Welcome To The Black Doves

Welcome To The Black Doves

Chapter 3

Lily ducked as Flare launched a drum stick at Drake's head, who happened to be standing behind her. She decided that her position was hazardous to her health. Standing between them was not the smartest thing right now. Especially considering the mood Flare was in.

“It's not a big deal.” Lily mumbled, trying to defuse the situation.

“Yes it is.” Flare back fired.

“I said I was sorry. What else do you fucking want Flare?” Drake demanded.

“Your rotten soul on a silver platter so I can commit you to a life of eternal suffering in the black abyss of Oblivion for starters.” The smile that appeared on her face was one of pure evil.

“God, you morbid bitch.”

“God won't save you.”

“Fuck!” Cherish hissed, slamming down her papers. “Will you two give it a fucking rest.”

Lily flinched as Flare and Drake continued to glare at each other, but they at least fell quiet. She had to be a little relieved. This would be the end of the argument over her computer. Anyone could start a fight, but Cherish was always the one that finished it. They were all scared of the woman.

No one pissed off a tiny red headed Irish woman unless they had a death wish. None of them did, so the conflict was dropped. Lily sighed heavily as she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

“Flare come play video games with me. I brought my X Box 360.”

“Okay, I'm down for killing something.” She responded, flashing an evil grin at Drake.

Drake shuddered He moved aside, letting them pass. “By all means, go ahead. Wouldn't want to keep you from your favorite past time.” Flare sneered as she shoved past him.

“You have to sleep sometime.”

Lily ignored them. She pulled her system out of her carrier and started hooking it up to the television. Flare was filtering through the games Lily had packed, with a half interest. She rarely ever played games. She had never touched them until Lily's family took her in when she was younger.

“I picked up a new one the other day. It's not what I normally play but it's a co-op.” Lily turned to Flare.

“Gears of War?” Flare seemed skeptical until she looked at the back. “Okay. I'm down.” Lily smiled at Flare's excited expression.

Flare had a weakness for guns. She had a mild obsession for them. Lily really didn't understand what was so great about them. They were a meanings to an end as far as she was concerned. She placed the disk in the disc holder and closed it.

She signed in under LilyBear and Flare signing in as Flare666. While the game loaded, Lily grabbed a couple Mt. Dew's and threw one to Flare who caught it easily. Lily settled down into the couch and watched the opening scene.

Nolan's eyebrows raised with interest as two other player's entered the server. He wondered who they could be. He glanced at Wes when the man chuckled darkly. He knew that Wes was on board for having the two join.

“Newb's.” He stated. “Fantastic. Invite them to the game Nolan. I want to unleash my secret weapon on them.”

Nolan almost smiled when he realized just who was logging on. Wes would be totally oblivious to who they were playing with. Wes, to Nolan's knowledge, had no education growing up and probably couldn't read the names.

He, however, put two and two together and was feeling a mix of surprise and … giddiness? He shook the feeling quickly and returned to his normal demeanor. Wes wanted to play a competitive game, but Nolan always preferred co-op game. Of course, Wes wouldn't really know the difference until the game began.

Nolan almost felt bad for going against his friends wishes, but he had his own reasons for wanting to play co-op with them. Maybe he could get to know Lily better. Wes handed him a headset, while putting on his own. They waited the results from the invitation.

Lily almost chocked on her Mt. Dew, when an invite popped up on the screen. She hadn't even realized they were online. She grabbed her bag and scrambled through it. She only had one headset. She debated declining the offer.

“Accept it.” Flare's voice overrode her thoughts.

“What?” She asked surprised.

“I've never played online. Let's give it a try.” Lily nodded and plugged in her headset. She accepted the invite.

“Nolan! I wanted a competitive game!” Wes scowled as he realized they were in a co-op game.

“Oops.” Nolan lied.

Wes almost threw the controller when the level started. Enormous, disfigured humanoid aliens swarmed the screen. This caused Wes to cackle into the mouth piece as he used his chainsaw gun to cut through his enemies into gory pieces.

“They can hear you Wes.” Nolan told him quietly, a little embarrassed at his friend's behavior.

“Big fucking deal.” He backfired, continuing his massacre and soon got swarmed by enemies in waiting.

Dumb ass. Nolan thought to himself.

Nolan moved his character in and hid near some brush as he too began to take fire.

“You available for back up Lily, Flare?” Nolan asked.

“Flare's already there...” She answered into the mouth piece as she struggled with the controls.

She was having a hard time concentrating as she listened to the maniacal laughter ringing in her ear. She was nervous because she was playing online with people she didn't know and a game she'd never played.

Flare sensed Lily's nervousness and started telling her what buttons did what functions. Lily listened to her best friend. Flare's voice calming her nerves. She followed the directions and suddenly everything didn't seem so awkward.

“Thanks Flare.” She said with a laugh. “Okay. I'm good to go.” She told the other end as guns started blazing.

The game went on. Four players versus thousands of well placed and organized computer controlled enemies, over a wide field. Nolan's strategic brain immediately went to work. He placed traps in accordance to enemy movements. He proceeded to lead enemies away into the traps where he had Flare waiting with a sniper and Lily with a short range gun.

Wes looked over curiously. He had never heard Nolan talk so much in a game. They were brief, short requests, but Wes still thought it rather odd. Lily followed the orders given to her relaying requests to Flare. She watched the screen intently, but her mind wasn't fully on the game. She was trying to place the voices of the two men on the headset.

They sounded familiar to her. She was convinced she had heard them before. She just couldn't seem to figure out where. A couple of enemies started to flank Bulbasaur990. Lily switched to her knife and went into close combat mode taking out both of them single handed. She let out a giggle of victory.

“Nice.” Flare answered, approvingly. “Up close and personal. Very hot.”

Nolan smiled at the giggle over the head piece. It vanished as soon as it appeared on his face. Wes raised an eyebrow at his friend's behavior. He seemed to be enjoying the company they were in.

“You guys did good.” Nolan stated over the mic. “Good job.”

Wes grumbled to himself. They had done well, for a couple of girls, but he would never admit it. He was actually getting extremely irritated with the way Nolan was acting. This wasn't like him at all.

“Why don't I log off so you can have some private time with your new girlfriends?” Wes spat.

“Wes, don't be an ass, we're having fun.” Nolan looked up at him through his bangs.

“YOU are having fun.” Wes backfired. “I could care less about playing with a couple of females.”

Nolan got immediately angry for reasons he didn't quite understand. He never felt any emotion well up so fast in his whole life. This kind of scared him. Why would he lose his cool so fast?

“There's nothing wrong with gaming with girls.” Nolan began to lose the normal monotone in his voice as his emotions grew stronger. “If you have such a problem with it Wes then log off and stop being a dick.”

He froze when he realized that the mics were still on and he was being vulgar with a female on the other end. Just when he was about to say something, a controller was launched at his head. It nailed him so hard that the head piece went flying off his head. Nolan turned right as Wes pinned him to the ground and had the man's hands wrapped around his neck.

“I'll be more then a dick to you, you emo fuck! I'm gonna beat the shit outta you!”

“You're never happy unless you're beating the crap out of something Wes!” Nolan said, practically yelling.

Nolan than noticed Kitty again, sleeping soundly on the couch. He tried to get Wes to stop, so they wouldn't wake her. Wes wasn't having any of that. He turned around and started decking him in the face.

“You're right! I'm not happy unless I'm beating the crap out of something.”

Kitty snapped awake as the commotion filled the back of the bus. She sat up disoriented, looking around confused. Her eyes widened at the sight of Wes beating on Nolan. She was off the couch in a second and did the only thing she could think of. She kicked Wes as hard as she could in the stomach.

She had the effect she was looking for. Wes fell away from Nolan, now lying next to the man he had been taking his anger out on . Kitty was breathless as she stared at them in horror. Nolan's lip was swollen and bleeding a little. His eye was discolored and blood covered his whole face.

“What the hell is going on?” She demanded.

“You wanna get involved?” Wes asked with a sadistic laugh. “Come here I'll show you exactly what's going on.” He rose and approached her with a wicked smile cracking his lips.

Nolan was on his feet in an instant. He placed himself between Wes and Kitty. He could feel how bad his face was damaged and he was bleed from several of the wounds. If anything happened to her. He shuttered at the thought.

“”Wes, calm down.” Nolan's monotone back in his voice. “You don't want to do this. You know what Deimeon will do if he finds out you hurt her?”

“Hopefully he'll rip out my intestines and strangle me with them.” Wes answered with a smile. “He can be my savior that releases me from this wretched fucked up world!”

He was still approaching them, fury hellbent in his eyes. Nolan had to protect Kitty, better him then her. Nolan applied his martial arts and baken classes, unleashing a round house kick that landed against Wes' side and sent him spiraling into the wall of the bus.

Kitty shrieked and placed her hands over her mouth. She stepped back knowing this was going get bad. She really wished Deimeon was here. He always had a way to calm Wes' violent behavior.

She was surprised with Nolan even through the fear. She had never seen him man up to anyone let alone Wes. She had a new found respect for him. 'Just because you had it didn't mean you used it.' It took a real man to show the kind of restrain Nolan did.

Wes got up, blood lust in his eyes. He growled and was about to lunge at Nolan again from across. Kitty knew she was hopeless. There was no way she could stop Wes now. He had lost his clue. He would tear her up and dump her out the bus. Just then Haven entered the room.

“Wes! Nolan! Get the fuck to your rooms now!” His gruff voice was loud and demanding.

“Fuck off you dickhead!” Wes screamed. “I'm gonna tear him to pieces for what he did to me?”

“Well from where I'm standing Nolan looks worse for shit than you do!” Haven retorted. “Knock you're garbage off right now or I'm canceling the tour.

“You wouldn't.” Wes taunted.

“You don't want to test me Wes.” Haven wished to god Deimeon was here to settle this.

“I'll take you on too old man.” Wes stated. “I'm not afraid of a fucking geezer.”

“What's going on?” Lyndon's words broke in through the tension.

They all looked at him. He quickly accessed the situation and realized exactly what was going on. Wes looked like he might turn on Lyndon next. He didn't need an audience and he sure as hell didn't want to deal with all of them.

“Please Wes, just let it go.” Haven told him.

Haven was shaking. Truth was that Wes scared the shit out of him. Without Deimeon to regulate, Have wasn't sure what to do. He fingered the .9mm in his belt holster in case it go really bad. He hoped that wouldn't be the case. Wes loosened up, to Haven's surprise, but he still had the blood lust in his eyes.

“Fuck you all. You're not worth it.”

Wes stomped back to his room, He shoved passed Haven. He went to move past Lyndon, who shrank back in his room to allow Wes enough room to move past without any hindrance. Lyndon then ran to Nolan's side.

“Nolan? Nolan? Are you okay?” He asked frantically.

Haven let out a deep breath. One he didn't even realize he was holding. He relaxed and walked to the group. He looked Nolan over silently. Nolan didn't respond. He just stood there with his head down, hair covering his face.

“Kitty,” He rasped out suddenly. “Are you okay?”

“I'm fine Nolan. Thank you so much for protecting me.” She told him softly. “Will you let me clean you up please?” She begged softly.

Nolan felt good knowing Kitty was so concerned for him. It confirmed that she was a part of their messed up family, and also that she wasn't too shaken up by the event. Nolan didn't really care for the attention he was getting suddenly. It made him uncomfortable. He debated going to his room and locking the door to seclude himself, but he didn't want to worry Kitty or Lyndon anymore then they were. He nodded his head slowly as he noticed quite a bit of blood on the floor.

“I'll be right back.” Kitty left the room, heading for the bathroom.

She came back with a wet clothe and a first aid kit. She knelt down on the floor in front of Nolan who had sat on the edge of the couch. She carefully tended him, with efficient hands.

Something beeped behind her. She glanced at the television. There was a message notice on the screen from someone by the name of LilyBear. Kitty turned back to Nolan, raising a thin eyebrow. Was this what triggered the fight between the two men?

Nolan motioned a pardon to Kitty with a slight incline of his head. He rose from his seat and moved to the pick up the headset. He placed it back on as he picked up the forgotten controller on the floor.

“Sorry you guys. Wes bailed and I'm feeling a little tired. Let's play again tomorrow night after we get done with the concert.” He sent a friend request and turned off the computer.

Lily froze as Nolan spoke. She had been right about knowing them. Her heart fluttered. She had just gamed it up with Nolan Perez. She squealed with excitement and then thanked god, Flare had called it a night.

She sobered when she realized that something had happened between him and Wes. They had been arguing before she heard nothing but muffled commotion. Worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. She hoped he was okay.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Deimeon tore into the flesh of his victim. A human female that he bought. She thought she was being paid by the lone stranger to have sex with. In reality it had been to quench a different hunger.

As he regained control of his body, he looked down on the helpless victim torn to pieces below him. He growled at himself and stood up from his kill. Why was he cursed with this? Why had his mother been so consumed with vengeance that she thought nothing about the child she sired?

He was covered in the woman's blood. He licked his lips unconsciously. He felt the sticky red liquid think around his mouth, chin, and neck. He released his wings from his back.

They were bat like in appearance, only the intricate bones between the thin membrane set them apart from the small mammal. He was about to take off when he heard a soft maniacal laughter paired with a cold tingling in his spine.

“Look at you.” A melodious female voice said from behind him. “Killing without mercy. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.”

He turned to a woman with dark green hair tied into a high ponytail. Dark roots of corruption weaved in and out of her wrists. She didn't wear much in clothing, more like rags. She wore a green band of material covering her breasts revealing a tiny flat naval. On her waist she wore a shredded grey skirt with bandages that wrapped up her thighs to her calves. They dissapeared under her ankle high boots. The bandages, Deimeon knew, were a feeble attempt to ease the constant burning out the curse the warriors from his old life were burdened with.

“It's forbidden for you to be here.” He could feel the change coming again as his teeth started to elongated.

“Get back on your haunches dog,” She smirked at him. “I'm not here to fight.”

“Of course not.” He snapped. “You know you can't win against your spawn.” He paused. “So what the hell are you doing here?”

“The darkness is alive Deimeon.” She said moving her hand in the air as if to bring life to her words. “It constantly feeds, moves, and feels. Even in you, it is alive.”

“If you have a point, make it.” He snarled. His patience growing thin. “I'm trying really hard not to rip you to pieces.”

“The darkness has moved from our world.” She answered with a sly smile. “It has leaked into the world of humans and will seek out new victims to feed from.”

Deimeon froze. If what she said was true. There was going to be bid trouble in the world of humans. Deimeon shuttered at the thought. He could save this whole world even if he wanted too. He didn't have as much power as he use to in his world.

“Chaos will spread,” She continued. “and I will bask in the suffering of the humans you protect.”

Deimeon launched himself at the woman and slammed her into the closest building. The bricks cracked into a spider web pattern upon her impact. That gave him a small degree of satisfaction.

“I'll kill you!” Deimeon roared. “You'll never have them!”

She merely smiled, no fear in her eyes at all. “I'm afraid this is out of my control. As I said, it is alive. I merely tend to the darkness, I do not control it. Killing me won't stop what has already been done.”

“No, but it will make me feel better.” Deimeon retorted as he lifted a clawed hand above her.

“That's it my son, let the evil flow out. Kill me, bathe in my blood. Be the boy I've always wanted. A cold soulless killer.”

“I'm not like you!” Deimeon roared in frustration as he withdrew his attack.

“You can't deny the darkness bred into you.” Deimeon grabbed his head trying to fight off the powerful urge to slice her into a million pieces.

“Watch me.” He growled between clenched teeth.

He took off into the aid leaving the dark goddess on the ground. He would not cave into his darker side. He would cater to his human self and he would not allow the darkness to consume any of his family.

The woman watched her son fly away. She held a hand out and opened a portal. She glanced at the retreating form of her son once more and then left through the portal. A smile of pure evil firmly in place on her lips.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The bus pulled to a stop, jolting Cherish awake. She glanced out the window in a sleepy daze. Her confused look turned into disgust as she stared at McDonald's. She had never eaten at a fast food joint in all her years. She came from a rich family that preferred five star restaurant.

Really? She thought to herself in repulsion, but her stomach growled contradicting her mind.

She was so not eating here. No matter how hungry she was. Flare, Drake, and Lily filed out of the bus completely content with the choice of food. Cherish glanced at her watch. Three in the morning. That was good. Most people would be in bed instead of out eating fast food.

Haven was talking to one of the employee's at the door. Cherish was surprised when they opened the door and allowed them into the lobby that was originally closed. She supposed it paid to be famous and get everything you wanted, including special treatment. She let out a heavy sigh and made her way inside.

Haven ordered half the menu for himself. Nolan refused anything to eat while Wes ordered a large strawberry milkshake with a shit load of fries. Lyndon stood outside the restaurant and refused to step foot into the fast food facility.

Haven looked over at Cherish with his tray of food. “You know what you want?”

“Real food, that isn't greased.” Cherish retorted. “I prefer a restaurant not a grease bar. I think I'll pass.” Lily and Flare were in the background discussing what they were going to eat which caused Cherish to feel slightly nauseated. “Yeah, so not eating here.”

Haven studied her for a moment. He set his tray down and unwrapped one of the double cheeseburgers he had ordered. He held it out to Cherish, who immediately stepped back and pegged him with a death glare.

“Come on, it's good. Have you ever tried it?”

Cherish turned pale at the thought of eating the hamburger. She shook her head in fear of puking if she opened her mouth to speak. She turned away from Haven only to find her brother standing behind her, munching down on his quarter pounder with cheese.

“Come on sis. You'll like it.”

“Don't talk with your mouth full. It's disgusting.” She snapped out of habit.

“Pussy bitch.” Drake retorted.

Cherish slammed her fist in his stomach making him choke and gag on his food. A sinister smile appeared on her dainty lips. She tried not to look too proud of herself, but the look on Drake's face was priceless.

“I'm sorry what was that?” Drake ignored her as he collapsed in the closest chair.

“Wells o much for being a gentleman.” Haven grumbled.

He made his way to Kitty's table and sat down next to her along with the other girls. He glanced briefly at Wes who was in the far corner behind him. Nolan sat outside while Lyndon was no doubt babying the poor guy over what had happened. Nolan's face was bandaged up, although it was hard to tell with his bangs in his face.

Haven turned his attention back to his food and ate all of it happily. Something moved out of the corner of his eye. He froze and glanced over at the sight of the lights in the bus turning on. It was on in Deimeon's room. Haven quickly returned to his food and hoped no one noticed.

“Hey Cherish, we got you a salad with chicken.” Flare placed the tray down in front of the older woman.

“They have this here?” Cherish inquired in genuine surprise.

Flare, Kitty, Drake, and Lily burst into laughter. Wow, Kitty thought. Was this woman for real. Kitty didn't think there was a person who didn't do fast food.

Lily glanced up and noticed Nolan outside with Lyndon. She set down her chicken club, feeling compelled to go to him. She rose and made her way out of the building. She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. The wind danced through the loose strands of hair framing her face.

Lyndon waved at Lily happily as she came out. “Hi sweetie.”

Nolan looked over and stood up immediately upon seeing Lily. A cold breeze went by them and Nolan paused as he saw the strands of her hair move gently across her face. He was suddenly breathless.

She really was adorable. Nolan thought.

He tried to run from the girl afraid that the breeze may have revealed his bandaged face. He became nervous as she approached, but he couldn't move. Her beauty had literally left him stunned.

Lily offered a soft greeting back to Lyndon, but made her way to Nolan's side. Her eyes narrowed as she got closer. She gasped as she realized what was on Nolan's face. Her fears now confirmed. Wes had attacked him.

“Are you alright?” She asked softly, slowly reaching out to touch his cheek.

He said nothing in response. He locked up and almost felt like he was shrinking. Lyndon laughed to himself and left the two alone as he walked into the fast food lobby to join the others at the table.

“Nolan?” Lily pressed, placing her palm firmly against his cheek. “I'm sorry if I caused this.”

Nolan hesitated. She was touching him. Her hand was so soft and warm. He almost leaned into her palm. His brain was running a little on the slow side tonight and he finally processed what she had asked him.

“It... had... nothing to do... with... you.” He assured her, not making any kind of eye contact.

He felt his face flush and turn red. Nolan knew he looked like the biggest idiot in the world at the moment. She felt so good touching him, yet he couldn't help his feeling of insecurity he always had a problem with.

Lily frowned as Nolan from her. She clasped her hands together in front of her chest, holding them close. She hadn't realized he would react to her touch like that. She should have known better. She was horrible when it came to boys. She didn't know the first thing about flirting and she was a twenty one year old virgin.

“Oh... okay.” She shuffled her feet ackwardly. “I hope you feel better.”

She was shaking so badly, embarrassed more then she cared to admit. She turned on her heel, planning on retreating from the vicinity and her stupidity. She paused with her hand on the door handle. She didn't look at him.

“I'm sorry I touched you.” She whispered.

She told herself that she wasn't going to cry over something so petty. It wasn't the first time been rejected and it wouldn't be the last. Her appetite was suddenly gone and all she wanted to do was lay down. She decided the bus was a much better idea.

She was sorry? Sorry for touching him? Nolan must have reacted worse than he thought. Her touch was wonderful. It was warm and soothing. Why couldn't he break out of this shell of his? Why did people scare him like they did. All she wanted was to reach out to him and he appreciated it. He really did.

“W-wait.” He called out to her hesitate.

She paused. She didn't want to make the situation anymore awkward then it was, but she really liked Nolan. Almost enough to let herself be embarrassed again. She took a deep unsteady breath, then turned to face him.

Nolan froze up. She looked at him with those gorgeous golden eyes through those cute lenses that fit her round face. She was so very young looking even though she was considered an adult. She was almost... precious.

“I...I...um...”

Nolan was struggling to find the right words. Wait? Was he even looking to say something? Now he was shaking. Come on, she was just a girl. Why was she so hard to talk too? Please don't leave again...

“I think you're cute.” Nolan blurted out without thinking. “I... I mean... you are... Yes, you're cute. I like you... Lily... I'd like to hang out... with you... more.” By this point, Nolan knew he was completely red in the face.

Lily stared at him, speechless. She felt her own cheeks heating at his awkward confession. He thought she was cute. Oh god, he liked her. Without realizing it, she started to giggle with giddiness.

She moved to stand next to him and lightly touched his fingers with the tips of her own. She leaned up on her toes until her mouth was close to his ear. She decided to take a chance and leap off the cliff.

“I like you too Nolan and would love to hang out with you.” She told him softly. Her fingers lingered at his wrist before she dropped her hand by his side.

The heat radiating off his body warmed her. For one insane moment she wondered what it would be like to be kissed by him. She wondered if it would be soft and careful or hard and fierce.

She stepped back needing to put some distance between them. Obviously her overactive virgin mind was running away from her. She couldn't help it, Nolan was just too delicious for his own good. She couldn't help but want to take a chunk out of him.

Nolan tried to calm himself. She was touching him and was close to him. He usually didn't like anyone this close. For some reason he didn't want to back away from her. Besides, she liked him too. Which made the situation of his confession more comfortable. She wanted to be with him. She liked him back. It was almost enough to make him smile.

“Lily... can...can I hold your hand?”

The blush darkened her cheeks, spreading across the bridge of her nose. She shyly looked up at him and nodded slightly. Her body trembling. She couldn't believe she was allowing this. She had never had a boyfriend and never showed public affection.

His head down, he made it a point to never look at her up close, no matter how much he wanted too. He gently took her hand into his and squeezed it slightly. He motioned toward McDonald's.

“Let's get you back inside where it's warm. I don't want you to catch a cold.” With that, he led her back into the restaurant.