Inked Wings

/ Noel’s POV /

‘I don’t know what you did before us, just that you’re here now - which means the reason isn’t pretty, is it? …Mind me asking -’

Please. Don’t…

‘What happened to y-?’

“DON’T!”

My scream catches me off guard. What’s his name’s staring at me.

Everybody is, even shitty Angel. But their expressions are weird.

Crap.

I don’t say anything. I’m rushing into the hall, then take the first corner coming my way. I hide behind it then crouch with my hands in my hair.

Why did you have to lose it like that?

Why are they acting around me like I’m some cheap trinket, or some saved animal?!

You don’t just ask that if you know it must be a messed up reason!

I hope their teeth break apart. They and shitty Angel, shitty…Assholes.

My fingers scratch my scalp.

I breathe in, breathe out. I sound worse than a deflating balloon when I do it again.

A squeaky toy being strangled by hobos. Chewed by the most annoying pet until it’s ripped into pieces. Oof.

I don’t want to be here… I chuckle.

‘What the stars, you -!’ I jump.

Shitty Angel just appeared out of nowhere. He is standing still, looking down on me.

He…does a grossly familiar change to his emotions. That crap….is he pitying or -?

I hide my face in my lap. I curl and put my arms around my backpack after I drop it off my back. I’m not saying anything.

He ain’t saying nothing.

Ugh…Just leave.

‘Hashem says he’s sorry for upsetting you.’

I scoff. ‘That’s all? Go. Away.’

Quiet. I guess he finally listened to me.

‘We’ll arrive at our destination in about an hour. I will be in the control room. If you’re hungry or something, I will get you to the kitchen, in case you don’t remember the -’

‘I’m tired! Didn’t you hear me? Go.’

‘I’m going, I’m going,’ He sighs. That jerk. ‘There are multiple free rooms down further the hall. Choose one, or do somethin’ very different from whatever I say, as usual.′

My head wips. I’m giving this guy a piece of my mind. But before I can, he’s already gone.

At least he said something right for once. I won’t do what he told me. I’m going back to my room, away from this giant…thingy….

I just have to remember the way back to the garage. It’s front, left, front, I think.

I get up and begin walking. Air echoes in these halls. Makes sense, it’s ridiculously big.

Somehow, I get to the garage without any problems. Cool. It’s freezing here.

Still as ginormous as when I first walked in.

I pick up the pace.

‘Woo. Made it.’ I stand at the ship gates, wishing I wore a thicker jacket but whatever.

‘Okay.’ My hand searches. ‘How does this work?’

After a bit of that, I find a handprint recognition thing.

‘Seriously?’ I mutter under my breath. I press my palm on it just to try. As I thought, nothing.

The gates don’t let me in. ‘Aagh!’ My head falls back.

This is bullshit. Now, I have to get him here.

Against my pride, I do so. Hey, you’re not gonna die of something as stupid as a cold. Take care of yourself and try to shut the funk up sometimes.

I deserve this nonsense…I guess.

I should feel worse than yesterday, I should. I’m worse than a cunt goose.

I find him where I leave him. The others ain’t, though.

I exhale. ‘Okay, just do it.’

4:48

A STUPID LOUD alarm wakes me up. It didn’t have this before but okay, whatever.

My room seems bigger than last cycle. I have a new futon printed here, the covers are soft. Shitty Angel let me chill in here until we get to their base.

I think it’s their base, at least one of them.

Thinking back, there are more than one of these guys. Who is in charge then? That lady, the asshole mentioned yesterday?

I wonder, do they all consider themselves siblings or is it just a “these guys’’ thing?

What’s the deal?

Wow. My brain is working today. That alarm just made sure of it, I guess.

The whole ship is to myself so I don’t bother to check on Shitty Angels and the others.

I don’t care for them anyways, just trying to survive, even though I don’t know stuff to do. “What’s next” annoys the fart outta me, stars, I don’t really feel like having a next…

I pick some, actual decent looking food, from where shitty Angel advised me before today.

I eat slowly, with my mouth open. I chew louder.

Not loud enough.. I chew even louder.

Don’t think about anything, really.

Hah. Ugh, who goes around asking people they’ve just met what’s their damage?

To think that guy’s older than me. Tch. Isn’t nineteen an age, I don’t know, where you mind your bussnies otherwise it’s rude?

I guess he wasn’t taught that or just didn’t care…it doesn’t surprise me.

Abi is - Abi….always insisted on sensibility and respecting others’ weak points. Don’t entertain them nor dismiss them. I know, it proves difficult but not impossible to do right.

You aren’t…obliged to do the same always. Just to take it into consideration, he’d say.

Since when do I have to refer to him with past tense? That’s a stupid question, never mind.

Af - the migraine is back. Welcome, welcome.

Why did I have to remember that? Why am I so suddenly curious about everything?!

My sarcastic tone annoys me even more.

I really am here, in this self-made prison of Noel. I hate you, you dumbass. The universes hate you too, that’s why you ended up in this situation.

I hope we never go there, but we will.

We will.

I should go back to sleep, I don’t feel like doing anything.

My backpack is in the corner of the room, gatherin’ dust. My play-tablet is on charge again and the book is somewhere in the backpack, so I can’t bother to open it. Especially after how it screwed me over last time I decided to open it.

Not doing that trip again.

I lay back down. Kinda hope I don’t wake up, if I even get to fall asleep again.

6:38

My legs wobble. I make my way to the gates since that asswipe is callin’ me. He is not calling my name, he’s saying “kid” over and over again.

I grumble something I don’t even process myself. I think that but I don’t “hear” it.

‘What?’ I say, the doors opened.

He’s all dressed up in that long coat with a hairy hood and is wearing some hybrid of jeans and sweatpants. I usually know my clothes but this is literally material sewed together with another, for real? I roll my eyes at his face.

That twitch of the eye and mash of muscles is the most expression this pigeon has shown since I’ve met him. It looks like he drowned his face for thirty days. No.

Looks like he’s constipated. Yeah, that’s about right.

‘What?!’ I’m very close to losing it.

‘You’re pale and yellowish. Do you feel symptoms of a cold?’ He finally moves.

‘Now, why is that?’ My sarcasm hides my need to scream. I’m so tired and done.

‘We arrived. It’s time to go,’ he tells me.

Where are we going anyway that you need all this getup, dude? A turtleneck, a blue parka with the hood covering you dead eyes. He looks like a character straight out of a heist on an iceberg.

I’m too tired to bring it up. ‘Do y’all have a shower where we going?’

‘You could’ve taken one here. Why didn’t you say anything -’

I clown around. ’Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you mention there’s a bathroom, dumbass?’ I’m all cheap shots here.

He breathes out. ‘We’re in a bit of a rush, so you’ll have to do that later.’

I shrug. ‘Fine. Let me get my backpack.’ Then, I turn around.

The others are waiting in front of the giant entrance of this Shipzilla. We join them.

The gate begins to slide open. There’s a bright light coming in. Looks like sunset paradise is on the other side.

The particles jiggle around in the sunlight, it must be sunlight.

But - if there’s particles like that coming in, and not black spores…

My limbs go tight. ‘Are we on a planet?!’ I exclaim.

Linda chuckles together with…I forgot her name, ah. Did it end in an a, or an e?

‘First time?’ Cap wearing birdbrain nods in my way - my direction.

Yes, actually. I’ve lived on a station my whole life in a awful-ass District full of annoying and weird people. The only person I could ever stand ain’t here and life’s pain now.

Worse.

I blow a raspberry and hold back from flipping them off. I’d say I have no patience today but the fact I haven’t blown up already is impressive. I deserve a reward.

‘Get off his back. Concentrate.’ Angel waits next to me. Shitty Angel - waits.

Something’s moving in my skin. Not really but - feels…I don’t know. I’m messier today.

The gates open wide enough so I can see the impressive view in front of me. It’s all red desert and red desert fauna with big scale rocks but it’s very cool to see in real life. It’s a natural landscape and that trips me off my feet in and of itself.

Like, hearing the breeze and seeing the sun fall like that over the mountains or whatever they are. It’s cool, I admit. It feels new.

I’m caught off guard when they begin walking. Whenever one of them steps outside, the view…wobbles or…moves as if there’s a heat wave going on but only when they pass through.

It is…fake. ‘It’s a mask, isn’t it?’ My disappointment is loud enough.

‘Yea.’ Shitty Angel is the last to go through.

I follow. Going through the mask is no different than jumping through a waterfall and discovering a cave full of rare creatures. We are on a planet, but haven’t arrived in an open field as the mask was, is showing.

We’re inside a canyon, having arrived in a city. It blends with the environment and it’s full of life. I see dozens of people right now.

There are many buildings that are made from sandworm skeletons, the big ones. That’s rad.

‘Kid,’ Shitty Angel calls for me and I realize I’m falling behind.

I rush after the group. Zoned out for a second there, didn’t you, Noel? It’s fine.

Actually, scratch the sandworm buildings, what stands out more than the fact that this place doesn’t look like a traditional punk city, is the fact that people brighten up everywhere Shitty Angel passes.

People are calling out to him, welcoming them all back.

Some show gratitude for whatever reason.

We’re walking past some kids who are playing soccer near what looks like the edge of this small ass in range city. As soon as they notice Angel, they stop what they’re doing fast and skip and rush to us.

All be yelling his name with…excitement in their voices.

What? They jump to him. One of them kicks the ball to him and he stops it.

‘Angelo! Play with us!’ The passer says.

The rest repeat after him. ‘Yes, play with us, angel!’

They’re being creepy to me, don’t know why. Probably the tone.

Wait. ‘Is that a nickname or what?’ I ask shitty Angel - o?

He pops his knuckles. ‘Of some sort. Sorry, guys, I can’t this time. But the kid, here, will be back to play with you all in a few ticks.’

My head snaps his way. I raise my eyebrows. ‘Imma, what now?’

‘Cool. Let’s try one on one until Angel’s friend comes to play!’

My whole body shivers. Angel’s friend. Bet.

We climb up a bunch of stairs, and I swear to watch the most bizarre thing in the universe.

Most of these turns and steps are crooked and I feel like I’m gonna slip off and fall all the way down, every minute.

It leads to this round building. It’s kind of big. There are few windows.

The design is plain; that looks like a base... Guess that makes sense since we’re going there.

Shitty Angel’s mouth is shut all the way to the doors, which is a bonus.

You better know not to assign me something else. Who does he think he is, anyway?

He reaches for the door.

But it opens at the same time.

There’s a huge man waiting on the other side. He is big and buff.

When he sees the shitty Angel, he smiles so brightly, it’s almost blinding. Into familiar.

Here., He picks shitty Angel up and starts laughing and cheering his name. And I’m like, what is happening right now?

Hey, I shouldn’t be surprised. My mind’s smoke.

Shitty Angel laughs too and that’s even weirder.

His laugh sounds like -

Um,

What’s the most insulting way I can describe this repetitive sound?

It’s very short and creepy because it’s so short and so quiet. But it doesn’t really match.

The tone doesn’t match the quiet tone. What? I’m done, it’s confusing.

It’s odd.

I used…I used “odd”. Okay. His laugh throws me off.

Clearly, obviously, I’m stuck. I’m starting to speak more formally and this is bad.

Why am I so nervous?

The man lets him down and I notice the tattoo that looks like scales on his left arm. That’s cool. I watch him notice me, watching the change of his face.

He smiles, even brighter.

I didn’t think it possible: Smiling all the way to your ears would look okay. And not feel like you’re being watched by a serial killer.

But somehow this man pulled it off. This intimidating size of a person.

I heard a name and I think it was the wind.

‘Hi. I don’t think with myth, we have met.’ He speaks weird when he offers to shake my hand.

His hand is probably the size of a watermelon. He is wearing rings.

No, no, no.

‘No,’ I say out loud, ‘I’m not gonna shake.’

‘Oh, it’s alright, buddy.’

‘I’m Noel.’ I’m trying to sound unimpressed.

Unimpressed by everything.

‘Noel, certainly a pretty name. Nice to meet you. I have heard this one right here has got into some mischief and I was getting worried.’

His hand on Shitty Angel’s shoulder, he shakes him. ‘I’m glad he has had company.’

Can’t say the same.

Angel steps back, pushing his hand off with another smile. Which is crooked.

‘Who are you?’ I cross my arms loosely.

‘I’m Malik. The tank. In - war time terms.’

‘Are you a soldier?’

‘Haha, have not the honor to enroll. I’m a fighter, that’s all.’ He keeps a friendly face.

‘What do you do, exactly?’

‘I carry the PiGun and the Resolve.’

‘How many people did you kill -?’

‘That’s enough.’ Shitty Angel butt’s in.

He’s bothered. He must be bothered. Nice.

‘It’s alright. Angel, the boss is waiting for you in Aisle Seven. I’m gonna show Noel around.’

Shitty Angel turns even more irritated. ‘Isn’t he supposed to come with me? Explain to Morgana the situation?’

‘You can tell her yourself.’

I scoff.

‘The kid’s coming with me. We’ll explain to Morgana the situation and the kid will hear her offers then he will be sent under the city care.’ Shitty Angel lists, fast.

Scales shakes his head. ‘That’s not how it’s gonna go. Since we first heard of the…’

He glances at me. ‘Let’s call it mishap, Morgana has already decided Noel will not go through the same notions as our other guests.’

‘What you mean?’

‘Noel will be under The Doctor’s care from today and so on. He opted for it.’

‘No.’ Shitty Angel’s tone makes me uneasy. ‘Dad’s not taking the kid. It’s illogical.’

Do I even have a say in this? I don’t even fully get what’s going on. Wait, if Shitty Angel’s dad takes me in…does that mean-?

Please, no. Ho ho! NOoooo.

‘Doc’ is not taking the kid, you are. Given the situation, Noel is your responsibility now.′

What?!

‘How does that-?’ Angel begins, angry.

‘Why is he here, Angel?! You know you’re part of that reason. Besides, I think you need this. It’s a new goal. A healthier one, a new fixation. ’ Suddenly, Scale’s smile breaks apart.

There’s no venom in his tone though.

‘Own up to your recklessness.’ He points.

Angel’s jaw drops. He blinks and closes his mouth, his hands confused whether to form fists or flat out hang there. ‘Hah. Stupid.’

‘You’re misunderstanding me. It’s not necessarily permanent. It depends.’

‘I got that. I know how we work.’

‘I know you do. You do, better than anyone.’

Shitty Angel’s shoulders drop. He seems to avoid looking my way. ‘I’ll be back.’

He disappears inside the building.

Scales’ smile comes back around. ‘Sorry.’

‘About treating me like luggage? You can say I’m used to that by now.’ My hands fall down.

‘That too. I’m sorry you’re here in the first place. Won’t ask, unless you ever need somebody to talk to. We have therapists…’

‘Don’t do the -’ Hand does a thing. ‘...whole shebang.’ And then I adjust my backpack.

‘Well, I want to show you some places my nephew really loves. Maybe you will like them too.’ He points somewhere.

‘Can’t.’

He stops from walking down the stairs. He looks at me. ‘Why is that?’

‘Shitty Angel assigned me to play soccer with some kids I don’t know.’

He takes a moment then bursts out laughing.

‘That’s what you call him?’ He takes a breath. His arms are holding his belly.

‘I mean, he has the most unfitting name ever.’ A smirk takes place on my figure.

I, faster than lighting, erase it. Weird.

‘I like you, Noel.’ He wipes a tear.

‘I didn’t take myself for such a comedian.’

‘You caught me off-guard, but I’m sure you have a solid way of cheering others up.’

I shrug. ‘Abi just has a weird sense of humor.’

My hands slap my mouth. Did that come out?

‘Abi must be very cheerful with you around.’

‘Don’t…say that. His name’s not even - none of you bring him up.’ I blink fast, head low.

‘Ah, I’m sorry. I won’t.’

You’re not sorry, you don’t even know us.

‘We can bring the kids along. Later, you’ll play with them.’ He continues.

My chest puffs, I’m staying a little to think about it. ‘Sure.’ I catch up to him, hopping down the stairs.

‘I’ve nothing better to do!’ I haven’t been able to do things in a bit.

7:12

Crazy. This diner is full of cray cray. People are inviting strangers to dance, offering to pay, kids are chasing others around and old people tap to the beat.

A new shot each.

I mean crazy in a I’ve never seen this kind of way. I’m not one to judge a whole society.

I’m mad. To them, I’m probably the weirdo who’s sitting in place at his table, glaring at everybody and who’s posture screams don’t approach me energy.

Scales is on the other end of the booth. He tryna see if I like the Burnt Cherries specialty.

I gulp in a spoon. It’s sweet and the taste is strong. It’s warm.

I think I’m visibly relaxing cuz his smile is getting bigger and bigger again. It goes all the way up to his ears again. And again, how doesn’t this look creepy to the max?

He’s unreal.

Like the thing Abi does with the staring down the hallway into your room, in the dark. I’d find him at the end, staring and smiling a bit. He waves at me and fades into the background.

For a stranger, that’s the creepiest crap. For me, it’s another day where he gets mushy washy. He’d have periods of times where he’s sensitive and touchy feely and act like his time with me is running ou-

‘You should try the cornets after.’ Scales waves for the waiter.

‘You’re paying.’ I chew.

‘Of course.’

He stuffs me with food. I eat it all up. Haven’t eaten real good food in days.

‘Hey! Come play!’ One of the kids calls out to me.

‘Go on.’ Scales pushes me to do it.

‘Shouldn’t I let all the crap I’ve eaten sit?’ I get up while I make a sound similar to a laugh.

When I’m standing, I push my nails into the skin of my inside palm.

Hope I get scars.