gotten accustomed to.
He walked past him, ready to leave, but just before he reached the door the man called to him once again. “Oh, and Aldy, darling. After saving Mazekien’s life, I forbid you from helping Nami any further. Not that she’ll ask, of course.” He chuckled.
“Remember, she’s still my daughter at the end of the day.” The man chuckled again, but that statement sounded more like a warning. Ignoring him, Aldred stepped out of the apartment and into the low-lit hallway.