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12:24 AM

Pearl

"Just close your eyes. Remember to breathe deeply, and to separate your emotions from theirs. Don't let the darkness overwhelm you, Kel."

Pearl's green eyes flickered down to the young boy before him. The child was curled up on a dirty coat, the humid air clinging to everything. This part of town was ... unsavory. Even in the modern world there were slums in every city. It was the only place where Pearl's features weren't the only thing that made him stand out. His healing abilities were the most useful to those who were homeless, cold, and sick.

Kel. How long had it been since he'd heard that name? Kelebor. That was once his name.

The tall male ran a hand through his silver hair, letting out a muted sigh. Perhaps his use of power was starting to wear on him. A spike of fear entered his mind as Pearl rested a hand on the youth before him. He felt the boy's emotions clearly as a pale glow drifted about him. Luckily his clothing hid most of the markings as they lit up with a soft light.

Pearl pulled his hand away from the boy as he coughed, shuddering before calling for his mother. The woman's worried voice followed, and she offered a tense smile to Pearl as he watched them reunite. She had seen him before. Many people in the "slums" had seen him more times than they'd care to count. He wasn't sure what else to call that part of the city. It was a low-income neighborhood full of lingering homeless folk and always smelled of trash and cigarettes.

Green eyes moved to the next street as Pearl moved on. His heart was racing in fear; he knew it was the lingering effects from the boy he'd healed. That always happened - his empathy was frustrating to deal with.

Pearl slipped his hands into his pockets and started walking. He left the lower end of the city and headed toward the busier streets. If he didn't, his anxiety would become more obvious. How else did one stop their mind from coming to frightening conclusions based on fear? There was no one for him to talk to. The only thing Pearl could do was move.

The sounds and smells of modern businesses entered his awareness. He'd grown ... accustomed to the busyness that was the city streets. Pearl ignored the glances he received. If anything, people thought he was a bit freakish. His markings didn't stand out unless they were struck by light, and his hair color was considered an odd fashion statement. Luckily his loose black pants and white shirt were easily overlooked. The leather coat he wore was another oddity, but not strange enough to draw long stares.

Pearl stepped into one of the less crowded shops that lined the street. Calm your heart, Kel.

Kel. Diamond had called him by his true name once upon a time. It was so long ago. As always, when he thought of the other Guardians his mind began to spiral into curiosity. Were they alive? Were any of the others free, or was he the only one? What if he was the last?

Taking a seat in a corner booth of the cafe, Pearl let his elbows rest on the table. Clasping his hands before him, he huffed out a breath and closed his eyes. The fear would fade as long as he continued to listen to the murmur of the cafe staff and their steady stream of customers. Ignore thoughts of the others. It only results in useless worry.

Pearl's green eyes slowly lifted to watch the cars drive by. Letting his mind drift, the Guardian let his pulse slow at long last. Perhaps one day he'd learn what happened to the others.