A creature...

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I want to help people, to be a hero, but I don't think I have the will to keep hurting people. I don't ever want to hurt people, to be what I hate. But if I don't do my duty, then people will get hurt while I sit on the sidelines.

The bell rings, signaling the end of the class period. I grab my bag, hiking the straps up to my shoulders and waiting for everyone to clear out.

Stepping out of class, I find the halls already mostly full. Gram is waiting for me. I walk over to him with my hands in my pockets, a fairly neutral expression on my face. 

"Arthur! I was wondering if you wanted to hang out with all of us in my room later?" He states, looking like he's about to put his hand on my shoulder. He doesn't, instead lowering his hand. "After all of the classes are done, of course."

"No, I prefer staying alone these days."

He seems to visibly deflate, his posture slouching as he raises his right hand. Gram clutches the fabric of my sleeve, a pleading expression on his face.

"Arthur, please... it's about as lively as a nursing home without you there. I need you!" He begs, looking at me with puppy dog eyes. 

I stay silent for a moment and look to the side, wondering if I should continue distancing myself. I mean, I was just internally complaining about distancing myself. Slowly I turn back to look at him.

"Fine..." I agree despite my mind telling me that I should be a recluse, cheering him up in a single word. "But is it okay if we all talk about something? I only want maybe... 10 or 15 minutes."

He looks a little more alert for a second, but nods shortly after. "Yeah, sure... anything to stop the nursing home vibe."

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??? POV...

Walking along the halls, I am greeted with scornful gaze and avoidance from most of those meant to be my peers. My ears twitch, the set of ears that differentiate me from other people.

I feel... less than humans.

My steps are light and quick, strolling like I have somewhere to be. My black hair tumbles down my shoulders, blocking one of my eyes until I move it further to the side. 

Joining Lumin was a breeze, the only caveat being the travel time. Now it's just mainly training and getting stronger... networking too, but that's a minor thing. Networking is hard when in the minority, and being considered a "ghastly beast" by people my age isn't the helping.

Stepping out of the building, I take a sharp left and walk in front of the bushes and on the grass. Step by step, I walk across the campus lawn and around the ornate stone corner of the academy building.

I stalk my way around to the corner of the yard, grabbing onto the iron ladder and slowly climbing up. I watch as the ground distances itself from me and the roof approaches further. The stone of the rooftop greets my feet.

I approach the ledge and crouch before sitting down, resting my arms against the sill of the ledge. Around this time of day is when Arthur usually walks across campus towards combat class.

I think for a moment, wondering how I let myself spiral to this point. I had always thought of myself as intelligent, but my instincts control me. I've bonded to him despite never speaking a single word... he's my person, he has to be.

A twisted obsession, almost a curse.

I'm nothing but a creature masquerading as a sentient being.

Regardless of the scenario surrounding my obsession, I continue staring at the pathway. My eyes are locked there, as if entranced in the hunt. Eventually I see a familiar sight pop out the door, white hair attached to a tall body and burned arms.

I can see the way he hides his ears behind his long white locks, the way he twiddles his thumbs in front of himself as he walks, the subtlety of his gaze occasionally bouncing to the next point of interest. 

What an interesting piece of prey... I should seek mental help.

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