CHRONICLES OF CROW

The early morning wind frosted in front of me, my breath bellowing from my mouth in foggy spurts, my heavy gear dragging through the snow as I trudged through the town, my feathered-wings folded to my side as my nymph-like tail twitched, touching the top layer of snow causing a slight sting.

I grunted. I abhorred the frigid weather, cold always brought illness to the inner rings of hell-cities, Haven always was hit hard, its tall, dark building as silent as the streets in the upcoming months, the snow on the sidewalk a good two to three inches as the company stopped shovelling off the streets. I hissed as I stumbled, my golden eyes flaring. “Damn snow.” I spat, looking back at the paper in my metal hand. The prosthetic had haunted me for five years, Its ever-taunting usefulness mocking me. I hated it as much as I loved it.

My thoughts halted as I came to my destination. A tall city house, its walls high and adorned with tutor-styled components, its gothic presence amongst many in this city. I entered the home, a light sigh leaving me as the warmth hit my face, untying my jacket I slumped it over a coat hook.

A few dishes rattled in the kitchen. “Raven! Your brother's home.” a voice sounded, Sparrow, her southern pronunciation heavy in charm. I sighed, a benign smile on my face as my brother appeared, his own golden eyes igniting in a kind nature I could never convene. His black feathered wings were trimmed neatly and his hair cut short and curled. Despite the small cosmetic differences, and the fact he shaved more, It was quite unmistakable that we were twins.

He smiled brightly, clasping a hand roughly on my back. “Any luck at the vendors?”

I shook my head with a huff, running my hands through my longer, slicked-backed hair. “No, no jobs yet…The incident pressed back on my prominence.” I sighed gruffly.

My brother's smile stopped meeting his eyes. “It only presses back on you if you let it…I'll get you more flyers hereafter…” he chirped, his accent more viscous, almost English. It was obvious he had lived here, with Sparrow, for 5 years now, the change in environment altering the way he sounded, the way he clothed..almost everything, at least physically, I smiled eternally at the introspection. I wouldn't let this place kill his soul.

I laughed, shaking my head. “That's not needed, Raven, It's frost-season. Everyone is going to be avoiding the sickness no-ones focused on hiring mercenaries..”

Raven frowned, his eyes dimming. “You know as well as I do that sickness isn't going to stop a war.” he sighed, his tail dropping in anger.

I nodded in indisposed agreement.

Just as the silence had settled in, Sparrow walked in, her hazel eyes wide and long, dark bronze, almost black hair tied up into a knitted bun, her broader frame a welcomed discrepancy as she gleefully sat down with a loud sigh. “Why are y’all two yapping at the door, take a seat before I force you to. Crow that goes double for you, you’ve been on your feet all day and I ain't gonna coddle your complaining”

Raven’s smile turned into a smudged smirk as he sat down. “It’s; I’m not darling. Not ain’t”

Sparrow scoffed, pushing her husband as she snorted. “Same difference!”

I dramatically sighed in an attempt to stop their bickering, reclining into a chair, my gear shifting noisily at my sides as I outstretched my wings lazily.

Sparrow huffed. “Crow, If you're gonna sit in my good chair take off your gear. Hell knows that gun safety is off knowing you. One misfire is all it takes.”

I smiled. “I swear you found the only woman in Xidian who's more stringent with me than our mother raven.” I chuckled, unstrapping the leather belt which held an assortment of knives, guns, and swords among many other weapons.

Sparrow gasped in fake vexation, her eyes lighting up brightly as she looked at Raven. “You're gonna let him speak to your wife like that?”

Raven smirked once again, his eyes narrowing a little too much like mine. “Don't you dare say what you're about to say.” I huffed, leaning forward in my seat, cutting him off. “I don't want to hear you say anything that sounds like something I would say.” I scoffed, my tail’s arrow tip twitching in slight disturbance.

Raven simply turned his gaze to me. “Don't want to look in a mirror, Crowley?” he mused, drawing out the nickname. His wings unfurled slightly as he cocked his head to the side.

I grunted, my wings echoing the motion as I leaned forward more. “I’m a vain bastard, I love looking at myself..” I cooed in a half-truth, my own eyes narrowing as an arrogant, toothy grin smeared across my face with an almost genuine ease.

Raven scoffed. “Sparrow, we allowed a monster to stay with us. “He whined dramatically, leaning into her as she exclaimed, pushing him away with a wide toothy grin. “Oh relax! Frankly, it’s nice having him around! You're so predictable. it's agonising Raven.”

I chuckled. “It's late…I'm going to head to bed-” I stated, only to be cut off by Sparrow her brows arched in consideration. “Before dinner? I hope you don't plan to go to bed hungry.” she quired, standing up as her eyes flickered.

I nodded. “I ate on the way here, sorry Sparrow.” I lied through my teeth, standing from my seat, I made my way up and started saying my goodnights, my wings folding to my side.

I opened my door to the room my brother and his wife had let me stay in for the past three days, the bed neatly made and my clothes folded neatly. I sighed, a soft smile on my face once again, no matter how many times I told him he wasn't inclined to, Raven seemed to always find time to do my laundry with theirs. I moved the clothing to the drawers, unbuttoning my shirt and trousers as I reached for a pair of sweats, and made my way to the shower

I sighed as I stepped into the warm water, today's troubles seemingly washing off me as easy as the grime as I leaned against the wall with my one good arm, letting the water run down my back in a steady stream, my wings unstretched and unfurled onto the ground of the shower, a groan of relief escaping my mouth as I sighed, reaching for the shampoo, I ran it through my hair, flinching as I touched the small horn that had protruded from the side of my head, its small form barely visible through my curly locks even when I did have my hair slicked back. It was the only big difference between me and Raven...I had a horn..he did not.

I stepped out of the tub, wrapping a towel around my waist as I did so, and headed towards the counter, the wide mirror reflected my tired face, leaning against the cool surface of the bathroom counter, I reattached my prosthetic, the gold and black accessory gleaming in a rather calm way as I strapped the leather around my shoulder, its mechanical nature springing to life, I still haven't figured out how or why it worked..its cogs turning with the arm as I turned it, adjusting sensitivity as need. Enchanted. That's what my father had said as he gave me the present. It was enchanted by a naga shaman, the dark, mortal souls boasted magical abilities..though their courtesies cost a chunk of fortune.

I sighed, looking into the mirror, my dark, jet-black hair slicked back with water, my eyes startlingly bright against my pale skin. my brows arched and thick. I was almost attractive. My freckles flecked against my nose bridge in light speckles. I looked like what I was. Rouge. My feathered wings flared negligibly at the thought, their crow-like appearance conveying my name.

Moments later I lumbered out of the restroom, my tail dragging lightly across the ground in sweeps as I flopped onto my bed in sudden fatigue, cradling me in a temperate tone.

My dreams were all green and blue.

I woke the next day with the sun, its pink and orange hues filling my room with a metaphysical feel, the city streets below packed fresh with new snow. I sighed. This was going to be a long day.

I decided not to dwell too long on melancholic reflections as I got dressed, heading off with a few simple goodbyes to my brother and Sparrow before I walked out steering to the centre of Haven. Cursing the city's prohibition on flying in resident vicinities.

The centre of town was crowded, a rare sight to see during frost-season. Citizens bundled in scarves and coats, the cold seemingly unfelt to the hustle and bustle of the town. My eyes reflected my current thoughts as the busy hustle, the sudden busy streets worried me.

My heart sank as my worry was answered.

“Here all who will! Here everyone who will!” sang out a voice, carrying across the square as they stepped on a pedestal, their green eyes flaring with satisfaction. Fox kin. Their red blazing fur contrasted well with their noble clothing. His fox-like paws wrapped around the hilt of his sword as he spoke: “The Council has opened their hearts!! Answering our prayer to stop this rebellion! All able-bodied men are to report to the capital of the seven rings, Wilm.” a smile crept across his face. “If you do not, you will be treated as a rebel.”

I sighed heavily, my eyes narrowed, my tail lashing, taking a few steps forward I pushed through the crowd, listening to the fox kin yammering on and on about how the..council… had our best interest at heart. How we needed to fight for those filthy, mange-ridden high lords who haven't had a thing to do with us since the age of the sun. A growl rumbled in my throat as I unfurled my wings fully, a few people around me exclaiming. I didn't care. I quickly finished setting up before I crooked my head to look at the fox kin spouting nonsense, to stare at them, their green eyes turning to me as their ears perked.

So I took the chance. I took the chance to rush through the crowd, step on the podium, and stare. It was so silent, everyone's eyes on me as I slid my arm out, and I grabbed the paper from his hands. And tore it in half. Looking down at the fox, I then smiled. “Fuck your prayers..the citizens of Haven want nothing to do with your petty excuses on why we should struggle while you nobles laugh at our troubles.” I sneer.

The foxes' eyes gleamed. “Ah~ mr greenhill.” he sneered, my eyes narrowing. “How's your arm?.”

I returned the sneer, unfurling my impressive wingspan once more. “Yes..how similar it was to have a reeker snap at you, to be inches away from death for your petty entertainment.” I snapped, my tail lashing wildly.

Then they laughed, stepping closer, they looked up at me. “You are a hypocrite, a noble…you Half-blooded -”

I didn't let them finish as I slammed my prosthetics fist into their head, earning a satisfying yip as they fell off the podium. Their wide eyes were the last thing I saw as the crowd was upon them and I had guards hooking me away. I may have laughed. I may have said some vulgar things..but those were just rumours spread by the news.

Chapter 1

The slow sound of metal rattled behind me as I whistled a tune, my eyes gleaming as I walked through my cell, my black wings dragging across the ground as I walked in slow-paced circles. I was to be released today. I was to go back home, to be able to wander the streets of Heaven. Then the buzzer sounded, my head darted to my cell door as it opened, and my eyes narrowed as a familiar face appeared. His posture and skin were the same, his tall broad frame similar, his raven black wings speckled with grey and his slicked-back hair dishevelled as always. The only massive difference between me and him was our eyes..his eyes were a bright, stunning blue that never matched what he was feeling.

The man sighed, bringing his well-built hands to his head as he shook his head. “Was it worth it Crow..”

I blinked. “Surprised you came yourself” I mused

He sighed. “You're my son. It would prove to be wrongful to not come myself to gather my heir.”

My shoulders sagged, and my eyes narrowed. “Well?.. Is three months in this shit-hole enough?” I quired, my voice a spit as my tail lashed, turning myself fully to him.

My father was silent, his eyes reflecting silently as he shrugged. “I suppose. Let him out, he's not worth keeping in here.”

I sighed internally, my eyes gleaming with relief as the guards unhooked my arms and feet, rotating my wrist I smiled, tucking my wings close to my side I followed my father out of the stingy jail cells to the front, and after a few lines of friendly dialogue between my father and the warden, I had my valuables back, and to my surprise, my weapons were all in the same condition as when they were turned over. I hummed in satisfaction as he gave my father a grateful nod, he got a half-annoyed grunt in return as we walked out.

My father stopped as he sighed. “Are you still living alone?” he queried, a look of curiosity and concern lacing his face.

I shook my head. “Raven and sparrow asked me to live with them till I found a gig.” I shrugged, my eyes dimming. As I dared to look over at him, only to find a contemplating stare.

He nodded thoughtfully, and for a moment, I thought he was going to curse me for asking such things..despite them asking me to stay with them. Instead, he smiled and chuckled. “Tell them you're moving back in with me. Your mother misses you.” he mused, opening his car door for me. I sighed…this was going to be a long day.

I opened the front door, my things piled in my hands. Behind me my father huffed. “Crowley, if you need help ask.” he mused. Taking my suitcase as he walked by, opening the door more for me before hollering: “Dove, I'm back. And Crow is with me.”

I raised my brows as the only thing we got in return was a yelp and a large clatter. I was about to say something as a plump woman came around the corner, her strawberry blonde hair bouncing in ringlets so much like my own, her strikingly golden eyes matching her wide grin as she sighed. “I hope you got the celery wolf, we’re having soup for dinner.”

My father cursed, his wings ruffling. “Shit. I'm sorry love I didn't-”

Dove sighed, “It's alright- I have celery seed.” she smiled, tilting her head, her nymph-like tail waving, the only detail that proved she was more irritated than she had shown.

I cleared my throat, edging around my father to greet my mother with a small smile which she gratefully returned, her expression softening as she embraced me in a warm hug before leading us to the living room, my heart sinking. It hadn’t changed since I was 16. I hated it as much as I loved it. My mother continued, leading me past my old room, the beaten-up door still splintering with dramatics long since passed. I blinked in confusion, both glad and disdainful she wasn't making me stay there. Instead, we stopped in front of the guest room, a large suite I had often played in with Raven, the happier memories flocking my mind like bees in a flower patch, buzzing busily, bountifully. My eyes softened as I sighed. “Surprised you aren't making me stay in my old room.” I looked at my mother, her own golden eyes glimmering.

She laughed. “Now why would I make you stay there? You were but a wee taller than me then love, your bed wouldn't accommodate that your wings are fully grown. You're 25, not 15 dear.” she mused, nudging my side.

It was true, as proven by my brother, that our species shoot up like bamboo at the age of 18, losing the downy on our wings and getting flight feathers, as well as learning to fly. Though most rouges never learn to do much more than glide, I had gotten lucky, our father had been a region commander before the council took over. The labels they made in place, the hierarchy they set, blasphemy. A growl sound in my throat at the thought, my eyes narrowing.

My mother shot me a look of concern. “You alright Crow? You seem unhappy-”

I blinked. “Oh- to the nine gates- mother you're fine-..I was just in thought, I didn't mean to worry you.” I gave an awkward smile, my wings ruffling in embarrassment. I stepped into the room, the red satin sheets, the warm, filtering windows, and the view, my eyes glistened in nostalgia as I looked over the balcony windows, the forest stretched for miles. This was Spriten. This was home.

“Crowley- have you seen the salt?” Dove asked, her eyes furrowed in frustration as she attempted to bend over and pick up a spoon, failing with a sigh. “Jeez- I swear, you and your brother weren't as heavy as this-” she mumbled.

I blinked, grabbing the seasoning off the counter and shrugging. “Then I guess you should buy another crib.” I mused rather deadpan.

Dove laughed. “Absolutely not-. You two were both just tiny babies! I’m surprised you both got as tall as your father truly, makes me wonder if this fledgling might get more than just my eyes this time.” she mused, her black horns shining in the lights of the kitchen “Anyways, please get the rabbit salted and preserved. We can't have jerky without it drying.”

I nodded in agreement, grabbing the hare by its leg. I placed it down only to snort. “Do we have something I can use to keep it still? I rather not have to spend 15 minutes trying to reattach my arm-”

My mother snorted in agreement. “Agreed, let me grab the stationeries. Sorry dear, I didn’t think about that-”

I laughed. “It's alright mother-. No harm no foul”

She mused in agreement. “Bless the nine gates- Crow, it's a wonder how you managed to punch the blackwills heir- your manners are on point, it makes it seem impossible.”

I grunted, my smile falling as my eyes darkened. “The blackwills are the type to run to the side who has more money. If we offered them 50 bucks to kill a council member they would attempt to.” I stated, my tail lashing as I growled in low murmurs, my tone as salty as I felt.

My mother sighed. “You know we all agree, but some things are better left unstated love…, besides. Your father got wind that the war has shifted favours..now would be the best chance for you to join.” she smiled worriedly, her eyes kindling that same kindness Raven held so closely. It made me wonder if standing for what I did was worth it.

That question haunted me for the rest of the week. Through every step, word, and breath, it circled my mind like a stalking predator, always there, always waiting. I cursed myself for getting so distracted.

Then it happened. The skirmishes finally came to Haven. I read about it in the paper during breakfast, A head-liner story, the rebel forces were rallying. My heart flickered in both hope and worry, My brother and Sparrow, my wings raising in alarm, getting a worried look from both of my parents.

“Crow, why in nine gates are you fluffing up like an alarmed cat?” Wolf asked, his eyes never changing from that bored expression, his hair tied back into a ponytail as he continued reading through papers, long since outdated.

I looked from the papers, sagging my shoulders as I narrowed my eyes, a deep frown on my face. “The councils drove the war through Wilm and Ka’far..It’s now in Haven.” I announced, setting down my papers. “I'm not sitting Idle, my brother could be in danger”

My father growled deeply. “Crow- you better not just get up and leave. Haven’t you learnt that one mistake can cost you an arm?...literally?” he mused, the last words being drawn out and hesitant. His black wings tuck to himself closely.

I blinked, my brows furrowing. “That wasn’t my plan-. I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow. I may be quick to act, but, I'm not going into trouble without a plan and b”

Wolf sighed, his eyes closing as he shook his head. “You get out of jail and you're already doing crazy shit that can get you killed again.” he growled in half amusement. “Could you slow your horses? Take Baron and Fox with you.The guards haven't seen you since you returned. I bet those two miss you.”

I blinked, sighing as my eyes glimmered. “You know as well as me that I'm capable of defending myself” I sighed, standing from the table.

My mother gave a worried smile. “Crow love,we just don't want you becoming a prime target for the council, there already after our title withyour fathers history.”

I nodded knowingly. “Im not going to fight, just to help my brother get the fuck out of town before he winds up being the one targeted.”

Wolf sighed in half satisfaction. “Fine by me. You feel that's fair love?” he asked my mother, her tail swaying in thought as she looked at me with a half-smudged smile. “ I want you home safely.” she mused, nudging me. “I'll go tell them you're coming out of your hole.”

I snorted, my golden eyes gleaming as I stood up, going back to wash up, and moving towards the court.