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Description
The tattoo parlor was not the most appealing place in the city; it was dirty and falling apart, yet the artist came highly recommended for his talent. He was a gruff man with long mangy facial hair and a repulsive odor. Despite his rough appearance, his touch was soft and gentle.

Piercing her skin repeatedly, the needle painted a masterpiece on her translucent skin. She closed her eyes, trying to block the dull pain in her arm; her feathered wings shivered. The words 'it will be worth it' were swirling in her head. This was something she had never thought she would ever do. Through no real choice of her own, she was pushed out of her comfort zone and into a new life. This was a choice for her new life. A reminder for what she had been through to get to this point.

“Hang in there,” Jackson squeezed her hand.

Pale blue eyes met his, and she tried to smile. She was still wondering about her decision, but it was far too late to back out now. Glancing at her arm, she watched the picture come to life; a rose, a black rose, to symbolize her sacrifice for a Utopia – a perfect world. Forcibly removed from her home, she now had to live her life here, figuratively alone. Her wings trembled once more. A stray tear fell down her cheek and Jackson's hand wiped it away.

“You are not alone,” he assured, knowing her thoughts.

She nodded, trying to believe his words. It had been a long road to this point, but she was here and had Jackson by her side.

* * * * *

“You were specifically told to not intervene!” Archangel Lisatel bellowed.

“I don't care!” Riley voiced back.

“Our creed...” he began.

“...is no longer viable for today's times,” she exclaimed, interrupting the Archangel.

“It is there for a reason, Riley.” Lisatel spread his wings to their full span. “And you have failed to obey!”

She tried to lunge at him, but hands reached out and held her fast. Instead, she growled, making sure he was aware of her intense disapproval. Her pale blue eyes were ablaze with a passion to defend not only herself, but those she swore to help and protect.

“You can't do this!” She screamed.

“Riley, it is time you learn your place, and it is not here,” Lisatel turned his back to her. “We are done. You are henceforth banished to the world of man.”

“No! NO! NOOOOOOO!”

* * * * *

The bed creaked as she trembled from the cold. Though she had blankets, they failed to provide the warmth she needed. The room was small and dimly lit by a single lamp and a very small window. A few feathers littered the floor from her trying to get used to her surroundings. The lady at the desk had given her a strange look, but offered her shelter for the night; one night only. Sleep would not find her here.

Morning took its time coming around. At first light, she put the room back together and snuck out. It was as if she had never been there; just as it should be. She felt so out of place with her wings out in full view. It was as if she was asking for ridicule, or so she thought. With having no idea where she was, there was no telling who, or what, she would encounter. Somehow, she had to figure out her banishment; where she was.

Crossing her arms over her chest and swallowing her fear, she started walking; no idea where she was going to end up. After a couple of hours roaming around, she found herself in what appeared to be a park. People were milling about, having conversations, and laughing occasionally. She watched; they were all so happy. There was a time she had been happy – creating Utopia.

“Excuse me...but what is this place called? Everyone is just so happy!” She asked an older lady on her way past.

“Oh, darling. You are in Utopia, of course!” The older lady replied, giving her a bit of a concerned look but continued on her way.

They put her on Utopia. A place all could feel safe, no matter what. Now, realization of how alone she actually was began to sink in. This was the world she had helped create, and yet she was a complete stranger now, without any where to go. To everyone, she was just another random refugee. An outcast in an all inclusive world, but she at least looked the part.

* * * * *

“Almost done,” the gruff man announced.

Riley took a peek at the picture being painted on her arm; the mark of rebellion. To her, it was the ultimate 'Fuck You' to the realm of Heaven, her motherland. The black rose was nearly completely colored in, and she was suddenly anxious to see the finished product. She knew this rose meant she could never return home. Utopia was her home now, and that was never going to change.

She cast a glance at Jackson. He was staring at his feet, but his hands still cradled hers. A smile tugged at her lips as she watched him for those few moments. So calm; serene. He had been her rock ever since they had met. Why he had been drawn to her when he had been, she would never truly know, but he was here by her side – forever.

“Whatcha looking at?” Jackson winked.

“Enjoying the view,” Riley blushed.

“And done,” the gruff man said, wiping her arm.

“You did fantastic, darling,” Jackson grinned, placing a kiss on her lips. “And it looks amazing.”

She took a peek, and the was right; it looked amazing. Everything she had hoped for, and the perfect representation of who she was, today. Carefully, he helped her from the chair. Together, they left pleased with their purchase.

“What now?” Riley asked, holding his arm.

“Let's travel! All of Utopia!” He exclaimed.

“That's a lot!” She giggled.

“But we will be together, so worth it.” He smiled, and kissed her once more. “You need to experience this world from eyes of a Utopian, seeing as you essentially created it.”

* * * * *

Curled up on the park bench, her wings did little to hold out the chill. She shivered uncontrollably. Voices spoke in hushed tones, while eyes tried to avoid feeling any sympathy, as they walked past; a deplorable spectacle. It had been several days since she had arrived and the pain was beginning to grow; feeling emotions and physical sensations she had never felt before. Hunger, a nagging pain in her stomach, kept her in the fetal position most of the time.

“Hey! Hey! Wake up!” A voice whispered, shaking her shoulder.

“Hm?” She groaned. “Leave me alone.”

“Are you hungry? You have been on this bench for several days now,” his voice was soothing.

With everything she had experienced thus far, she felt this voice was the most trustworthy. Lowering her wings from her face, she peeked to find a young man with an intense look of concern. She closed her eyes, trying to block out the hunger pangs, but they would not longer fade as she held her breath. Reluctantly, she allowed him to take her hand and bring her to a sitting position, wary of her wings.

“Here, I came prepared,” the man said, offering a sandwich.

“...thanks,” she mouthed before taking a hesitant, yet massive, bite.

“There you go,” he smiled, resting a hand on her shoulder.

He watched her eat, and it was slightly unnerving. Ignoring him the best she could, the sandwich disappeared quickly. As she ate, the hunger was gradually sated, and the pain eased.

“Now that you have eaten, what's your name?” He asked in a low voice.

“Riley,” she swallowed, not knowing what to expect from this man.

“And where are you originally from, Riley? I am guessing it isn't Utopia,” he smiled while trying to wipe the concern that was still in his features.

“The Realm of Heaven,” she sighed deeply, feeling an overwhelming sensation of depression wash over her heart.

He looked at her with a shocked expression. Angels from Heaven were not allowed in Utopia, by their own decree, so no one had ever seen one before...until now. She shrank away from his response, not knowing what to do. Then again, she never knew how someone would act when they met her for the first time. She was unknown in a perfect world, or near perfect, subject to people as a whole.

“Well, Riley. It is very nice to meet you,” he smiled, offering his hand in greeting. “The name is Jackson.”

She stared at his hand, confused at the gesture.

“You shake it,” he said, catching onto her confusion.

Taking the cue, she reached out her own hand and shook the one offered.

“Nice to meet you too,” she replied with a slight pause.

“Come, let's get you to some place warm.”

He wrapped his coat about her as best he could with her wings, then showed her the way to his 'home'. It wasn't too far from their current location, so the walk was an easy one. Humble in appearance, she found his home welcoming. It was unconventional, but in Utopia, everything was that way. The colors were mismatched with a variety of different textures.

Once they were inside, he offered her the couch and then disappeared into the kitchen. While he was out of sight, she took the time to look at her surroundings. It was simple, but very inviting to an outsiders perspective. Perhaps this was what he did; rescue the helpless from the streets. She felt relieved that he had found her when he did, not knowing if she would've lasted much longer on her own. This world was not what she was used to, thus a very dangerous place her to be alone and uneducated in its ways.

“Here ya go. Some hot tea,” he said upon re-entering her field of view.

“Thank you,” she took the mug with small hands, trying to not shake so much as to spill the hot liquid.

“Let me help you,” he reached out and placed his hands around hers to steady the trembling cup.

Pale blue eyes met his, feeling the warmth coming from them in his compassion. There was something about him that she found herself being drawn to, and it was surprising; not something she expected to happen with a human, no less. It was the little things about his words and actions, that warmed her heart and soul.

* * * * *

“Hurry up, Jackson!” She hollered, running away from him as fast as she could, making use of the open area in the park.

It had been several months now, and she had not left his side since the day they had met, by his choice. He was mesmerized by her, and not just because of what she was or where she was from. There was strong connection between the two of them he could not deny, and he ran with it. It was about a month when it came to its peak; the chemistry was undeniable, and he had admitted to falling in love with her.

She had been shocked, but not frightened by the prospect. Having enjoyed his company during that time, it felt natural to return the feelings that had grown within her as well.

“Come on! You're not even trying!” She laughed, coming to a halt to allow him to catch up.

Suddenly, he put forth a burst of speed and caught up with her, wrapping his arms around her as she laughed.

“I love your smile,” he planted a kiss on her forehead. “It makes my day.”

“Love you too,” she pushed away from him as best she could, but he held her fast.

“I have an idea,” he proposed out of the blue. “Let's celebrate us, and your freedom.”
“Huh?” She gave him a quizzical look.

“Pick something, anything, that makes you think of your freedom and us,” he insisted.

“A rose; a black rose,” she paused before her reply.

“Oh?”

“I am an outcast from my homeland; the black. And a rose, for us,” she said, smiling.

“Excellent! Come on, let's go get it,” he said, taking her hand and leading her away.

“Get what?” She asked.

“Your first tattoo!”