Finally it was over and Emory had completed the task handed to him, it wasn't how Emory had planned for it to play out but in the end it worked out and no one was harmed.
Emory made his way to the restroom to clean up his crimson stained hands before going back to Athena, it was a standard restroom but it was well maintained and surprisingly neat in comparisonto other public bathrooms. As Emory washed the blood off his hands, his rage began subsiding and his mind wandered away, thinking about what would have happened if he had not made it in time to save the mother and child and if that last minute ability hadn't come through.
"Every time I come face to face with these creatures, I seem to be reminded of the severity of things at hand. I am not yet strong enough, I need more training if I want to be able to protect anyone" Emory muttered to himself whilst staring at the mirror
After a while Emory left the restroom and made his way back to Athena at the entrance of "The big drop".
"Hey, sorry for leaving so suddenly. The ride definitely didn't take it easy on the stomach" Emory said while he clutched his torso as he approached Athena, pretending to have an upset stomach
"No worries, the big drop is known for having that effect on people. I remember the first time I rode it too, I was puking for a while and also…." Athena said and as usual soon began to ramble on.
As the evening descended, casting long shadows across the park, it signaled the time for the two to bid farewell and head home. Amidst their leisurely stroll, their conversation meandered through topics ranging from school to their time at the park.
Emory, curious about how Athena was able to find him in the huge park, it couldn't have been a chance encounter in the park, could it? inquired, "I'm curious about how you were able to find me at the park, it's a big park you know"
With a gentle smile, she replied, "You mean when you went to 'take care of something'? I don't know, I just simply followed a feeling."
"Really?" Emory asked
"Yeah I'm being truthful, I don't lie. I don't like liars so i make sure not to lie myself" she said, pouting as she looked up at Emory
"Okay, I believe you 'Psychic' "Emory joked
As they neared the park's exit, Emory turned to bid Athena farewell, ready to end the day and part ways. However, before he could take another step, Athena's voice called out to him, halting his departure.
"Em, aren't you interested in seeing the collection anymore?" she asked, a hint of disappointment evident in her tone.
A pang of realization hit Emory as he remembered that their initial destination was not the park itself but Athena's home to see the collection and possibly get information about angels "Oh, right! I completely forgot about that," he exclaimed, feeling sheepish. "Of course, let's go then" Athena nodded, and together they veered towards the sidewalk.
Athena hailed a cab, and as they settled into the backseat, she instructed the driver, "To Saint Hills, please." Emory's mind whirled with curiosity. Saint Hills? Wasn't that the enclave reserved for the elite, the domain of the affluent and influential? Was Athena really that loaded?
The cab journey took a while as Saint Hills was quite the distance from where the park was, but they soon arrived at an imposing gate that marked the entrance to Saint Hills. They passed by beautiful houses and mansions that Emory had only ever seen in books and TV shows.
Athena leaned forward, directing the driver to stop as they approached another gate, this one had some words professionally welded that spelt 'Sinclair Villa'
"We'll walk from here," she informed him before turning to Emory with a reassuring smile. "It's just a short stroll." With a mixture of awe and apprehension, Emory followed her lead, his curiosity piqued by the luxurious surroundings that lay beyond the gate.
As Athena approached the gate, Emory couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur before him. "There's no way" he muttered to himself, disbelief coloring his thoughts. Could this really be Athena's residence? With a mixture of skepticism and awe, he watched as she confidently spoke into the intercom. A moment later, with a gentle buzz, the gate began to glide open, revealing a massive and beautiful mansion.
Athena turned back, her expression carefree and inviting, gesturing for Emory to follow. "Come on, Emory," she called, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "This way." With hesitant steps, Emory crossed the threshold.
The mansion stood proudly at the end of a sweeping driveway, flanked by perfectly manicured gardens bursting with vibrant blooms. The facade of the mansion exuded elegance, with its stately columns, intricate stone carvings, and towering windows adorned with delicate curtains. A symphony of light danced across the facade, courtesy of the setting sun, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch out to welcome guests.
"I should have asked her for double…no triple" Emory muttered to himself.
After a leisurely stroll through the ornate corridors, Emory and Athena arrived at the grand entrance of the mansion, where they were met by a butler. "Welcome home, Miss Athena," the butler greeted with a nod, his gaze lingering suspiciously on Emory. "Bringing a friend home is quite... rare," he remarked, his tone tinged with curiosity. Athena waved off his remark dismissively and took hold of Emory's arm, leading him further into the sprawling estate.
As they wandered past the family portraits adorning the walls, Emory couldn't help but notice not one but two familiar faces recurring in the frames. Turning to Athena, he asked, "What was your last name again?" With a carefree look in her eyes, she replied, "Sinclair." Realization dawned on Emory as he connected the dots – Athena was the daughter of the mayor!
Their journey through the mansion led them to a massive, imposing door. Emory marveled at its weight, wondering how it could be opened. To his surprise, Athena simply pressed a button, and the door began to slowly swing inward.
With a giggle of excitement, Athena glanced at Emory before pulling him along as they entered the room, revealing a room adorned with rich mahogany shelves that stretched from floor to ceiling, a mesmerizing collection unfolded. Books of all shapes and sizes stood proudly, their spines a mosaic of colors, while others lay open, revealing snippets of knowledge within their pages. The air was heavy with the scent of aged paper and lavender.
Among the literary collection, an array of trinkets and artifacts found their place. A polished telescope stood sentinel, its lenses gleaming in the ambient light. Unknown maps adorned the walls, while globes spun gently on their axes. Emory walked up to a map "Map of Nocturna(lightless city)" He mouthed as he read the map title.
"This is quite the collection your parents have Athena, I don't know what I was expecting but I definitely wasn't expecting this" Emory said as he glanced around the room.
"Here," Athena said, her finger pointing towards a towering tome amidst the collection. "That's what you're looking for if you want to read about angels."
Emory reached for the book, his fingers grazing the worn leather cover. "Thank you, Athena," he murmured, captivated by the book
Emory delved into the text with enthusiasm, Athena watched with a smile, knowing she had sparked his curiosity, she felt proud "You can take it home with you," she offered, her voice warm and encouraging. "Just make sure to keep it in good shape and return it when you're done."
A soft flicker of excitement danced in Emory's eyes as he nodded "I will, I promise," he vowed,
Athena smiled "And remember," she added, a playful glint in her eye, "you must be the one to directly return it. I'll be waiting for your next visit." With a shared understanding, Emory tucked the book under his arm
As Emory prepared to take his leave, a familiar voice echoed through the room, causing him to freeze in his tracks. Turning, he found himself face to face with Brian. A surge of uncertainty rippled through Emory's mind – why was he here? Was Brian a friend, or perhaps something more?
Brian's expression soured as he directed his gaze towards Emory. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his tone laced with suspicion.
Before Emory could formulate a response, Athena stepped in, her voice calm and composed. "Emory is my friend," she interjected, her words carrying a note of assurance. "I can bring my friends over. My parents are cool with it."
Brian's frown deepened as his eyes darted towards the book Emory held in his hands. "Are mom and dad cool with that too?" he quipped, a hint of skepticism coloring his tone.
Athena met Brian's gaze squarely, her confidence unwavering. "Of course they are," she replied, her voice unwavering. "Emory is welcome here anytime."
Athena says she'll talk to them when they return and its none of his business.
Athena gently tugged Emory towards the front door, their steps quickened, and Emory found himself locking eyes with Brian as they passed. There was a silent exchange between them, a tension lingering in the air, before Athena's voice broke the moment.
"Don't mind my brother," Athena said softly, her tone tinged with a hint of apology. "We might be twins, but we're nothing alike."
Emory's eyebrows raised in surprise at this revelation, but he chose to keep his thoughts to himself, offering a small nod instead.
Athena summoned a driver, and arranged for Emory's ride home. As they stood on the doorstep, preparing to part ways "Bye, and Thanks for the book I'll make sure to return it safely" Emory said as he walked towards the black SUV parked in front of the entrance.
"I had fun today, and I know you did too big boy. We should do it again" Athena said smiling as she pulled Emory into a hug before darting back inside, leaving Emory confused at her sudden action.
As Emory stepped into his home, the fatigue of the day weighed heavily upon him. He glanced over to find his mother, asleep on the couch, her form cocooned in the warmth of a blanket. With a tender smile, he quietly approached, draping another blanket over her before heading to his own room.
Collapsing onto his bed, Emory felt the weight of exhaustion settle over him like a heavy cloak. Despite the day's trials, a sense of contentment washed over him, the memory of his time with Athena bringing a soft smile to his lips.
Gradually, the weariness of the day caught up with him, and with a contented sigh, Emory drifted into a slumber.
In the depths of his slumber, Emory found himself engulfed in a whirlwind of disturbing images. Flames licked at the edges of his vision, casting an ominous glow across scenes of devastation and chaos. A mangled scoreboard loomed before him, its digits stark against the backdrop of destruction: 92-87, Home-Away.
Amidst the discordant mixture of wails, cries, and screams, a towering figure materialized in the sky above. Its form was colossal, inhuman, with wings spanning the horizon and a dark yet radiant halo encircling its head. As Emory gazed up in awe and terror, the figure spoke, its voice echoing with a chilling resonance.
"I am a god," it declared, its words dripping with disdain. "What could you possibly have imagined to accomplish by going against me?"
The mocking tone sent shivers down Emory's spine, in the midst of his nightmare, a sense of helplessness washed over him, leaving him trembling in the presence of a power unlike anything he had encountered yet.
Emory jolted awake from his bed, drenched in cold sweat, screaming without a sound escaping his mouth.