Kelson and Eilla continued chatting as the flight progressed, gradually becoming more comfortable with one another. Their conversation shifted to the types of books Eilla often read, ranging from mystery novels to philosophical texts that piqued her curiosity.
"So, you're also into puzzles as well, huh?" Kelson remarked with a grin. "Makes me feel like I've been slacking off with my comics and sci-fi adventures."
Eilla chuckled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Comics aren't slacking off. They're art and storytelling, just in a different form."
Kelson smiled. "Glad you think so. I've got a pretty big collection at home, actually. A lot of them were gifts from my older relatives. They said I needed 'culture.'"
Eilla giggled, a melodic sound that made Kelson grin wider. "They sound like wise people," she teased.
The rapport between them grew steadily, with the occasional laughter breaking the hum of the cabin. But their budding friendship was cut short when the pilot's voice echoed through the speakers.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we will begin our descent shortly. Please prepare for landing in the next five minutes."
Kelson glanced toward his window, realizing he had yet to take in the view. Standing, he leaned slightly to look outside, marveling at the scenery below, the city sprawled across the horizon, its architecture unlike anything he had seen before. The streets, wide and open, created a feeling of spaciousness—something almost foreign to him. But it wasn't just the streets that caught his attention; it was the buildings themselves.
To many societies, prosperity had been signified by grand constructions—towering skyscrapers, cathedrals reaching into the sky, and monumental landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. But here, in Skyrail, the buildings didn't follow that traditional formula. Instead, there was an organic, almost otherworldly symmetry to them, as though the city had been sculpted rather than constructed.
Most of the buildings seemed to take on a curious shape: sleek, wide structures with wide bases tapering up, their upper stories narrowing like an inverted cone. They had the look of ancient temples or futuristic obelisks, but were far more refined. Triquetras, Kelson noted, mentally tagging the shape as he saw it in multiple structures. Their angles gave them a kind of gravitas—an intentional simplicity that made them feel like monumental markers in a modern landscape.
But it wasn't just the repetitive triquetra design that struck him. As his eyes roamed further, he spotted several ultra-tall buildings, their forms resembling Reuleaux triangles, those curiously rounded polygons that, if viewed from above, appeared almost like a softened triangle with curved sides. These buildings, smooth and sleek, looked like they had been made from metal and glass, catching the light in strange ways, like giant geometric sculptures. They almost seemed to defy conventional design, as if they were sculpted with a sense of purpose beyond function.
Among these geometric giants, there were buildings that almost seemed to be playing with the very laws of physics—shapes so complex and layered that Kelson had to stop himself from overthinking it. The twisting, spiral-like towers wrapped around themselves, narrowing at the top like corkscrews, with windows that looked more like organic patterns than man-made panels. They seemed to rise and bend as if responding to some invisible force, like plants in a field swaying to the same rhythm. These didn't feel like typical city buildings; they felt like living, breathing structures, built with a consciousness of the land around them.
Some of the neighboring buildings did not share these odd shapes, but their façades were equally unconventional—sharp, angular glass that reflected the surrounding towers in dazzling displays, sharp triangles and twisting curves in patterns that felt like art more than architecture. The city felt less like a bustling metropolis and more like an experimental gallery, where every corner held something new and unexpected.
"What an odd mix," Kelson murmured to himself. iIt was the kind of difference he appreciated—a city that looked like it wasn't afraid to break the mold. But, he knew, this was only the beginning. A little difference in design could say a lot about a place. He could hardly wait to see more up close.
---
Arrival at the Terminal;
After disembarking, Kelson and Eilla walked through the vast terminal of Skyrail. The space was an architectural marvel, with towering ceilings and streams of natural light pouring in through glass panels. Maps embedded into the walls every 200 feet provided clear directions.
If Kelson had been alone, he might've paused to read them and figure things out. But following Eilla's lead proved far more efficient, especially when navigating through immigration.
The immigration officers were surprisingly polite and efficient, a stark contrast to some of the gruff encounters Kelson had experienced in the past. After a few quick questions, he was cleared.
As they walked toward the car park, Kelson pulled out his phone and messaged his sponsor.
> Where are you?
Moments later, a reply buzzed onto his screen:
> Behind you, silly.
Kelson turned, a grin already forming on his face.
"Kelson!"
Eva Kelly stood a few feet away, waving enthusiastically. Her long black hair was tied into a sleek ponytail with a white band. Her brown complexion matched his own, her dark brown eyes warm and inviting. She wore a burgundy fitted shirt that subtly outlined her moderate curves, black leggings that highlighted her shapely figure, and black-and-white trainers. A sports watch adorned her left wrist, adding a practical touch to her casual look.
When he registered her, Kelson broke into a wide smile. "Aunt Kelly! It's been too long."
Eva rushed forward, enveloping him in a tight hug. "You've got no idea how much I missed you!" she said, squeezing him affectionately.
Kelson chuckled, returning the hug. "I missed you too, Aunt Kelly. It's good to see you again."
Eilla, watching the exchange, felt a slight pang of curiosity—and something else she couldn't quite name. Who exactly was this "Aunt Kelly"?
Eva pulled back, her hands still on Kelson's shoulders as she inspected him. "You've grown so much! Taller, sharper—handsome, just like your father. Although," she teased, poking his arm, "if you bulked up a bit, you'd be a complete Adonis."
Kelson laughed, scratching the back of his head. "I don't think the gym and I are on speaking terms, but thanks. You look amazing too, by the way. Stunning, really."
Eva smirked, placing a hand on her hip. "Flirting, are we? You're just like your dad. But," she added, glancing toward Eilla, "maybe you should save those lines for someone closer to your age."
Kelson turned, noticing Eilla tugging lightly at the hem of his shirt, her lavender eyes betraying a hint of jealousy. She seemed to be pouting, her lips forming the faintest pout. Adorable, he thought, resisting the urge to tease her.
Instead, he gestured between the two women. "Eilla, this is Eva Kelly—a close friend of my father's and my sponsor. Aunt Kelly, meet Eilla Matrisse. She's a banker here in Skyrail."
Eilla extended her hand politely. "It's nice to meet you, Ms. Kelly."
Eva beamed, shaking her hand firmly. "Please, call me Aunt Kelly. You're adorable, by the way—smart and sweet, I can tell. Looks like Kelson has good taste."
She winked at Kelson, who tried and failed to suppress a laugh.
Then, leaning closer to Eilla, Eva whispered, "So, how far along are you with him? Have you taken a piece of him yet?"
Eilla's cheeks flushed crimson. She stammered, "W-we haven't done anything like that yet!"
Eva's devilish smirk widened. "Oh? Yet?"
Kelson, overhearing the exchange, struggled to maintain his composure, barely holding back his laughter.
Eilla, utterly flustered, quickly excused herself. "I-I should get going. I'll see you later, Kelson."
As she walked off, Eva crossed her arms, watching her retreat with a satisfied grin. "Good kid," she remarked, turning back to Kelson.
Kelson shook his head, chuckling. "You really haven't changed, Aunt Kelly."
Eva laughed, slinging an arm around his shoulders... Well, as much as she could reach "Why would I? Someone's got to keep you on your toes."
---
Eilla walked briskly out of the bustling airport terminal, the cool evening air a welcome relief from the warmth inside. Her hands clutched the strap of her bag tightly as she replayed the events in her mind. Meeting Eva Kelly had left her feeling strangely off-balance, and Kelson's effortless charm hadn't helped either.
The terminal lights faded behind her as she stepped toward the taxi bay, the hum of engines and distant chatter filling the air. She had planned to part ways with Kelson gracefully, but the playful exchange between him and Eva lingered in her thoughts. It was silly, really—she had only just met him, yet something about his presence stirred feelings she couldn't quite name.
Eilla shook her head, sighing softly. Focus, Eilla. You have work tomorrow. But even as she reminded herself, she couldn't stop thinking about Kelson's easy smile and the way his gaze seemed to see straight through her and there's the fact that she gave him her number and address too...
Sliding into the backseat of a cab, she gave the driver her address and leaned back against the seat. The city lights blurred past, but her mind stayed fixed on the airport, the flight, and the man who had turned a simple journey into something unexpectedly memorable.