The Darkest Color of Red

Life was mediocre until she came along. She changed my whole world.

Somewhere on this earth, I live to sleep, eat, work and well mainly just survive. I didn't have much and I didn't mind, it's just the way it is and it can't be helped. One day, after school I went to the park and sat down on a bench. My hair smelled of ripe milk, my face had nothing but dried tears and glitter on it, and my shoes and socks are soken went. I couldn't help but sit on this bench hopelessly wondering if there was something more to this life I wasn't seeing. Until that very moment, someone had sat next to me.

'My, my, my ain't it lovely out here? Mhm, say what do you think of the clouds?' She said.

I didn't know if she was talking to me so I said nothing. Although I did look up at the clouds, and I never really took the time to just look up at the sky and admire it. She was right the clouds were lovely.

'You don't talk much do you?' She asked. 'It's alright, I can tell you haven't seen something like the sky in a while.' She muttered.

'....' I still said nothing.

'Hm, very well then I'll be here for a while. Feel free to come back and see me whenever you like. I leave whenever the full moon comes out so that should give you a merry amount of time.' She said, showing me a smile.

I finally took the chance to have a brief glance at her and she was stunning truly stunning. I've seen no girl like her before. She looks like she came right out of a book! She was glowing brightly... she had on a red dress, a red hat, with a red umbrella, red lip bomb, and well beautiful aqua blue eyes with a hit of amber blue. I couldn't comprehend how fictionally she looked maybe it was just me but I wonder where she's planning to go once moonlight strikes.

I got up from the bench and took a bitter look at my shoes.

'You know, we could just leave right now. I'll show you something new and take you away from this world you live in. We're not too different. I'm running away and you wanna run too. I can see it in you. So how about it?' She offered.

Run... A-away?...' I mummled.

She said nothing else. All she did was extend her arm in hopes that I would grab it. However, I was too timid to do so. I just looked at her hand wondering if I should grab it.

'Very well thank you for your time anyway.' She said.

She sat back down and continued to gaze at the sky.

Hm. I started walking back home thinking about what she said.

what she had told me.

Once I got back to the small apartment I lived in no one was to be found. I was alone. As always the place was dark, the blinds were closed, and only a few specks of light could gleam through them. The place had a bluish tint to it. It was surely depressing. I had no one who truly loved me not one soul, not my parents for they abandoned me at a very young age, not the orphanage, and not my guardian who has adopted me. That's just how things are and it can't be helped. Although that girl wanted me to go somewhere with her. She looked so pretty. I bet she shines when she smiles and her hair looked soft like whipped butter. I wish I got to know her name. Why didn't I grab her hand?

I walked to my darkroom and started taking off my clothes. After that, I grabbed a towel and went into the bathroom to take a shower.

"Running away..."

I turned on the shower and got into the tub. I slowly started to wash. Now, in days I take hours in the shower and I only get out when I want to. Besides, it's not like anyone's ever home anymore.

"...Leave right now..."

My mind wandered for hours on end as I contemplated her words, wet hair dripping from my head, my eyes staring down at my orphaned toes, a bit of moisture was soaked into my thin, brittle body, and my hands looked wrinkled. After I looked at myself, I got out. Picking up my towel, I went into my darkened room. The sun had set and it was already night. The only light that emitted from my room was the bright and glinting moon. There was something about that blue and bright picture that reminded me of something from out of a book.

"...you wanna run too..."

At first, I was unable to comprehend her words, finally, I found myself able to. It never occurred to me that she would want to run away not from me, but rather with me… what is the reason... 'Why me?’ The question made me think and act immediately. Wearing rippled clothes and letting my shoes loose, I grabbed a bat and started running outside back to her.

'10'

I ran and thought nothing about her. She was the reason I wanted to run the reason why I ran.

'9'

I need her to tell me why!

'8'

'WAIT DON'T GO!'

'7'

My short breaths began to turn into heavy pants but I kept running through it all just to get to her.

'6'

Please.

'5'

'Don't...'

'4'

'GO!'

'3, 2, and- huh.' She looked at me as she was about to walk into a bright portal. She saw my narrow eyes and my confused face, my body weak and parched. My shacky stance with a bat in both hands. I looked back at her pretty bright face, her swaying red dress, and a cute crimson umbrella. Our eyes finally locked as she started to walk up to me.

Our eyes met ever so earnestly.

‘Tap, Tap, Tap.’ Her shoes went.

'So you came back huh?' She said 'Oh you look so tired' she said some more.

She had stopped in front of me putting her hands on my cheeks and making even deeper contact with my eyes. I had got a better look at her eyes. They were like the eyes of a porcelain doll or an alexandrite gem that had the colors of blue and yellow.

'My, my, my aren't you a keeper? Your eyes shine like wet blackberries in the rain and your face is filled with pain and pity. Let me wipe that off of you.' She exclaimed pulling out a handkerchief from her chest pocket and started wiping my face.

'H-Hey!' I said trying to struggle.

She said 'Stop moving! I'm trying to-'

'Stop that! N-now. Why me!?' I said not giving her any explanation for my question.

'Hm? Whatever do you mean?' She asked.

'I mean why do you want me to come with you? Out of all the people on this earth you picked me?!' I complained.

'Is that a problem?' She asked.

'I-I mean no... but I'm so weak and weird.' I said

'Then just shut up and grab my hand' she said as she put her hand in mine.

'W-wait where exactly are we going?' I asked

'Just wait and you'll see my dear.' She replied with a smile.

As we were about to go through a bright portal that had petals coming out of it a bunch of weird growling noises started to resound and dark tall beast figures approached around us. The portal had vanished and we were surrounded by darkness. I held up my bat and she did the same with her umbrella. We stood beside each other; side by side in preparation for a fight. I was sure that I was weak and soft but when it came to fighting I could never control myself. I would be filled with perseverance.

'What are these things?!' I asked.

'They're dark creatures, their only objective is to capture light!' She said. 'Stay by me and don't let them touch you okay!' She told me what to do and I understood.

'Come back here you brat!' I creature said with a crackly and torn voice.

'Never! I'm never going back to you!' She shouted.

'Then so be it. GET HER BOYS!' Snivel the dark creature.

Before we knew it one by one they came at us. One leaped at me and staggered his claws at me and deep dark ooze burned my ragged clothes and some of my skin.

'Ack!' I screeched.

I swung my bat at the beast as fast as I could my body filling with rage and my eyes at full bloodlust! I didn't hold back, I took another swing at him and bashed his skull. Hitting him back 'n forth uncontrollably not missing once, but after he became fond of my moves he grabbed my bat breaking it into two. My only weapon was my bat the only thing I really cared about...

'I WON'T GIVE UP THAT EASILY!' I cried. I then took the lower broken half of the bat and stabbed it into his heart. He stepped back and I kicked him down. Dark black oozy blood was all over me and he was finally dead. I hocked spit at the dark corps

I looked over at the girl who was coherently destroying them. She was like a ballet dancing on water. Taking them out one by one and not letting any of them touch her. She shined like a diamond and submerged like a Ruby. She took out all of the dark beasts on her side but I was so distracted by her skills that I got slashed from behind and I fell to my knees.

'AHHH!' I shouted in pain. 'It hurts...' I murmured.

'That's that- eh HEY! STAY AWAY FROM HER!' I heard the blonde shout.

She ran towards them and killed all three of the beasts that were going to attack me.

You sure act dirty, don't you think? She claimed. Let's head through this portal quickly now, 'don't worry, your barbaric li'l face, I'll take care of those wounds.' I was picked up by her walking through the portal after she finished talking. It looked like we were in a cave. The entrance of the cave had water flowing down it; I believe we were in a waterfall, but why?

'Now, now calm your little self down.' She told me. 'You just stay right there while I get these leaves. I'll drench them with water and it should heal you although you may have some scars.' She said as she started pulling big leaves out of the ground and drenching them in the waterfall.

My skin was submerged in blood, and I had no idea why I grabbed her hand or left my room in the first place. At least I wasn’t alone or dead for that matter. She walked towards me and sat down, wrapping the leaves over my bloody body after they had soaked. Despite it stinging a lot, it eased most of the pain. While she finished bandaging me, I sat up to take a glance at her. She looked so elegant I couldn’t help but feel a little queer when I looked at her.

'There we go this should be good enough how do you feel?' She asked.

'I feel... fine thanks.' I said 'Hey where are we right now?!' I added.

'Does that really matter "right now"?' She said.

'Um, YES?!' I answered.

'Well it's only a matter of time' she said hastily.

'Wait why?! We're not in a hurry are we?' I asked.

'We have to get going if I'm going to show you a world of beauty.' She replied.

'I suppose...' I muttered.

'Besides we need to get you some new clothes!' She said, and I didn't blame her I do need new clothes if I'm going to be exploring the world of the unknown.

She picked me up and pulled out her umbrella so that the water wouldn't get on us. After that, she walked out of the cave unbarring for a great drop.

'W- WAIT-' I tried to shout.

She dipped recklessly, falling into the deep marine lake. My hair was catching air as we fell it nearly gave me a stroke until we began to fly through the air! I kept my arms attached to her gripping my nails into her clothes.

'EEEEP!' I screeched.

'Calm your waters it's nothing but the sky, wind, and clouds.' She said. 'Just don't look down, or you're bound to fall.' She explained calmly.

'A- Alright!' I exclaimed.

I didn't dare to look down because I knew if I did I would vomit from the excruciating height. I just kept holding on to her. Strangely, she smelled like fresh strawberries and breakfast at the school cafeteria in the morning. She felt warm like a nice sunny day a day you would spend playing outside with your childhood friends. She smelled like the things you would want to smell or feel when you meet someone. Why did she want me? Why did she want me to come with her, out of all the people?

After smelling her I felt a bit at ease and took my time to look around while we were still in the air. The sky was made up of light blues, purples, and oranges. I took a little peek down and I saw a bunch of colorful trees and plants. Everything here didn't feel real but at the same time, it did it was because it's happening and I'm in it. Sooner or later I spotted a village.

'Okay, let's stop h-' She was about to say.

'Hey! There's a village over there, let's see if it has a tailor!' I quickly said not giving her a chance to finish her sentence. 'O- Oh sorry about that were you about to say something?' I said trying not to be rude.

'U- um... but. No, it's nothing, let's head to that village maybe they do have a tailor.' She said.

So we headed to the village and it was filled with all sorts of people and places! We finally made it onto the ground and she put her umbrella away still carrying me though. She started walking around looking for a tailor shop.

'Hey, doll, I found it! A tailor's shop.' She said.

Once we walked into the tailor shop it looked metallic and wood, it was very pretty filled with clothes and other material, and the windows were long, narrow, and vintage the sunlight that was beaming out of it filled the room so beautifully. She had tapped the bell that was on the table and the tailor came out of their workstation to greet us.

'Good day! How may I help you ladies- Eh?! Oh dear, we need to get clothes on you quickly! They said 'Go ahead into one of those changing closets over there'. They said once more.

Once I got into the closet they started tossing me all sorts of dresses and gowns.

'What do you think you would like to wear, sweetie?' They said.

'Um, I'm not really sure actually.' I said.

'Oh, well, what about you, Blondie? You came in here with her so what do you think?' They said to her.

'Uh, I only just met her recently so I wouldn't know I'm not good at this kind of stuff after all.' She said.

'Hm, interesting. I think I can try to whip something up for you don't you worry, sweetie.' The tailor said.

The tailor pulled me out of the changing closet and onto a mantel to stand on. They then started measuring me. I was very uncomfortable but I didn't say anything I just let the tailor do their job. Once they finished I was able to move freely. I looked over at the blonde girl who brought me here. She was just sitting there in front of me.

'Hey, what do ya wanna do once I get some clothes?' I asked.

'Huh?! O-Oh I was just hoping to show you a good time... you know that kind-'

'Do you... Do you wanna go out to eat? And then maybe after that, you can show me more of this place.' I said.

'G-GO out?' She uttered. 'Sure.' She said looking away from me.

'Alrighty! I've got something! This so is to your liking sweetie' The tailor said holding a red sequin dress with silk white transparent sleeves, white gloves, dark red Jane shoes, and a red rose. It was like a dress fit for a rich girl.

'Whoa, that looks so pretty... are you sure I can wear it?' I questioned.

'Why of course sweetie, it’s the clothes that meet the personality not the personality meeting the clothes, in other words, I believe you would look smashing in that gown.' Said the tailor.

I went into the changing room and changed into the pretty dress, gloves, shoes, and finally, I had put the rose in my hair. It was as if the tailor read me like a book. Everything fit in all the right places and it was to my very liking. I shied out of the changing closet.

'H-how do I look?' I muttered.

'You look absolutely gorgeous, sweetie!' Said the tailor.

'You look- Eh!' She said. 'You look smashing... um absolutely smashing' she said as her face began to flush.

'Thank you...' I said.

'Now that'll be 158 dollars!' Said the tailor.

'uhhhh, we don't have that kind of money.’ she said.

'WHAT!- I- I mean uh w- we can repay you um with uh,' I said stumbling over my words.

'I'm just joshing! First cummers are free so you don't have to worry about it, sweetie.' They said. ' However, if you don't pay me next time then you'll both be in a bloody amount of pain.' They said anew.

We quickly left the tailor shop after thanking them.

'So I guess we don't have money I kinda- h-hey!' I said she had pulled me into an alley, pinning me agest the wall.

'Hey, what is it?' I could feel her so close to me I didn't know why. Her breath was very sudden and I could feel her hands agest my waist. I tried to pull her hand away from there but she didn't seem like she wanted to.

'I know where a ball is going to take place and wanted to know if you would like to go?' She asked.

'Sure I wouldn't mind, I wouldn't mind at all.' For a particular reason, I could feel her taking every part of me at that very moment as if she was a dark being pulling me into her. But... I still didn't mind.

'No one ever wanted to attend a ball with me...' she said.

'Well, no one ever wanted to take me to a place like this so it's only fair.' I replied.

After that, she picked me up and started running through the village. I didn't know why I didn't question it. I didn't care where we went or who she was, I finally get feel the beauty of running away with some who only want me to run with them. I felt myself being consumed by presences.

Before we knew it we were at the boll it was so beautiful and bright I've never seen anything like it only in movies and art but seeing it in the flesh I wanted to capture every moment of it. I wanted to live in its aesthetics.

'It's going to start soon make sure you don't bump into anyone or get lost, k?' She said.

'Oke hehe I said pulling her in for a hug.

'No one has ever done this for me before your the first... thank you.' I said.

Her cheeks had turned into a dark red '! N- no problem I see so much light in you... you truly shine brighter than the rest' she said.

'Why don't we eat something until the dance starts?' I suggested.

'Sure darling.' She said.

She rarely ate anything. The more I looked at her the more her expression changed. When I finished eating I walked over to her and grabbed both of her hands pulling her onto the dance floor.

'W-what are you doing?' She asked.

'We're gonna dance' I said.

'I don't know how to dance.' Said she.

'It's ok, just follow my lead' said I.

(play this while you read for a better experience)

The music started to play and we were emersed under the lights as we took our loving time. At that moment we were one. I step back and another step forward, her right hand on my shoulder and my right hand in her left, and my left hand on her waist. We, the two belles of the ball, we rang in the lights, and we sang under them as well. I spun her around, after that she started filling my arms, my heart and soul my body and mind was all hers at this very scene. We danced for only what felt like a lifetime; an endless fasha. I was hers and she was mine. We didn't even know each other’s names but it feels like fate.

Soon we were moved to a porch and we were now dancing under the moonlight nothing more and nothing less.

'Ain't it beautiful?' I said.

'Yeah, heh even under the moon you shine.' She said

'That’s too sweet. Hehe.' I said.

'Even your laugh, it makes me feel warm.' She said once more.

'You're body' she said.

'You're eyes' she mutters.

'Your light.' S- she cooed.

She was closer to me than she was back in the ally.

'What's your name?' She murmured.

'It's Rose. Rose is my name.' I purred.

'My name is Maryanda.' She mumbled.

'I'll call you Mary for short' I mumbled back.

'Why won't you stay with me?' She mumbled once more. I could feel myself almost slipping off the edge of the porch.

'That's the plan.' I said back.

Her eyes then widen, looking into mine. She backed away.

'I- I'm sorry.’ she said.

'N- No it's okay- I um I liked it...' i said.

'Y- You know what.’ she said.

Before I could say anything someone knocked me out and the last thing I heard her say was "I'm sorry." Like a light, I was out.

When I woke up I was in the middle of the ballroom everyone was gone and darkness started to fill it.

'I'm surprised Maryanda, you usually kill them quick. However, we manage to catch up to you and save this pitiful human.’ Said a boy.

I opened my eyes and got up looking at both of the figures. One was on the ground hopeless and her clothes covered in dark red ooze.

'What's going on?!' I cried.

'Tsk, tsk, tsk you poor human don't you see that SHE was only using you for her own benefit, she wanted your light but we stopped her?' The boy said.

I said completely nothing and ran towards her.

'Why did you take me here with you?' I said.

'Yes, why didn't you kill her?' He said.

'S- She changed my whole world... every time I tried to I couldn't because you were the only person who ran with me. You are too bright to be eaten.' She said.

Once she said that I had picked her up and ran towards the porch.

'WHAT IN THE WORLD' Cried the boy.

'What are you doing?!' She said.

'Is there a problem?' I said.

'No...' she said.

I finally said 'Then just shut up and grab my hand.'

So we ran. Her dark red heart engulfed mine, and I embraced hers.