Changeling

Thanks

When the next chapet??

Whenever I write it *goes to do that*

I'm not exactly sure why that didn't at first spark my curiosity. Perhaps it was that the rest fascinated me enough that I didn't think of what she was leaving out. Or maybe I was at the time still too overwhelmed with the change in my life to behave normally.

Whatever the reason, I hadn't even thought of that fact that Sky, too, must have a past, until a certain conversation I overheard awakened questions within me. I hadn't meant to eavesdrop or spy on them. I'd just been walking through to the kitchen, and I'd stopped just beyond sight of the open door, seeing Nick and Sky deep in conversation and not wanting to disturb them.

"How's training her going?"

Of course, hearing that they were discussing me was like an encouragement to stay.

"Well enough, I think. She's only discovered one so far, though."

"That a problem?"

I could see her frown, and shake her head.

"No.....not really. Just unusual. Or different from the others I've met, anyway."

"But you don't think it'll hold her back?"

Again, Sky shook her head. I could see him smile, seeming relieved. Then he moved out of my sight.

"And you?"

"What about me?" There was a small hint of surprise in her tone.

"I heard they nearly captured you a few days ago...."

The concern in his tone was as obvious as the laughter in her reply.

"Oh, that......it was easy. Not even a problem! Nick, that's just life for one of my kind."

"I know that.....it's just I can't help but worry about you, and when I hear such things...."

I could distinctly hear her intake of breath. There were footsteps; he was walking over to her. She sighed as he stepped in front of her, putting his arms around her, raising one hand to her face. I made to turn away, not wanting to spy on an intimate moment between the couple. But I was shocked to see her push him away.

I'd assumed, almost from the start, that they were together; one of those couples who attempted to hide the fact or who were just too embarrassed to be obviously affectionate in public. Their behaviour before did hint at this. But now....I wasn't sure.

"Nick.....how many times do we have to go through this?"

He didn't answer.

"I've told you, I....." she sighed, looking down for a minute, before raising her head to face him again. "Atari do not belong with humans....."

"So you say. Do you really hate your own existence so much, then?"

Her eyes flashed; anger evident.

"No! How could you think such a thing?! You know that I accept what I am, I am proud of being Atari!"

"That's not what I meant. And you know that."

What did he mean then? I had to turn away, make it look like I hadn't been listening, because then he stormed out of the room past me. But my head was spinning. What did her existence have to do with her refusal to have a relationship with him? What had Nick been suggesting at, as he left? For the first time, I was now wondering who exactly Sky Ashford was.

Oooooh.

Oh at what?

Who is Sky Ashford?

Yeah. Slightly melodramatic ending

I wonder.... Is she secretly "Pippy"?

You hope so

After hearing that, I'd wandered the house for a few hours, building up the courage to ask someone about her, as well as trying to decide who to ask. Because she'd said nothing, I didn't want to ask her herself. And I didn't want to ask Nick either, in case the issue of why I was asking now arose.

Eventually, I just forced myself to cease my relentless pacing within my room and return to the kitchen. I'd ask whoever was in there. Glancing in, I breathed a sigh of relief, recognising Daniel. He nodded to me as I entered, and I smiled back. That was when I realised I had no clue how to approach the subject.

"Daniel....." I hesitated then decided to just jump ahead. "I was wondering.....about Sky.....what's her story?"

I noticed the small frown which crossed his face at the words, before he smoothed it away.

"Her story?"

I nodded, despite already feeling that I'd stuck my feet in.

"I was just.....curious...."

"Yeah, I guess you ought to know," he murmured, more to himself than to me, "to avoid accidentally reminding her, if that's possible. And she's never going to mention it...."

He straightened, turning to face me.

"I don't know if you know that she's only half old blood?"

My eyes widened. I shook my head. Of course, I hadn't asked, but I'd assumed she was from an Atari heritage on both sides, like most of the old blood families. If anything, her earlier attitude when I'd overheard them had cemented my belief.

"Her mother was from an old blood family, but her father was human. I know, that goes against custom.....but from all accounts, Silver Ashford wasn't your usual old blood Atari. Of course, I never met her myself....."

He trailed off. I could almost taste the coming pain in the tale.

"What happened?" I whispered.

"She died," he stated simply, almost matter-of-fact. Old news, that was clear. "Well, murdered, really. A hate crime. Her and Sky's father, both. They'd have killed Sky too if she was in the house. As it was, she was 6 years old, had stayed the night over with a friend, and came back home the next morning to find 2 corpses and the house painted with blood."

I shuddered. My eyes were wide. I hadn't imagined anything like this, I could barely guess what the experience must have been like for her, so young.

"What did she do?" I asked. My voice was barely more than a breath, my face horrified.

"She ran.....lived on the streets, mostly. Freehouses whenever she could find them, but it took her years to trust any humans again....."

Silence followed. A part of me was wishing I hadn't asked.

"Do me a favour, please, and don't mention it to her?"

I nodded frantically. I hadn't even thought of talking to her about this, and now that I knew I was even surer. I didn't think I could speak of it.

"The strange part is, it's her father she really sees as the victim in all that. She says that if he'd just been a sympathiser, just ran a freehouse or hid Atari, they may have spared him. They only killed him because he was with one."

"So that's why....." my voice trailed off, completing the thought only in my head. So that's why she refuses him. She's afraid to lead him to the same fate her father suffered.

Oooooooooooooh.

I have nufin else 2 say other than that. Lol. Still hooked, keep them coming. XXXXXX

Thanks Bil

Always welcome chicken.

oooooooooh. That sucks for her!!! Poor Sky!!!!!!!

Great, tho, low. Well done. xx

I know, I'm angsting again

Really? I didn't notice.

Wot does angsting meen? XX (Feel free 2 call me a dumbass) XX

Hahaha. You're not a dumbass. Definition of Angst: Lowri.

It means having sad/depressing aspects in a SL. I have a habit of doing so

Oh ok. Lol. New chapter of Bloodlust will be posted in a min. XXXX

Sory 4 advertising. XXX

I'm looking forwards to it. And you're welcome to advertise xxxx

Cool it bin posted now so hope u enjoy. When r ur next chapters out? XXX

Will do nxt chapter 2 my other thing either 2nite or 2moro. XXX