Noah's voice dripped with disappointment and anger. "So, you're like an AI created to cover for Lilith's slack, huh?"
The monotonous voice hesitated, its usual neutrality wavering. Then, with a hint of digital unease, it confirmed Noah's statement.'Affirmative... Your assessment of my Creator's motivation is... Accurate'
Noah's frustration boiled over. "She probably forgot to assign my system until just now! How can she be so cavalier with something so important?"
The voice swiftly responded, its tone unwavering. 'Negative, Noah. I have no information regarding the assignment of your system or Lilith's handling of this matter.'
Noah's face reddened with rage. 'You're just trying to shield Lilith from accountability, aren't you?' he accused, his voice trembling with indignation.
The voice fell silent, its sudden stillness only fueling Noah's suspicion. But exhausted from the fruitless exchange, he chose to drop the issue, his frustration simmering just below the surface.
Noah clicked his tongue and resumed his walk, oblivious to the stares from passersby who had witnessed his heated exchange with thin air. His outburst had drawn unwanted attention, but lost in thought, he remained unaware.
Noah breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped through the door. "Finally, I'm home," he murmured, gazing fondly at the shopping bags in his hands. He couldn't wait to see Eva's face light up when he handed her the gifts he'd carefully selected – her favorite treats and the latest gadget she'd been eyeing.
-Knock
-Knock
Noah's gentle knock was followed by a brief pause before the door swung open, revealing a bright-eyed, nine-year-old Eva. Her radiant smile and sparkling gaze illuminated her delicate features, framing a picture of innocence and youth.
Eva's captivating beauty shone brightly, her features a masterpiece. Her curly black locks cascaded down her shoulders, framing a face that seemed divine, as if chiseled by the heavens themselves. But it was her eyes that truly mesmerized – pools of crystal blue, sparkling like the ocean's depths, radiating warmth and innocence.
"Who are you?" Lily stuttered, her voice tinged with uncertainty, but her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. Her eyes, still sparkling with curiosity, couldn't help but drink in the sight of the tall, handsome stranger standing before her.
"It's me, Noah," he replied, his brow furrowing in confusion. He couldn't fathom why Lily, his beloved sister whom he'd nurtured and protected since childhood, would gaze at him with such puzzlement, as if he were a stranger.
"Brother?" Lily repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes widened as she took in the transformed figure before her. Gone was the familiar boyish charm; instead, she saw a man with raven-black hair streaked with silver, a chiseled face that seemed carved by the gods, and piercing golden eyes that shimmered with an untamed intensity. His gaze danced, radiating an energy that seemed almost feral. Even his physique seemed altered, broadened with subtle muscle definition.
To Lily, he was a single, captivating word: untamed.
"You look... different," Lily stammered, her eyes fixed on Noah, her expression frozen in shock and disbelief, as if struggling to reconcile the familiar face with the transformed figure before her.
Clueless about the physical changes that had unfolded, Noah's brow furrowed, perplexed by the lingering stares and whispered words. His reflection had never crossed his mind, and now, the world seemed to be gazing at a stranger.
"No, uh, never mind," Noah said hastily, attempting to deflect the questioning. "I bought fried chicken!" He declared, hoping to divert attention from his mysterious transformation. But Lilly pounced, her eyes gleaming with an unnatural intensity.
"Mine!" she claimed, wresting the bag from Noah's hands. The scent of fried heaven wafted through the air, momentarily distracting Lilly from her brother's eerie makeover.
Noah in response just chuckled and shook his head before walking into the warmth of his home.
...
Noah stepped out the next day, his relaxed attire a stark contrast to the previous day's urgency. A faded hoodie, worn shorts, and a pair of well-worn slides gave him a laid-back look.
"Lilly, I'm leaving. Make sure you're ready and head to the academy," Noah said, his tone firm but gentle, before turning towards the doorway.
Lilly's eyes snapped up from the half-eaten chicken leg in her hand, her expression a mix of surprise and annoyance. "Already? Can't you take a day off for once?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of playful complaint.
Noah's gaze lingered on Lilly for a moment before he nodded curtly. "Sis, you know if I don't work, then there won't be any income. Also, be on time."
Lilly rolled her eyes good-naturedly, taking another bite of her chicken. "Yeah, yeah, I know. You've only reminded me a million times."
Noah smiled faintly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just making sure you remember."
With a final glance, Noah turned and headed out the door, leaving Lilly to her lunch and thoughts.
'Haaa, I guess I should better go check up on Maya; she was the most injured due to the nature of her talent,' Noah said to himself as he walked into the streets and mixed with the crowd.
The bustling city swallowed him whole, its vibrant sounds and smells enveloping him. Noah's thoughts, however, remained with Maya, his concern for her well-being lingering.