Ethan by now, was full with regret. Why did it have to be him. Upon all the people in the world, they chose him. Why? Why was he so unlucky?, he pondered as he changed his clothes to better ones to suit school.
"Ethan, where are you?!" his mom shouted.
"Mom, I'm coming!" Ethan replied, rushing to get ready.
Reflecting on Julian's symbol, Ethan wondered: What secret the symbol held and why the figure was warning him.
He proceeded down to finish his coffee as well as a quick meal his Mom had made for him. He grabbed his backpack and headed straight out.
" Bye Mom, Bye Dad ", he said before taking off at lightning speed.
Jogging to school was just what he needed. Letting the crisp morning air fil his lungs. Determination to find out what was going on in his life increased with each stride he took, the rhythmic pounding of his sneakers against the ground cleared all thoughts in his mind.
When he arrived, his eyes scattered around, scanning the crowded hallway, searching for Lena, his mind constantly on the mysterious symbol. Lena and Alex flanked him, their expressions mirroring his concern.
" Hey Lena, we need to talk ", Ethan whispered urgently, in order to conceal the information he was about to tell them. " I found something "
" What? "
" This ", he said, answering Lena's question. " I saw it at my window and one Julian's hand "
" Maybe it's just graffiti ", Alex cut in.
"I'm telling you, it's more than graffiti," Ethan whispered, his voice barely audible.
Lena nodded, with her curly brown hair bobbing. "We'll research after school."
Alex adjusted his glasses, his eyes darting around towards passing students.
" I'll hack into school security cameras, so no one will see us, maybe we'll find our symbol's origin in the the library."
Lena nodded trying to provide some kind of assurance. Then, the bell rang for history class.
As they walked through the hallways, going to their respective classes, Ethan sensed unease settling over him like a cloud. " Something's wrong ", he said to himself moving into the class.
4th Period, History Class
Professor Johnson lectured on Mesopotamian civilizations, Ethan's attention drifting to the Nimrod symbol scribbled in his notebook. Suddenly, he felt chills go down his spine. He turned and it was Julian. Unfortunately, Julian caught his gaze.
"You're intrigued by ancient myths, Ethan?" Julian asked, voice low. " Aren't you? ", he added.
Ethan hesitated before nodding. Why hadn't Professor Johnson notice this incessant chatter that was developing.
"Perhaps..."
Julian continued, " You'll uncover secrets hidden within shadows."
Ethan's fear intensified, as he turned to face Mr Johnson.
Minutes had passed, all he could hear was the Professor's chatter. He felt his head aching, he felt his heart beating, he could feel his blood flowing, everything became increasingly loud, then, he dozed off.
" Ethan "
" Ethan..."
" Ethan!! "
" What ?, What happened ?", Ethan asked wiping his eyes.
"What happened?, You slept the whole period!!"
" What " , Ethan said looking around.
" It's lunchtime dummy ", Alex chipped in.
" Ohh, I must have slept the whole period "
" That's what we've been saying ", Lena said with a bit of anger.
" Really?, I didn't know "
Lena scoffed as she dragged Ethan to the cafeteria.
" We have only 2 hrs before the bell is rung for closing. It's now or never ", Alex said.
" Then let's do it then ", Ethan responded.
" We need to get to the library first ", Lena added.
Immediately, the trio convened in the school library, poring over dusty tomes and scrolling through cryptic online forums.
"This symbol's linked to Nimrod, Tenria's mythical king," Lena revealed after staring at one of the books.
" So it isn't related to Mesopotamian mythology, then ", Ethan murmured.
Alex's eyes widened. "The symbol could signify dark power or protection."
Ethan's determination solidified. "We need to know its modern connection."
As sunlight faded outside, shadows lengthened within the library. The trio hadn't noticed that time was not on their side, as they continued to work.
Suddenly, Alex whispered, "Guys, I've hacked the security feed. I'm in ".
Alex pressed a few keys that would display the feed, Incase anyone was heading their way they could see it.
The grainy footage revealed a hooded figure painting the symbol near school grounds.
"Who is this?" Ethan wondered aloud.
Lena's voice trembled. "Someone watching us."
She said as the darkness started closing in.