Sarah's Shadow
^{A Story}
Chapter 12 - Changes
by Saless
 

Erica was looking more and more frantic, trying to calm the hysterical Sarah, and Tiffany wasn't feeling much better. But then Jill and Mike came charging in and tried to help. Sarah shied away from them, too, but Vash was able to get close enough to comfort her. Once she was finally calmed she fell asleep cuddling Vash and Mike put her on her bed. Tiffany curiously followed the others into the living room and was horrified to learn that Sarah's mother had tried to strangle her!

That's it! Now I remember why what Sarah said yesterday was familiar! That's the same way someone at the orphanage talked about their family, and I found out later that they'd been abused by their parents! Tiffany thought. I wonder what else her mother did, and if her father was involved or not? I wish I could talk to her right now, but even if she were awake she wouldn't be happy to see me.

Tiffany was horrified at the change in both Sarah and Erica. She didn't know a lot about Erica, but the way she was acting was totally out of character. Not that she blamed her, she felt like crying, too, knowing what Sarah had been carrying around with her all these years. I guess all the stress with the portals, her change, and everything else must have broken it loose. she thought.

Tiffany remembered the time and was torn between a desire to stay and somehow help Sarah, or go to work. Reluctantly, she decided there wasn't anything she could do at this point, and went to work after a hurried trip home to change. Wait a minute, I didn't bring my throwing knives with me to work yesterday! How did I have one at hand this morning?! Tiffany thought on her way to work. Soon she was too busy to worry about it, though she still thought of Sarah often.

At lunch Tina made a comment that broke Tiffany out of her introspection. "Hey Tiffany, where did you get your hair done?! That's awesome!" she said.

Not knowing what she was talking about, Tiffany said, "A friend did it." and hurried to the bathroom to see for herself. She was shocked to find that the tips of her hair had turned white, and gradually darkened through many shades of gray until reaching the black part at the roots. It was such a perfect shading from white to black that Tiffany doubted anyone could have made her hair look like that. What's happening to me? she thought.

Now even more distracted, Tiffany went through her day in a daze and wondered if she'd made a mistake coming to work at all. As soon as she finished she hurried over to Sarah's apartment, hoping to find Sarah in better shape then when she'd left. There was no one in sight when she got there, so she let herself in. After checking the kitchen she checked Sarah's bedroom. The door was closed, but she could hear snoring on the other side. She debated what to do for a moment before quietly opening the door and slipping inside. Whew, they're both asleep! But why are they sleeping now? That doesn't sound encouraging. Tiffany thought. She settled down in the shadows to wait.

Tiffany, are you here? Vash sent.

Tiffany started in surprise and debated answering him. Then she remembered her hair and thought it might be a good idea to talk to Vash for more than one reason. Yes, I'm here. How are they? she thought back.

Not well. I assume you overheard enough to know what upset Sarah? Vash asked.

Yes. I can't believe her mother would treat her like that! It almost makes me glad I never knew mine. Tiffany replied.

You're an orphan? I didn't realize. Anyway, we tried sending the image Erica got from Sarah's mind when this started back to her and Sarah passed out. Erica's been very upset and they've both slept through most of the day. Vash said.

What is that supposed to accomplish? Tiffany asked.

Sarah repressed the memory before, and is doing it again. We're hoping to get through to her and get her to face it rather than hide from it. Jill will paint the image and hopefully seeing it will make it too real for Sarah to ignore. Vash replied.

Is there anything I can do? Tiffany asked.

I think revealing yourself now would add unnecessary stress to the situation, as much as I would like you to. The best thing you can do is keep an eye on her when she goes back to work. We're afraid she might try to hurt herself. Vash replied.

Of course! But isn't there anything else I can do? Tiffany said.

I don't think so. Vash said.

Vash? How much do you know about Shadowkin? Tiffany asked hesitantly.

I know that they show up every now and then. Nobody knows why one person is a Shadowkin and not another. It's not hereditary, that much is clear. Their powers are shadow based and mostly revolve around stealth. They tend to be curious and secretive. Why? Vash said.

My hair is changing color. There were just black roots yesterday, but now it's white at the tips and darkens to black at the roots. And I used to have a tan, but now my skin is rather pale. Is that normal? Tiffany said.

I have heard something about physical changes in Shadowkin when their abilities manifest. I don't believe the changes are very substantial, mostly superficial. I don't know exactly what form these changes take, though. What you're experiencing is probably normal. I do know that human Shadowkin are still human in appearance, so the changes shouldn't be that extensive. Vash replied.

Tiffany sighed in relief, she'd begun to fear that she was going to turn into some kind of monster! Thanks Vash. I could do without being quite so distinctive, but I guess it could be worse. Maybe I should go now, if there's nothing I can do here. she thought.

That would probably be best, Mike is calling for me to bring Sarah and Erica for dinner at his apartment. Vash said.

Okay, I'll see you later then. Tiffany said, and slipped out before Vash woke Sarah or Erica. Before long she was back in her own apartment and eating her own dinner. After catching up with some housework she'd neglected since she started following Sarah around she got ready for bed. Before slipping on her nightgown she stood in front of her mirror to see what changes there had been. Her skin was nearly porcelain white now, and of course there was her distinctive hair. At the roots it was the darkest black, blending together into a solid mass that reflected no light (or nearly none). At the tips it was snow white. The length of it was like a rainbow, only in black and white, shading gradually from snow white to darkest black. Despite the oddity of it, Tiffany found herself liking it.

She took one last look after throwing her nightgown on and noticed that her eyes had changed color! Purple?! My eyes are purple?! I hope nobody notices that, it's bound to get more attention than I want! Tiffany thought, before climbing into bed. Her mind was too full with everything that was happening, so she read a book to get her mind off of it. Eventually she was able to get to sleep.

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