Beckoning Shadows

Chapter 1

Once again, it was raining.

Not that Adrian particularly cared; in fact, he quite enjoyed the rain. The gentle, steady patter in the background proved to be relaxing, and there was something calming in the slight shade the ever-present clouds cast the town under.

Indeed, the quiet streets were far preferable to his parents' grumbling about another day of rain—that was, after all, why he had left early. Walking an extra few blocks to pass the time didn't bother him, especially when it was so serene.

The moisture in the air caught the golden light shining from the streetlamps, creating a glowing halo of light around the lamps that lined the road. The same light danced upon the ripples in the many puddles that laid on the road. The warm glow that bathed the streets contrasted with the dark gray, cloud-coated sky above, but a faint smudge of gold was visible along the horizon, hinting at a sun ready to rise.

As Adrian walked and the sun fought its way into the sky, the streets gradually became more lively; people ventured outside to go about their lives, filling the streets with a muted chatter, and cars clattered past, sending up small waves of water.

Adrian spun his umbrella in his hands, turned his feet toward his destination, and set off at a slightly more purposeful pace.

"Hey, look, it's Adrian. Hey, Adrian! Adrian!"

Adrian turned to find the source of the chipper voice calling his name. Two black-haired girls stood across the street from him, the shorter of which waving energetically at him. Adrian's eyes were instantly drawn to the conspicuous, jagged scar marring her waving forearm, stretching from the crook of her elbow to the base of her missing pinky. She quickly glanced to the left, then the right, then skipped across the road. Her companion trudged after with far less enthusiasm.

"Hello, Brook," replied Adrian.

Brook beamed at him, bright blue eyes shining cheerfully. "I'm surprised to run into you!"

"Likewise."

"So, why are you out here? We take this route every day, and I've never seen you here before."

"I took a different route today."

"Is that so?" Brook smiled again. "Would you like to walk with us to school?"

"...sure," said Adrian after a brief pause. Everything about Brook baffled him. She was always so jovial, full of light and warmth. Always smiling, impossibly outgoing; when she had moved into town five and a half years ago, she had made it her personal quest to befriend every person in the school, Adrian included. At first Adrian had been wary of her attempt, but Brook seemed to possess a genuine desire to make everyone happy. Clearly others had picked up on this sentiment, because she was completely successful in her endeavor.

Aside from a few resentful at her popularity, Brook was probably one of the most well-liked people Adrian knew, which made her friendliness toward him all the more baffling. Adrian was practically a non-entity; he would be surprised if someone remembered his name. But the most confusing thing about Brook was not the person herself, but her ever-present companion, Delta.

The second girl finally caught up to them, regarding Adrian with her usual indifferent eye. She returned to her usual position, lingering just behind Brook like a living shadow. Unlike Brook's long, glossy hair, Delta's black hair was straight, always neatly cut just above her shoulder. Her eyes were a dark, dark blue, almost black, contrasting with her pale face, which seemed to be locked in a perpetual expression of slight disdain.

Delta was with Brook everywhere, a steadfast companion that spoke little and held an air of cold aloofness. She was just there, noticed by everyone but never addressed. Her dark presence no doubt deterred some of Brook's would-be friends, but Brook's sunny cheer seemed to eclipse Delta's quiet menace.