Week One: Xeq

  The burning sensation erupted within the core of Xeq’s heart. The cold scales infected his skin, replacing it with shimmering scales. The day was now in a television form. The aromas around him escalated tenfold. Xeq could see thousands of different shades, ones that were not visible to the human eye. Normally, he would not change like this (not in broad daylight) but he had to escape. It was the only way.

   Xeq’s body was coated in silver. The breath of the air surrounded him as he took flight. Xeq needed to find her, his friend. They would be after her too. He wouldn’t allow a hair on her to be harmed. So help him, if he saw her the way he did that night he didn't know if he could contain himself. Last time he was nice and stayed in his reflection form. Next time, if there ever was one, Xeq wouldn’t be so sure of himself.

  He landed on her roof. They hadn’t arrived yet. Xeq smiled as he tap the glass four times. Good. No sign of them yet. Their scent was still far, he had time to be with her. This would only have to last a moment though, he knew that if he stayed too long they would see him before he would see them. That, would be a problem.

  The window creaked open, and Xeq slowed his way in. She was nowhere to be found. His eyes shimmered the luminous silver that his body reflected moments ago. There. A smile. Hide and seek never worked on him. In mid thought, he slide his foot back, and took her at the waist. She’s hot. The fire on her stomach brushed his reflection skin.

  Quickly, he coats his body in silver. Using his back foot, Xeq boost himself. Purposely, Xeq nails her against the wall. As She gasped, he smiled. Fire doesn’t work on a fire resistant body. Now, if her flames were stronger, that would be another story. But, as playful as she was, Xeq knew she wouldn’t do that to him.

  She coughs. “Xeq..!”

  Grinning, he meets her eyes.

  “You know, I’m better at partial transformations. You will never be able to sneak up on me."

   Her arms wrap around his neck.

  “A woman can dream can’t she?” She said with battered eyelashes.

   He laughs as his hands set on her hips.

  “Dreaming is for those who know what cannot be done isn’t done.”

  She smirks but that quickly fades as her eyes gaze upon the scar on his cheek.

  “Did they get to you?” She frowned.

   Xeq stares deep into her eyes, she knows what he wanted to say. He wanted to lie. No, he hit another windmill while he was out flying last night. Xeq had done it before. Xeq’s gaze drops to her lips. Silently, she pushes them together. He smirked.

  “Yes.” He says slowly. “But that’s why I came here.”

  “It’s getting out of hand.” She says, moving her hands to his shoulders and touching one of them on his scar.

  “Don’t worry.” He say but stopped himself from continuing as their lips meet. She’s his. No one else can have her. His arms pull her closer. No one can harm his love. No one.

   They stop for a moment, lips close but not touching he speaks. “I can only be here with you for some time. After that, I’m going after them.”

  Their eyes are locked. She searches his eyes for any hint of doubt but there is none. She frowns and silently averts her eyes. But then, she kisses him again, retracing them.

  Letting go, she speaks. Her voice is stern. “You better return to me.” She said simply. “You don’t want me to go out there but you know I won’t hesitate.”

   He smile in response to her care. She is his and he is hers. How could they have it any other way?

   He nods. Their lips meet again. This time, he carries her to her bed and lays her down. Her body in his arms, he kissed her neck. They touch each other, each knowing how to touch and where, as if we are one in mind, and one in soul. His senses strike him and his hand meets hers. Our eyes meet for the last time, this time, her eyes are a deep amber. The eyes of her true self, a phoenix.

  “Return to me.” Her voice echoes in his head. He take flight and head for the nearest park. They await his arrival.

  The victim is weak. His wings shimmer as the shadows cast over it. Xeq’s eyes widen. His brother. They beat his brother. He screeches in response. They roar and spit.

  Reflectioned self. They try to communicate but he show his claws.

  No. Not this time. He sends back as they spring at him.

  They tried to hurt his love and now they have abused his brother. Xeq isn’t a negotiator. Hissing, Xeq growls as he thinks only of the Hydra’s death. One head snaps at him, it has a beak for a mouth. It screeches as it misses and he claws at it scorching its neck with his fire breath.

  This Hydra’s weak spot is the connection to each head. He sinks his teeth into the head with a beak so he can locate it. Odd, normally on the right side but the soft spot is at the center but more leaning towards the right. He darts for it, seeing that his brother is conscious. He lets out a breath directly at the neck of three other heads.

  Thank you. He thinks and slashes at the other. Xeq’s eyes give off a silver glow more intense than the normal. He gulps for a moment but he knows what he has to do, the taste in his mouth is no longer fire, it is a burning sensation unlike fire, it is stronger, and it is bright. A beam of light leaves his mouth. He burns through their protective armor and darts into the corroded spot. He snaps, and swallows. He can feel the heart beat as is slithers down his throat, his skin feels the wind brush against it as his brother slowly approaches him.

  His brother's watery blue eyes meet Xeq's silver ones. Take...me home, I can manage.

Nodding, Xeq does as requested and takes him home. Laying in the tub and he watches the bubbles that it creates as his wounds heal slowly.

  You won’t be the same after that. His brother mutters.

   Xeq smirks as he shut the door behind him. As long as his brother’s okay. He'll be okay.