Flames In His Veins

By

Tuesday-Rose Steves

Disclaimer: This is still my own work, I own everything. August 26th, 2002.

Copyright to the author 2003

A groan of frustration escaped Tolo's lips as he realised dawn was never again going to break.

It was probably morning, early as the rooster silhouettes against the skies of navy blue. Yet, the moon was as bright as the red blood that poured from the clouds, and Tolo alone was at fault.

Wandering through the dying wild flowers, Tolo caressed his lips with his tongue to taste the awful metallic flavour of the plunging blood. He looked a warrior with broken spirit as his face was smudged with the crimson torrent.

Tolo lifted his bright sapphire eyes to the empty skies, musing quietly as he nearly regretted seizing the sunbeams from the Heavens, the absent sun tearing wounds through the clouds. How he missed the beautiful rain, dancing to the music of the thunder, and always being in the limelight of the lightning! Yet the liquid of life had been flowing ever since he left Euphiria's grave. Even the moon had dark bruises, and the stars would stagger when they spun.

Faint burning of flames in the distance brought Tolo's fury about once more as he was reminded of when he fell into captive to the fire licking away at his beloved home. The torch flames grew as he neared the foreign village and the spicy essence of wisping smoke filled his nose.

Breaking into a sprint, Tolo stumbled over his own feet, raging towards the fire. He felt ill in his mind, his thoughts hazy with fury and utter desperation. Tolo felt tears burn at his eyes painfully, confusion washing over him as he pondered what he was doing, fleeing into a village of hostile fire. He must destroy the flames, destroy the hate... yet he could not. The torches seemed to soar into the shadows, intangible and insipid, dying away yet burning brighter in Tolo's mind. He reached out his hand, his fingers flexing, trying to grasp the far away embers that dodged his palms, melting into the streets of Autumn...

Tolo only realised he was lying on the jaded grass, moist with morning dew, when he heard a pained shout from beside him. The voice was deep, accented in Swedish and yet so child-like. Panicking, flashes of diamond and a white glow flickering in his head, Tolo remembered what had happened to Euphiria when he felt crystal grow into his skin and his eyes render their natural steel colour. A touch of mortal skin against the scars of diamond on an Alilory's flesh would reveal their true angelic appearance, beneath the smiling mask, and Tolo's silk gloves had burned and withered along with the rest of his home.

Tolo's vision was blurred with a fading temper and frantic breaths. Black blots, similar to smudged ink, smeared across his vision, the only movement caught by his eyes were a shadowy figure leaping to his feet, frightened, and he could see the flames in the far distance flicker and die.

"Who are you?" the Swedish voice rang out again, quaking with fear. Tolo clenched his teeth and raised himself from his knees, thankful for the darkness to conceal the crystal embedded on his skin.

"Whom I am shan't be any of your concern. Who are you, to be knocking over poor men with no food and no warmth, at such a late hour? And where are your lands, young man, do you dwell at the village beyond?"

Illuminated by the moonlight, Tolo could see the man nod silently. He seemed to still be trembling, as Tolo could feel the quivering ground. "Indeed I do. My lands are called by many names, but in our language, 'Holladoh' is the most appealing."

Tolo quirked an eyebrow. "Oh? And what is your language exactly? I know a few, yet there are still many, and I am intrigued by fresh intellect and speech that I do not yet know. Tell me, how do you speak?"

The man shifted his feet nervously; Tolo had frightening confidence and impatience with strangers. "My language is that of Holladohies, we use many complex inscriptions, I myself had difficulty learning our strange speech." He paused. "My name is Daladoh if that is of any interest to you."

Tolo smirked. "I apologize for my rushed introduction, or lack of, but I am weary with hunger and I am getting soaked with this... unearthly rainfall." he blinked through the drizzle of trickling blood, seeping into his eyes. "My name is Tolo," he withdrew a breath, not wanting to reveal the dreaded surname. "And I am of the South."

Daladoh smiled, though Tolo could not see. "The South? I've always wished to venture there, but it is much too hazardous now that our sun has disappeared. " He wiped blood from his brow. "I must agree with you, this rain is like nothing I've ever seen before. It's almost like...blood!"

Tolo chuckled nervously, not wanting to alert this man. "I suppose you are right, but blood? I seriously doubt blood would fall from the sky!"

Daladoh sighed. "I've heard strange talk amongst the townsfolk here. They say the rainfall is blood, falling from the slain Alilories." he seethed. "Though we both know they are no Angels, and shan't dwell in Heaven."

Tolo's fists clenched as did his steely jaw at Daladoh's cruel words. He began to see a vibrant shade of red, his mind burning with hate for this newcomer.

"I... suppose."

These small words pained Tolo beyond imagination, as he knew Euphiria wasn't bleeding in Heaven. She was bleeding somewhere else, and no matter how high he soared into the skies, or how deep he swam into the sea, he would never find her.

Never.

Daladoh's voice broke his musing. "I'm beginning to feel a chill down my spine. The village is much warmer, and I know of a shelter where you would be most welcome."

'He hasn't yet seen my face before candle light. Would I still be welcome then?' Tolo thought angrily.

"I would be happy to accompany you into town. For here I am anxious to get into a comfortable vicinity." Tolo said to the shadow of Daladoh. "But- I must retreive my rucksack---containing the essentials, of course." Tolo lied quickly. "It lies just beyond that Weeping Willow---" he waved a fingertip at a swaying tree in the distance, "I'll be swift."

Daladoh nodded. "Certainly, my new companion. I'll linger here- know that. Fear not, I won't be swept away by this storm of Alilory blood." he smirked with hatred.

Tolo chose not to comment as he sprinted off towards the Willow, tears clouding his opaque eyes. He supressed the urge to release his horrible wrath upon this naive being, he fought the desire to slash Daladoh with the most savage of daggers and pour his blood upon this land. He wouldn't sneer then--- the dead have no voice.

Upon reaching the Willow he fell to knees, behind the vast metallic trunk. Crying silently- cautious not to rouse suspicion from the Willow gazing down at him- he did not heed the blood stinging his eyes, nor the startled looks from the golden leaves witnessing his tears. He was angry at himself for ever losing the precious hope he had held for so long- that he could ever be delivered from this darkness- that his soul alone had brought.

'God give me strength---though I turned away from You long ago, forgive my soul of Satan. I would have loved to live in Heaven, in light and peace. But I was born this way, and I can't help my wickedness. But You can.'

He directed his broken thoughts into one flowing river of misery. All the pain he had ever felt, all the disguises he ever had to wear, all the death he saw and survived- he poured into his prayers.

Tolo suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of relief as he savoured the agonizing sensation of the diamonds withdrawing into his bones. A feeling of slight warmth surpassed the throbbing cold in his eyes, the tears swelling in them dampening his cheeks at his disbelief of this miracle. He held out his hands to see with unsure ecstasy the deep crystal dissolved, sure to return, but gone nonetheless.

His hope was rekindled slightly, as the fire in his mind had as he felt a large hand on his quaking shoulder.

He turned to Daladoh slowly, expecting this to all be a dream and he would awaken with bullets tearing through him from Daladoh's hatred, and him as the misunderstood victim of that hatred.

Yet he felt no cold glare upon him, nor did he taste blood from the bullets of terrified illusion. Yet he saw blood all around him, stained into his skin, and on the skin of this ignorant mortal. He then realised he was not the victim--- he never was.

He was the inflictor. How dare he ask for a promise of faith, when he brought this all upon himself? Yet wonder had come, and he dare not question it--- but thank the Provider.

'Dear Lord, though I am of the utmost spiteful demons, you have saved me yet again from a death of wavering trust in You. You wield the miracles of obscured sources, to those who do not deserve it.'

Daladoh held a dainty candle to his face, an expression of concern warped in his face. His eyes were of a strange amber shade, with golden flecks swirling. Fibers of dark hair dangled across his creased forehead, chocolate skin smeared with charcoal shadows.

'Is there still a sliver of chance I may be a pure Angel, a true decendant of You? I know my destiny is death, but You gave me that destiny before I had ever dreamed of another path. Perhaps you could grant me another dream, and not let me fall into nightmare, nor wait forever in insomnia?'

"Tolo, my friend," Daladoh began, and Tolo winced at being called his friend, "You've been lying on this hill for hours." He paused sensing Tolo's bewilderment. "I was terribly worried--- I ran into town and seized a candle, I thought you may have been harmed. But the storm of blood raged as I tried to run to this tree, and I was forced back, by the striking winds hurling me across the grass." Tolo's eyes widened at the thought of the storm becoming any more fierce, as he had not seen the calm before the fury. "I meant to come sooner, Tolo, I swear, but--- have you been crying?"

Tolo's face flushed in humiliation, his fingers gliding across his cheeks in a vain attempt to dry any fresh tears. But his now bright blue eyes were swollen and tumescent, his skin horribly discoloured from blotchy red tearstains. It was as lucid as the night sky, even without the trickling weep drops.

Daladoh seemed to sense Tolo's incredible embarrassment and uneasiness, and quickly switched topics. "Are you hurt? I cannot tell through the blood from the skies."

Tolo spoke hurriedly, hopeful to fall from the thought of crying. "No, no, I'm fine." he said. "I tried to get down to you, but I collided with the problem you also faced; I could scarcely breathe through this torrent. I couldn't find my rucksack, but that is not of any importance now." Tolo lied through clenched teeth. Truth be told, there was no rucksack behind the Weeping Willow.

Daladoh drew back a little, the candle flickering. "You're right, I'm afraid. If we cease our journey to look for your rucksack, this downpour may become a burst of angry clouds again. We must hurry to reach Holladoh before that happens." He reached out his hand that still rested on Tolo's shoulder to him.

Tolo hesitated, biting down on his lip. Finally, he extended his hand and grasped Daladoh's with reluctant fingers. To survive, he must blend his lightened soul into this darkness, creating a mild glow.

Minutes rolled into hours as they stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Holladoh. Not a word had been spoken as they ventured from the Willow, along sandy paths, to the dreary village.

Tolo thought Holladoh looked quite similar to his hometown, much to his dismay. Ancient-looking buildings of brick and stone had been half torn down, the other halves draped in sheets of revolting graffiti and boards over broken windows. None of the houses had gardens or white picket fences, and their glossy windows revealed dark insides. The streets were empty and the vast sidewalks were also void of life. Shoppe doors had "Closed" labels all across them, and their neon signs stood dead, their flashy letters concealed against the dark morning sky. On the corners of the roads, towering trees cast even blacker veils across the seemingly abandoned houses, bloody clouds crowning the treetops with an eerie etiquette.

Then, Tolo caught a glimpse of fire dashing through the alleyways. His breath was tangled in his throat.

"Lovely place, Holladoh." Daladoh sneered, sarcasm soaking his statement. Tolo didn't know what to say, or even feel. This was overwhelming for him, to see actual civilization after years and years wandering through April fields, and November woodlands.

Daladoh nudged him. "Are you alright? I've never before seen someone stare at Holladoh in these times; most avert their eyes."

Tolo's gaze did not waver as he spoke. "Before these times, when the sun still shone, what was Holladoh like then?"

Through the moonbeams, Tolo saw a shimmer of tears at the edges of Daladoh's eyes; though guilt did not wash over him, instead a fresh splash of anger, as he remembered what Daladoh had said about Alilories. He felt like laughing at him, taunting him about his village, how the place looked like a heap of aged ashes, filth and debris from what looked like a cross between a fierce battle and a volcano eruption from Tolo's own doing. It, of course, did not look that gruesome, but Tolo was sure it would drive nails into his heart.

Yet he did not laugh, taunt or tease. He remained quiet, and watched Daladoh carefully for his response.

When Daladoh finally spoke, his tone was soft. "I'd rather not speak of the beauty my home once held. It was stolen along with our sun, and that's all that matters now. I dare not dwell in the past; I've strived too hard to forget those memories, wonderful as they are, they give me false hope, and I refuse to fall out of reality."

Tolo, still absorbed in silence, merely nodded.

They still stood before Holladoh, lost in thought, when Daladoh broke the surface of silence between them once again. "Come, come with me. I will take you to sanctuary, and you shall be content with the warm beds, and the sweetly-sauced loaves and white wine. Come with me, come meet my sister, Opaquescential."

Tolo could have screamed, right then and there, and he could have burst into tears. A sister?! Was it not enough that every dying flower reminded him of Euphiria, every dancing jewel in the sky?! It had been years since he had ever seen a mortal girl, which would remind him the strongest of Euphiria.

He forced a smile. "I will follow you."

**

"Opaquescential, I would like to introduce to you, Tolo from the South. Tolo, this is Opaquescential, my sister."

Tolo's eyes widened as he fixed his eyes on the figure sweeping down the staircase.

Daladoh's home was small, but cozy. It felt warm, with burgundy wallpaper that was tearing at the ends. Golden carpet spread across the floor, soft and stained. The staircase swerved in circles, the edges carved into blooming flowers and creeping vines. Scents of berries wafted through the air, as a tea kettle screamed in the kitchen rooms away.

Opaquescential was a figure of beauty, with an unearthly white aura surrounding her. The first thing Tolo noticed about her was that her skin was the exact colour of cinnamon, though it glowed much more than the spice. Then his eyes rested upon the long flowing vanilla nightgown, which contrasted perfectly to her skin.

Her shoulder-length hair, silvery and shimmering, rested upon the lace gown collar. Tolo figured she earned her name by the silky opaque of her tresses.

His gaze met hers. Her eyes were huge, deep pools of amber, with rings of gold around her pupil, and seemed to laugh beneath long dark lashes. The moment their gazes locked he helplessly dove into the bittersweet apricot depths of her eyes.

Daladoh cleared his throat loudly. Tolo looked up quickly, startled, forcing the dreamy look on his face clear from his expression. Opaquescential slowly looked up to her brother, a wide smile across her face.

Daladoh nervously spoke. "I'll get you two some tea and milk. Ah yes, and some loaves and honey. Get acquainted. Don't be shy." With that said, Daladoh scrambled into the kitchen, the kettle's screams fading.

Opaquescential stepped closer to Tolo, staring deep into his eyes. Tolo felt himself smile as her pearly teeth flashed in a friendly grin.

"Hello, Tolo of the South. I'm delighted to meet you, perhaps we could sit down and speak further?" her voice was smooth and alluring, with a breathless edge. Tolo nodded earnestly, giving his hand to her. She accepted gracefully, her face heating up as he kissed her hand on bent knee.

**

Tolo chewed the sweet wheat slowly, savouring every bite as if it were his last.

He faintly heard silver dishes being set onto the table beside him. He looked up from his bread to see Daladoh offering Opaquescential a taste of the honey. She politely declined, sipping her tea and sinking her teeth into a powdery biscuit.

The room was very tight, the ceiling aslant. Tolo and Opaquescential shared a cozy lavendar sofa with deep purple cushions while Daladoh contented himself with a tilting emerald armchair. The carpet was fuzzy and Tolo loved to bounce his feet on it. Scented candles stood tall, brightly lit all around the room, a dim flickering light but casting the cozy sense even more. Shining platters of biscuits and juicy loaves and honey lay upon the caramel-coloured table, with jugs of iced milk and steaming tea, born minutes ago from the loud kettle.

Tolo casted a glance over to where Opaquescential sat quietly, his face lighting up as he saw her smile and match his gaze. He turned quickly away, face flushing scarlet as Opaquescential laughed softly into her tea.

"What brings you to Holladoh at such hazardous times, Tolo?" Daladoh asked awkwardly, biscuit in hand.

Tolo had been hoping he wouldn't ask this question. He wasn't sure of the answer.

He sighed deeply and closed his eyes tightly, only to open them with a glimmer of sadness and a feeling of drained emotion. "My dear sister was killed in my hometown; I honestly couldn't stay there any longer."

Daladoh looked away. "I-I'm sorry." he said quickly, regret filling his words.

If he only knew, he wouldn't be sorry.

Tolo felt a warm hand with dainty fingers resting upon his knuckles. He turned his head slowly to see Opaquescential gazing at him with teary eyes. She squeezed his hand gently. Tolo blinked back his own tears at her silent understanding. She comforted him more than words ever could, with a tiny touch.

She leaned towards him and brushed blonde locks of his hair from his face, amber eyes dancing sadly to a soft ballad. Tolo felt her cool breath on the side of his head as she drifted closer to him, whispering into his ear.

"I'm sorry."

Tolo was surprised at himself as he felt his head nod, believing her words. He had hope for this special mortal.

**

Tolo lay awake that night, truly smiling for the first time since he could remember.

His hand still tingled from where Opaquescential had touched it. To his ultimate relief, her hand did not lay on any diamond scars, just missing one. He breathed in the soothing scents of surrounding candles, remembering the sweet face of Opaquescential. He couldn't help but feel God had sent him a Miracle Angel that day.

After hours of talking, Tolo had become quite acquainted with Daladoh and Opaquescential. He enjoyed their company, though he ignored Daladoh's inferior judgement of Alilories. Opaquescential was very quiet through the conversation, until Tolo had asked how many years she was. She looked surprised that men would include a lady in their discussion. She answered slowly, saying she was nineteen years. Tolo had brightened and said that he was twenty-one years, Daladoh had interuppted saying he was seventeen years, but Opaquescential and Tolo ignored him, chatting on about birthdates and astrology signs, and soon family histories, ideal careers and personal interests. Daladoh excused himself through the endless talk, saying he was weary from an exciting day.

Tolo was ecstatic to hear that Opaquescential enjoyed to paint, because it was always a favourite endeavor of his. They spoke of different styles and what they like to paint. Opaquescential loved to paint sunrises.

Tolo sighed deeply and tugged the pale yellow blanket above his head, the golden pillow comforting his ears as he heard the blood splatter against the circular window. He lay in a room that was more like a walk-in closet, but he had a feeling it was the biggest bed chamber in the house, with Opaquescential's room just a few doors down. Tolo smiled again. He'd been doing a lot of that lately.

**

"Breakfast, Tolo?"

Tolo's head shot up in surprise, his mind elsewhere. "I beg your pardon?"

Daladoh sighed. "Where are you today, my friend?"

Tolo shrugged, his eyes falling to his feet. "Somewhere I hope you'll never see."

Over the long weeks, Tolo had decided to stay in Holladoh, having no where else to venture. He had become like family, much to his dismay when it came to Opaquescential. He had learned of the Holladoh language -which had been very difficult indeed- and the chamber he rested in had become his own.

However, he had become quite uneasy around the Holladoh siblings. What if they touched his scars? Opaquescential would probably scream and slap him, and reject him for what he truly was. Tolo felt sadness swell inside him again. But they didn't really know him, only his nature, only his purpose! They didn't know that he prayed and pleaded with God to cleanse his soul of black.

Tolo sighed sadly and continued to gaze out the dark window, blood still drizzling lightly against the clouded, murky sky, void of sun.

Daladoh quirked an eyebrow, but let the strange comment slide. "Alright, what would you like? Toast or eggs?"

Tolo grabbed a spoon from across the table. "Eggs, please. Do we have any milk?" he asked, clutching the salt in his fingertips.

Daladoh shook his head, hurling an eggshell into the trash. "Opaquescential went into town this morning to buy some." he broke another egg. "She'll be back soon."

It was Tolo's turn to raise an eyebrow, as well as an inquiry. "I thought most of this town was demolished." he said, "Where could she have gone for food products?"

Daladoh chuckled to himself, obviously amused by this naive man. "She went into town; she took a steed to Lushove."

"Lushove? I believe that is quite near the West Halls. Isn't that a tad hazardous for milk?"

Daladoh looked mildly surprised. "Certainly not! I would much rather fall into death then send my own sister to somewhere remotely dangerous, for such an insignificant substance."

**

Opaquescential tightened her reins on Ivory, her speckled Palamino. She grasped the worn leather with such skill and struck Ivory's sides with her heels softly. She smoothed Ivory's flowing mane with her free hand, encouraging her to spurt her last bit of energy. They had nearly arrived.

Lushove was illuminated by faint torches in the distance, the black skies proving a difficult challenge to ride through the rainfall of blood. Opaquescential's cheeks were smeared with the blood and her amber eyes were filled with it.

Abruptly, Ivory lifted her weight onto her back legs and she cast her front hooves into the air, lightning flashing against her frightening physique, the spooked steed emitting a shrill shriek.

Opaquescential's eyes widened and, in pure shock, fell from the petrified horse, landing in the bloodied soil, sputtering. She felt Ivory's panicking sensation and immediatley cursed her cloudy vision for not seeing the two men bounding across the storm to her, shouting and stumbling. How she wished horses didn't have insane breakdowns at seeing movements in their surroundings. Muttering, she rose to her feet, declining the concerned hands held out to her, quite rudely, in her opinion.

"Ma'am, I beg your pardon, my fellow and I had no intentions of frightening your steed. Are you hurt?" The man who spoke sounded Juhili, his hair black and complexion of vivid white. Opaquescential forgot her anger at the man's obvious manners and clear concern.

"I'm fine, I was just on my way into town. Is there anything I may assist you with?" she asked patiently, eyeing the men with a questioning stare. She placed a comforting hand on the tense Palamino's strong neck, stroking the mane, soothing the still taut horse.

The second man stepped forward, looking much younger but had a weary crease in his forehead, and a dull gleam in his sea green eyes. "Yes, Miss, we'd like it very much if you could possibly answer a simple question for us."

Opaquescential looked startled; what question could they possibly wish to ask?

"Certainly. Given the question is appropriate and absolutely necessary; I really am in a hurry."

"Begging your pardon, Miss, we mean no trouble, nor bother. This is of the utmost importance, and would be appreciated if you could answer." The younger man explained. Opaquescential was losing patience quickly. Can't they just get on with it?

The Juhili man slowly opened his coat pocket, withdrawing a yellowed piece of parchment. Opaquescential looked bewildered as the man smoothed it out, shielding it from the blood falling from the sky beneath his brown coat, but so that the lovely lady could see it.

Opaquescential supressed a shriek of horror. Though the parchment was yellowed, the photograph pasted onto it was lucid and unscathed.

A very young boy; round the age of eleven years, with a head of beautiful blonde hair, and an expression of misery stood inside the photo. The boy was wearing a deep green jacket and worn trousers. On his hands, battered mittens warmed his frosty fingers. Opaquescential couldn't help but drown in his gorgeous depths of sparkling sapphire eyes; they spellbound her. She knew she had fallen into those eyes before.

"Have you ever seen this lad before, Ma'am?" the green-eyed man prodded. He seemed impatient with her staring. "Course, he was just a boy in this photo. Should be round twenty now, isn't that correct, Adolph?" he turned to the older man. Adolph just grunted, "Twenty-one."

Opaquescential backed away slowly, eyes transfixed on the boy in the photograph, oblivious and unhearing to the men's questions. She broke her gaze with the boy only to hurl a command, more than an inquiry at the men. "Why do you want this man? What has he done to society?"

Adolph blinked. "Don't you know, Ma'am? Haven't you heard of this boy from the South?" he cast a suspicious glare at her upon hearing her quiet intake of breath. "He was the only one that escaped us--- he escaped our torches, our town. He's murdered a blind man, and-" he paused. "-And he stole our sun. This man is an Alilory. His name is Tolo Toyolle."

Opaquescential gaped at him in disbelief, her shock alerting Adolph and his young companion. She could feel tears swell in her eyes, tears of denial and horror. Her brother had befriended an Alilory?! They had been sheltering a demon?! She dare not believe it. No... it wasn't true!

She stared at the photo and bewildered men with renewed mortification. The green-eyed man stepped towards her, placing a hand on her shoulder but her trembling shook it off. "Do you know this man?" he asked, slowly with suspicion. But Opaquescential backed away further, shaking her head, silver curls falling into her face. She cast one last look of awe and terror to the men, before swinging her leg over Ivory's back, grasping her reins and riding back through the storm of blood, the way she had came.

**

"She should have been back by now," Daladoh said. "I wonder what is holding her back."

"I'll linger outside for her return," Tolo offered, "I'll alert you when she arrives."

"Very well. I'll be in the kitchen, if an issue of assistance arises."

Tolo nodded, watching the retreat of Daladoh's back. He turned to the doorway, placing a hand onto the cold doorknob. Twisting laggardly, he winced as his fingertip was sliced by a rusting nail, beneath the knob.

He gazed in abhorrence as a glowing, colourless substance oozed from the wound, the brightness nearly blinding him. He recognized the fluid as his blood.

Abruptly, Opaquescential thrust open the door, nearly knocking Tolo to the ground. He staggered, wiping the glowing blood onto his cloak, yet some still seeping through. He looked to Opaquescential's face with alarm, watching wonderingly as her expression was warped between hatred, fear, and disgust.

Suddenly, she grabbed Tolo's face roughly and pressed her glossy lips to his. Tolo's eyes widened in surprise, trying to contemplate was happening exactly. He tried to pull away, as there was a scar of diamond beneath his bottom lip, but Opaquescential's grip was strong. She continued to kiss him harshly, her wide apricot eyes glaring menacingly into his. He saw fear in her eyes as she saw his render a beautiful colour of metal. A diamond was sunken into his eyebrow.

She suddenly felt as though she was kissing crystal.

**

Daladoh dashed into the hallway, frozen with awe at the sight he was met with.

A gorgeous enchanted aura surrounded Tolo and his sister, while their lips were locked. He peered down to Tolo's left hand as diamonds rose from the skin, and an oozing liquid covered his fingers. Daladoh's jaw hung slack as a large section of Tolo's forehead spurted swirling crystal. His grey eyes caught Daladoh's--- wait, his eyes are blue! Daladoh dropped the butcher knife he had been polishing. Tolo was an Alilory!

Tolo had finally broken away from Opaquescential's kiss and he tore into a sprint towards the door. Opaquescential caught his wrist and pulled him close to her, Tolo struggling all the while.

"So it's true," she whispered, spellbound by the crystal on his hands. "It is true." She fell to her knees, weeping whilst clutching his wrist."Why, Tolo?! Why have you stolen our precious sun?! I can no longer feel the sunsets, I can no longer paint the rises! I must always carry a candle in my fingers, or be swallowed into darkness! I'm afraid of the darkness, Tolo! I am afraid!" Her grasp slipped to his hand.

"Opaquescential, no! Do not touch its fingers!" Daladoh shouted, but it was in vain. For she had already touched the glowing blood.

Daladoh's words stung Tolo painfully. "Do not touch its fingers!" So now he was an 'it'. Didn't he belong to a gender just this morning?

A shrill shriek was released from Opaquescential's lips. She gasped for breath desperately as she waved around her hand wildly. It was on fire.

Daladoh roared with fury, sprinting out into the darkness from the doorway, his screaming for help loud and frantic. Tolo looked to Opaquescential with regret in his eyes. "I should have never come." he said sadly. "I'm sorry."

"You should have never been born!" Opaquescential shrieked, her entire arm ignited, pain in her words. "You've killed our light! Look to the skies! It is only a matter of time before the clouds bleed to death! It is only a matter of time before I burn to death!" she cried out in agony as her torso and neck were engulfed in fire. She screamed as the flames quickly spread about her body, the searing heat flowing down onto her waist and legs, embers trickling down her cheeks, her tears not enough to douse the burn. She lunged for the butcher's knife Daladoh had dropped, turning to Tolo with a wicked glint in her eyes. "Go to Hell with your wretched sister!" she hurled the knife at Tolo's heart, but he sidestepped the attack quick and it merely slashed his shoulder, a shallow slash. More of the glowing blood of light beams poured out of the wound, Tolo's hand immediately over the blood flow. Opaquescential smirked, drawing her face close to Tolo's, dipping her finger into his blood. Her finger ignited, her face undaunted by the pain. She smeared the bright blood onto his lips, where it did nothing but glow. She leaned in closer, whispering into his ear.

"How could I have ever loved a demon?"

She pressed her dry lips onto his glimmering mouth, the kiss quickly lighting her face on fire. She fell to the floor, her once smooth caramel skin withering. Her amber eyes were wide, boring into Tolo's silver ones with a look of lost love on her burning face.

He backed away slowly from the sizzling corpse, memories and forgotten fear flooding into him as the smoke breezed around him. He withdrew deep into the black abyss of the streets, not even the light of the flames touching him, the fire though in his veins.