"I was just messing with you, brother," Riley admitted.
He passed me a cheeky smile, gesturing for me to duck my head as we entered a weird-looking place.
I know I was supposed to be suspicious at this point. But I somehow trusted Fifi's reaction and waited for her to try and stop me.
When she didn't and kept sulking, I had to satisfy my curiosity and allowed Riley to tag me along for a 'drink.'
Somehow, I was having a mental debate about whether he just used the term to catch my attention or if the imposing building we had just entered had a secret door where the party was held.
I noticed a symbol of a triangle hanging upside down on its front. But there was no name, and yes, the kid was rich.
We flew in his automobile.
I had to hide my awe at everything, not wanting to have Riley add another thing he could make fun of. The thought alone made me feel embarrassed.
I was able to see half of Harrith: the part where I had often heard about and saw photos of a few people sharing their experiences in Sociogram.
The pictures never tell all.
With each tall building present, a variety of lights lit them up from the outside. Automobiles flew in the sky and followed the traffic symbols and lights meant for the flying machines.
Buses and trains were available for those who couldn't afford them.
The entire Harrith seemed to be alive. Night has already fallen, and several noises could be heard.
Mostly, there was music from buildings that promised dancing, drinks, and even men and women. It was an all-out party.
A few sounds came from passing buses, automobiles, and trains.
The train was a connecting line with elongated boxes for people traveling across places. The tickets weren't cheap, I'll tell you.
So it goes without saying for people to be sure of making the most out of going to Harrith.
In line with that thought, I still can't believe I live here.
Riley tapped me on the shoulders. He probably sensed my unease.
"Relax, Exo. Believe me," he paused and gave me his signature smirk. "I have your best interest at heart."
I doubt it was the truth. But to keep the peace between us, I'm buying it for now.
"What is this place?"
Riley led me to an elevator.
The lobby we just crossed was empty, allowing one to question if it was safe for the two of us to be entering such a place.
"You'll see."
I looked at Fifi, waiting for her to say something. She was currently hovering between Riley and me.
I'd like to believe she was having a serious chat with her brother, Rex.
I couldn't tell anything just by staring since her lips didn't move when she talked. And she had her arms folded over her chest.
I turned to Riley to entertain myself and knew I had to start a conversation before the whole ride inside the metal box would become awkward.
"How long had you been here, really?"
"Not long. But at least longer than you had been."
I felt relieved that he had finally answered me seriously instead of trying to laugh his way out of giving me an honest response.
"Could you be more specific?"
Riley took a deep breath. He looked at our reflection against the metal doors.
"I saw you fighting a Cypher at the school's entrance."
There was a pause.
"Let's just say you beat me to it. And judging from what I had seen, you look new. So I figured you were fresh out from almost entering Nirvana."
Briefly recalling the silhouette I glimpsed before entering the campus, I pursed my lips.
"So you met this Nichen dude?"
Riley nodded.
"Did he also mention being chosen as Nirvana's favorite?"
"I think they gave us the same speech."
"Us?"
Riley nodded.
"You'll see."
Somehow, I suddenly had a strange feeling that what was about to happen next wasn't to my liking. However, with Fifi still busy catching up with her brother, I trust it would be nothing serious.
At least no physical fight.
I don't think I was capable of fighting anyway. Unless that was part of this evolving thing, maybe I could use Fifi to help me land a powerful punch or kick and not die.
But if it could be helped, I prefer no violence.
The next remaining minutes almost felt torturous if not for my thoughts wandering around, tossing with the questions left unasked and unanswered.
Fifi was still hovering close to me. I noticed that the frown on her face had disappeared. If anything, she looked a lot calmer.
That should be good news.
And I can finally relax a little. We were away from immediate harm.
Or are we?
I still couldn't read what Riley had in mind. He looked confident, relaxed, and had no care in the world.
If I could, I would have infiltrated his head to figure out what he was thinking right now and where he was taking me.
I should have reconsidered his invitation.
But I guess he had me hooked at the mention of knowing someone else like us. I didn't realize how lonely living this life felt until I met Riley.
I had no idea who Exo was; the only clear scenario for me was that Exo was a student and lived with his mother.
Where was the father in the picture?
Since dying again was not an option, I wanted to learn everything regarding my kind—those who had been given the spiel about being Nirvana's favorite.
What did that entail?
I have a different description in my head. So, I'm eager to know whether it corresponds with reality or not.
Plus, having someone to talk with my feelings about the matter made accepting that simple invitation even more appealing.
The elevator alerted us with a ding.
Fifi jumped up and down, surprising me with another batch of her excited squeals.
[Fifi is home!]