.altamira oriole's cage.

[money_money_swag]

How It All Began...

Standing at the end of the street, a young girl with long wavy hair the colour of liquid amber rubbed at her eyes blearily as she barely managed to stifle the yawn that had been about to leave her mouth. It was... 9am. She quickly reminded herself in her mind. A decent time to be up and about even though she had no school today.

Raising her hands to partially shield her eyes from the rays of the rising sun that were rapidly busking the town with its golden glow, Aura smiled sheepishly at the sight that greeted her. Slowly but surely, this dainty town that she was currently residing in with her grandparents would be bustling with life as the morning passed.

Come to think of it, it had been little more than a decade since her arrival to this town. Little more than a decade since that happened. Aura shook her head gently from side to side so as to clear her mind at this instant. That wasn't what Granny had sent her out of the house this morning to do.

Making her way slowly down the street at a leisurely pace, Aura smiled a little wider to herself while she reached into the right pocket of her pants to slide her index finger over the few crisp dollar notes that her grandmother had pressed into her hands earlier that same day.

"You've been a good girl Aura. Now take these and go buy yourself something in town that you like..."

Like most ordinary 14 year olds, Aura was thrilled by the thought alone. Sure, both Granny and Grandpa had always doted upon her since the day that she had been entrusted into their care. They loved her unconditionally and were about the best foster parents that someone in her shoes could ever hope for.

Today would be a very special day in Aura's life though. It was her 14th birthday and she would be making the choice in buying something for herself for the very first time.

In fact, everything would be just about perfect if not for the fact that she had nothing in mind at the moment. Or rather that was what Aura had thought until the pet shop at the corner of the street caught her attention.

Peering through the glass window at the shop's interior, Aura found herself blinking a few times in surprise at the variety of animals that were on display.

Well... I don't suppose it'll hurt to drop in and have a look...

And with that thought firmly implanted within her mind, Aura pushed the door to the petshop open tentatively, slipping her lithe form inside before shutting the same door firmly behind herself.

Seeing that the shopowner (or perhaps who she had presumed to be the shopowner) was busy attending to some other customers at the other end of the shop, Aura allowed her gaze to sweep through the shop's interior, her eyes taking in everything that made up her current environment. Where should she pick to start her exploration of the shop proper..?

Aura just wasn't the sort to bother people, especially if they seemed busy. She just wasn't the type of person who would attract attention wherever she went either, bit it didn't bother her though. She would wait patiently for her turn...

~~

Shanuh took notice at all those who entered. Four girls, each wandering aimlessly around the shop. His gaze drifted over each, lingering upon the girls, one by one. Slowly, carefully, he studied them, and judged them for what he saw. There was a young one, very young, who seemed full of life and optimism. There was something new about her spirit, her soul, her presence, something that was full of light. Some of the animals in his shop were reacting to it. Yes, this one was nothing more than a kitten. It was dangerous for one so small to be in such a dangerous place. Shanuh would have to keep an eye on her. Baby flesh was a most delectible treat.


His violet and electric yellow gaze then drifted over to a tall woman. Tall physically, but she seemed to be hugging the walls. There was something . . . diferent about this one. Something askew. More than a little intriguing, he watched as she seemed to press against the walls, avoid the crowds. Did she hear their song? Could she pick out the lyrics, and what they were calling? Could she feel their presence? The store manager was delighted. Pure entertainment, this one. A delightful subject.

Then there was the first girl to visit, the first one to take up residence in his little shop. She had certainly started a trend. There was a sense of determination radiating from her soul, a sense of need and a desire for acomplishment. There was a reason she was here. Unlike many folk who entered his shop, the majority merely came to look. To browse. Petshops were always fun places to be, and the Birdcage was one of the best. Yes, Shanuh decided he'd start with her. . .then move along to the rest.


Finally, there was the girl over at the fishtank. The one who'd covered her ears from the noise. Did she hear somethimg more than bird squabble? Was she defensive by choice or by nature? Could she tell the darkness she'd stepped into? The darkness epitomized by light? The animals knew -- could any tell? Humans, or human-ish creatures could be so very daft. Even those who spoke to animals, who whispered in their language, couldn't hear the truth in which his Birds sang.

Could none of them hear the death which permeated throughout their songs? Feel their presences? No -- of course not. Not those who were oblivious and disenchanted with their life. Not those who knew nothing about his Birds story.

Well. . . . he'd just have to fix that, wouldn't he? It was his job. To sell things and introduce people to the perfect pet.

Excusing himself from the only other male in the room, Shanuh's heals clicked against the cement floor. Purposefully, he made his way back behind the counter. "Can I help any of you," he started, his voice raised, but clear to each persons ear, regardless their position in the store. "Find something in particular? Welcome to the Birdcage," he greeted, the faintest of smiles etched upon his face. His eyes landed upon each patron, and the animals, the noises, seemed to grow quiet at his words. "I'm Shanuh, the Store Manager. Please, feel free to look around, but if you have any questions or specific concerns, let me know.

"I apologize for the lack of assistance, a few of my team have resigned." Resigned indeed. Their time had been up, and he and his Assistant had been hungry. Mere mortals made excellent workers. Good laborers, they could easily be herded and manipulated. That, and they made excellent treats for both himself AND the pets in his stores. Nothing like a little human meat to add flavor and weight upon the bones.

"But, with a little patience, I'm sure we'll all be able to manage." His smile was akin to the sap and honeysuckle which attracted mindless insects. They could drink, but soon they'd find themselves in a much, much darker predicament. He was very much so like a razor - -beautiful to look at, small, and harmlessin appearance but oh-so-dangerous to touch.

His bright colours were a natural sign, similar to some reptiles and amphibians: Beautiful to look at, but an obvious warning to all.

~~

Aura was studying the little hamsters running about in their cages when she heard Shanuh address all who were present in the Birdcage in a raised voice. A slight tilt of her head served to reaffirm that her earlier presumption as to who was the shopowner... no, Store Manager, she hastily corrected herself... had been accurate.

The thing that almost instantaneously struck Aura about Shanuh was his violet hair. Was it natural..? The young female looked down at her own golden tresses, a thoughtful expression crossing her face at that instant.

There had been many a time in the past when she had hated her own appearance. Her golden locks. Her green eyes. Those were traits that caused her to stand out in this town wherever she went. It was more than blatantly obvious that she was not from these parts at all and that was coincidentally more than enough reason for her to be ostracized by her peers. Children are honest, but that didn't mean that they couldn't be cruel.

It was at that moment of reminiscing when Aura heard a bird's song as crystal clear as clouds visualized against a blue sky on a fair-weathered day. It seemed to be echoing her own emotions that had been evoked as a result of her own reminiscence a moment ago. Singing its own song in the hope that someone would stop and take an interest in the story that it had to tell.

Aura was curious.

Snapping out of the almost trance-like state that she had gone into during the period of introspection, Aura glanced around herself as she listened carefully at the same time in an attempt to locate the source of the song but to no avail. Perhaps the Store Manager would be able to assist her.

Striding over to the counter that Shanuh was currently standing behind of, Aura lowered her head slightly in greeting, a warm smile directed at him as she posed her request in a polite manner. Unlike most of her peers, Aura wasn't afraid of Shanuh despite his physical differences. It was something that she could identify with all too well. Perhaps even beyond her own comfort zone.

"Pardon me sir... but would you happen to know which bird that song belongs to..?"

~~

Shanuh looked over at the girl; blond hair, sparkling green eyes. Her tresses could be a beautiful resource to the nests some of his pets needed. That, or it could just as easily be turned into hamster fodder. Blowing a few bangs, almost impatiently, out of his eyes, Shanuh offered the girl the slightest of smiles.

"That song?" He questioned, quirking a brow at the ridiculous question. "You'll have to be a bit more specific, m'girl," he purred, arrogance entering his voice. "I may know many a bird, and hear many a song, but "that song" doesn't describe, or mean, anything to me. I may be good," he informed her, his pride lacing his words, "but I'm not that good."

Lies. All of them. Shanuh was better then he was playing. But he liked to play down his role -- it confused the petty mortals.

"What did it sound like? Did you get a feeling from it, or perhaps some sort of day dream?" There were many birds locked in their cages. But there were even more birds elsewhere about his shop. The birds of the wild -- the ones that harvested upon his roof, outside the door. Birds not meant for these sorts of cages.

Depending what she heard, depended on what she described. He could tell her very well, if only given a story or picture. If only given a reference -- he could hear what his caged jewels sang about. He knew their stories and their strong desire and need for freedom.

~~

Upon realizing how stupid her previous question to Shanuh had been, Aura frowned a little at herself as she bit her lower lip at the same time. A habitual action done out of self-reproachfulness. Something that she had never been able to grow out of no matter how hard she tried.

Nodding her head slowly a few times, the young teen began to ponder over Shanuh's questions next, innately glad for the help that he was apparently offering. She already knew what her answer would be the moment the Store Manager of the Birdcage had posed those questions. Now all she had to do, was to find the words for them.

"It... It's a song that reminded me of my childhood in this town. A song about being different yet not understanding why it is so, while it yearns for acceptance and companionship at the same time."

Aura offered tentatively, her eyes watching Shanuh timidly for any signs of disapproval before going on.

"Sadness. Hatred. Anger. I want to understand it all and help, having been through them myself..."

~~

Shanuh listened to the girl, studying her as she spoke of this song. Interesting that she could pick so much up out of such a simple tune; was her mind making this up, was she merely imagining it?

Or did she truly hear this song?

The slightest of smiles crossed his features as she finished, an arrogant light entering his eyes. "There are many birds that sing such songs. A bird isn't so unintelligent to fail at knowing the difference between life and truly living. A sad thing, isn't it? All these animals, caged, alone, stared and poked at. What sort of life is that?

"And yet," he continued slowly, shrugging his shoulders in a careless action, "none of us care. Even you don't, girl. You say you want to help it, and yet here you stand, in the middle of a petshop. You can look and walk away, forget the sins of man which here are found. On the other hand, you can buy a pet, and keep it caged in your own home for your own entertainment and enjoyment. You can't much release it in the wild -- it's too broken, and will be killed.

To hear these songs of sadness and hatred -- why, can't you tell? It's radiating throughout this entire building. Calling out to you, calling out to me. . . "

The violet haired man gave a little cold bark of laughter. "And to think, I live my life by making miserable the lives of others. We all do, don't you agree?"

Was he mocking her?
Maybe.
One really couldn't tell.

~~

The young teen known as Aura nodded her head once then another time, an impassive expression on her face as she mulled over what Shanuh had related to her. At the same time, she allowed her gaze to linger at random spots throughout the entire shop, almost seeing yet not really the look that the animals were all directing her way.

Aura felt stupid... and sad. What Shanuh had already said, it all made sense. It made Aura wonder a little as to why she hadn't realized it sooner despite everything being practically laid out right before her. Was it because she had never given much thought to it? Or perhaps she simply didn't care to in the first place? Aura had no idea.

That didn't make the truth any prettier however.

"If possible, I wouldn't wish this kind of life upon anyone or any other living creature in this world..."

Came Aura's soft response, a wistful smile curving her lips slightly before she turned to direct a curious gaze towards the Store Manager of the Birdcage.

"If man has really erred so, shouldn't we all be punished..? Or is there something that we can do to make amends for the irreversible mistakes that our forefathers have made?"

~~

Shanuh listened to the girl with a patronizing sort of patience. He looked her over, tilting his head every now and then, lightly clicking his nails against his arms. It wasn't true impatience, but her words had little effect upon him.

"You may not wish it, but cages are inevitable. We surround people with them through our words, our actions, and our lack of effectiveness. While freeing one species, we inevitably capture another. The world isn't balanced, nor is it free; be it animal, plant, or human."

Shanuh's gaze softened, but for just a mere moment. "Everyone has cages of their own."

Even the fates of the world, he knew. Even deitys, gods, and their children -- cages. There was no such thing as freedom. Freedom was in the acceptance that the way life rolled was as good as it was going to get.

"We all have sinned," he agreed, nodding his head thoughtfully. His painted lips then twisted, almost maliciously, into a delighted smile. "And we all pay for those sins. If we truly want to open the cages, we would do the only thing we can." Looking Aura in the eye, very seriously, and almost happily, he added, "We die.

If you truly want to make ammends for the cages you put on others by your meager existance, if you truly want to stop everything, and, for one moment, sacrifice yourself for these rats and fish -- then end your life.

Every life here is a burden to another. To survive you need to eat, which (vegitarian or not!) destroys another life. To survive you live in a house, which invariably was made by other lives, and kicked a family of fox or squirrel to the curb. For man to survive we cage and kill.

If we want to make ammends, the best thing to do would be curl up and let yourself slip fully from this plane of existance. But even then," he added carefully, "you'll never have truly escaped from the cage, and society will care little for the death of a girl. The soul sacrifice for our sins. It will mean nothing."


Shanuh shrugged his shoulders, giving little care of the words he just spoke. He believed them, of course, it wasn't just lip service to an inquisitive child. But -- Shanuh was in no position to sell death -- at least not this way.

He had a job to do, that was his cage, and he had to finish the task before he was returned. He missed the old terranius he used to live, the old life he used to enjoy. But, change was change, and that was the way of things.

Until things changed again, Shanuh was here to stay, an there was little to be done about the past.

~~

Aura could barely stifle the shiver that ran down her spine as she listened to Shanuh speak about death in an almost candid manner. The way that the violet-haired male had spoken about the subject... it was almost as though he knew death itself on a personal level. Of course the adolescent had absolutely no idea how close to the truth her intuition had been. Then again, who was she to judge another person's beliefs with the past that she herself possessed?

Tearing her gaze from Shanuh's own, Aura blinked a few times in silence, her expression unreadable for the moment. There was another Aura in the past. A young soul embittered by an event that fate had carelessly tossed her way. She would probably have become too lost within her despair, if not for the efforts of both her maternal grandparents who had not once given up on her.

Although quite a number of years had already passed since that incident, Aura had to admit that she was surprised by the ease with which she was still able to recall that particular memory today in this petshop. The memory of her parents' deaths. That hadn't happened for quite awhile and she would have thought that she had already put it behind her somewhat. Apparently that hadn't been the case.

Like these animals around her, she too was trapped in a cage, the only difference being her failure to recognize it prior to this conversation. Aura grinned lightly to herself at her own conclusion.

Was ignorance truly blissful then..?

"You're right. There're cages all around us, some tangible whereas others are not quite so."

Turning her head to regard the scenery outside of the Birdcage, it then struck Aura the amount of time that had passed since her arrival at the petshop. Time seemed to slow down considerably here. Yet, Aura felt as though she could stay here forever. Never in her entire life had she been so engaged in a conversation that she felt compelled to learn more on her own accord. It was almost like a deadly attraction in itself.

Well, it was probably a good thing that she had the entire day to herself, even if it was ironic that she would be talking about sins and death on her 14th birthday.

"I'll pay for my sins some day with my life. Perhaps today, or maybe a couple years down the road, and hopefully my sacrifice will mean something then..."

~~

Shanuh looked down at the girl, watching her with his intent, dual-tone eyes. She was an amusing little thing, for all her brightness and sparkles. Though a shadow did lurk within her, a dark void which every human possessed. She wasn't any different from all the others whom entered her shop. Oh no.

She was just like them all. No one was truly unique -- at least not when it came to humanity. Oh no. They were nothing but replica's of each other -- an entire species with little variance or light.

Copies.
Mirrored images.

Even their stories, their thoughts, their ideas; nothing was truly unique or creative. But that was merely the way of things. The universe and fates were lazy creatures. They didn't have enough creative energy to create a completely unique world, oh no. Instead, they gave up and stamped out copies of creation, labeling it with a word called "genetics" and "science" and "biology".

It was just the way of things, allegedly.

But Shanuh knew the truth.

Looking down at Aura, the man couldn't help but grin. "I wouldn't put too much faith on your words, girl," he started calmly. "If you were truly ready to pay for your sins, and truly desired such a path, you'd have asked me for a knife instead of hiding behind your cowardly words. Your sacrifice won't mean anything to anyone with that sort of attitude. You'll just be another obituary in the local papers, the ones people skip over and think little of."

~~

There was a shadow behind Aura's eyes when she focused her gaze upon Shanuh's figure once again, the sparkle that had been reflected within them awhile ago now seemingly diminished as though a veil had been pulled over them.

Death. She had seriously contemplated that for a few months following the incident that involved her parents. Morbid thoughts for a child, that's what the psychiatrists might say, but she didn't really care. Not at that point. What did they understand about her loss then?

"I wouldn't claim to be a saint or a martyr even though that's what I seem to be intent on doing..."

The young female began, the faintest of smiles now curving her lips in a display of her amusement at Shanuh's keen observation.

"I'm human, mister. Perhaps a cowardly and much more flawed individual as you've already suggested in fact, but I'm still learning..."

Her ties with her grandparents. That was one of the few things that still kept her going in life at the moment. Coupled with her zeal for life that Granny had taught her of course, Aura recalled inwardly with much fondness. It scared her at times to even try to fathom what might become of her should she lose them one day.

Both of them were old, already in their mid to late 70s, and they appeared pretty frail to her at times. Aura had to admit that that was certainly an inevitable event with time. People age and die. It was the natural course of things as she had always known it. Perhaps this was something that she would only know for sure when that time comes.

"Pardon me for asking you this sir, but if your convictions with regards to all these is so strong, why is it that you're still here..?"

Aura posed her question tentatively, her head raising a little such that her gaze was now somewhat level with Shanuh's own. The shadow that had been lurking behind her eyes earlier was now gone however, replaced by a genuine curiosity as well as a tinge of fear that she might have gone overboard with the question that she had just verbalised.

~~

Shanuh looked down at the girl when she posed her question. The gleam in his two-toned eyes seemed to sparkle dangerously. The smile that had been placed upon his plumb-stained lips seemed to go strained, changed from smile into a feral, bitter smirk. "Why do I linger, you ask? Why do I not follow my own advice?"

Oh, the answers he could give her. There were many he could make up, decieve her with, but Shanuh wasn't going to play such a game. That was Nikel's department, most of the time. Still, it was all a matter of speaking properly. What could he tell her?

"Who's to say I haven't tried? Who's to say, girl, that death doesn't love me, as much as it does you? Who's to say, child, that these animals aren't waiting to die, for me to kill them, to feed them? Do you know the inner workings of this shop?

"Could it be nothing more than a facade? What are in these back rooms? What if I told you death?

"Oh, the things your mind can't possibly imagine." Reaching up, he lifted his wrist and pushed back the bracelets, wrist bands, and fishnet. "Look here, if you will." There were scars, each deep and obvious. Razor wounds which wouldn't ever heal. "Don't think I haven't tried!" His voice was soft, but the inflection was laced with the heat of irritation, the gentlest of hisses.

Oh, how he'd tried. What, years ago, he would have given to have his conciousness taken away. To be what he used to be, which was nothing.

Existance terrified Shanuh, secretly. This life which had been forced upon him, this destiny, wasn't something he'd ever asked for. Without conciousness, he never knew the life he didn't have. With it, everything suddenly became tragic.

"If you want to know the truth of my meager existance, then follow me, child and face your own destiny. The tangled webs we weave interlace and help guide us to our final destination. Follow me, if you dare, and find the truth for yourself."

Turning his back to the girl, his sharpness lighting, his heals clicked coldly against the linoleum floor. Puposefully he strode to the back of the shop, little caring whether the female followed or not.

~~

In an almost trance-like state, Aura listened closely to Shanuh as he revealed part of the inner workings of the shop as well as his frustration, her eyes unblinking the entire time as though she was a mannequin in a fashion boutique. That feeling was back again. The feeling that time ran on an entirely different set of rules in this place.

It was only when Shanuh had turned his back to herself and began his purposeful stride towards the back of the shop that Aura finally blinked, her body seemingly coming back to life once again. The images of the scars of varying ages that she had just bore witness to were still fresh and vivid in her mind. Certainly not something that she would be forgetting any time soon.

Yet, it struck the young teen's mind at that moment that she hadn't felt the least bit fearful despite the repeated mention of death in most of her conversations with the violet-haired male thus far. Instead, what she felt at the moment was a sadness that seemed to permeate her in its entirety.

Aura felt sorry for Shanuh. Sorry for the vexing frustration that he had to suffer as a result of his repeated failures in becoming one with death once again. It was almost like death was a privelege that someone belonging to a higher power was depriving the store manager of the Birdcage of. Or rather, that was the impression that she was getting from what she had been told thus far.

Looking at the rapidly disappearing form of Shanuh into the back of the shop, Aura found herself following meekly after his lead without so much as pausing to think or even bat an eyelid. There was a part of her deep down that knew that Shanuh wouldn't appreciate her feeling sorry for him the slightest bit at all.

In fact, most of her other peers might have just shrugged their shoulders and high-tailed out of here after telling themselves to put all these behind of them. Aura wasn't like them in any way though. She was curious. Like a moth drawn to a flame.

A deadly flame that might consume her within its entirety eventually...

~~

Shanuh wasn't terribly upset. Well, his feathers had been ruffled a little, but that was merely the way of things. He commended the attitude of the girl; much older and wiser than her young age suggested. Still, she had much to learn, and learn it fast she would.

He'd let them be the judge, and see if her little spirit was worthy. Was it strong enough to handle what the future and fate might bring? Was it strong enough to become something more than it already was? Or would it be fragile, weak, and break? Would it deteriorate when she learned the knowledge which Shanuh knew?

Well, it didn't matter, either way.

Some of them weren't frightfully picky or full of standards.

Opening the door to the familiar stairwell, he tromped up the stairs, his heals clicking in that ever familiar way. The wind whistled within the tiny stairwell, the drafts dancing around Shanuh, tinkering with his loose hair and jewelry.

It was refreshing, really. It helped calm his agitated soul.

Throwing open the door to the roof of the shop, he turned to Aura. "Look out before you, girl, at all the hungry faces. See what truly suffers in society. See the ones nobody thinks of. What are you willing to offer them, girl? What are you willing to sacrifice?"

And indeed it was quite a display. Birds of every shape, colour and size were perched upon the top of the building. Ocean birds, raptors, ducks, geese, song birds covered the top of the roof. Their beady eyes stared hungrily at Aura ((I hope you don't mind my assumption that she followed him up?)), little wistful squeaks, chitters, and the ruffling of feathers.

They stared at her, demanding. Waiting.

And boy did they look hungry.

~~

Casting her gaze at all the birds that were perched atop the Birdcage, Aura almost let loose a gasp in awe of the grand sight that had been laid out before herself.

This congregation of birds. It was beyond any doubt a phenomenon within itself. It was almost like all of them had been summoned by something, or perhaps someone. It made Aura wonder offhandedly if Shanuh had a direct role in this. It had to be. Afterall, the store manager of the petshop was the one who had brought her up here in the first place.

Now looking at each of the feathered creatures in turn, Aura felt a chill run down her spine when she recognized the look reflected within their beady eyes. They were appraising her, putting her to a test to see if she was worthy of something. Something that she had no idea of.

Prompted by Shanuh's words, the blond adolescent willed herself inwardly to try to see things the way that he was imploring her to, a slight glimmer of understanding flashing within her emerald orbs almost immediately when she realized what he meant. All that had been exchanged between Shanuh and herself prior to this hadn't been for naught.

With time, Man had come to take for granted some of the lives belonging to the creatures that existed alongside him. No matter what the occasion was, Man only had eyes for the ones who performed in an outstanding manner. It could be the hummingbird for its size as well as lightning fast speed. Maybe the peacock for its unparalleled beauty.

Nobody paid much attention to the 'ordinary' bird singing its song up in the tree. Not even if it was singing its heart out and giving the best performance that it had ever known throughout its entire existence.

Slipping her hands into her own pockets, Aura frowned a little to herself at the gross paucity of things that she could offer these birds at the moment. She didn't even have any seeds on her that she could give so as to help satiate their hunger and no, the crisp dollar bills that Granny had passed her this morning wouldn't do either. Not unless she used them to purchase some seeds from Shanuh who was currently waiting not too far from herself, presumeably to witness for himself what would happen next.

Aura had a feeling that it wasn't mere physical hunger that these birds needed to satisfy though. It was something more. Stretching her right arm out towards the birds in a offering of sorts, Aura smiled sheepishly at Shanuh as she volunteered her reply.

"I'll offer them my companionship and soul. Give them the recognition that they deserve for the efforts that they've put in, appreciate them and help them shine. These are what I'll offer at the very least... till the day I cease to exist..."

~~

Shanuh watched as she offered her arm. He wanted to call her foolish, but it mattered little. She'd find out soon enough. Let the girl do what she would - they'd see with due time what would happen.

A robin chirruped inquisitively at Aura, it's beady eyes focusing upon her arm. A fellow thrush hopped forwards a few feet, curiously approaching Aura and her "offering". Another chirrup.

A fluttering of feathers as a pale grey and white gull took to the air, circling the girl closely. He was so close his feathers could be felt against her skin. Another bird circled Aura, this one a bright blue and white; a jay, its black eyes focused only on Aura.

It landed upon her wrist, fluffing its feathers in pride. Clucking softly, it hopped closer to the girl, before leaning forward and . . . . . . . . . pecking her skin. Its little beak was sharp and this particular jay was hungry.

Voracious was perhaps a better word. And it wasn't the only one.

A little titmouse suddenly landed on her shoulder, pecking at her ear; the little robin was at her shoe, pecking at the fabric of her shoes, trying to get a taste.
Each creature moved forward, their eyes only on Aura -- but not for companionship. Not really.

They all wanted a taste. Something to eat.

They were hungry.

And Aura was looking mighty tasty.

Shanuh gave a little snort. "Do you think companionship will get them through the winter? Do you think your friendship will feed their empty bellies? Can't you feel them starving? Can't you feel their pain!?"

~~

Aura winced a little when she felt the birds' beaks pecking her body at various spots. It hurt and she was pretty sure that some of them had been successful in breaking the skin as well.

Still, the young female stood steadfast where she was, not daring to retract her position lest she incurred the wrath of the birds which were all homing down on her at the moment. She didn't think that they would like that. A lot.

So this was it? Was this the death that Shanuh had been talking about and trying to show her all along? Was she going to die?

Aura wouldn't be too concerned about that last part if not for 1 thing though. Her grandparents. They would be sad and Aura would never forgive herself if anything along that line happened as a result of something befalling her.

Turning her head towards Shanuh's direction, Aura tilted her head slightly before addressing the store manager of the Birdcage in a soft yet pristine voice.

"Yes... I can feel their pain and hunger, but I have nothing on me except for myself to offer them at the moment. That is unless you have some seeds to spare or that I can buy for them to feast upon, mister..."

~~

Shanuh watched with vague disinterest as the girl "sacrificed" herself to the Birds. Part of hims was amused to find her so willing to meet her end in such a mannor. To be eaten alive by a flock of starving Birds. The violet haired shopkeeper wouldn't be surprised at all if she was indeed devoured, peck by peck, beak by beak.

It wouldn't be a fast death, but it would be an end nonetheless.

It enetertained him even more under the knowledge that the Birds themselves really weren't starving. But they certainly put up a decent front.

Well, no one was going to miss a little girl.

No one at all.

"I have seed, but I fear I haven't enough to feed every creature who resides upon my rooftop. What then? Do I play favorite and give it all away only to have them come back to find me empty handed? Do I spread my attention thin and give many a little? Or am I more particular, and feed a small handful a lot?"

He looked out over the flock of birds, both circling Aura and his shop. "It's never enough."

A feathered parrot landed on Aura's head, reaching down to pick and peck at her hair. A larger raptor screeched before diving down, its sharp talons reaching for her arm.

Slowly but surely, the creatures started picking more of Aura apart. A beak here, a talon there -- and the feathers were everywhere!

It would be her death. But she only brought it upon herself. If she couldn't protect her own life, then how would she protect one of ---


Wait.

The little bird chirruped loudly, almost desperately. No no no no no no. It was his! Yes, oh yes, it was! They had to go away, they had to stop! She couldn't be eaten, not now. There was too much life to live to be eaten.

Chittering loudly with agitation, a few birds paused in their "feasting" to look over. A few looked irritated, while even more looked a smidge guilty.

Shanuh couldn't help but smirk.

So Aura would survive this meeting afterall. Now, who was it. . . .? His eyes searched for the flitting source.

Ah-ha!

A little bird circled Aura protectively, crying out in reprimand at the other Birds. It was a black and brightly orange stained bird. About 9inches in length, it had a black face and beak, with black wings and tail feathers. Exotic orange feathers covered the rest of its body, striping its wings, while it cried out for Aura's attention.

Landing neatily upon her shoulder, the little creature fussed and made a scene until the parrot - still upon her head - backed off. The crowd of Birds seemed upset, almost annoyed by the distraction, but there was nothing they could do.

They wouldn't get another bite. Not today.

Suddenly, there was a sound of beating wings and feathers; a large cry from the crowd of animals, and the wrld became nothing but a flurry of activity. Their colours seemed to smear into one as the massive gathering took flight, each going their seperate ways from the lonely petshop roof.

It had been finished.

Aura couldn't sacrfice herself to the entire flock, but she could sacrifice herself to one little oriole.

~~

Aura felt her heart sink the moment Shanuh declared that there would never be enough seed to go around even if her intentions were well-meaning in the first place. He had a point there, but it was already too late. There was no way that she could possibly survive this even if she were to back out now.

With her closed eyes, the adolescent female steeled herself inwardly, waiting for her final moment to come so that she would know nothing more of the pain that wrecked her lithe form with every unrelenting peck the birds rendered to her body through their sharp beaks.

What she was waiting for never came though. Instead, a bright chirping sound coming in rapid succession from a lone little bird halted all who were in the midst of their 'feasting'. That of course led to a stop in the physical punishment as well. Following the chittering sound the way she would likewise for a light in an otherwise pitch black tunnel, Aura turned her head slowly towards the creature that had just saved her from impending doom before opening her eyes.

An Altamira Oriole.

Aura smiled at the bird, her smile widening even more at the sight of the bird cocking its head to the side as though it was chatising her lightly for the near-death stunt that she had pulled awhile ago.

"Don't you dare try that again! Have you any idea how close I was to losing you had I intervened a second later back then..?!"

That was what the little fella seemed to be trying to convey to her with that look in its eyes. Aura chuckled softly. If this Altamira Oriole were to decide to stick by her side from now on, she would repay her gratitude to him as best as she could.

There would be no cages involved though. He was free to go wherever he wished. There was no need for yet another individual to be caged when this world already had enough as it is.

"He's special, isn't he..? Not like any of the other Altamira Orioles out there..."

Her question came next, this time directed at Shanuh even though her eyes were still focused on the lithe form perched proudly upon her right shoulder as though it was announcing to the whole world that she was its prize. If only Aura had any idea as to how true that really is...

~~

Shanuh watched as both girl and bird studied each other. It was their first meeting, and would in no ways be their last. Aura was to be the new companion of not just a bird, oh no, but something greater. Something that had existed as soon as the first star was born, as the first ounce of energy learned of existance.

Amazing how blind Aura was, and could be. She was right though. The creature wasn't just a plain, terrain bird. "You're right. He is indeed special, and he'll be with you until the end." Shanuh casually explained, not at all surprised by such an event. "He can fend for himself, for the most part, so cages and seed are optional. I can only hope you'll take care of him. He expect you to, you know, and it would be a pity for you fail."

Shanuh didn't truly think Aura would be the negligent type, but he had to be cautious anyway. Just because a Bird thought they'd make a perfect companion didn't mean that it was necessarily the truth. Some of the greatest spirits in the world could become abusive or negligent - one just had to look at the Gods for prime examples.

Looking between both bird and girl, Shanuh offered the smallest of smiles. At least they seemed happy. Lucky them. Happiness was but a fleeting moment, and was hardly worth the disappointment which always seemed to follow.  

[money_money_swag]

Dear Diary,

Lemme see... it's been 3 days since I visited that petshop on my 14th birthday. What was its name again? Oh ya... the Birdcage. Believe it or not, that was my very first time in a petshop and I didn't leave the place empty-handed.

At first glance, the Birdcage seemed like any ordinary petshop. It is only when you've stepped foot into it that you might notice the difference. It just feels... different. I can't really come up with an appropriate description for what I felt back then at the moment though, so we'll just have to settle for that vade term for now.

I had a rather engaging conversation with the store manager of the Birdcage. His name is Shanuh. He doesn't seem to be from around these parts from the way he was attired though. Anyway, we talked about a lot of things. Mainly death. I don't think I've ever given as much thought over a conversation throughout my entire life. Not that I think that it's a bad thing, but I just thought that I'll note it down before I forget.

So to make a long tale short (I'd better get back to bed soon, lest Granny realizes that I'm up and scribbling in my diary during the wee hours of the morning), I'm now the proud owner of an altamira oriole.

I haven't really given this little guy a name yet. I'm pretty sure I'll come up with something as soon as the inspiration hits me. He has been a really wonderful companion ever since Day 1, following me almost everywhere I go and learning about whatever had caught his attention. I believe that he could probably name every single object in my room after having spent the past few days here with me.

I just hope that it won't be long till I can finally leave the house on my own. Granny said that I might be able to do that tomorrow, but you know how overprotective both Grandpa and herself can be at times. Especially with the way I had turned up at our doorstep with cuts and bruises almost everywhere on my body (on my birthday of all days).

Of course I can't jolly well tell them that those weren't made by my peers but rather by birds. Come to think of it, I haven't paid Shanuh anything in exchange for the little guy.

Hmm... I wonder if I should ask him about it the next time I see him.


~~ Aura ~~  

[money_money_swag]

A Glimpse of the Truth Behind Everything

"... Ow..."

Aura mumbled sleepily as green eyes the colour of oak leaves in mid-summer blinked once then another time at the stinging sensation left behind by the gentle pecking that she had just received on her left ear just a moment ago. Straightening her form a little, the young adolescent turned her head to the left slowly, her gaze almost immediately focusing on the culprit in question that was currently perched on her left shoulder.

"Okie okie... I'm up already..."

Aura hurriedly asserted herself upon noticing the look that the little altamira oriole was giving her. From a few painful past experiences, that usually meant that another peck was going to head her way. Soon. Apparently satisfied with her response, the bird took to the air with a few beats of its wings, its body cutting through the air with ease until it finally arrived at its intended destination atop an abandoned motorcycle.

Aura knew what that meant. Her feathered companion usually bossed her around like this only when it needed her attention so that she could teach it about things that it had never seen before. Other times it would be content leaving her to do her own things while it explored the nearby area for new things to learn about.

The young blond smiled sheepishly to herself at the memory. It had been nearly a week since she had first met the creature at the Birdcage on her 14th birthday and the both of them had hardly left each other's sides since then, with one following closely behind the other wherever she/it went. Of course her grandparents had been shocked to find the many cuts and bruises that covered almost every inch of her body upon her return that fateful day. Thank goodness they hadn't pressed her for an explanation with regards to them and had instead taken to fussing over her, making sure that she stayed indoors over the next 2 or so days till most of the injuries had healed somewhat.

Needless to say, Aura was more than happy to leave things as that. It made for a far less complicated situation, especially since both her grandparents had recently taken a liking to the oriole who had been making its presence in the house known in a very indiscreet manner.

"That's a motorcycle. It runs on petrol and we use that as a means of travelling around especially when we need to go out of town..."

Aura volunteered the information to the bird which went on next to busy itself by tapping its beak upon the various metal parts of the rust-covered vehicle, seemingly amused by the different sounds that emanated from it as a result of its actions. Turning her attention towards the object that had been lying on her lap, Aura sighed softly at the sight of the line that ran diagonally across the picture of the lake that she had been sketching just prior to her dozing off from the afternoon heat.

Even though it was something that required nothing more than a good eraser to fix, the damage was already done. She probably would have to start over but that was something that would have to be left for another day.

Maybe tomorrow if the good weather still persisted.

~~

It was his day off. In a way, in a sense. Nikel was busy fussing with the shop and Shanuh was all but kicked out of the building. Even on his days off, he tended to linger around the familiar environment. Where else was he to go? It wasn't as if he actually had a house or home.

Sure, he knew the man named JoJo. Nothing but a slice of Fate, just as he were nothing more than a slice of death. But he didn't live anywhere. Not really. His home was the Birdcage, and its animals were the only life he'd ever known.

Getting out wasn't something he often did. In fact, it was safe to say Shanuh had very little chance for a life. Unlike Nikel, who seemed to take it by the horns, Shanuh was more subtle.

Life came to him, but only for one purpose, one reason, and that was to die.

There was little reason to tinker with the details which life provided.

A dark red trenchcoat was wrapped around his thin, long-legged figure. He stood out amongst the green of the surrounding trees and grass, the sunshine sparkling down upon him like an angel come to earth. He wasn't an angel - in fact, he was far removed from any sort of celestial being.

He just was.

Stepping through the park, he listened to the familiar sounds of nature. Funny. He heard things people didn't notice; the dying breeze, the energy of the wind fading, fading, fading to nothing. The spray of water vapor within the air, and how it rose and disappated into nothing. More energy wasted. The scream of a rabbit, somewhere, being eaten alive by a red-tailed hawk. The quiet death which ran through the veins of the trees, the whisper and crackling of grass beneath his feet. Death was everywhere, slowly chipping away at the species.

A park, for him, wasn't a place of peace - it was like everything else around him: dying. Losing the fight. Losing life.

Even the sun, in all its golden rays of energy and heat, was nothing but a dying machine. It would collapse upon itself someday soon, and that would be that.

Shanuh headed down to the lake, certain of who would be there. He heard him, felt his presence, his aura, heard his singing. Would he be alone? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

A little smile suddenly tugged upon his lips as he noticed Aura. Well, so they were both present. How ironic and fateful. Well, he wouldn't be rude and ignore them, he'd at least stop and say hello.

"Afternoon," he quietly purred, walking slowly torwards the girl. "I do hope you both are fairing well?" He was genuinely concern and interested. He knew the little oriole personally, and knew exactly what would happen within the near-distant future.

A sad fate, but then, happiness was nothing but sadness restrained.

~~

As Shanuh's lone figure gradually neared the lake, the altamira oriole paused in the midst of what it was doing, its orange head turning from side to side so as to survey its surroundings before it launched itself into the air once again. A couple of chirrups plus flaps of its wings later, the little bird finally found what it was looking for, circling the purple-haired male once then another time before landing gracefully upon his right shoulder, its apparent joy at seeing him almost overflowing from its lithe form.

Alerted by the excited chittering sounds that was coming from her new companion as well as the greeting that had been extended by Shanuh himself, the young female known as Aura turned to face the owner of the Birdcage, a warm smile already on her face even before she had set her eyes upon Shanuh.

Indeed, very little had changed with regards to the male who was standing in front of her right now, short of the dark red trenchcoat that was wrapped around him. Not that she was expecting any though, given the short amount of time that had passed since their previous meeting. In fact, now that she looked at it, the colour of the trenchcoat almost appeared as though it had been drenched in blood. Make that lots of it.

"Good afternoon. Lovely day to be out for a walk, isn't it..?"

Aura offered softly as she set her drawing materials aside and at a safe distance from the lake water. It would be quite awhile till her next visit to the local art materials shop that she frequented and she had every intention to stick to that schedule as far as possible.

"Oh yes... he's such a little ball of energy and curiosity that it's a little hard to keep up with him at times, but I still try my best..."

Came the young adolescent's response which was soon accompanied by a little chuckle as well as a few high-pitched chirps from the oriole almost as if it was trying to refute what she had just said about it. It was easily obvious that both human and bird were enjoying the other's presence immensely and that had inevitably led to the formation of the bond that now existed between them. A bond that would hopefully tide them through the times that were to come in the future.

"He seems pretty happy to see you mister. Something akin to seeing an old friend in fact. How did you come to know each other by the way..?"

~~

Shanuh's expression changed little as the little orange and black feathered creature greeted him, landing upon his shoulders in friendship. Still, his piercing gaze, typically reminiscent of razors and barbed wire, softened. Even if he never admitted it, he was rather partial to those he watched over. Though they would forget him with time, and though he left little mark upon their souls, he still cared for them. They weren't his, but they were what he was supposed to guard until the fateful ending.

Until they returned to dust and the death they came from.

Gently, he reached a hand up, his long painted talons ever so carefully scritching underneath the oriole's chin. Deep down, he was minutely pleased to be remember, and so faithfully greeted.

That wouldn't be the case with every Bird, he was sure. And, with time, even his influence over the Birds would fade. Though they never were his to begin with, they now would never be his any longer.

His gaze drifted off the little perched oriole, and over to his chosen companion. Aura, for all her young age, had much to learn. Some would say it was a pity that she'd gotten involved with Shanuh and the shop. The outcome was certainly an unpleasant one - but - he felt no pity or sadness for her. He had none to spare.

Age was irrelevant to him. She had a brain, as all did, and strangely enough she gave the appearance that she actually used the organ. It was amazing how blind and stupid the world was. Oh, Aura had much to learn, but life would happen fast now that it was destined to be over.

"It is a lovely day, isn't it?" He responded, his voice almost questioning. He glanced around, as if only now noticing the glaring sun and the sparkling, crystal water. Shanuh rarely noticed such things. There was no need for him to bother.

His life was over before he even bothered to begin living. As his eyes drifted back upon Aura, so did the recollection of trees, sunshine, and overall loveliness. It wasn't important enough to remember.

At the girls next series of questions, Shanuh glanced from the little creature upon his shoulder, back to Aura. He seemed thoughtful, but it only lasted a moment; a brief rememberence, a brief history of the story between the oriole and himself.

"I was there when he, and the others, were born." Such a fateful day. How long ago had then been? Days? Years? Centuries? Shanuh could hardly remember. There was no time when death was reborn. "I was there when they all got their first taste of life."

He'd also be there to see them die. To watch each fade back into what it would soon become.

A gatekeeper, so to speak. He guarded the living into death. In a way, a Charon reborn.

~~

The slight change in Shanuh's gaze hadn't gone unnoticed by the orange and black creature on his shoulder. The oriole tilted his head to the side in response to the scratching that was being administered to his chin, his eyes now watching Shanuh curiously before a song eventually erupted from his throat. A soft and almost mournful song that seemed to carry forth the message that he understood what the store manager of the Birdcage was thinking and that it too was something that was shared by him as well.

Although it might not look like it, the altamira oriole hadn't once forgotten about his identity as a guardian of death this entire time. Not now when most of his memories were still intact. He was just one of those who chose to embrace the life that had finally been bestowed upon them. Blissfully unaware of the price that he or his beloved companion would have to pay at a later date.

But that time was not now though. Now, he would soar through the skies and enjoy whatever fate tossed his direction while he was in his bird form. The birds of prey that resided in this region weren't so stupid as to provoke a being such as him. They might not understand what he was, but they could sense that he was different and they knew better to steer clear of his path.

Gathering her drawing materials in her arms, Aura pushed herself off the ground, her head bobbing up and down a few times to acknowledge Shanuh's words. They? Was he referring to the other birds that she had seen on the rooftop the other day? If so, how could it be remotely possible?

"If you want to know the truth of my meager existance, then follow me, child and face your own destiny."

That was the line that she had clearly remembered him saying before all those strange things happened. Birds of all kind gathering on the rooftop of a mere petshop. Herself being attacked in unison as though the birds all shared a similar goal. Saved by a little altamira oriole which couldn't possibly stand a chance had the remaining birds all decided to turn upon it. Yet, they had all chose to rest their case in the end.

If that all wasn't queer, Aura didn't know what would qualify instead. It was like she was being shown bits of a puzzle and then left on her own to figure things out for herself.

"Who are you really, mister? And why is it that he understands everything that I've said..?"

~~

Shanuh listened to the oriole's song, inwardly sympathizing with the creature. Such a sad song for a bright coloured bird. It wasn't fitting, not really. The little bird need not sing such mournful songs - not for him, Aura, or anyone.

He was too bright and colourful for such songs. He needn't sympathize with fate by singing such a song.


Giving the orange and black feathered creature a final scratch underneath the chin, he focused fully on Aura, studying the girl. She looked healthy enough. Normal. If one didn't know any better she one could assume she was a normal little junior high student. She had a bright future in tack, and her entire life to keep living.

For shame that that wasn't the case. Would people cry at her funeral? Would people miss her? Part of Shanuh wondered what that would be like, to be missed.

Did it feel like the yearning he had to be ignorantly unaware and uncreated? Back when emotions didn't have labels and he didn't know of life, or the terror in the knowledge that his life didn't mean a damn thing.

Perhaps. Perhaps.

It was something to mull about later.

Ignorance was bliss and Aura, right now, was stll dumb as a bowl of cooling porridge.

"I'm Shanuh," he explained, years of eternal patience heard within his velvet voice. "Who I am matters little, to met at least. Upon each person they see me as someone else, someone different. Truly, I can't answer that question faithfully, so I won't answer at all."

Riddles, riddles, riddles. A flash of the whole picture before it's taken away; snatched back into darkness and question before the eye could truly focus. Shanuh spoke through a careful tongue. It was up to her to figure things out, not be hand fed it like a child.

"As for the oriole," He tilted his head, giving her a surprised look. "Can you truly not appreciate keen intelligence? Dogs understand their masters. But," he looked fondly at the little bird, "You've already found out that this isn't just a meager dog."

There was little praise in his voice. Anyone with a sense of intelligence could figure out the birds weren't normal. But was she quick enough to piece together anything else?

Shanuh doubted it.

She wouldn't be asking if she had.

~~

As Shanuh's mismatched gaze met that of the altamira oriole's, the brightly coloured bird gave a delighted chirp to indicate his agreement with what he had said before launching himself into the air. A few beats of his wings were all it took for him to reach Aura's side.

Landing gently on her shoulder much like what he had done earlier with Shanuh, he announced his presence with a few chirrups after which he immediately broke out into yet another song. An uplifting one this time round.

Don't worry... take all the time you need to figure things out. I'll be here with you...

The oriole tried to convey the message through his song. He knew that there was absolutely no way that Aura could hear the actual words he spoke. All he had were his songs, and so he poured his entire heart into it, knowing that it would reach her eventually should she listen closely enough.

Aura smiled. It was evident enough that the store manager of the Birdcage knew what was going on. He just wasn't going to hand her the information on a silver platter, but that didn't matter. It was always a good thing to try to figure things out on one's own. Goodness knows that her brain needed a workout on something other than schoolwork for once.

Taking a deep breath, Aura turned her head towards where the oriole was perched, her smile widening ever so slightly at the look that he was directing her way. Yes... she wasn't alone in this. In fact, this little guy wouldn't let her and somehow that knowledge alone was enough to create a little fuzz deep within her chest. Something that she thought she had lost ever since the death of her parents. Guess this little oriole was here to prove her wrong.

"Could it be nothing more than a facade? What are in these back rooms? What if I told you death?"

What if all those talks about death hadn't been part of an idle chit-chatting? Aura found herself wondering then at the memory. The young adolescent might not have known Shanuh on a personal basis, but she had a feeling that he was the kind who would leave one with just enough clues to figure out what they needed to know.

Maybe the truth had really been right under her nose all along...

"All those talks about death the other day... those birds, the petshop and yourself... They all have something to do with death, don't they..?"

~~

Shanuh looked down at the girl, watching the cogs in her brain turn as she started putting two and two together. That's right, girl, think. Use that brain you were blessed with. The stupidity of humans hurt Shanuh more than he cared to admit.

He couldn't be any more perceptive than the next, and yet they still managed to miss everything unless it was shoved down their throat and hand-fed. Aura had potential, though, and look at that! She actually started to realize the truth!

Well, almost. Maybe. Or perhaps not at all. Looking down at the girl, almost disappointed that she chose to question her own line of thoughts, he tilted his head. "Death? Hmmm." His gaze was sharp like ice. "What do you think?"

It seemed that was all he said to these people! Encouraging them to listen to their spirits, to hear the whispers of their souls. She was on the right track, but there was still many a void. "You had a near-death experience, ironically enough, as fate would have it, on my roof." He gave a little snort, shaking his head to clear his thoughts of that bitter sweet experience. She would've made a tasty treat to some of his dears - as it was, it hadn't turned out a complete loss. She might not have died then, but she'd die yet, with the Oriole in tow. "What do you think, a man like me, could possibly have to do with death? Or the shop?"

Shanuh was partially curious - what did she think was going on? Clueless as she'd be, he still wanted to know what her mind might make up or discover. How imaginative was she? What did Aura truly believe?

~~

The female adolescent known as Aura blinked once at Shanuh's response to her earlier proposition. There he went again, replying in kind with yet another question posed to herself. That feeling that she had gotten the second that flock of birds had set their eyes upon her at the rooftop the other day was now back. The feeling of being appraised.

The altamira oriole had also fallen silent for the moment, the last note of his song carried away by the gentle breeze that wafted through the park as beady yet soulful eyes were now focused intently upon his companion. He too was curious with regards to Aura'a thought process. Would Aura be able to figure things out for herself given what she had already learnt thus far? Or was she destined to join the ranks of the ignorant ultimately?

Blissfully unaware of the expectations that rested upon her, Aura smiled wistfully to herself, a thoughtful expression crossing her face as she began to ponder over what she knew thus far based on the content of the conversations that Shanuh and she had had ever since their initial encounter in the Birdcage.

"Truthfully speaking, you've always come across to me as someone who meant what he said. Someone who would rather be dead than caught talking about something that is of little significance. You speak in riddles at times, but that makes me pause to think about things that I've never considered before. I like that..."

Aura began tentatively, her voice crystal clear yet quivering ever so slightly as emerald orbs observed how Shanuh was taking what she had said so far. It was at that moment when images of the scars that he had shown her back in the petshop flashed through her mind. Healed flesh that spoke of his frustration that death was being denied to someone such as him.

There was no doubt in Aura's mind that the purple-haired male standing before her would die if he wanted to. He had the resolve and he had desired such a premature end to his existence. It was like something was just preventing him from achieving what he so wanted.

"You told me that... you've tried taking your own life in the past. You even showed me those scars. It's like... some force is stopping death from staking its claim on you although that's not what you really want till this present day."

Biting on her lower lip a little, Aura's expression was grave as she tried to put everything together. There had to be something to tie in Shanuh, the birds, the Birdcage as well as death. Glancing over at Shanuh at that moment suddenly gave her an idea. It was kinda a wild thought in itself, but something within her seemed to be goading her on about it.

"You... you are some sort of messenger for death, aren't you? And these birds are available at your whim and fancy so that you could carry out whatever task you have been assigned while using the shop as your base of operations. You even tried to kill me that day... right?"

She had been on the verge of referring to Shanuh as a birdman there, but she had decided against it in the end. Aura didn't think that the manager of the Birdcage would appreciate being called that even if her harebrain of an idea turned out to be right.

There was still the part about the little oriole following her around that she had yet to explain though. That was something that still stumped her at this point...

~~

Shanuh waited patiently, his dual hued gaze searching the girl. What did she think? What went on behind those eyes of hers? The wheels of her mind churned as she seemed to contemplate everything that had happened to her.

Shanuh was curious to see what she'd come up with, curious to see where her imagination took her. Was this fantasy or reality and could the girl distinguish between the two? He'd find out.

As she finally spoke her words, the violet haired man's head tilted gently to the side. A messenger of Death? Control the Birds? "I tried to kill you?" He repeated, his eyes widening ever so slightly at the very idea. The emotion ran from surprise to good humor and sweet delight. This was far too rich! "Well, girl, I wouldn't say I tried to kill you. Who do you think I am again? A messenger of death?" His snort seemed to say 'no way! wrong wrong wrong!" but which part was he refuting? He was a messenger - in a twisted way. That term seemed so old fashioned and Biblical.

Shanuh, in reality, was a mirroed echo of death. He had one purpose and one purpose a lone - to help guard the Guardians. Her oriole was the real messenger, the real reaper. But, the more she questioned, the more she'd find out and the shopkeep commended her efforts.

"If I remember correctly, Aura, the birds attacked you on their own whim. I merely watched life (and potential death) happen."

~~

As Aura listened to Shanuh comment about what she had hypothesized, she turned her head a little, only to find that the altamira oriole had focused his gaze entirely upon herself. Could it be that he understood perfectly everything that she had just said?

The golden-haired girl knew that animals could potentially be intelligent. But to this extent? If she didn't know better, Aura might even mistake her companion for another human being in fact.

The young female mused inwardly to herself as she pondered over Shanuh's words yet again. He seemed to be suggesting that these birds had a mind of their own. That they had attacked her on that fateful day only because they themselves had wished it. Was that remotely possible? The young adolescent thought to herself before tossing that thought almost immediately aside.

What if that was possible?

There certainly wasn't anything that had happened thus far to rule anything along that line out. Except maybe her own thinking as to whether it was possible or not. Then again, quite a number of the things that were associated with the brightly coloured avian, Shanuh as well as the petshop that she had visited were anything but the reality as she had always known. Anything was possible.

"You mean... that your roles are actually reversed? As in that you're just a guardian for all these birds, whereas they're the true messengers for death..?"

The excited chirupping that erupted forth from the oriole atop her shoulder seemed to be his way of telling her that she was right. Still, Aura thought that it would probably be better if she waited for some form of confirmation on Shanuh's part. He would know better, wouldn't he?

"If so, how did he manage to stop all his brothers... or friends... that day at the rooftop..?"

~~

Shanuh reached foward, pulling tight the jacket around him, a sudden shiver dancing down his spine. For all the sunshine, Shanuh was chilled. It might have to do with his fake pulse, with his lack of true life, but nobody but him knew about that. Strange what the Fates allowed him to feel, and how there was no reason for any of it.

No logic.

Some days he craved food - others day not. Some days he felt cold, other days hot. Some days he felt nothing at all - not pain or temperature - nothing but a husk. Funny how life came in bits and flashes and temporary events. Despite being alive until all his charges were returned to Death, his living didn't begin until people noticed him, picked him out of the crowd.

Life was funny that way - but it made sense. How could a person truly prove they weren't alone, and the people and environments they knew existed (WHEN AROUND) didn't disappear the minute they lost sight of them? No one could prove a sound was made if a tree fell in an empty forest. The same concept applied to Shanuh, if a smidge different.

Existance wasn't a tangible idea when it came to the violet haired one.

His eyes never left Aura's, holding her gaze evently as his attention burned into her soul. Sometimes it looked as if he could hear her every thought, read her very spirit. Who was to say he couldn't?

Shanuh gave a quick nod as the girl finally started putting two and two together. The oriole's song was agreement enough. "The birds - your Oriole included - are like lamposts, holding stars of the fallen. They have, and soon will, bring death upon everyone. You and I included."

He spoke about these things as if it wasn't a foreign concept. To Shanuh, it truly wasn't. "As for your second question," he murred, dropping his gaze to look boredly at his painted fingernails, "you answered it yourself. Why couldn't he stop his kin to from eating you? He chose you, girl. Would you want your grandparents or friends destroying the items you hold dear?"

Shanuh spared the girl a second glance, peering first at her, and then at the little oriole. At least he picked one with a resemblance of intelligence. They'd do well together. Shanuh could already tell.

~~

A smile found its way onto Aura's face at the quick nod that Shanuh had directed at her, her joy at what she had just learnt apparent to all who were present. Most people might have flinched or tried to deny what they would eventually have to face had they been in her shoes at the moment, but not this girl.

Death wasn't scary. It was a natural process and end to life in its eventuality, and Aura would embrace it when it was her time to go. Perhaps the only instance in which she would fight her destiny was if her grandparents were still around by then.

Aura wouldn't want anyone to grieve at her funeral and both her Granny as well as her Grandpa were about the only ones whom she could think of would do that. It was the least that she could do in return for the kindness and love that they had showered upon her over the years. Aura would never forget that.

At least she wouldn't have lived in vain if she could make a difference to the lives of her loved ones and that of this little oriole. The number didn't matter though. It was how she managed to go about it and Aura meant to do that to the fullest of her abilities till her time was up.

"I see... that makes sense. May I ask you then as to what role am I supposed to play since I was supposedly... chosen... by this little one..?"

Aura inquired Shanuh next as she directed a level gaze in his direction. If she was going to do a good job at what she was going to set herself out to do, she might as well learn everything about it now lest she realized the mistakes she had made much later on. Of course she would ask her companion if she could instead of troubling the store manager of the Birdcage, but she wouldn't be able to understand anything even if the former tried to tell her through his songs.

That was an unfortunate limitation, given his current state at the present moment.

Mimicking his companion's action, the altamira oriole turned his gaze towards Shanuh's direction as well, an almost smug look reflected within his eyes at what Aura had managed to figure out on her own after some prompting on Shanuh's part.

With a couple of high-pitched chittering, he next told the guardian of the ways in which the young female had gone to tend to his needs, his joy almost paralleling Aura's own at this point in time. He could only hope within his little heart that his other brothers/sisters had managed to find similar qualities within their own companions as well.

If not... well, he most certainly wasn't going to give Aura up. He would fight tooth and nail to keep her if he had to.

~~

Shanuh studied both the girl and boy. She seemed joyous. JOYOUS by the fact that she'd found out that things weren't how they seemed. Didn't death frighten her? Well - no - he'd learnt that a few days ago. It was still a bit strange. Humans were supposed to treasure life and cherish - not many went willingly down into the brink of destruction.

But, more power to her, if that was how she truly felt.

Shanuh didn't believe her smiles were genuine. She'd be singing a different story when her life was suddenly at stake and finished. Both her and the oriole would.

"That, my girl, you'll have to find out for yourself. Only time will tell what your destiny ordains," he explained calmly, reaching up to brush a few loose strands of hair from his pale face.

Wrapping his arms tighter about him, he buried himself deeper into his trenchcoat. "If you'll excuse me, but I have things to attend." Nodding politely to both the oriole and the girl, he decided to take his leave.

Too many questions weren't healthy and he couldn't answer her latest one. Every companions role was different - though the outcomes were mostly one in the same. Still, depending how she raised and treated the little altamira oriole, who knew what could happen?

Life was funny, as was Fate. They had a sadistic yearning to disrupted even the best laid-out plans. It was too early to tell what would become of the girl, but if he had any say in the matter, she'd be dead.

Soon enough.

With enough tender love and care, perhaps the little oriole would grant her a sweet, painless death.  

[money_money_swag]

Dear Diary,

Oh. My. God.

You wouldn't believe what I'm about to tell you. Really. Remember the altamira oriole I mentioned previously?

Well, he un... died? Transformed?

I really have no idea what I can call this but he's not a bird anymore. That's for sure. He's not exactly an ordinary kid either since none of the kids I've come across in my entire life possess wings such as his.

That was coincidentally how I recognized him eventually too. Those were the exact same wings that my little feathered companion possessed in fact. I would recognize them anywhere, although it was kinda embarassing that I almost thought that Telarus (yupz... that's his name!) was some sick kid who decided that killing my altamira oriole was fun.

I still haven't gotten round to apologize to him for that though. Some fine start that I'm off to in becoming his friend ya?

Hmm... I wonder what I should tell Granny and Grandpa so that they can let him stay though. It's not every other day that some kid pops up at your doorstep and subsequently stays in your house on a long term basis if you know what I mean...


~~ Aura ~~