Setting
Default Location for The Lost Planet
Minimap
northwest |
north |
northeast |
west |
You are here. |
east |
southwest |
south |
southeast |
Earth is a part of 
The Lost Planet.
22 Characters Here
Viviannah Bellum [12]
Demetria Tempala [9] "I would give anything to go home again"
Bea Amador [8] Freedom is found when we let go of who we're supposed to be and embrace who we really are.
Cassius Praetorius [7] The way I see it, there's only three kinds of people in this world. Bad ones, ones you follow, and ones you need to protect.
Eilian Aminus [6] rain will make the flowers grow
Eli Acerbi [6] even when I justified it to myself - as I did every time - the truest part of me knew I was doing the wrong thing. Always
Oona Agnelli [6] the sky is everywhere. it begins at your feet
Leonardo Magnus [6] "Home is where my mother is."
Oliver Argenti [4]
Apollo Mundi [4] no one gets hurt but me
Start Character Here »
- 28 posts here • Page 1 of 2 • 1, 2
The earthquake was only rated as a 2.5, causing only a couple leaves to fall off a tree. The magnitude was registered in D.C as a harmless shifting of tectonic plates. Everyone continued on about their day as if nothing had happened, discussing the quake, wondering what could have caused it. Seismic activity is not common on this side of the coast and that only encouraged every scientist within the area to investigate. But it wasnât an elderly gentleman with a Ph.D or a young woman with a double major in the sciences that found the cause. It was Demetria and Viviannah. The meteor stuck out like a sore thumb in the center of a park near their home. The light reflected off the gold and it called to them. They happened to be out getting food nearby and there it was. Beckoning them. As they grew closer to investigate, the sense of familiarity became overwhelming. It did not take much investigation to recognize that this rock was Aurum in nature. It radiated a power that couldnât be ignored and held vague inscriptions in Dicere. A piece of home was in the middle of the park. Demi and Vivi couldnât stay long, the government along with very important scientists were coming to collect the source of the earthquake. Demi came up with a plan. There were others that escaped years ago and this was the time to find them. The two of them came up with a way to imbed a message in Dicere that would only be noticeable to those from Aurum. It would be aired on the news and broadcast across the world. With Demetriaâs ties in the government, it only took a few seconds of time to make sure it was done. The message was a simple one. A common phrase used on Aurum to grab their attention. After that, it had Demiâs address and they day they were all supposed to arrive.
Demetria was tossing and turning throughout the night. She could see people running and hear the screams. Her parents trying to protect their people as well as the kingdom. She couldnât help anyone. She was just watching as the world was destroyed around her. The dust was getting into her eyes and before she knew it she was being put into an escape pod. It left Aurum and Demi shot up in bed. Her heart racing and a light layer of sweat covering her body. Ever since they found the meteor, her nightmares have been about her last few seconds on Aurum. They were more than nightmares. They were past events. Every night, each nightmare more clear than the last. It started out as just quickly moving pictures, but last night. Last night it was like a movie. Her eyes found the clock on the side of the bed. Today was the day. If anyone from Aurum was on Earth, they should be on their way and arrive sometime this morning. Demi slipped out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom. She took her time getting ready, it really helped shake off the negative feeling of her nightmare. Within 30 minutes, she was dressed and down in the kitchen. It was quiet, Vivi must still be asleep. She got to work on breakfast.
Viviannah had never been the type to feel anxious or overwhelmed, but from the moment the meteor, or what the humans called a meteor, hit close to hers and Demiâs home, sheâd been antsy. She had been, for lack of a better word, nervous for what was to come. A piece of their home planet rested just a few meters away from them, and with it a hidden truth. The chunk of gold held encrypted messages all throughout that only she and Demi seemed to notice. It was clear that someone back home had been trying to get their attention, and it worked. The way Vivi saw it, this could go two ways. It was either a message of hope, and announcement of peace letting them know it was safe to go back home. Or, a warning to stay away. That by the time the message reached them on Earth, their homeland no longer existed.
The possibilities were dead-locked and Viviannah almost didnât want to find out which ending they would get, but Demi was determined. She wanted to go back home and Vivi would be lying if she said she didnât hold a sliver of hope within her to do the same. So she agreed to Demiâs plan to send out a message. A call to anyone that may have survived the escape all those years ago. Anyone that could be hiding among the humans. The bottom line is, they didnât belong on planet Earth. They would never be like the humans no matter how hard they tried, and Vivi was tired of pretending.
As she swung her legs off the side of the bed, a beam of sunlight seeping through the closed curtains, she wondered if anyone would actually come. Was there anyone out there that actually survived other than the two of them? She brushed her dark locks from her face and quickly got to her morning routine, going through the motions of washing, brushing her teeth, getting dressed, meanwhile her mind was elsewhere entirely. By the time she was finished, she could hear Demi moving around in the kitchen.
Vivi may have been Demiâs bodyguard, but above all else, they were sisters. Their friendship originally bloomed on Aurum. While Vivi worked as Prince Oliverâs guard, she would see Demi visit very often. It didnât take long for the two to start talking. But ever since they found one another on Earth, their friendship turned into a sisterly bond. There wasnât a soul Vivi trusted more than her, which is why sheâd agreed to this crazy and possibly dangerous plan of gathering survivors. âMorning.â she greeted as she walked into the kitchen, heading directly to the coffee machine.
âMorning, Vivi.â As expected, Vivi made her way over to the coffee machine first. Demetria prefers tea in the morning. For some reason the caffeine excites her too much and she canât sleep at night. She also just likes the taste of tea more. The breakfast was finally done. She made her signature cinnamon waffles, eggs, and turkey bacon. âBreakfast is ready.â She grabbed plates and piled them both up with food. She gave Vivi a bit more than she gave herself. Then a thought came to her as she thought about who could possibly be showing up to the house. âVi? Should I have made food for everyone?â Who knows if they would have eaten. And what kind of host would she be if didnât have refreshments.
âThanks.â Vivi said simply, taking the plate of food. One of the many advantages of living together with Demi was that they could take turns making the food, cleaning, doing the laundry. They could just as easily hire someone to do it, but Vivi saw no need for it when the two of them were more than capable. She took a small sip of coffee between bites before giving Demi a rather confused stare. âWhy would you cook for them? Iâm sure everyone is more than capable of getting their own food.â she stated, taking another bite. âAnd if not, they can just starve.â although she was partially joking, Vivi didnât plan on letting Demi cook for anyone. She was already kind enough to open her home to a group of strangers. Not to mention, maybe she didnât have as much faith in others showing up as her friend did.
Demi started the electric kettle. She wasnât going to let anyone starve, but Vivi did have a point. They could all feed themselves if they really needed too. Besides, she doesnât know exactly what time everyone is coming so making food this early would make the food cold and gross. âOkay. I wonât make them breakfast.â She started eating the food on her plate, happy to have some food in her system. âVi, my nightmares were worse last night.â With their sisterly bond, Demi told Vivi everything, including her nightmares. They usually arenât this bad or as vivid. But last night was something she hadnât experienced in a while. âInstead of it seeming like I was looking through a book. I was there. I could see, hear, and smell everything.â She didnât know what it meant, but it definitely freaked her out a bit.
Demi was the kind of person that fought with her mind, unlike Vivi who preferred a more direct approach. But it seemed like this time it was Demiâs mind fighting against her. After another bite of the food, Vivi was almost finished. She tightened her ponytail a bit and crossed her legs on the dining room chair. Her eyes never left Demiâs figure, concern written all over her features. âOkay well...was it a vision of the past like the ones before orâŚâ Demi had explained a little bit about how her visions worked to Vivi, but the raven haired girl could only understand so much. There were certain things she couldnât understand unless she personally lived through them. In a momentâs time, Viviannah thought of chalking these nightmares up to bad memories triggered by the chunk of Aurum that had literally fallen from the sky, but perhaps nightmares wasnât the only thing it triggered. âWait, Dee...when did these nightmares start?â the young woman thought of leaving Demi to connect the dots, but just to drive them point home, she added âThat burn at the edge of the counter thereâŚâ she gestured to just a couple of feet away from them. There was a burn mark on the corner of the countertop, as if someone had used a lighter on it. âThat happened last night...I came to get some water and leaned on the counter for about five minutes...my hand did that.â
Demi was expecting Vivi to try and just tell her that it was nerves. That there was nothing to worry about. It would have made her feel better, but instead she pointed out the burn mark on the counter. Her first thought was to scold her roommate. She couldnât just go around burning stuff in the house, but then she quickly realized that it was an accident. The cogwheels in Demetriaâs head were turning and it didnât take long to put two and two together. âThe planet piece. Itâs doing this. I donât know how ,but itâs the only thing that makes sense. You havenât burned anything in this house on accident before.â More than ever, they needed to figure out what those inscriptions meant and what this meant for their abilities. It had been a while since she has had to control any aspect of time and she was concerned that if she had to learn again, that Earth was not going to be able to handle it. âIf I thought the meteor would have brought back our abilities, I wouldnât have suggested they all coming to our house.â She muttered mostly to herself, but loud enough for Viviannah. It wasnât a factor she considered. If they were anything like these two, then they were for the most part as harmless as humans. But now she wasnât so sure about how harmless they were all going to be. Turning back wasnât an option, they were coming.
They both finished their breakfast and Demi gathered the plates to wash them. She wasnât really giving Vivi a choice to do any chores this morning. The mundane task allowed her to be in her head as she thought about what this day. She didnât know who was going to come through that door and it could be good or bad. At first the risk was okay because abilities werenât a factor, but now they do. Their districts matter again with their abilities. Demi was smart enough to not put out her name or district placement within the message. She wanted whoever came to be neutral. There was a risk that no one would come if they did not like her district or the side they chose because of the war. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She looked to Vivi. âViâŚgo check and see who it is.â
Latin Translation for Message: Light in the dark, golden heart
Lux in tenebris , aureum cordibus
Everyoneâs Arrival: Friday morning
Demetria was tossing and turning throughout the night. She could see people running and hear the screams. Her parents trying to protect their people as well as the kingdom. She couldnât help anyone. She was just watching as the world was destroyed around her. The dust was getting into her eyes and before she knew it she was being put into an escape pod. It left Aurum and Demi shot up in bed. Her heart racing and a light layer of sweat covering her body. Ever since they found the meteor, her nightmares have been about her last few seconds on Aurum. They were more than nightmares. They were past events. Every night, each nightmare more clear than the last. It started out as just quickly moving pictures, but last night. Last night it was like a movie. Her eyes found the clock on the side of the bed. Today was the day. If anyone from Aurum was on Earth, they should be on their way and arrive sometime this morning. Demi slipped out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom. She took her time getting ready, it really helped shake off the negative feeling of her nightmare. Within 30 minutes, she was dressed and down in the kitchen. It was quiet, Vivi must still be asleep. She got to work on breakfast.
Viviannah had never been the type to feel anxious or overwhelmed, but from the moment the meteor, or what the humans called a meteor, hit close to hers and Demiâs home, sheâd been antsy. She had been, for lack of a better word, nervous for what was to come. A piece of their home planet rested just a few meters away from them, and with it a hidden truth. The chunk of gold held encrypted messages all throughout that only she and Demi seemed to notice. It was clear that someone back home had been trying to get their attention, and it worked. The way Vivi saw it, this could go two ways. It was either a message of hope, and announcement of peace letting them know it was safe to go back home. Or, a warning to stay away. That by the time the message reached them on Earth, their homeland no longer existed.
The possibilities were dead-locked and Viviannah almost didnât want to find out which ending they would get, but Demi was determined. She wanted to go back home and Vivi would be lying if she said she didnât hold a sliver of hope within her to do the same. So she agreed to Demiâs plan to send out a message. A call to anyone that may have survived the escape all those years ago. Anyone that could be hiding among the humans. The bottom line is, they didnât belong on planet Earth. They would never be like the humans no matter how hard they tried, and Vivi was tired of pretending.
As she swung her legs off the side of the bed, a beam of sunlight seeping through the closed curtains, she wondered if anyone would actually come. Was there anyone out there that actually survived other than the two of them? She brushed her dark locks from her face and quickly got to her morning routine, going through the motions of washing, brushing her teeth, getting dressed, meanwhile her mind was elsewhere entirely. By the time she was finished, she could hear Demi moving around in the kitchen.
Vivi may have been Demiâs bodyguard, but above all else, they were sisters. Their friendship originally bloomed on Aurum. While Vivi worked as Prince Oliverâs guard, she would see Demi visit very often. It didnât take long for the two to start talking. But ever since they found one another on Earth, their friendship turned into a sisterly bond. There wasnât a soul Vivi trusted more than her, which is why sheâd agreed to this crazy and possibly dangerous plan of gathering survivors. âMorning.â she greeted as she walked into the kitchen, heading directly to the coffee machine.
âMorning, Vivi.â As expected, Vivi made her way over to the coffee machine first. Demetria prefers tea in the morning. For some reason the caffeine excites her too much and she canât sleep at night. She also just likes the taste of tea more. The breakfast was finally done. She made her signature cinnamon waffles, eggs, and turkey bacon. âBreakfast is ready.â She grabbed plates and piled them both up with food. She gave Vivi a bit more than she gave herself. Then a thought came to her as she thought about who could possibly be showing up to the house. âVi? Should I have made food for everyone?â Who knows if they would have eaten. And what kind of host would she be if didnât have refreshments.
âThanks.â Vivi said simply, taking the plate of food. One of the many advantages of living together with Demi was that they could take turns making the food, cleaning, doing the laundry. They could just as easily hire someone to do it, but Vivi saw no need for it when the two of them were more than capable. She took a small sip of coffee between bites before giving Demi a rather confused stare. âWhy would you cook for them? Iâm sure everyone is more than capable of getting their own food.â she stated, taking another bite. âAnd if not, they can just starve.â although she was partially joking, Vivi didnât plan on letting Demi cook for anyone. She was already kind enough to open her home to a group of strangers. Not to mention, maybe she didnât have as much faith in others showing up as her friend did.
Demi started the electric kettle. She wasnât going to let anyone starve, but Vivi did have a point. They could all feed themselves if they really needed too. Besides, she doesnât know exactly what time everyone is coming so making food this early would make the food cold and gross. âOkay. I wonât make them breakfast.â She started eating the food on her plate, happy to have some food in her system. âVi, my nightmares were worse last night.â With their sisterly bond, Demi told Vivi everything, including her nightmares. They usually arenât this bad or as vivid. But last night was something she hadnât experienced in a while. âInstead of it seeming like I was looking through a book. I was there. I could see, hear, and smell everything.â She didnât know what it meant, but it definitely freaked her out a bit.
Demi was the kind of person that fought with her mind, unlike Vivi who preferred a more direct approach. But it seemed like this time it was Demiâs mind fighting against her. After another bite of the food, Vivi was almost finished. She tightened her ponytail a bit and crossed her legs on the dining room chair. Her eyes never left Demiâs figure, concern written all over her features. âOkay well...was it a vision of the past like the ones before orâŚâ Demi had explained a little bit about how her visions worked to Vivi, but the raven haired girl could only understand so much. There were certain things she couldnât understand unless she personally lived through them. In a momentâs time, Viviannah thought of chalking these nightmares up to bad memories triggered by the chunk of Aurum that had literally fallen from the sky, but perhaps nightmares wasnât the only thing it triggered. âWait, Dee...when did these nightmares start?â the young woman thought of leaving Demi to connect the dots, but just to drive them point home, she added âThat burn at the edge of the counter thereâŚâ she gestured to just a couple of feet away from them. There was a burn mark on the corner of the countertop, as if someone had used a lighter on it. âThat happened last night...I came to get some water and leaned on the counter for about five minutes...my hand did that.â
Demi was expecting Vivi to try and just tell her that it was nerves. That there was nothing to worry about. It would have made her feel better, but instead she pointed out the burn mark on the counter. Her first thought was to scold her roommate. She couldnât just go around burning stuff in the house, but then she quickly realized that it was an accident. The cogwheels in Demetriaâs head were turning and it didnât take long to put two and two together. âThe planet piece. Itâs doing this. I donât know how ,but itâs the only thing that makes sense. You havenât burned anything in this house on accident before.â More than ever, they needed to figure out what those inscriptions meant and what this meant for their abilities. It had been a while since she has had to control any aspect of time and she was concerned that if she had to learn again, that Earth was not going to be able to handle it. âIf I thought the meteor would have brought back our abilities, I wouldnât have suggested they all coming to our house.â She muttered mostly to herself, but loud enough for Viviannah. It wasnât a factor she considered. If they were anything like these two, then they were for the most part as harmless as humans. But now she wasnât so sure about how harmless they were all going to be. Turning back wasnât an option, they were coming.
They both finished their breakfast and Demi gathered the plates to wash them. She wasnât really giving Vivi a choice to do any chores this morning. The mundane task allowed her to be in her head as she thought about what this day. She didnât know who was going to come through that door and it could be good or bad. At first the risk was okay because abilities werenât a factor, but now they do. Their districts matter again with their abilities. Demi was smart enough to not put out her name or district placement within the message. She wanted whoever came to be neutral. There was a risk that no one would come if they did not like her district or the side they chose because of the war. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She looked to Vivi. âViâŚgo check and see who it is.â
Latin Translation for Message: Light in the dark, golden heart
Wherever this âEarthâ was put in the galaxy, there was no way to see Aurum in the sky.
Apollo preferred it that way. Dragging himself through the streets of some foreign land, all he could think about was how he failed. Heâd only given himself up to the crazy rebel girl in the hopes that Prince Oliver would be safe on the escape ships. Now, he didnât know where Ollie or the girl ended up and he was all alone.
After meeting Sara, a girl from this planet who needed his healing, he started to establish a new life. After helping her with an injury, she stuck herself to him and made sure to help him out. He wanted to learn the Earthly ways of healing since his ability was becoming excruciating to use in any instance. Once he was in medical school in Milan, he threw himself into cultivating a life here and slowly pushing all thoughts of Aurum into the back of his mind. That is until Ezra Sciens walked into the campus coffee shop.
At first, he was just a human that Apollo found himself attracted to. But after shyly buying him a coffee and agreeing to a casual coffee date, the emblem on the other manâs wrist made it clear that Apollo wasnât the only one who survived the trip to Earth. This man was from the Telekinesis district on Aurum, and once Apollo showed his own emblem - which was mildly difficult considering the shirt he wore made it hard to see the top of his back - they plotted to find more from their home. Apollo wasnât sure if he wanted to find anyone until Ezra showed him proof that the prince was alive. If he was alive, there was a chance the girl was too, and he needed to make sure Ollie was safe.
Thatâs what led him to take a flight with Ezra to Washington D.C., where they would find the others. And maybe wanted to spend more time getting to know the blonde he was acquainted with.
Perhaps it was selfish, but there was no part of Ezra that wanted to stay on Earth. The planet and its people were nice enough, sure. Heâd even scored himself a decent job with equally decent pay. But this was not his home. This wasnât his planet. This was not where his family was, which meant this was not where he needed to be. For this very reason, heâd never stopped searching and was dead-set on never getting too emotionally involved with any human. Even as he accepted Apolloâs invitation to coffee, it was nothing more than coffee with a new casual friend. But fate has a funny way of doing things. As it turned out, this human boy was not so human after all.
The moment Apollo revealed his Healing emblem, Ezra knew his hopes of going home werenât unjustified. Perhaps it was a bit of a stretch, but if Apollo survived, that meant others probably did as well. Ezra was already convinced that the boy with silver locks he had seen on that magazine was Prince Oliver. Apollo only confirmed his suspicions. That made three survivors, and Ezraâs gut practically screamed that there had to be more the second the news of the meteor hit worldwide. As if that hadnât been enough proof, the message hidden within the news outlets as a âglitchâ really drove the point home. He was uncertain of what heâd find once they arrived in Washington, but what he did know is that heâd do virtually anything to get back home and fight alongside his family.
As Ezra walked through the rather large, and unusually empty airport, his gaze scanned his surroundings for a family face. Eventually, Apollo was spotted among a small crowd near the check-in desks. Ez made his way to the younger boy, lifting his passport once he was close enough. âYou ready for this?â
Apollo had gotten to the airport rather early, wanting to think everything through before he got on the plane with Ezra. Of course, he wanted to see Ollie again, but what if that girl was there? He hadnât told Ezra about the rebel girl yet, because he wasnât sure if she made it here. But he was pulled from his thoughts as Ezra made his way to Apollo. He nods softly, his own passport resting in his hands. He opens his mouth to speak, then shuts it, thinking for a moment. Then he decides to reply, âYeah. Iâm just worried⌠thereâs this girl who wanted to hurt Ollie. I donât know if she made it but if she did, she might go to the meteor too.â
Ollie, huh? Somehow, Apolloâs use of the nickname made Ezra smirk. He adjusted the strap of his carry on as they took a few steps forward in the line. âSounds like you and the prince were quite the match.â he remarked. Ezra didnât know Prince Oliver well. Certainly not well enough to refer to him as âOllieâ. But it was clear that Apollo was used to the nickname. âDo not fret, young one.â he teased âIf she makes it there, weâll make sure she stays far away from him.â instead of the âyouâ, Ezra made sure to use the âweâ to assure Apollo he wasnât alone in this battle.
The line moved once again, and it was finally their turn to check in. If Ezra said he wasnât also a little bit nervous about all this, heâd be a liar. For starters, there was no guarantee that there any more survivors. Even if Prince Oliver was still alive, whoâs to say he didnât prefer staying on Earth. Then there was the question of how exactly theyâd be making it back to Aurum. As far as he knew, the ships had vanished. Not crashed, not exploded, just vanished. Judging from what Apollo told him, they both had a similar experience of being on the ship one moment, and waking up in the middle of a strange city in a foreign planet with no recollection of how they got there. âCan I see your passports, please?â.
Apollo felt his face heating up when Ezra makes a remark about his friendship with the prince. He wasnât sure what to say that wouldnât come stuttering out his lips. But he didnât make a comment before Ezra assured him that he wouldnât be alone. As the airport employee checked their passports, Apollo couldnât help but worry still, his forehead creased with it. âWell, my abilities have weakened here. But hopefully, hers have too. And we can handle her if she tries anything,â Apollo replies once theyâre checked in. He repeated the same âweâ that Ezra used because he trusted the other man. He didnât know him well, but his desire to get back to Aurum came with the assumption that he wouldnât hurt Ollie. Ollie was their biggest chance of returning.
He stops for a moment, once theyâre past the line, and blurts out, âAnd heâs not- Ollie and I are just friends. Itâs my job to protect him.â
A soft chuckle leaves Ezra as the two boys make it past security and head towards their gate, choosing not to comment on Apolloâs stuttered words. Heâd only known the guy for less than two weeks, but it was obvious from the moment Ezra had shown him that picture, that his feelings towards Oliver were beyond that of just friends. And as amusing as it was to see the other flustered, it wasnât any of his business. Not yet anyway. âOkay, fair enough.â he said simply, raising his hands in defeat. âYour friend Ollie is certainly lucky to have someone like you looking after him.â he added. By the time they arrived at their gate, the attendants had already started the boarding process. Admittedly, If was mostly Ezraâs fault. Heâd gotten caught up at work and ended up running late. But theyâd made it just in time to catch the late night flight.
The flight was anti-climatic, causing Apollo to doze off halfway through. Heâd had a difficult time sleeping since coming to Earth, but something about being in the air towards more people like them, with a man just like him, he could rest. His head slipped onto the blondeâs shoulder as he slept peacefully, his face calmed from the usual worry he felt for everyone around him.
By the time they landed in Washington, it was the following morning. It was a rather long and uneventful flight, but Ezra had no complaints about this. After such a chaotic week, and even more chaotic days to come, the blonde was happy to have some time to wind down. He too had fallen asleep for a couple of hours but had already woken up by the time their arrival was announced by the pilot. For a moment, he felt guilty for having to disturb the younger boyâs sleep, but theyâd have to get off the aircraft eventually. He gently poked Apolloâs cheek as he spoke, hoping he wouldn't be too difficult to wake up. âHey, wake up kiddo, weâre here.â
ASTORIA CAELUS
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âWhy are you visiting the United States?â The border guard suddenly droned, making her jump a little.
âI- Iâm visiting some old friends.â
âIs this your first visit to the United States?â
âYes.â
âWhere will you be staying?â
âI have a hotel booked near my friendâs house.â
âWho will you be visiting?â
Jesus Christ, she was starting to feel like a criminal. Sheâd binged enough crime dramas late at night to know that this was basically an interrogation. Sure, she wasnât in a cold room with a two way mirror, but the way the guard was staring at her was exactly the same way the lead detective always stared at the perp.
âDemetria Tempala.â
âHow long are you planning on staying?â
âA month.â In reality she didnât know, but her co-workers had warned her that saying that would probably result in her being kicked out of the country. That was the amount of time sheâd put on her documentation. If it didnât take quite that long, she could do some traveling. If it was going to take longer... theyâd cross that bridge when she came to it.
âHow much money are you bringing?â What the hell did that have to do with anything?
âFive hundred dollars.â The border guard nodded slightly, stamped her passport, and gave her documents back to her silently.
âThank you,â she said, shoving them back into her bag and making her way to baggage claim. Traveling on Earth made her heart sink. On Aurum, she could have travelled so easily, instantaneously. How she missed it. Her bags reclaimed, she stopped briefly to double check the address. Sheâd taken off her jacket while on the flight and hadnât put it back on yet. She went to pick it up... and immediately dropped it. It had become a cloak, black and gold, with her district emblem on it. She picked it back up, and the minute her hand touched it, it shifted back to her usual jacket. It had never turned that easily. Perhaps it was just because she was so homesick. That was all, she told herself, as she pulled on the jacket and stepped outside. That was all.
EILIAN AMINUS
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This was their first time playing in the US, and they were determined to make an impact. Their manager had been working with them to try and build up some publicity. And this was their biggest move. Eilian hadnât been able to get the golden comet out of his mind, but right now, he needed to be present. An âimpromptuâ performance in the middle of Washington had gathered quite a lot of attention from those on their way to work. The music made Eilian feel free, the violin feeling like an extension of his body. He never could have pictured something like this for himself back on Aurum. Being a central part of something, something which wasnât really seen as a part of his district.
But he couldnât hide from it for ever. He would have ignored it, if it wasnât for the name engraved on the comet that had struck earth. Demetria Tempala. The closest thing heâd had to a sister. He didnât want to go home, but he did want to see her. So packing his violin into the case, he got in a taxi and made his way to the address heâd jotted down. He was looking forward to seeing Demi again. But he was lying if he said it wasnât a little worrying. He didnât want to go home. He knew that the others would. He knew that theyâd all be striving to go home, and heâd have to say no, that he didnât intend on joining them.
This was the reason heâd brought his violin with him. Well, that and he felt if heâd gone back to the hotel, he wouldnât have been able to come back. Even in the back of the taxi, he found himself idly plucking the strings of it, the case never staying closed for longer than five minutes. It was who he had become, and he needed a visual symbol of that.
He climbed out of the car and had to do a double take, making sure heâd taken down the right address. This was... impressive. Demi was clearly doing quite well for herself. Eilian has been proud of his small, two bedroom apartment back in Brighton. But it was the right address, so he took a deep breath and knocked the door.
Fingers were moving fast on the keyboard, biting down to the lower lip, her concentration was on the highest peak. In the middle of the raid, where she had been thousands of times before, but that evening she was not streaming and just helping out other players with this difficult boss. Her international group of players were conversing among themselves and suddenly, someone just ever so casually asked what does "lux in tenebris, aureum cordibus" mean. Without realizing herself, speaking into the microphone, Phia answered: "Light in the dark, golden heart... and you pronounced it wrong..." Suddenly, the dark haired female froze, barely breathing. Everyone yelling at her for getting knocked out or what is she doing, but Phia just sat there, staring at the screen, her dark eyes flashing into bright blue for a mere second. Without thinking twice, she just took her headphones off and stood up, walking behind the table as if in daze and simply pulling plug off, that leaving her standing in complete darkness. Slowly, but surely, the koi-fish symbol started to glow in faint blue, lightning Phia's face up.
Face, where tears were just rolling over her cheeks; bare feet, which headed over to the open porch; trail of clothes left behind, the ever so hopeful Phia Qualu Cortana submerged under the water of a small pool behind her house. Eyes closed, lips sealed, fragile hands locked around knees - she was shivering, crying desperately into the fresh water. Home, she missed her home and her mother and everything she knew that Aurum used to be. All these years, there had been this craving desire to go back, to make everything allright, and now... there was this chance. After Jayden released this song with familiar tunes, Phia had been too scared to contact him, to reach out, but now... she couldn't hide anymore, she had to go! She had to go and find Jay, Eli and hopefully there is a way back home.
Having locked down her little household, which had been her home only past couple of years, yet it had still come dear to her heart. I had a lot of fountains, tiny waterfalls, ponds and nature, making it look as if it was a house out of fantasy movie. Holding her hand against the wooden gate for a mere moment, she turned and sat into the back of her manager's car. "When will you be back, Hinata-chan?" he asked, eyeing her over his shoulder. "I don't know. There are some urgent family matters I need to take care of. You can have your vacation at Florida as you have always spoken about." There was a bright smile on her lips, assuring him that it was alright, which he replied to by driving off and towards the new future.
They had been to America many times during her career and she was often welcomed by many big gaming companies, thus getting through airports was always the same. It happened that some of the workers were her fans, and guess this is why she always got that VIP-service that many were jealous about. Generally Phia refused of it, but during this trip she gladly took the chance. Taking her step out of the airport without her manager, whom soon started his flight towards Florida, Phia took a deep breath in. Sure, she loved to have someone beside her whom would do all the things she tried to avoid - calling a cab or buying a coffee were one of these few in long list. As much as she loved to be among people, Phia always felt safer to be alone. Until today... Although her different look turned many heads, she really didn't care, thus rose her hand and called for a cab. Sitting in, she told the address and settled in, starting the drive towards Demi Tempala's household, with excited yet nervous heart. It was hard...
...it was hard to keep her tears at bay.
Face, where tears were just rolling over her cheeks; bare feet, which headed over to the open porch; trail of clothes left behind, the ever so hopeful Phia Qualu Cortana submerged under the water of a small pool behind her house. Eyes closed, lips sealed, fragile hands locked around knees - she was shivering, crying desperately into the fresh water. Home, she missed her home and her mother and everything she knew that Aurum used to be. All these years, there had been this craving desire to go back, to make everything allright, and now... there was this chance. After Jayden released this song with familiar tunes, Phia had been too scared to contact him, to reach out, but now... she couldn't hide anymore, she had to go! She had to go and find Jay, Eli and hopefully there is a way back home.
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Having locked down her little household, which had been her home only past couple of years, yet it had still come dear to her heart. I had a lot of fountains, tiny waterfalls, ponds and nature, making it look as if it was a house out of fantasy movie. Holding her hand against the wooden gate for a mere moment, she turned and sat into the back of her manager's car. "When will you be back, Hinata-chan?" he asked, eyeing her over his shoulder. "I don't know. There are some urgent family matters I need to take care of. You can have your vacation at Florida as you have always spoken about." There was a bright smile on her lips, assuring him that it was alright, which he replied to by driving off and towards the new future.
They had been to America many times during her career and she was often welcomed by many big gaming companies, thus getting through airports was always the same. It happened that some of the workers were her fans, and guess this is why she always got that VIP-service that many were jealous about. Generally Phia refused of it, but during this trip she gladly took the chance. Taking her step out of the airport without her manager, whom soon started his flight towards Florida, Phia took a deep breath in. Sure, she loved to have someone beside her whom would do all the things she tried to avoid - calling a cab or buying a coffee were one of these few in long list. As much as she loved to be among people, Phia always felt safer to be alone. Until today... Although her different look turned many heads, she really didn't care, thus rose her hand and called for a cab. Sitting in, she told the address and settled in, starting the drive towards Demi Tempala's household, with excited yet nervous heart. It was hard...
...it was hard to keep her tears at bay.
"Whatever it is, I don't care. You were told to keep up on your end, this is your last chance. Don't forget what happened to your brother and his family," Kali mused to herself, standing beside some politician' table and looked over the room filled with important crimebosses and their fledgings, then added: "I know you hold your own babymama and these brats close to your heart. Wouldn't want nothing to happen to them, would you?"
With satisfied smile, Kali ended the call and turned towards the politician, who managed to ask from her: "And how will we know that he won't turn on us?" She leaned closer to him, so those bright red lips would nearly touch his ear and hissed through her teeth: "First: I had to do the job that one of those," nods towards the room full of criminals, "wasn't able to do, myself. Second: your dear cousin saw how I turned his brother into ashes. Do you think after that particular reminder he will try to do anything to threat your position again?" Pulling herself away from him, the man looked up at her with certain glare. Kali smirked, crossed hands over her chest and marked: "Figured so."
Walking around the big, wooden desk, dark haired female grabbed her purse and headed towards the door. Whole room made a path for her, stepping away from Red Witch' path. They knew better, they knew better not to mess with her if they didn't want to get... well, fried. Before opening the door and vanishing from this scene for a little while, she turned around and spoke: "I am done here. All of you know how it is done - I contact you, never the opposite. I will let you know, when I am ready to play." Walking off, she knew most of her talk was in code, but all of those men and women understood this clearly. There had been moments before, when she took the time off for her own pleasure, although there was always some pleasure in her business. One just needed to know how to use it for themselves.
Heading towards her luxurious car, Kali looked like she meant business from head to toe. There was something she was curious about, and knowing that there were other survivors on Earth as she had met with Demi occasionally, although Kali had always acted as if they were strangers to each other. One person wasn't the help she needed to get back Aurum and end her own father, but after the comet and call for arms, she knew there had to be others. Thus, she entered Demi's given aadress into her car and took off, heading towards the estate, in the hopes of seeing Leo again.
With satisfied smile, Kali ended the call and turned towards the politician, who managed to ask from her: "And how will we know that he won't turn on us?" She leaned closer to him, so those bright red lips would nearly touch his ear and hissed through her teeth: "First: I had to do the job that one of those," nods towards the room full of criminals, "wasn't able to do, myself. Second: your dear cousin saw how I turned his brother into ashes. Do you think after that particular reminder he will try to do anything to threat your position again?" Pulling herself away from him, the man looked up at her with certain glare. Kali smirked, crossed hands over her chest and marked: "Figured so."
Walking around the big, wooden desk, dark haired female grabbed her purse and headed towards the door. Whole room made a path for her, stepping away from Red Witch' path. They knew better, they knew better not to mess with her if they didn't want to get... well, fried. Before opening the door and vanishing from this scene for a little while, she turned around and spoke: "I am done here. All of you know how it is done - I contact you, never the opposite. I will let you know, when I am ready to play." Walking off, she knew most of her talk was in code, but all of those men and women understood this clearly. There had been moments before, when she took the time off for her own pleasure, although there was always some pleasure in her business. One just needed to know how to use it for themselves.
Heading towards her luxurious car, Kali looked like she meant business from head to toe. There was something she was curious about, and knowing that there were other survivors on Earth as she had met with Demi occasionally, although Kali had always acted as if they were strangers to each other. One person wasn't the help she needed to get back Aurum and end her own father, but after the comet and call for arms, she knew there had to be others. Thus, she entered Demi's given aadress into her car and took off, heading towards the estate, in the hopes of seeing Leo again.
Feeling: Anxious . Outfit: X
hex â #816687 . thought â #A3A3A3
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Bea was only half paying attention to the things going on around her: from the car ride to where she was going, to her luggage bumping against her legs, and to the deep voice of a young Simon Ejiofor coming through Bea Amador's headphones. "You know America's crime rate is way up, right?" Bea rolled her eyes as she kept on the shirtless man talking to her through FaceTime as he stretched and talked through his yawns. "And what if you get robbed and you're left with no money, no phone, they take your IDs, and I never see you again. Then what am I suppose to do to keep warm in this big, empty bed?" She scoffed. "It's a full bed, I'd think you'd be just peachy."
"Okay, fine but what if they find out your IDs are fraudulent and they detain you and I have no idea what happened." His tone was getting increasingly serious as if he was actually starting to get frantic and his smile falling off his face wasn't helping. Bea snapped, trying to get him out of his trance before he has a panic attack. "Simon, hello. Will you relax? I already told you I made it through the airport and security just fine. C'mon, I'm not an amateur or anything, I've done this ten, twelve times before. I'll be fine." Bea reassured Simon Ejiofor, her kind of boyfriend but, not really as of three months ago when she froze after he had started talking about children and marriage and settling down in Sydney once and for all and she blurted out that she needed a break. And even though, Bea sort of busted his white picket fence bubble, they still talked close to every day because whether she liked it or not. He was the first human she became friends with on this planet, he was the first person who got her into volunteering all over the world, and she couldn't just not have him in her life anymore. No matter how awkward the phone calls became. "I just don't understand why you had to leave so suddenly. I mean, Bea, I love your zest but, we've been back for two weeks and all of a sudden you've been called to Washington D.C for some random, sketchy meeting in front of a bunch of fancy politicians."
"I told you, it's not random or sketchy. And they're not politicians. They just wanted me to come and show all of my photos and research in front of some big board of trustees or something before they send us abroad again maybe this time with a grant and I have friends in D.C right not that I haven't seen in a while. I thought it'd be nice to see them." Simon sighed through the phone, which lead to Bea getting a giant knot in her stomach. She hated lying to him but, what was she supposed to tell him? That she was from some far away place and she had gotten a secret message after a piece of their home planet found its way to Earth? Bea sighed as she looked out the window of her Uber car before looking back at the camera. "Plus I thought time, some real time apart would do us some good, Si." She couldn't hear anything on the other side of the line. "We can think about everything without feeling smothered," She. She was feeling smothered. "And then when I get back, I promise we can have that talk, okay? But, I need this and you deserve this and when all of this is done... we'll go from there." Simon smacked his lips softly before answering. "You promise?" He stuck up his pinky finger. "I promise." Bea did the same.
"Cross your heart, hope to die, stick a needle in your eye?" The young woman couldn't help but erupt into laughter as Simon did as well. "Oh my God. Yes, Jesus Christ, I promise you, Simon Christopher Ejifor, that once I get home we will have a full-on rom-com style talk of our emotions complete with romantic music and rain trickling in the background as we try our hardest at bad American accents, okay?" Simon chuckled. "I don't need the fake accents, but okay, sounds like a plan." Bea took a deep sigh. "Good." The line was again filled with silence but before she could say anything else the car had stopped. She looked out the window to see, easily one of the biggest houses she had ever seen on this planet and sighed. "Guess I should get going and you should get to sleep--.." Before she could finish, Simon was already giving her his big, brown puppy dog eyes as if he was just begging for her to just come back home. And part of her wanted to, but she had to come. She had to know who else survived and found their way to the same planet. She needed answers and if that meant telling a little white lie to the man she loved, then so be it. "No, no! Do not give me those!" Simon raised his eyebrow. "Give you what? I'm just looking at you."
"And silently telling me to stay on the phone and I wish I could but I have to go." Simon smacked his lips before angling his camera to show more of his shirtless form. "Fine, but you're going to miss this." He pointed to his body. "But seriously, I'll give you all the time you need, Bea. I promise. Just... just call me if you need anything. At all, someone to talk to, or just a sexy reminder of home or if you want to break it off because you've fallen in love with some American twat. Just call me, alright?" Bea smiled and rolled her eyes. "Alright."
"I lo--.. I'll talk to you later." Bea held back a tear as she took a deep breath as the call ended. Before making a scene, Bea wiped a tear away, thanked the driver and got out of the car with her bags. It was moments like this she was glad she asked to be dropped off a little away from the house. She waved as it pulled off and then made a scene. The girl facepalmed herself softly and groaned. "What the fuck wrong with you?! Why didn't you just say it?! She groaned again before kicking one of her suitcases. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She had told Simon she'd loved him almost six months into their relationship but, the moment he brought up marriage, and children, and the prospect of them settling down forever she froze. Her brain became like static on a TV and she didn't really know what else to do or say. She wasn't in a spot yet where she was okay with the idea of not So, this message came at the perfect time where she could disappear for a while and not having to face what was going on at home. The small girl picked her luggage up from the concrete and her brief tantrum and slid her glasses onto her head to get a good look at the house a little bit away from where she had been dropped off. Part of her was telling her to just walk away and acted as if she never got the message, to continue her life as Bea as opposed being thrust back into the role of 'Lady Beatrice' by whoever was behind that door. But, her curiosity peeked and she needed to know and then she could go back to her life.
"Okay, fine but what if they find out your IDs are fraudulent and they detain you and I have no idea what happened." His tone was getting increasingly serious as if he was actually starting to get frantic and his smile falling off his face wasn't helping. Bea snapped, trying to get him out of his trance before he has a panic attack. "Simon, hello. Will you relax? I already told you I made it through the airport and security just fine. C'mon, I'm not an amateur or anything, I've done this ten, twelve times before. I'll be fine." Bea reassured Simon Ejiofor, her kind of boyfriend but, not really as of three months ago when she froze after he had started talking about children and marriage and settling down in Sydney once and for all and she blurted out that she needed a break. And even though, Bea sort of busted his white picket fence bubble, they still talked close to every day because whether she liked it or not. He was the first human she became friends with on this planet, he was the first person who got her into volunteering all over the world, and she couldn't just not have him in her life anymore. No matter how awkward the phone calls became. "I just don't understand why you had to leave so suddenly. I mean, Bea, I love your zest but, we've been back for two weeks and all of a sudden you've been called to Washington D.C for some random, sketchy meeting in front of a bunch of fancy politicians."
"I told you, it's not random or sketchy. And they're not politicians. They just wanted me to come and show all of my photos and research in front of some big board of trustees or something before they send us abroad again maybe this time with a grant and I have friends in D.C right not that I haven't seen in a while. I thought it'd be nice to see them." Simon sighed through the phone, which lead to Bea getting a giant knot in her stomach. She hated lying to him but, what was she supposed to tell him? That she was from some far away place and she had gotten a secret message after a piece of their home planet found its way to Earth? Bea sighed as she looked out the window of her Uber car before looking back at the camera. "Plus I thought time, some real time apart would do us some good, Si." She couldn't hear anything on the other side of the line. "We can think about everything without feeling smothered," She. She was feeling smothered. "And then when I get back, I promise we can have that talk, okay? But, I need this and you deserve this and when all of this is done... we'll go from there." Simon smacked his lips softly before answering. "You promise?" He stuck up his pinky finger. "I promise." Bea did the same.
"Cross your heart, hope to die, stick a needle in your eye?" The young woman couldn't help but erupt into laughter as Simon did as well. "Oh my God. Yes, Jesus Christ, I promise you, Simon Christopher Ejifor, that once I get home we will have a full-on rom-com style talk of our emotions complete with romantic music and rain trickling in the background as we try our hardest at bad American accents, okay?" Simon chuckled. "I don't need the fake accents, but okay, sounds like a plan." Bea took a deep sigh. "Good." The line was again filled with silence but before she could say anything else the car had stopped. She looked out the window to see, easily one of the biggest houses she had ever seen on this planet and sighed. "Guess I should get going and you should get to sleep--.." Before she could finish, Simon was already giving her his big, brown puppy dog eyes as if he was just begging for her to just come back home. And part of her wanted to, but she had to come. She had to know who else survived and found their way to the same planet. She needed answers and if that meant telling a little white lie to the man she loved, then so be it. "No, no! Do not give me those!" Simon raised his eyebrow. "Give you what? I'm just looking at you."
"And silently telling me to stay on the phone and I wish I could but I have to go." Simon smacked his lips before angling his camera to show more of his shirtless form. "Fine, but you're going to miss this." He pointed to his body. "But seriously, I'll give you all the time you need, Bea. I promise. Just... just call me if you need anything. At all, someone to talk to, or just a sexy reminder of home or if you want to break it off because you've fallen in love with some American twat. Just call me, alright?" Bea smiled and rolled her eyes. "Alright."
"I lo--.. I'll talk to you later." Bea held back a tear as she took a deep breath as the call ended. Before making a scene, Bea wiped a tear away, thanked the driver and got out of the car with her bags. It was moments like this she was glad she asked to be dropped off a little away from the house. She waved as it pulled off and then made a scene. The girl facepalmed herself softly and groaned. "What the fuck wrong with you?! Why didn't you just say it?! She groaned again before kicking one of her suitcases. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She had told Simon she'd loved him almost six months into their relationship but, the moment he brought up marriage, and children, and the prospect of them settling down forever she froze. Her brain became like static on a TV and she didn't really know what else to do or say. She wasn't in a spot yet where she was okay with the idea of not So, this message came at the perfect time where she could disappear for a while and not having to face what was going on at home. The small girl picked her luggage up from the concrete and her brief tantrum and slid her glasses onto her head to get a good look at the house a little bit away from where she had been dropped off. Part of her was telling her to just walk away and acted as if she never got the message, to continue her life as Bea as opposed being thrust back into the role of 'Lady Beatrice' by whoever was behind that door. But, her curiosity peeked and she needed to know and then she could go back to her life.
The concept of first class had always bothered Oona- it was representative of something not completely foreign to her; the separation of people based on their perceived class. The underlying suggestion that those who could afford to fly in first class were people of greater import, and of greater value than those who flew economy. When she had voiced this troubled thought, Eli had replied matter-of-factly that people were merely paying more for better services, just like people who went to more expensive restaurants were paying for tastier food, or that people staying in five-star hotels were paying for more luxurious accomodation. He may have had a point, but her troubles still stuck with her as she lay back in her aggressively cushy aeroplane chair. It was one of the first times when a reminder of home had struck her in a way that was neither reminiscent nor hopeful- perhaps Aurum wasn't nearly as utopic as her fond memories insisted.
Despite her tendency to ruminate, the thoughts did not linger with her long. Perhaps they would have, in a different situation, but for now, her mind was far too abuzz with other, more pressing concerns. The brilliant fluttering of hope ever-present in her chest had grown in fervor since the meteorite fell, and since seeing the familiar symbols engraved on it. The news had gone wild, conspiracy theories of aliens and government coverups engulfing the internet. And this time, the former was more than just a theory. It was only after reading the different articles on the internet that Oona realised that she was an alien. Before then, she had considered herself the ordinary one, surrounded by others. By humans. It was a weird thing to note about oneself, but it had its humorous perks, especially when she wound up absorbing a spiral of alien-related fiction. Thus far, E.T. was her favourite, although that felt prone to change, as she sat in her first class seat, eyes glued to the screen in front of her, where Ellen Ripley charged, teeth bared and eyes defiant.
It helped to distract her, but, as she glanced over at the fellow Aurum sitting beside her, she saw a man having far less luck. He sat in silence, screen black and chair upright. His hands were clasped, unmoving, and his face was almost unreadable. Was it worry behind those eyes? Hope? Excitement? Even Oona, as perceptive as she was, found Eli to be something of a cipher. Any intimate thoughts he had were seldom shared, and this case proved no different. She could tell he was thinking hard, though, because he did not offer any snarky comment in response to her increasing glances. No "need something?" nor "can I help you?". Not even a grouchy, "What are you staring at?" She knew better than to break him out of his silence- and so she left him to ruminate, and tried once again to focus on Aliens.
_____________________
The plane landed smoothly, and, as was a typical perk of first class, the pair breezed through post-flight security. One flight attendant even nodded at Eli as he passed, welcoming 'Mr Acerbi, once again, to the States.'
"Look at you, you're famous." "No, I'm rich."
As they drove to the address, Oona's nervousness had begun to shake her once more. "So this... is really happening." Eli's eyes were fixed on the road. "... After all this time, this is really happening. I mean, something is happening."
In the silence that followed, Oona felt a touch of sombreness. "After a while, I thought nothing was ever going to happen."
Eli's eyes finally acknowledged her, as he broke away from his own thoughts. "Me too." He shot her a rare soft smile, an expression thousands of miles from his traditional smirks and sneers. "Looks like we were both wrong." Oona returned his smile, and they drove the rest of the way in a warmer, more reassured silence.
Or, at least they should have. And would have, if not for Oona suddenly sitting up, crying out in joyous disbelief. "Wait!" She was craning her neck to look out the window, looking as though she was frightened of her own intense hopefulness. "Is that- Is that Bea? Bea!" Although he had never interacted with her, Eli recognised her face, and even without the emotional attachment, her very presence in front of him sent a surge of relief similar to that which he had experienced upon meeting Oona. He pulled over the car, watching as Oona practically leapt from the vehicle.
"Bea! Bea!" Tears threatened to fall as Oona sprinted across the pavement (a task that took less than a second, with her abilities). She embraced the mousy-haired girl desperately, "You're here! I can't-" A sob caught in her throat, and as Eli got out of the car, he betrayed the smallest smile at his companion's joy. She had been right. Something was definitely happening.
Despite her tendency to ruminate, the thoughts did not linger with her long. Perhaps they would have, in a different situation, but for now, her mind was far too abuzz with other, more pressing concerns. The brilliant fluttering of hope ever-present in her chest had grown in fervor since the meteorite fell, and since seeing the familiar symbols engraved on it. The news had gone wild, conspiracy theories of aliens and government coverups engulfing the internet. And this time, the former was more than just a theory. It was only after reading the different articles on the internet that Oona realised that she was an alien. Before then, she had considered herself the ordinary one, surrounded by others. By humans. It was a weird thing to note about oneself, but it had its humorous perks, especially when she wound up absorbing a spiral of alien-related fiction. Thus far, E.T. was her favourite, although that felt prone to change, as she sat in her first class seat, eyes glued to the screen in front of her, where Ellen Ripley charged, teeth bared and eyes defiant.
It helped to distract her, but, as she glanced over at the fellow Aurum sitting beside her, she saw a man having far less luck. He sat in silence, screen black and chair upright. His hands were clasped, unmoving, and his face was almost unreadable. Was it worry behind those eyes? Hope? Excitement? Even Oona, as perceptive as she was, found Eli to be something of a cipher. Any intimate thoughts he had were seldom shared, and this case proved no different. She could tell he was thinking hard, though, because he did not offer any snarky comment in response to her increasing glances. No "need something?" nor "can I help you?". Not even a grouchy, "What are you staring at?" She knew better than to break him out of his silence- and so she left him to ruminate, and tried once again to focus on Aliens.
_____________________
The plane landed smoothly, and, as was a typical perk of first class, the pair breezed through post-flight security. One flight attendant even nodded at Eli as he passed, welcoming 'Mr Acerbi, once again, to the States.'
"Look at you, you're famous." "No, I'm rich."
As they drove to the address, Oona's nervousness had begun to shake her once more. "So this... is really happening." Eli's eyes were fixed on the road. "... After all this time, this is really happening. I mean, something is happening."
In the silence that followed, Oona felt a touch of sombreness. "After a while, I thought nothing was ever going to happen."
Eli's eyes finally acknowledged her, as he broke away from his own thoughts. "Me too." He shot her a rare soft smile, an expression thousands of miles from his traditional smirks and sneers. "Looks like we were both wrong." Oona returned his smile, and they drove the rest of the way in a warmer, more reassured silence.
Or, at least they should have. And would have, if not for Oona suddenly sitting up, crying out in joyous disbelief. "Wait!" She was craning her neck to look out the window, looking as though she was frightened of her own intense hopefulness. "Is that- Is that Bea? Bea!" Although he had never interacted with her, Eli recognised her face, and even without the emotional attachment, her very presence in front of him sent a surge of relief similar to that which he had experienced upon meeting Oona. He pulled over the car, watching as Oona practically leapt from the vehicle.
"Bea! Bea!" Tears threatened to fall as Oona sprinted across the pavement (a task that took less than a second, with her abilities). She embraced the mousy-haired girl desperately, "You're here! I can't-" A sob caught in her throat, and as Eli got out of the car, he betrayed the smallest smile at his companion's joy. She had been right. Something was definitely happening.
alfred hanston
flight | #89673E | attire
flight | #89673E | attire
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He had been picking up some milk from the grocery store down the street when one of the TVs hanging from the ceiling flashed a brilliant white catching his attention. A small message was written across the screen which stayed for only a few moments before the TV reverted back to some infomercial about a new blender. Alfie stared in astonishment at the screen, completely frozen in time.
Lux in tenebris , aureum cordibus
It was Dicere, Aurums native language. He felt a strange surge of energy jolt through him and a thousand thoughts fluttered through his mind. The jug of milk slowly slipped from his fingertips and busted on the ground, reminding him of where he was. "Shit" He muttered, kneeling down trying to clean it up with no avail. "Mr. Hanston" It was Greta Fordham, the little old lady that ran the grocery store for years. "I'm terribly sorry Mrs. Fordham. I- I just got distracted. I can pay you double." She gave him a kind grin and a small chuckle as she ushered him up from off the floor. "Alfred darling, it's just some milk. I can have Tommy clean it up - besides, you have somewhere to be" The old woman gave him a mischievous look and Alfred gave her a bewildered one. He did have somewhere to be. With that he got up, placing a crumpled tenner in her hand and dashed out the store with a curt "Thanks Mrs. Fordham". It was the happiest she had seen the young man in a year.
---
Airport security was a bit of a hassle - for appropriate reasons, but when the plane finally landed on American soil he let out a breath he felt like he had been holding for the whole flight. He took a taxi to the address, knowing it would cost the rest of the cash he had. If this was a bust then Alfred was going to be stuck in the states for quite some time. But the hope that he could possibly go home was worth every cent he had. The taxi puled up to a rather grandeur house, nothing like Alfred's tiny flat. He instantly felt different being close to the house. Alfie couldn't quite describe the feeling, but it felt as if something dormant inside him had suddenly woken up. Looking out the tinted windows he noticed a few other cars, and some others lingering outside. Others? Like him. He was too far away to see their faces. There was no denying that Alfred truly had no idea what he was getting in to. He thanked the taxi driver shoving a wad of cash in his hand, grabbed his tiny suitcase full of everything he owned, and stepped out on to the paved driveway.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ă JAYDEN KAZE ă
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ă JAYDEN KAZE ă___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ă dialogue: #2acec2 ă___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ "If you think you're going to crash, step on the pedal harder. Never mind, never mind,
Even if it's a road of thorns, we still run." - BTS 'Never Mind' _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ă dialogue: #2acec2 ă___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ "If you think you're going to crash, step on the pedal harder. Never mind, never mind,
Even if it's a road of thorns, we still run." - BTS 'Never Mind' _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
All Jayden could feel was nervousness as he watched the news clip for what seemed like the millionth time as he waited to board his flight. Up until 6 months ago Jayden would have been on the first flight out to research anything unusual like this so called golden meteor just in hopes of finding friends and a way home, but now he was hesitant. He felt like he had to protect his heart. A year ago when he released his debut album as J.Kaze he was uncertain on whether or not 'Home' should be on it. On one hand the title track was extremely personal and never actually meant to be heard by anyone else. It held all the pain and fear of being alone that he held in for years. On the other hand the very structure of the song called forth memories of home and he hoped that someone from Aurum would hear it and try to reach out so heâd know he wasnât alone. When that didnât happen he broke and throw himself into his music, though he didnât completely lose hope until 6 months ago. After that he couldnât even bring himself to listen to his song without crying.
Jayden wanted nothing to remind him of his former home. He even thought of covering up his emblem but that was something he just couldnât do, so he got a tattoo that incorporated his emblem. Ironically it was of the God of wind but it still helped ease the pain since his emblem wasnât all he saw while he was sitting in the makeup chair before the concert. He even began to ignore any whispers of things that remind Aurum, like this pro garner one of his earth friends met. His friend kept describing her and all he could think of was his best friend Phia but he refused to get his hopes up and wrote it off as another dead end before looking. Even on the day of the meteor hitting, Jay was doing everything in his power to ignore the news because he couldn't bare the pain again.
That all changed when later that evening he was sitting in the makeup chair getting ready for his last concert before his break when he heard his manager say âBut itâs Gold! What kind of meteor is Gold!â This led to Jayâs reluctant turn to the tv but it was just in time for him to see the message. The message that revived his hope and gave him a new destination. He stared at the TV blankly as he pondered his options ignoring every one who was calling his name in concern until finally he looked over to his manager and said, â Hey Kimmy. Iâve changed my mind. Iâm going to head to D.C during my break.â
Now here he is finally sitting on the ground at the airport in his typical off stage style waiting to do something he was convinced was impossible. He had contemplated not getting on this flight multiple times but knew this was something he had to do. He needed to see who was still alive out there and see if there was a chance of him getting home. Also he couldn't ignore that just the thought of him finding others had him feeling more like his old self than he had in a long while. Not only were his smiles no longer fake but there was this familiar warmth coming from his emblem that put his heart at ease. As the flight attendant called for first class to begin boarding Jay grabbed his carry on and skate board to proceed to board. He looked up and saw Kimmy staring at him from her flights waiting area. Waving he entered the plane ready to face the music for the good and bad. Though he was hoping this time it was good.
xxxHARLOW SERA
xxxdialogue is #B284BE
xxxa rebel from the FLIGHT district.
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Harlow still dreamt of them.
In the back of her mind, where her consciousness didnât reach, was the remnants of her old life. A place where her only worries were the current criminal to put in their place, and protecting her sisters and fiancĂŠ from those criminals she faced everyday.
She could barely remember what it was like to lay by his side. Those were stored safely behind the burning she felt every time she thought of her sisters lying there, a pool of blood where tropical wings used to be. They were innocents in a war that they didnât need to be involved in, and Harlow would be sure that those responsible would feel that same agony for the rest of their lives.
That meant finding Oliver Argenti. From what she understood, he was the most vulnerable of the royal family, and had made it to this foreign planet along with several other citizens of Aurum. If the boy made it here, the one that got her on the ship in place of the prince, he could cause a bit of trouble for her. Plus, she wouldnât know what the others would be like. Who would have made it here? Alfred?
Harlow woke up with a start, drenched in sweat and panting heavily. Sheâd gotten into Washington the night before and snuck her way into some dingy motel, trying to figure out how she would meet up with the others without compromising her position and losing her chance to get to the prince. If she was going to get back to Aurum, she needed him. But for now, she would keep her distance and figure out sides before doing anything.
All sheâd been working towards is getting back. Months and months of training on Aurum ended her in this foreign land, so it made sense to spend her months here training and training again. Fighting at night against the humans kept her stamina and endurance, and it was a bit fun to defeat these human men twice her size and get money for it. Enough money for a flight from Iceland into America and any other travel plans to get back to Aurum. Even without her mission in mind, this planet was tiresome. Harlow was used to proudly sporting her hawk like wings, and parading herself in front of others as a symbol of justice. Here, she had to shield her proud wings, take to a wheelchair for protection. It was degrading and she longed for her home and some sense of normalcy.
Harlow would not be the first one arriving. Her means of protection required transportation that look longer to acquire. The transportation service she acquired, something the human called Uber, was accommodating but it was still difficult to get herself into the car while pretending to be unable to walk and having large wings folded uncomfortably against her back. The driver did not ask many questions, other than her reason for the trip and her opinion of Washington. Both went unanswered.
He was just as surprised as she was when the address turned up to a mansion. It seemed that not everyone wanted to hide in this foreign planet, but thrive on their culture and community. It the end, it didnât matter. What these other people wanted only suited her if she could get back to Aurum. She didnât belong here, and anyone that fooled themselves into believing they did was just that: a fool. No matter what side of the war anyone was on, they wanted the same thing. A better Aurum, whatever that looked like.
The driver helped her back into the wheelchair; she needed to use this disguise until she could determine who would be on her side. And, if the prince came, being on the offensive would not get the results she wanted.
She wheeled herself up through the driveway, ignoring those arriving to the house. Except one. Her hands froze against the top of the wheels as a man stepped out of a taxi in front of her. It didnât matter that she couldnât see his face, she could recognize Alfred Hanston anywhere. Theyâd been estranged long enough for her not to know if heâd be sent to earth. Sheâd left without a trace, wanting to keep Alfred from the harm that had been caused to her sisters. Protecting him was her number one goal, which meant doing the hardest thing sheâd ever done. Walk away.
Only to find him here, standing in front of her with the same goal of getting home. The golden brown hair she loved to run her fingers through, a dark blue sweater that paired nicely against his freckled skin, he was the same man sheâd fallen so hopelessly for. She couldnât bring herself to force his name from her mouth, to have those bright blues turn towards her because she didnât know what she would see in them. Some may not be able to read him, but sheâd become used to the books she could read in his eyes.
Still, it came tumbling out of her mouth, a burst of desperation to see his face again. âAlfie.â
In the back of her mind, where her consciousness didnât reach, was the remnants of her old life. A place where her only worries were the current criminal to put in their place, and protecting her sisters and fiancĂŠ from those criminals she faced everyday.
She could barely remember what it was like to lay by his side. Those were stored safely behind the burning she felt every time she thought of her sisters lying there, a pool of blood where tropical wings used to be. They were innocents in a war that they didnât need to be involved in, and Harlow would be sure that those responsible would feel that same agony for the rest of their lives.
That meant finding Oliver Argenti. From what she understood, he was the most vulnerable of the royal family, and had made it to this foreign planet along with several other citizens of Aurum. If the boy made it here, the one that got her on the ship in place of the prince, he could cause a bit of trouble for her. Plus, she wouldnât know what the others would be like. Who would have made it here? Alfred?
Harlow woke up with a start, drenched in sweat and panting heavily. Sheâd gotten into Washington the night before and snuck her way into some dingy motel, trying to figure out how she would meet up with the others without compromising her position and losing her chance to get to the prince. If she was going to get back to Aurum, she needed him. But for now, she would keep her distance and figure out sides before doing anything.
All sheâd been working towards is getting back. Months and months of training on Aurum ended her in this foreign land, so it made sense to spend her months here training and training again. Fighting at night against the humans kept her stamina and endurance, and it was a bit fun to defeat these human men twice her size and get money for it. Enough money for a flight from Iceland into America and any other travel plans to get back to Aurum. Even without her mission in mind, this planet was tiresome. Harlow was used to proudly sporting her hawk like wings, and parading herself in front of others as a symbol of justice. Here, she had to shield her proud wings, take to a wheelchair for protection. It was degrading and she longed for her home and some sense of normalcy.
Harlow would not be the first one arriving. Her means of protection required transportation that look longer to acquire. The transportation service she acquired, something the human called Uber, was accommodating but it was still difficult to get herself into the car while pretending to be unable to walk and having large wings folded uncomfortably against her back. The driver did not ask many questions, other than her reason for the trip and her opinion of Washington. Both went unanswered.
He was just as surprised as she was when the address turned up to a mansion. It seemed that not everyone wanted to hide in this foreign planet, but thrive on their culture and community. It the end, it didnât matter. What these other people wanted only suited her if she could get back to Aurum. She didnât belong here, and anyone that fooled themselves into believing they did was just that: a fool. No matter what side of the war anyone was on, they wanted the same thing. A better Aurum, whatever that looked like.
The driver helped her back into the wheelchair; she needed to use this disguise until she could determine who would be on her side. And, if the prince came, being on the offensive would not get the results she wanted.
She wheeled herself up through the driveway, ignoring those arriving to the house. Except one. Her hands froze against the top of the wheels as a man stepped out of a taxi in front of her. It didnât matter that she couldnât see his face, she could recognize Alfred Hanston anywhere. Theyâd been estranged long enough for her not to know if heâd be sent to earth. Sheâd left without a trace, wanting to keep Alfred from the harm that had been caused to her sisters. Protecting him was her number one goal, which meant doing the hardest thing sheâd ever done. Walk away.
Only to find him here, standing in front of her with the same goal of getting home. The golden brown hair she loved to run her fingers through, a dark blue sweater that paired nicely against his freckled skin, he was the same man sheâd fallen so hopelessly for. She couldnât bring herself to force his name from her mouth, to have those bright blues turn towards her because she didnât know what she would see in them. Some may not be able to read him, but sheâd become used to the books she could read in his eyes.
Still, it came tumbling out of her mouth, a burst of desperation to see his face again. âAlfie.â
I⣠SEBASTIAN EBERSTARK âŁ
XXXXXXXXXXXXXforce | hex #898888 | outfit |
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The sun nearly blinded Sebastian as he raised the window shade, barely catching a glimpse of the famous White House. A marvel he would've gawked at if his brain was focusing on, well, anything. He rubbed at his eyes, reclining back in his seat, eyes shut. "Why now? Why at all?" He muttered to himself. Sebastian's nails began to dig into his arms. He'd moved on. Aurum had been a nightmare the day he left, and it had taken years for Sebastian to convince himself thatâs what it was. A horrible, horrible nightmare, he kept in a locked chest, never to be opened again. He could've ignored the meteor and the message he'd heard, an old Aurum saying, and stayed in Bremen. Maybe the meteor was only a remain of the planet, an old scrap that left the warmongering planet after it was destroyed. Or, it said that the planet was safe again and they could return. Even if it was, it would take an army of Force District residents to make him return and - "Mr. Eberstark? Are you alright?" A soft voice spoke.
A young flight attendant was looking at him with wide eyes, glancing down at his arms. With a quick glance, Sebastian noticed his nails had broken skin and he was bleeding. Even with diminishing strength, Sebastian still forgot how strong he was. He looked the young man in the eye and smiled despite how fake it felt. âIâm fine, sir. I appreciate you checking in. Thank you." With a quick grab of his wallet, Sebastian slipped the young man a one hundred euro. "Sorry, I haven't had the chance to convert anything yet.â Sebastian remembers when socialites wouldn't glance his direction. He wasn't going to turn into them after making his first million.
Landing and going through border security wasn't difficult, especially when you were invited by an influential... Sebastian couldn't recall the person who hired him. Someone rich and successful who wanted to prove it by having him design a mansion, or was it a lake house, who knows? Sebastian left his things and changed clothes after dropping off his luggage at the local Ritz-Carlton where his benefactor placed him.
Sebastian had adapted quickly to the Earthlings' technology, summoning an Uber to take him to his destination. He paled when the drive announced they reached the location. Sebastian forced out a thanks, tipped him handsomely, before getting out of the vehicle. The mansion was gorgeous, and Sebastian would've asked for the floor plans if it wasn't for the dread of what was inside the home. He wasn't stupid enough to come without protection. A taser sat in his left jacket pocket, you never know.
Sebastian leaned on a nearby stop sign, observing the many people approaching the mansion. Her face wasnât among them. 'Did she make it?... please be here.' Sebastian hasn't thought of her in a long time, preferring her to stay a happy memory. Honestly, he's here is to see Demetria. Sebastian wanted was to know if she was alive, and happy if the former was true. The rest didnât matter. Sebastian continued to watch, hope in his eyes.
A young flight attendant was looking at him with wide eyes, glancing down at his arms. With a quick glance, Sebastian noticed his nails had broken skin and he was bleeding. Even with diminishing strength, Sebastian still forgot how strong he was. He looked the young man in the eye and smiled despite how fake it felt. âIâm fine, sir. I appreciate you checking in. Thank you." With a quick grab of his wallet, Sebastian slipped the young man a one hundred euro. "Sorry, I haven't had the chance to convert anything yet.â Sebastian remembers when socialites wouldn't glance his direction. He wasn't going to turn into them after making his first million.
Landing and going through border security wasn't difficult, especially when you were invited by an influential... Sebastian couldn't recall the person who hired him. Someone rich and successful who wanted to prove it by having him design a mansion, or was it a lake house, who knows? Sebastian left his things and changed clothes after dropping off his luggage at the local Ritz-Carlton where his benefactor placed him.
Sebastian had adapted quickly to the Earthlings' technology, summoning an Uber to take him to his destination. He paled when the drive announced they reached the location. Sebastian forced out a thanks, tipped him handsomely, before getting out of the vehicle. The mansion was gorgeous, and Sebastian would've asked for the floor plans if it wasn't for the dread of what was inside the home. He wasn't stupid enough to come without protection. A taser sat in his left jacket pocket, you never know.
Sebastian leaned on a nearby stop sign, observing the many people approaching the mansion. Her face wasnât among them. 'Did she make it?... please be here.' Sebastian hasn't thought of her in a long time, preferring her to stay a happy memory. Honestly, he's here is to see Demetria. Sebastian wanted was to know if she was alive, and happy if the former was true. The rest didnât matter. Sebastian continued to watch, hope in his eyes.
Cassius stole another glance up at the sky, the weather had been fine this morning but had since started to turn and the sky had run from scattered patches of cloud to low ragged banks of grey that seemed to not only stifle the sun, but muffle the whole world as if wrapped in a blanket. This wasn't uncommon for this time of year, nor was it uncommon for the mountainous coasts of British Columbia. As a seasoned hunting guide, this was just part and parcel of a life spent out of doors in one of the wildest places on Earth.
He turned to survey the rest of his group as they followed behind him on the trail. It had been a good hunt, not without its share of difficulty and hardship but, ultimately a successful one. On the second last day they had brought down the bull moose they had been following for some time and now it was time to return. He turned back and shouted both warning of the weather, and encouraging the laggards with thoughts of warm fires, strong coffee and stronger whisky.
We could be in for a hell of a storm if this keeps up, and I don't know about you but I'd much rather be sat in the cabin when it hits! He yelled over the increasingly insistent tone of the wind. The pace increased, and at long last over the rise the cabin appeared just a little farther down the valley. A ragged cheer arose and the pace quickened again with the sight and smell of hearth now that much nearer at hand.
They reached the cabin just as the rain began to make itself felt, splashing down in big heavy drops that sprayed off everything they hit. Cassius stood by the door and clapped everyone on the back, making sure that at long last, he was the final member of their party to enter the sprawling cabin that served as home base for Darkwood Hunting and Angling. Hey Bill! Made it back with one in the bag, how 'bout ya break out the case of beer I know you've got stashed in back. He hollered, finally swinging his pack off his shoulder and propping it against the door.
An elderly gentleman tottered out from behind the bar grumbling under his breath All right, all right, keep yer shirt on. You get one each and you can drink it where ya likes, after that ya gots to stay at the bar. You hear the news by the by? He continued as he plunked a six pack down on the long table that graced part of the main room. Come on Bill you know damned well that I haven't unless you tried sending smoke signals. It's not exactly like we get BBC in the back country.
Bill chuckled True 'nough True 'nough. Well get a load of this then, Great big meteor come crashing down over in Washington D.C. there. The real kicker? Looks like it may well be made o' gold. Huh What do ya think of that? Why it's all they been showin' on the news, can't even barely watch the game he griped.
Cassius paused for a second wondering if it could really be happening. He had never known many people from Aurum, his natural abilities and personality having put him in the role of a scout most often. He had spent a lot of time wandering, but sure enough as soon as he heard the words spoken in Dicere, the ancient phrase called to him. He knew whether or not he knew anyone that he would go back. After all, this was his duty as his father had raised him, and there could be no turning his back on it. Huh, well I'll be damned. Don't have any trips scheduled for a while. I'm going to go to DC Bill, I'll bring ya back a piece if it's real gold.
As Bill chuckled Cassius was already heading to his room to pack a bag and a few short hours later, having changed into jeans a grey shirt and a nice green henley, he was on his way to DC, to the address that had been specified. He hadn't know many of the kids who'd gotten out in those last hectic days. He was pretty sure he'd seen Viviannah Bellum and had thought he'd heard some of the Royals had even made it, but other than that couldn't think of anyone he'd recognize. Heck Viviannah might not even remember him. By the time he was old enough to pay attention to such things she'd already become a prodigy in the district eventually even winding up in the personal guard of one of the Royals. His father had run him hard to keep up with her example and Cassius had trained about as hard as it was to train thanks to his fathers often brutal treatment. He liked to fancy he'd gained some small amount of recognition, but nowhere near the level of Viviannah Bellum.
These thoughts saw him through takeoff and into the air where he fell asleep only to wake as the wheels hit tarmac in DC. He rented a car and drove to the address he had heard the meteor was near noticing that sure enough others had already started to gather at the large house. He strode briskly up the pavement his Fire District tattoo on display as he rolled up the sleeves of his henley, paused before the door when he noticed a teary reunion going on between several people and a woman he recognized as being part of the Light District. He took a moment to deliver he a deferential nod before delivering three sharp knocks and waited.
XXXXX
OLIVER ARGENTI
Lyon to Washington DC | outfit | dialogue: #C0C0C0
"I think we've got what we need."
"I do too, but one should always take a few extra shots just in case. C'mon Ollie."
Tap. Tap. Tap.
"Ollie? Oliver!"
Tap. Tap. Tap.
A hand was firmly placed over Oliver's tapping fingers, bringing the boy out of his accidental trance. He looked up with a hum, confused as to why all eyes were suddenly on him. "What? What's going on?". His manager Ricky let out a quiet sigh, signaling the photographers that their daydreaming model would be over there shortly before taking a seat beside him. "Alright, talk. What's going on?" Oliver, in turn, kept silent, his eyes round and curious as if to question what exactly the man was referring to. Ricky made it clear he wasn't buying the act of innocence. "Don't give me that look. You've been acting weird since yesterday morning!" The young boy blinked a couple of times before getting to his feet in an attempt to get away from the questions. "I'm not acting weird, you are." he protested. Though a good plan, it didn't work the way he hoped. After giving Oliver an overdramatic eye roll, Ricky followed his lead and got to his feet, standing directly in his path. "Really, then explain to me why you haven't even touched your lunch."
"I'm just not hungry." Ollie answered with a slight shrug, to which Ricky immediately responded with a shake of the head. "Highly unlikely." Once again, Oliver attempted to move past the man, but he proved to be just as if not more stubborn than he. The two mimicked each other's stance by folding their arms across their chest as a sign of not backing down as Ricky continued to speak. "You've been spacing out since yesterday morning. Ever since-" he paused, a sudden look of disbelief taking over his otherwise tranquil features. "Please don't tell me that meteor and all those alien conspiracies have you spooked. You don't actually believe in that stuff, do you?" There was a sudden knot in the pit of Oliver's stomach at the mention of the so-called "meteor". Even as he firmly responded "Of course not!" and successfully pushed past Ricky with the excuse of his needing to do his job, the knot remained.
Truth be told, that's all the silver-haired boy had been able to think about since the previous morning. When the news of the "golden meteor" hit France, he'd been working. He didn't have a chance to see it until a few hours later while he was having lunch with his manager. The images that flashed across the restaurant television sent uncontrollable shivers down his spine. There it was clear as day. There was no mistaking the symbols that adorned the golden gloss. And that phrase he'd heard time and time again from the moment he was born. Lux in tenebris , aureum cordibus. He recalled his mother very tenderly teaching him those exact words, and what it meant for them.
"Every citizen of Aurum is important, Ollie. Every one of them has a heart of gold. And we have to be their light when times are dark."
Before he'd realized, he was running out of the restaurant with his manager frantically calling out to him. From the moment Oliver found himself on Earth, on this foreign planet in a city he knew nothing about, he'd been desperately searching for something, anything that could lead him back home. Back to his people and his family. Over the years, he'd all but given up. He still searched from time to time. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he felt there was still hope, but common sense often scolded him for being so naive. However, the moment he saw and heard the news it's as if light had given birth to hope again.
This is how he ended up in Customs and Immigration at the Washing DC airport. Admittedly, it was wrong of him not to tell Ricky he'd be leaving indefinitely until the day of the flight. Eleven hours and a half later and the man was scolding him through the phone line, wondering why the hell he'd decided to ditch so suddenly. "This is insane, Oliver, even for you!". Ollie tried his best to appease the man, promising to return as soon as "matters are taken care of", though he never mentioned he had no clue when that would be. Finally, after what seemed like hours and a hundred and one procedures later, he was handed back his passport and sent off to baggage claim. Oliver's nerves were running ramped the closer he was to the destination. Demi, Bea, Po, Vivi...and Leo...all these people he assumed to be dead could very well be alive and quite possibly somewhere in this very city.
{ leonardo magnus }
This was a dumb idea. Leonardo knew it was beyond foolish. Going to D.C. and potentially seeing other people from Aurum there. He would be recognized immediately. What if they were enemies? What if they wanted him dead? What if they blamed him for the war and why they were all stuck on Earth? The thoughts circled through his mind and for a long time he even blamed himself for what happened. His father died and his uncle waged war on the monsters that did it. But it ended up with everyone losing their home. No one won. In the end, the title of King did not matter. Families were ripped apart. His family was ripped apart. Leonardo had to remember why he was going to D.C. He wanted to know if there was a potential for his mother to still be alive. He had tried searching for her on Earth, but had come up empty. She promised that she was going to get into a pod after him, but he hadnât seen her get in one. Leo hadnât run into her while on Earth. He just wanted to know if she was okay. And this gold meteor could be that answer. Meeting others from Aurum could be that answer. His mother could be among them.
âAttention passengers. We will be landing at the Ronald Reagan Airport in approximately fifteen minutes. Please raise your chairs to the appropriate position, lift up your tray table, and remain in your seats with the seat belt fastened. We hope you had a great flight and thank you for flying, Air Canada.â
Turning back was not an option. The flight landed smoothly and everyone filed out with no problem. It was then his turn to go through border patrol. The security officer had his passport and I.D. in hand. He kept glancing at the two and looking at Leo. His face just as apathetic and emotionless as the photos on his forms of identification.
âBusiness or pleasure.â
Life or death. âPleasure.â
âHow long do you plan on staying?â
Until I figure out if my mother is alive. âA month.â
âDid you bring anything with you? Food, alcohol, weapons?â
The ability to summon lightning and kill you all if you keep asking me questions. Not entirely true, but he was getting annoyed. âNo.â
The officer finally smiled and stamped the blank space in Leoâs passport. âWelcome to the United States. Enjoy your stay.â He collected all his things and trudged on through the airport. He only had his carry on bag, which surprisingly held a lot of clothes. If he needed more, then he would buy some. Leonardo stood outside, taking in his new surroundings. This wasnât the circumstance he thought he would find himself south of his border. In fact, he wasnât ever expecting to leave Canada. Yet here he was. He already was having a hard time liking it. It was much noisier than his quiet neighborhood in Edmonton.
He summoned an Uber with the address to Demetria Tempalaâs house. He had only met her once and he was sure that the two of them werenât friends. It was business only. He wasnât sure what her feelings were about the war and really what side she had taken, but like most people. It was probably the side of the Light. The Uber pulled up to a very impressive estate. He stepped out of the car and thanked his driver. Through the app, he tipped the man and rated him five-stars for not engaging in conversation. There were others waiting to get into the place and he kept his distance from the door. He wasnât ready to face anyone quite yet. Once he sees who lets them in, he will make a decision. Out of habit, he started messing with the fidget cube in his hand. He was getting antsy just waiting there.
XXXXX
VIVIANNAH BELLUM
Washington DC | outfit | dialogue: #822222
âViâŚgo check and see who it is.â the raven-haired girl took one more swig of her coffee and sat the cup down with a light clink. The steps to the door were slow and calculated as she envisioned what could be on the other side of it. Once opened, Vivi stood with the knob in her hand as her dark eyes examined the face in front of hers. It was vaguely familiar. She'd met this man before, but not enough to remember his name it seemed. "ID please." she said, mimicking the words she'd heard from the border patrol on Aurum each time she traveled. For humans, being asked for an ID meant they'd be handing in a small card with basic information such as name and birthdate. For someone from Aurum, this meant something entirely different. Instead of a small, plastic card, they'd have to show their district emblem, regardless of what part of the body it was tattooed on. It was the best way of making sure each person was who they claimed to be without asking too many questions.
The first guest proved to be from the Time control district, which in turn explained why Viviannah almost recognized him. She stepped aside to let him in, allowing Demi the chance to give him his welcome. After him came a few more, to which Viviannah did the same procedure, unintentionally making herself a bouncer of sorts. Though they all checked off as legitimate, there were none she recognized until... "ID ple-" her words trailed off as the features of the man in front of her were matched to memory. Her mouth hung open for a few short seconds before she managed to form actual words. "Cas?" Of all the people she'd thought to see, Cassius was not one of them. It'd been so long since she'd last seen him. Since before the war, even. From the moment Vivi left their district to work for the Royal family, she hadn't seen Cas in person. It was surreal. His face looked so familiar...but at the same time so different.
She took a moment to let a few others in, among them was Leonardo Magnus. She imagined Oliver's face if he were there. It wasn't much of a secret that the prince had taken a liking to him. As for the reasons why Vivi had absolutely no idea. She never liked the guy. Not before the war and most certainly not now. Though she wanted to spit every profanity in her vocabulary at him, there were still others nearby soon to be wanting in. She put into play that patience Demi had so often talked to her about and simply sent let him inside with a glare before turning back to Cas, her arms instinctively folding over her chest. "I had no idea you were...I mean, it's...been a while."
Xâ ALLANA VALKOV â
XXXXXXXice| hex #b2c9f4 | outfit |
"Arrre you not happy? Ve arrre going to ĐПоŃика! Imagine what vill happen when ve solve ŃаКна of ПоŃоОŃ." The team's English is very poor, Allana usually being the translator, but they've been practicing.
"Just nervous is all."
"Nerrrvous? I vill never underrrstand yourrr highness."
"... You really wouldn't."
Lenya changed the subject, suggesting they turn on the radio to hear the impossible theories people are coming up with. Allana thought she'd left her Ice Queen status behind on Aurum, but it stays with her. A forever title to remind her of life back there. Aurum was the first thing she thought when the meteor had landed. She wanted to stay away, but after her team was invited, refusing would've been detrimental to her career and suspicious because she had no valid reason to not go. Allana liked what she was doing here on Earth and she wasn't going to let Aurum ruin things. Maybe, it was time to face what happened, not that she was brave enough to do so.
"Lux in tenebris, aureum cordibus." Allana sprung out of her seat after hearing those words through the radio. She moved frantically, attempting to find a piece of paper to write down the address and date following. She hadn't heard Dicere or that phrase in years. Her team was looking at her strangely, not understanding the multiple emotions acrossing her usually blank face. Allana felt hands on her shoulders, one from Lenya and another from a colleague, both looking at her with concern.
"Đ˘Ń Đ˛ пОŃŃдко?"(Are you okay?) Lenya asked.
"ĐŻ но СнаŃ." (I don't know.)
~
After arriving in the United States, Allana's team bid her a farewell, although it was one of confusion and suspicion. She didn't give them much of an explanation either. Allana hailed a cab to take to the meeting point. Other survivors must've heard it too. Allana sighed, resting her hand on her palm as she gazed out the window. The few friends she had may be there and she wouldn't know how to react. Would they even recognize her? She wasn't the submissive mouse her mother raised her to be anymore. It felt like that's what she'd revert to when she arrived. Allana began to tug at her top. Her mother would've frozen her in place before giving her a lecture about modesty if she saw her now.
Upon her arrival, she continue to tug at her top, hiding what skin she could. Allana's eyes widened as she took note of her surroundings. She wasn't expecting a mansion in a wealthy neighborhood, more of an abandoned warehouse kind of thing. The woman allowing people into the mansion was none other than Viviannah Bellum from the Fire District. Her mother encouraged her to play nice with the future leader of the Fire District, but like the Earthings say 'fire and ice.' She wordlessly showed her the symbol on wrist, she would've covered it up ages ago if it wasn't a reminder of how far she come.
Stepping into the house was equally impressive, Viviannah had obviously done well for herself on Earth. The many people standing around were familiar, but the sight of Eli was the only thing she could focus on. Her dear friend and confidant was still alive. She made her way to him, stopping a few feet before him. It's been many years and things may changed, but she wants nothing more than to embrace her friend.
Viviannah Bellum
CassiusPraetorius
Cassius stood aside as the first several people filed through and then followed them in, his eyes scanning around, focused more on the surroundings than the people at first. They went in single file through the door and the routine chant of âI.D. Pleaseâ was so routine that at first he tuned it out until it suddently faltered as the person in front of him walked away and he saw who had been checking and did a double take.
Viviannah Bellum, he could barely remember the last time he had seen her, they must have been just kids at the time. She had always been gifted, even way back then, something of a prodigy in the fire district. Cassius was somewhat younger than her, but just old enough to be in the same peer group. Heâd been teased somewhat at first, but his unsettling tendency to respond completely out of proportion had put a stop to that fairly quickly. Heâd always had a hard time with people in that respect, but Viv had taken him under her wing somewhat, made sure he didnât cross too many lines and heâd come to think of her as a moral compass of sorts. Heâd made the decision then that she was going to be his person, his conscience, and he would follow her anywhere. This devotion looks like romantic interest to some, but itâs far more simple than that; he trusts here more than he trusts himself.
Cas? he heard her say, and it brought him right back to when they were young before snapping him right back to the present, leaving him rattled, in order to cover for it he ran to safe ground in the form of formal adress. âLady Bellumâ He nodded and joined her in checking IDâs. It was familiar work and it was good to fall into a rhythm with her, it helped to settle him more.
"I had no idea you were...I mean, it's...been a while." âYeah.. Iâm sorry we lost touch. I got seconded to Recon after you went to protection detail, you know I always did better away from people. It.. uh.. It got pretty bad out there near the end. I mean whatever lines there were to start the war, they disintegrated pretty quickly. After that it was just block by block and building to building.â He turned to Viv âIt got real ugly out there Vivâ
Perhaps it was Viviâs homesick heart, or her desire to see her old friends and family, but when Cassius spoke it hit a chord. VivĂ felt a sense of home, of her district, her family. She bit her bottom lip as she listened to him. He hadnât changed a bit. Maybe physically just enough to have her do a double take, but his personality felt so...familiar. She sighed, eyeing her bracelet as she fidgeted with it. âI knowâŚâ Sheâd seen first hand just how ugly itâs gotten, both from an outsiderâs and an insiderâs perspective. Having spent so much time with the Royal family, she came to see them as the kind hearted people they were. Though not perfect, they really cared about everyone in Aurum. There was no doubt in her mind that they were set up.
âI personally saw the desperation in the kingâs face, and the queen crying almost every dayâŚit was bad everywhere...â sheâd long since let the memories of her last days with the family stay tucked in the back of her mind, as well as her failed mission to keep the prince safe. âThey put me on the same ship as Prince Oliver to make sure he made it safely. Now, I donât I donât even know if heâs-â her words trailed off as she noticed others approaching the door. It did no good to talk about those things now. It was best to focus on those that were there. âItâs really good to see you.â She offered a uncharacteristicly warm smile, the kind only a handful of people ever got to see.
Cassius nodded in agreement You too. Now that youâre back it will be just like the old days. Iâve got your back. he said putting a large hand on her shoulder. As they turned back to attend to the rest of the crowd he moved back into his habitual spot, two steps behind just off the right shoulder. He was going where she went and he would have her back, anyone wanted to go through her was going to have to come at him first. It was good to be back.
{ demetria tempala }
"ID please." Immediately, Demi glanced down at her wrist. Her time district emblem stood out against her skin. She had always told people that it was just a tattoo that reminded her of home. For work, however, she had learned to cover it up. Many people in politics seem to be bothered by marks on the skin. Though she was born with this, it wasnât something that was easily explained to the people of Earth. Today, however, there was no reason to cover it. She removed the buttoned-up shirt that was covering her arms and white shirt underneath and tied it around her waist. Now her emblem was out in the open. As people walked in, they would be able to see it and know she was from Aurum and which district she was with.
Eventually she ended up in the entryway where her raven-haired bodyguard was screening people. Demetriaâs eyes widened at the sight of the first person that waltzed through the door. She would recognize him anywhere. They were so close on Aurum, basically family. His hair was longer than what she had remembered, but she could never forget the closest thing she had to a brother. âElâŚâ Just speaking out his name was causing her to choke up. âYouâreâŚalive...I canât believe-â Demi didnât even notice the tears were sliding down her cheeks. She skipped over to him and pulled him into a tight hug. Demetria made a mental note to make sure to address the other guests that were being let into the house, but after she has come to terms with seeing Eilian.
ASTORIA CAELUS
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He dropped her off outside the gates. "Big crowd. You having a party?" He asked. "Not as such," she said. She paid him, and took a long look up towards the house. Someone appeared to be checking their insignias on the door, probably to be expected. Almost the whole way up to the door, there seemed to be a number of emotional reunions. She scanned the faces. A few she recognised... but nobody from her own district.
Her feet came to a stop of their own accord as that realisation sank in. Had... had anybody from her district gotten out? Was anybody left? Was she alone? No. No, she couldn't afford to think like that. She took a deep breath and made her way up the drive, pulling her jacket off in anticipation of having her emblem checked. It was close enough to procedure at home to make her feel a little more comfortable.
That comfort vanished as she saw the face standing beside the dark haired woman checking their emblems. It felt like she was dragged back in time to that escape vessel. The echo of her own scream ringing in her ears, the blood running onto the ground, and that empty, empty look in his face.
"You." She swore, managing to make the word sound like a threat, an accusation. "How dare you- what the hell do you think you're doing here?" She asked, looking straight past the woman and up into the man's face.
EILIAN AMINUS
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He jumped a little as another person appeared beside him, knocking on the door for a second time. It brought him out of his head, and it made him realise that he was about to see Demi again. A smile settled onto his face, even as his heart started to pound. It wasn't Demi that opened the door. It was a dark-haired woman that he vaguely recognised but couldn't quite place, her eyes scanning him for a moment. Then she asked him for ID. It meant something different here, but he lifted his shirt to show her the symbol on his hip. She stepped aside, and Eilian stepped into the hall.
Demi was there waiting for him. Tears streamed down her face as she recognised him, and it brought tears to his own eyes. She pulled him into a tight hug, and he wrapped his arms around her, the tears spilling over his cheeks. He didn't miss many things about home, but probably the only thing he had missed was right here, right now. The closest thing he had to a sister.
"Of course I'm alive, I wasn't going to go down without a fight," he laughed. "But look at you!" He said, stepping back to take a look at her. "Look at this house!" He laughed, looking around. "You really fell on your feet, didn't you?" He remarked, stepping back in for another hug. "It's so good to see you," he said. "I thought I was hallucinating when I saw your name on that comet, I was on hour twenty seven of no sleep," he joked. Well, partially joking. He had been on hour twenty seven of no sleep thanks to business meetings and a video shoot, and he'd thought it had all been some strange, weird dream. But then that's all people had been talking about once he had slept for about twelve hours, and he realised it was real. Demi was still alive. Now that he saw her, pride started to well in his heart. He'd only really gotten back on his feet and yet look how well she was, look how successful she seemed to be.
Feeling: Anxious . Outfit: X
hex â #816687 . thought â #A3A3A3
âââââââââââââââââââââhex â #816687 . thought â #A3A3A3
âŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹâŹ
Bea felt a pit in her stomach as she looked up at the house, contemplating whether or not to actually walk up to the front door. She saw someone at the front door but she was in her own head that she didn't realize who it was. Over and over again she was going around asking herself if she was ready to actually be thrust back into the role of Beatrice Amador, the title she had spent years trying to remove even after coming to Earth. She did everything in her power to get away from that girl, to become Bea and never have to think of her again: She chopped off her somewhat beloved locks, had gotten tattoos, bumps, bruises, and scars all over her body from her adventures, and completely gave up on trying to rebuild the lavish lifestyle she was used to on Aurum. At one point she even thought about trying to remove her I.D on the bottom of her neck and the two ones below it: a small family crest and another of their family's mantra, just to remove the one constant reminder of the life she left behind but, she's a sucker for sentiment and deep down knew that was the last real momento to connect her to her family that had done everything in their power to give Bea a chance to live. "You could walk away right now, no one would ever know. You could go back to Sydney and act as if you never saw any message." Which was tempting. Until the annoying voice in her head (who sounded a lot like her father) reminded of something; Amadors don't run from things, they fight through them and see it through, no matter what. Which honestly seemed ironic at this point but, he was right. Beatrice or Bea Amador didn't just run away from things because she was afraid, she never did and she didn't plan on starting now. Besides, she wanted to know who was all here. Throughout her time on this planet, she caught her mind wondering about the possibility that anyone she knew had to have made it to safety with her. Deep down she knew it couldn't have just been her but, she didn't even know where to start with that search.
Before she could get any more into her own thoughts, she heard her name and turned around to find where it was coming from. Only to be met with Oona Agnelli running towards her. The girl could have knocked the both of them down with how fast she was running but Bea pulled her into her arms, letting out a breathless gasp as her arms tightened around her and made sure the two of them didn't topple over. She kept letting out small gasps as she shakily held on to one of her closest friends. She was so stunned, she couldn't start sobbing like Oona was when Bea pulled away from her to truly look at her. "I can't believe this." She wiped away the tears running down Oona's face before smiling as this was the moment that Bea actually came to terms with what all of this meant, people she had thought she would never see again weren't just alive. They were on Earth with her and she was only feet away from seeing who else made it out. She was so concentrated on Oona and her 'epiphany' of sorts that she wasn't paying attention to who was passing by them and entering the house. She snapped out of it and turned around to see others enter the same house and looked back at Oona, wiping away a few tears of her own. "We should probably go inside, we can see who else is here and... you tell me everything." She held on to Oona with one hand and used her other to grab her bags that had fallen to the ground once she hugged Oona. Walking up to the massive house, she couldn't help but look around, sure it wasn't as great as her place on Aurum, it was still amazing that one of their own had done so well for themselves. She had to admire it. As she looked for any recognizable faces, she realized the house's apparent residential pitbull, was checking everyone's I.Ds. Bea groaned. It was moments like this she wanted to have her own 'do you know who my father is' moment but digressed.
She played along with the screening, putting her backpack near a corner of the room and moving the collar of her flannel so her emblems could be seen by everyone. But, once seeing who the one checking I.Ds was, her face fell into disbelief, Viviannah Bellum, one of the guards that was designated to protect her father. She was good at her job, Bea'd give her that but it only made her and Ollie's lives a hell of a lot harder when it came to sneaking around before the guard was moved to protect Ollie. They were friendly enough but, seeing her, she was excited that meant maybe someone from the royal family, an extended part of hers, could have made it out alive. Looking around she tried to see if any one of them were one of the Argentis, but no luck. She took a deep breath before looking back at Oona. Her smile quickly came back as she looked at her friend. "So, tell me everything." She chuckled and moved the two away from the entry way.
Before she could get any more into her own thoughts, she heard her name and turned around to find where it was coming from. Only to be met with Oona Agnelli running towards her. The girl could have knocked the both of them down with how fast she was running but Bea pulled her into her arms, letting out a breathless gasp as her arms tightened around her and made sure the two of them didn't topple over. She kept letting out small gasps as she shakily held on to one of her closest friends. She was so stunned, she couldn't start sobbing like Oona was when Bea pulled away from her to truly look at her. "I can't believe this." She wiped away the tears running down Oona's face before smiling as this was the moment that Bea actually came to terms with what all of this meant, people she had thought she would never see again weren't just alive. They were on Earth with her and she was only feet away from seeing who else made it out. She was so concentrated on Oona and her 'epiphany' of sorts that she wasn't paying attention to who was passing by them and entering the house. She snapped out of it and turned around to see others enter the same house and looked back at Oona, wiping away a few tears of her own. "We should probably go inside, we can see who else is here and... you tell me everything." She held on to Oona with one hand and used her other to grab her bags that had fallen to the ground once she hugged Oona. Walking up to the massive house, she couldn't help but look around, sure it wasn't as great as her place on Aurum, it was still amazing that one of their own had done so well for themselves. She had to admire it. As she looked for any recognizable faces, she realized the house's apparent residential pitbull, was checking everyone's I.Ds. Bea groaned. It was moments like this she wanted to have her own 'do you know who my father is' moment but digressed.
She played along with the screening, putting her backpack near a corner of the room and moving the collar of her flannel so her emblems could be seen by everyone. But, once seeing who the one checking I.Ds was, her face fell into disbelief, Viviannah Bellum, one of the guards that was designated to protect her father. She was good at her job, Bea'd give her that but it only made her and Ollie's lives a hell of a lot harder when it came to sneaking around before the guard was moved to protect Ollie. They were friendly enough but, seeing her, she was excited that meant maybe someone from the royal family, an extended part of hers, could have made it out alive. Looking around she tried to see if any one of them were one of the Argentis, but no luck. She took a deep breath before looking back at Oona. Her smile quickly came back as she looked at her friend. "So, tell me everything." She chuckled and moved the two away from the entry way.
Generally this dark haired female loved to blast heavy techno music in her car, but that day she drove in complete silence, only the soft humming of her luxury vehicle accompanying her short distance travel. She didn't really know, why she had chosen not to seek out if Leo was anywhere on this volatile planet or not nor did she know, why she had chosen to live the way she had been on Earth.
Kali knew, there was a change in her, bubbling and craving for attention, but she just couldn't stop being herself. Kindness had always been something weak for her, specially around here... or was that just a silly excuse, eliminating any possible memory of her past with Leonardo and his mother or the memories made with her fiance, whom she met thanks to this gorgeous woman, who also had become as if her substitute mother. These had always been the best moments of her life, and just falling back into the trail of those memories, she had breakdowns. Alone, in her own home, with wine bottle in one hand and a cigarette after cigarette in the other. Indeed, it had always been so unlike her, but it was the only way to keep her head cool and demenour cold.
Reaching to the mansion, she stopped behind a tall young man, whom she didn't recognize at first, but as Kali walked out of the car and looked up after locking the doors, she froze. She could recognize his back at any point, at any form, at any age. She remembered that day so clearly, when she first had been taken to his family, and told to become his bodyguard, although they both were just so young, only children. Against her father's plans, instead of becoming the spy Malcum had wanted from her, she had become as if his sister, his best friend.
Although Kali wanted to be her own self, it was impossible to speak, as if having lost her voice suddenly. Finally, she managed to press out very soft and tender nickname for the young man in front of her: "TayTay..." Pulling her eyes away for a moment, she coughed and tried to hold her composure. It was extremely rare for Kali to be this shaken up and to be shedding tears, although she felt like she wanted to in his arms, but there were just too many eyes everywhere at that moment.
Walking beside him, she just mused looking over all the people arriving in intervals, then looked up at him and spoke: "Did you actually wait for me or are you just enjoying the show?" There was a sparkle of sadness and happiness mixed in her dark eyes, and a small, almost warm smile on her lips. Kali didn't mind the hug at that moment, and she was willing to take this in front of others, just not tears...
Her fingers sparked with electricity for a mere moment, but she pulled them into a fist. This meteorite had done something to her powers, and although they were still immensely unbalanced, they somehow had become stronger. With all the familiar sensations and all these strong energies building up, one by one, around that estate where they were all gathering, it was going to be dangerous. Hopefully it didn't turn into a bloodbath, not until she had found out if there was actually a way to get back home...
Kali knew, there was a change in her, bubbling and craving for attention, but she just couldn't stop being herself. Kindness had always been something weak for her, specially around here... or was that just a silly excuse, eliminating any possible memory of her past with Leonardo and his mother or the memories made with her fiance, whom she met thanks to this gorgeous woman, who also had become as if her substitute mother. These had always been the best moments of her life, and just falling back into the trail of those memories, she had breakdowns. Alone, in her own home, with wine bottle in one hand and a cigarette after cigarette in the other. Indeed, it had always been so unlike her, but it was the only way to keep her head cool and demenour cold.
Reaching to the mansion, she stopped behind a tall young man, whom she didn't recognize at first, but as Kali walked out of the car and looked up after locking the doors, she froze. She could recognize his back at any point, at any form, at any age. She remembered that day so clearly, when she first had been taken to his family, and told to become his bodyguard, although they both were just so young, only children. Against her father's plans, instead of becoming the spy Malcum had wanted from her, she had become as if his sister, his best friend.
Although Kali wanted to be her own self, it was impossible to speak, as if having lost her voice suddenly. Finally, she managed to press out very soft and tender nickname for the young man in front of her: "TayTay..." Pulling her eyes away for a moment, she coughed and tried to hold her composure. It was extremely rare for Kali to be this shaken up and to be shedding tears, although she felt like she wanted to in his arms, but there were just too many eyes everywhere at that moment.
Walking beside him, she just mused looking over all the people arriving in intervals, then looked up at him and spoke: "Did you actually wait for me or are you just enjoying the show?" There was a sparkle of sadness and happiness mixed in her dark eyes, and a small, almost warm smile on her lips. Kali didn't mind the hug at that moment, and she was willing to take this in front of others, just not tears...
Her fingers sparked with electricity for a mere moment, but she pulled them into a fist. This meteorite had done something to her powers, and although they were still immensely unbalanced, they somehow had become stronger. With all the familiar sensations and all these strong energies building up, one by one, around that estate where they were all gathering, it was going to be dangerous. Hopefully it didn't turn into a bloodbath, not until she had found out if there was actually a way to get back home...
xxxAPOLLO MUNDI
xxxdialogue is #6A9275
xxxa royal servant from the HEALING district.
xxxOLIVER ARGENTI
xxxdialogue is #C0C0C0
xxxa prince of Aurum from the LIGHT district.
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It didnât even feel like sleep. But Ezra was poking his cheek and waking him up with that dreaded nickname as soon as his eyes finally fluttered shut. He brushes the intruding hand away, moving back upright from the position he found himself in. He didnât realize heâd leaned so much when he slept, ending pressed up on Ezraâs side for most of the flight. Ezra didnât make any comment about Apollo falling asleep on his shoulder. The blond was already the cause of the blood rushing to his cheeks on several occasions, and he didnât want this to be another time.
The airport was flooded with people. Enough people that Apollo almost grabbed onto Ezraâs wrist to keep himself from losing the only person he knew in this airport. They made their way through, Apolloâs body protesting from the hours spent in the airline seat traveling his way to the states for the first time. Heâd spent a lot of time walking in Italy, save his train rides to Milan, and wasnât used the time spent seated.
âIs the house far fromâŚ-â Apollo started, distracted by collecting his bags when he noticed a too familiar head of grey locks. His eyes stayed locked, his hands clutching on the top of his bag, making sure his eyes werenât deceiving him.
No, that had to be Oliver Argenti, there was no mistaking it. He could recognize the prince even from his profile, from the hours he spent by his side. It made his heart pound crazily, seeing in person that he was alive and within armâs reach. Apollo couldnât help himself, he dropped his bag and started briskly walking towards the other man. He had to see him closer, and a part of him yearned to yank Ollie into his arms and never let go. He would never put him at risk again, as long as he could just get to him.
Oliver was used to busy airports. Paris always proved to be one of the worst, second only to New York. But this was a lot, even for him. Heâd been walking at a snailâs pace, having way too many people in front and behind him to get anywhere. Despite his usual carefree nature, his nerves were on high alert which made the crowd of people that much more unsettling. After what felt like a lifetime he finally reached the baggage claim area, which was impossibly more congested. He didnât bother to make any attempts of reaching his bags, but instead opted to wait until the bundle in front of him began to dissolve.
His bright blues, usually hidden behind a mask of brown, studied their surroundings. He hadnât bothered to change his hair or eye color as a habit it had become, but preferred to keep them his natural Light district hues in hopes heâd find someone he knew. So far it had proven to be useless, and instead had only earned him a few long stares. Until- [color=#c0c0c]âPoâŚ?â[/color] he spoke more to himself than anything, as a way of questioning if he was really seeing who he thought he was seeing. And then the dark haired male looked in his direction, only a handful of people between them. There was no mistaking it, that was definitely Apollo.
âPo!â he called out much louder this time, loud enough for the boy to hear him. Oliverâs body immediately moved, his arms making way through the crowd until heâd reached Apollo and all but tackled him to the ground. His heart pounded against his ears as he clung onto his friend. After ten long years on Earth with no sign of him, it almost felt like a dream.
Hearing the nickname slip from his dear friendâs lips, thatâs the only thing needed for tears to start streaming down Apolloâs face. They started before he even touched Ollie, but continued harder as his arms snake around Ollieâs neck and he pulls him closer and tighter in their hug. âOllie.â He hadnât seen this boy, felt the warmth - no, the light - that radiated from Oliver Argenti in years. He missed everything about his friend, and here he was in the flesh.
He pulls back only to grab Ollieâs face, checking him for any signs of injury. âAre you okay, Ollie? Iâm so happy youâre here, youâre alive, I was- I was so scared- did anyone hurt you? Have you met anyone else?â Apollo rambles on, looking everywhere except for Ollieâs eyes, searching for any sign that someone had hurt him, or the girl found him first.
Apollo was so terrified that heâd failed. That he wouldnât find Ollie again. He didnât know what he would do if somehow Ollie hadnât made it, or didnât want to see them again. It would have been his fault, and he was sure everyone would know it too. He hadnât protected the prince enough. Now, he wouldnât take any chances, and wouldnât let Ollie talk him out of protecting him with every fiber of his being. His life, if necessary.
Olive was certain heâd be strong enough to face whatever was coming, whether he came to find people he loved or find no one at all. But the moment he felt Apolloâs embrace there was an overwhelming feeling of home. A reminder of everything heâd lost, of everyone heâd been forced to leave behind. A knot formed in Oliverâs throat and his eyes welled with tears. Though he tried, the sound of Apollo saying his name immediately pulled them out. They were silent and slow, and while Apollo checked him from head to toe and asked him a million and one questions about whether he was okay or not, all Olliecould do was smile and giggle like a child.
âIâm okay, Iâm okay!â his words were rushed, afraid that his voice would betray him, but holding back his tears proved to be useless. âI-itâs really you. I thought...I thought you were-â dead. The idea alone was enough to have Oliver drowning in tears. No longer silent, now he was sobbing uncontrollably. His arms wrapped around Apolloâs torso again, face buried into his shirt as it dawned on him that this was in fact not a dream. And if Apollo was alive that meant there was a good chance everyone else was too.
âIâm here.â These were Apolloâs only words of comfort but the only ones that felt right. His hands cling to Ollie as he sobs in Apolloâs shirt, holding him there as long as he needed to. Part of him never wanted to let go, to keep Ollie in a little bubble so heâd never have to worry about losing him again. But that was the selfish part of him, one that didnât care that more of their friends could be alive and they deserved to see Ollie again too. He held onto this moment as long as he could, calming his own tears before even attempting to talk to Ollie again.
Apollo pulls back, if only to see Ollieâs face again and ensure that he was safe. He smiles through his tears, even as he looks for any injuries he may have missed. âIt wasnât me who found you. I mean, I wouldnât even be here if it werenât for Ezra. He saw you in a magazine.â
Once his tears slow down, Oliver makes an attempt at brushing them away with his jacket sleeve. He takes a deep breath, hoping he can at least get a few sentences out without another waterfall. âEzra?â As if on cue, Oliver extends his line of sight just a few feet behind Apollo to see a familiar head of long, blonde locks coming their way with what looked like his and Apolloâs bags. He offered Ollie a smile, stopping just a few inches behind Apollo. âHey little princeâ the familiar nickname brought a wide smile to Oliverâs tear stained face. He moved away from Apollo long enough to give Ezra a hug of his own. The two had never been that close on Aurum but theyâd been enough of friends that Oliver was relieved to see him with Apollo.
Apollo didnât realize that Ollie knew Ezra before coming to Earth, but it didnât surprise him. Being glued to Ollieâs side on Aurum meant a blur of many faces, maybe even Ezraâs for a moment. But he was thankful for it all; without Ezra, he wouldnât have come for the meteor. Heâd tried to blend into this world and become one of them, and in the process forgot who all he would be deserting to do so. Watching Ezra and Ollie interact reminded him that he didnât belong here, something that they already knew.
âWe should get to the house now, shouldnât we?â
The car ride wasnât a long one from the airport, mainly Apollo laying a hundred different questions on Ollie to make sure he was alright, even though heâd already assured the healer of this already. He was curious what Ezra would say now that Ollie was around, but the blond had kept his mouth shut for now. And before he knew it, they were pulling up on a mansion filled with their people. A solace of Aurum on Earth.
The airport was flooded with people. Enough people that Apollo almost grabbed onto Ezraâs wrist to keep himself from losing the only person he knew in this airport. They made their way through, Apolloâs body protesting from the hours spent in the airline seat traveling his way to the states for the first time. Heâd spent a lot of time walking in Italy, save his train rides to Milan, and wasnât used the time spent seated.
âIs the house far fromâŚ-â Apollo started, distracted by collecting his bags when he noticed a too familiar head of grey locks. His eyes stayed locked, his hands clutching on the top of his bag, making sure his eyes werenât deceiving him.
No, that had to be Oliver Argenti, there was no mistaking it. He could recognize the prince even from his profile, from the hours he spent by his side. It made his heart pound crazily, seeing in person that he was alive and within armâs reach. Apollo couldnât help himself, he dropped his bag and started briskly walking towards the other man. He had to see him closer, and a part of him yearned to yank Ollie into his arms and never let go. He would never put him at risk again, as long as he could just get to him.
Oliver was used to busy airports. Paris always proved to be one of the worst, second only to New York. But this was a lot, even for him. Heâd been walking at a snailâs pace, having way too many people in front and behind him to get anywhere. Despite his usual carefree nature, his nerves were on high alert which made the crowd of people that much more unsettling. After what felt like a lifetime he finally reached the baggage claim area, which was impossibly more congested. He didnât bother to make any attempts of reaching his bags, but instead opted to wait until the bundle in front of him began to dissolve.
His bright blues, usually hidden behind a mask of brown, studied their surroundings. He hadnât bothered to change his hair or eye color as a habit it had become, but preferred to keep them his natural Light district hues in hopes heâd find someone he knew. So far it had proven to be useless, and instead had only earned him a few long stares. Until- [color=#c0c0c]âPoâŚ?â[/color] he spoke more to himself than anything, as a way of questioning if he was really seeing who he thought he was seeing. And then the dark haired male looked in his direction, only a handful of people between them. There was no mistaking it, that was definitely Apollo.
âPo!â he called out much louder this time, loud enough for the boy to hear him. Oliverâs body immediately moved, his arms making way through the crowd until heâd reached Apollo and all but tackled him to the ground. His heart pounded against his ears as he clung onto his friend. After ten long years on Earth with no sign of him, it almost felt like a dream.
Hearing the nickname slip from his dear friendâs lips, thatâs the only thing needed for tears to start streaming down Apolloâs face. They started before he even touched Ollie, but continued harder as his arms snake around Ollieâs neck and he pulls him closer and tighter in their hug. âOllie.â He hadnât seen this boy, felt the warmth - no, the light - that radiated from Oliver Argenti in years. He missed everything about his friend, and here he was in the flesh.
He pulls back only to grab Ollieâs face, checking him for any signs of injury. âAre you okay, Ollie? Iâm so happy youâre here, youâre alive, I was- I was so scared- did anyone hurt you? Have you met anyone else?â Apollo rambles on, looking everywhere except for Ollieâs eyes, searching for any sign that someone had hurt him, or the girl found him first.
Apollo was so terrified that heâd failed. That he wouldnât find Ollie again. He didnât know what he would do if somehow Ollie hadnât made it, or didnât want to see them again. It would have been his fault, and he was sure everyone would know it too. He hadnât protected the prince enough. Now, he wouldnât take any chances, and wouldnât let Ollie talk him out of protecting him with every fiber of his being. His life, if necessary.
Olive was certain heâd be strong enough to face whatever was coming, whether he came to find people he loved or find no one at all. But the moment he felt Apolloâs embrace there was an overwhelming feeling of home. A reminder of everything heâd lost, of everyone heâd been forced to leave behind. A knot formed in Oliverâs throat and his eyes welled with tears. Though he tried, the sound of Apollo saying his name immediately pulled them out. They were silent and slow, and while Apollo checked him from head to toe and asked him a million and one questions about whether he was okay or not, all Olliecould do was smile and giggle like a child.
âIâm okay, Iâm okay!â his words were rushed, afraid that his voice would betray him, but holding back his tears proved to be useless. âI-itâs really you. I thought...I thought you were-â dead. The idea alone was enough to have Oliver drowning in tears. No longer silent, now he was sobbing uncontrollably. His arms wrapped around Apolloâs torso again, face buried into his shirt as it dawned on him that this was in fact not a dream. And if Apollo was alive that meant there was a good chance everyone else was too.
âIâm here.â These were Apolloâs only words of comfort but the only ones that felt right. His hands cling to Ollie as he sobs in Apolloâs shirt, holding him there as long as he needed to. Part of him never wanted to let go, to keep Ollie in a little bubble so heâd never have to worry about losing him again. But that was the selfish part of him, one that didnât care that more of their friends could be alive and they deserved to see Ollie again too. He held onto this moment as long as he could, calming his own tears before even attempting to talk to Ollie again.
Apollo pulls back, if only to see Ollieâs face again and ensure that he was safe. He smiles through his tears, even as he looks for any injuries he may have missed. âIt wasnât me who found you. I mean, I wouldnât even be here if it werenât for Ezra. He saw you in a magazine.â
Once his tears slow down, Oliver makes an attempt at brushing them away with his jacket sleeve. He takes a deep breath, hoping he can at least get a few sentences out without another waterfall. âEzra?â As if on cue, Oliver extends his line of sight just a few feet behind Apollo to see a familiar head of long, blonde locks coming their way with what looked like his and Apolloâs bags. He offered Ollie a smile, stopping just a few inches behind Apollo. âHey little princeâ the familiar nickname brought a wide smile to Oliverâs tear stained face. He moved away from Apollo long enough to give Ezra a hug of his own. The two had never been that close on Aurum but theyâd been enough of friends that Oliver was relieved to see him with Apollo.
Apollo didnât realize that Ollie knew Ezra before coming to Earth, but it didnât surprise him. Being glued to Ollieâs side on Aurum meant a blur of many faces, maybe even Ezraâs for a moment. But he was thankful for it all; without Ezra, he wouldnât have come for the meteor. Heâd tried to blend into this world and become one of them, and in the process forgot who all he would be deserting to do so. Watching Ezra and Ollie interact reminded him that he didnât belong here, something that they already knew.
âWe should get to the house now, shouldnât we?â
The car ride wasnât a long one from the airport, mainly Apollo laying a hundred different questions on Ollie to make sure he was alright, even though heâd already assured the healer of this already. He was curious what Ezra would say now that Ollie was around, but the blond had kept his mouth shut for now. And before he knew it, they were pulling up on a mansion filled with their people. A solace of Aurum on Earth.
As her cab dropped her off near to the mansion, Phia became more and more anxious. It felt as if her heart was going to stop beating, and it was hard to concentrate. Standing beside her luggage, among which was small yet a bit steampunkish looking suitcase, which held a surprising piece from their home; a piece, which she had stumbled upon by accident, a piece that could embark their journey back home, but Phia wasn't sure if she was going to show it to everyone right there and then, she didn't know what or how to act around her own people... it felt so strange, and she had been locking herself indoors and away from people for a long time, and if she even got outside, there was always this bubble around her, which kept the gamer-girl safely away from others. It had become clear that she had grown socially awkward.
Suddenly, she dropped on down, crouching among her little belongings - embracing her knees, hiding her face into her own embrace. "No... Mimi, don't cry... you can do it! We can do it!" she kept repeating in her head. Yet, why was it so hard to move inside. Phia felt like she needed someone to help her get inside, but finally she found the hidden courage and stood up, gathering her belongings and walked towards the household and towards the main door, but just couple of meters away, she had yet another meltdown. Everything got foggy, and the tears were piling up inside her throat. Curling up into the same position in the middle of the driveway as before, she was completely lost and out of her own element.
Suddenly, she dropped on down, crouching among her little belongings - embracing her knees, hiding her face into her own embrace. "No... Mimi, don't cry... you can do it! We can do it!" she kept repeating in her head. Yet, why was it so hard to move inside. Phia felt like she needed someone to help her get inside, but finally she found the hidden courage and stood up, gathering her belongings and walked towards the household and towards the main door, but just couple of meters away, she had yet another meltdown. Everything got foggy, and the tears were piling up inside her throat. Curling up into the same position in the middle of the driveway as before, she was completely lost and out of her own element.
Hex: #2acec2
Jayden sighed as he told the cab driver to let him out about ½ a mile from his destination. Traffic had been horrible since leaving the airport and his nervousness combined with the sudden urge of energy he felt upon arriving wasnât making this ride any easier. When he saw the wind suddenly began to pick up he knew that he needed to be out in it. Hopping on to his board he began to ride feeling the most free he has felt in a breeze in a long time.
A few minutes later he arrived to the driveway of his intended destination. Taking a deep breathe Jayden got off the skateboard and began walking up. He wasnât far along when he noticed someone crouching down. Jayden began to slowly approach the person. Normally Jayden would avoid situations like this, mainly because growing up his abilities were ruled by his emotions so he became accustomed to staying away from sadness. That being said something about the crouching individual called him to them.
As he got closer the appearance of the crying girl began to trigger a memory. âMi-Mimi? Mimi is that you?â After hearing someone calling out her precious nickname, which she hadn't heard for so long, which she had longed to hear for all these years, Phia looked up, but blinded by the sudden light, she covered her eyes and cheeks, which had thin trails of black liner. Jay is shocked from seeing how her hand slowly started to slowly morph into water, becoming more and more transparent by the second.Â
âJaydenâŚ..â A faint whisper, filled with embarrassment, filled with joy, filled with nervousness and sadness and love for her best friend, but through all of that echoed emotion of guilt. Tears began to escape his eyes as he quickly bent down and began to talk to her, hoping to calm her down. As her hand slowly begin to reappear he helped the small figure up. âCome on, Mimi, letâs get you inside.â
Phia nods as she clings to him with her face in his chest and moves along with him as he goes to knock on the door, but before they were about to get to the two guards on the stairs of the front door, she stopped. Releasing herself from Jayden' arms, and although she was still sniffling, she went to grab her luggage. No way was she going to leave her precious items on the road for someone to drive over them⌠besides, one of the cases contained something important for all of them, item she hoped someone could help her with. After reaching back to Jayden, she leaned her cheek against him, gently and taking in his scent, in case he was going to disappear again.
The woman who answers stares at the two for a split second before saying âID please.". Jay smiled nervously and then shifts Phia a bit so he could adjust his shirt to show his emblem. The woman stares at it for a split second before looking down at Phia. When Phia made no move to show her emblem Jay whispered: âCome on Mimi. We canât go inside if you donât show your emblem.â There was a moment of hesitation, where she looked up at the same height, yet gorgeous woman in front of her. Who was she and why was she making Phia feel all strange? With the blush creeping under her tears and on her cheeks, in between keeping close to Jayden and her luggage, she lifted some of her hair and showed the Water District emblem behind her left ear. Why was the other woman⌠so⌠hot, Phia thought in her mind briefly, and as they both headed inside, she took a quick peek at Viviannah over her shoulder.
Once the two made it inside, Jay scanned the group of people that had already arrived. There were many people he didnât know and a couple he did. When his eyes landed on Eli a smile broke out as he nodded toward the man he had met through Phia. His attention was only on the man for a second until he saw the flash of blonde near him. Jay was about to say something when Phia suddenly noticed Eli and Allana as well, after having set her luggage somewhere nearby. It was enough for her to start crying again and hiding herself against Jayden' chest.Â
Jay knew to take what he could get with her so leaned over and whispered, âHey MimiâŚ..did you know that Iâm staring at Eli and Allana right now?" The weeping girl jumped a little at the sound of her friends names and nodded, before she turned to look in the direction where Jayden was looking at. Suddenly, she mumbled very quiet: "Im sorry, Jay," and walked over to Eli, crying even more now. She was indeed a mess, but Phia wasn't the only one. "VinnyâŚ. EliâŚ," she managed to squeak out, all kinds of emotions going through her as she was standing there and as her right hand was starting to turn transparent once more. Jayden, who only shook his head, knowing Phia very well, followed her and stood behind her, offering yet another bright, watery-eyed smile to Eli.
A few minutes later he arrived to the driveway of his intended destination. Taking a deep breathe Jayden got off the skateboard and began walking up. He wasnât far along when he noticed someone crouching down. Jayden began to slowly approach the person. Normally Jayden would avoid situations like this, mainly because growing up his abilities were ruled by his emotions so he became accustomed to staying away from sadness. That being said something about the crouching individual called him to them.
As he got closer the appearance of the crying girl began to trigger a memory. âMi-Mimi? Mimi is that you?â After hearing someone calling out her precious nickname, which she hadn't heard for so long, which she had longed to hear for all these years, Phia looked up, but blinded by the sudden light, she covered her eyes and cheeks, which had thin trails of black liner. Jay is shocked from seeing how her hand slowly started to slowly morph into water, becoming more and more transparent by the second.Â
âJaydenâŚ..â A faint whisper, filled with embarrassment, filled with joy, filled with nervousness and sadness and love for her best friend, but through all of that echoed emotion of guilt. Tears began to escape his eyes as he quickly bent down and began to talk to her, hoping to calm her down. As her hand slowly begin to reappear he helped the small figure up. âCome on, Mimi, letâs get you inside.â
Phia nods as she clings to him with her face in his chest and moves along with him as he goes to knock on the door, but before they were about to get to the two guards on the stairs of the front door, she stopped. Releasing herself from Jayden' arms, and although she was still sniffling, she went to grab her luggage. No way was she going to leave her precious items on the road for someone to drive over them⌠besides, one of the cases contained something important for all of them, item she hoped someone could help her with. After reaching back to Jayden, she leaned her cheek against him, gently and taking in his scent, in case he was going to disappear again.
The woman who answers stares at the two for a split second before saying âID please.". Jay smiled nervously and then shifts Phia a bit so he could adjust his shirt to show his emblem. The woman stares at it for a split second before looking down at Phia. When Phia made no move to show her emblem Jay whispered: âCome on Mimi. We canât go inside if you donât show your emblem.â There was a moment of hesitation, where she looked up at the same height, yet gorgeous woman in front of her. Who was she and why was she making Phia feel all strange? With the blush creeping under her tears and on her cheeks, in between keeping close to Jayden and her luggage, she lifted some of her hair and showed the Water District emblem behind her left ear. Why was the other woman⌠so⌠hot, Phia thought in her mind briefly, and as they both headed inside, she took a quick peek at Viviannah over her shoulder.
Once the two made it inside, Jay scanned the group of people that had already arrived. There were many people he didnât know and a couple he did. When his eyes landed on Eli a smile broke out as he nodded toward the man he had met through Phia. His attention was only on the man for a second until he saw the flash of blonde near him. Jay was about to say something when Phia suddenly noticed Eli and Allana as well, after having set her luggage somewhere nearby. It was enough for her to start crying again and hiding herself against Jayden' chest.Â
Jay knew to take what he could get with her so leaned over and whispered, âHey MimiâŚ..did you know that Iâm staring at Eli and Allana right now?" The weeping girl jumped a little at the sound of her friends names and nodded, before she turned to look in the direction where Jayden was looking at. Suddenly, she mumbled very quiet: "Im sorry, Jay," and walked over to Eli, crying even more now. She was indeed a mess, but Phia wasn't the only one. "VinnyâŚ. EliâŚ," she managed to squeak out, all kinds of emotions going through her as she was standing there and as her right hand was starting to turn transparent once more. Jayden, who only shook his head, knowing Phia very well, followed her and stood behind her, offering yet another bright, watery-eyed smile to Eli.
alfred hanston & harlow sera
Alfred was about to take his first step when he heard a small voice from behind him. Every single muscle in his body tensed, and his face paled- as white as snow. Any onlooker wouldâve said he looked as if heâd seen a ghost. For a small moment, he believed he had heard one. But deep down he knew, he could sense - no - feel her presence behind him, almost like a faint whisper. Alfred slowly turned around, his gut wrenching in his stomach. As soon as he laid eyes on the flaming red hair and piercing grey eyes, everything he thought he knew was gone. Harlow, his Harlow. Too many emotions came flooding in all at once; love, longing, anger, confusion. Alfred felt like his head was spinning. Months of not knowing, of worrying as to where and why his bird had disappeared. Here she was, right in front of him. His bags slipped out of his hands on to the concrete and he stared at her for a fleeting moment in utter disbelief. Alfie doesnât remember taking the steps, but he was suddenly in front of her, so close he could nearly count each and every freckle on her face. He reached out slowly, his fingertips brushed her cheek tentatively and he quickly pulled away as if her skin was as hot as coal.
Reality suddenly set in. She was supposed to be dead, or so he assumed. His gaze fell to the chair that she was in. He had seen people use it a few times in London but - they were - his face paled even more. Was she paralyzed? Like his father? His face fell at the thought of Harlow confined to a chair for the rest of her life. She was the freest person he knew, flying was second nature to her. Like his father had she been struck by lighting during the war? Was she even hurt on Aurum or Earth? Had she actually been kidnapped? Or had she left him, willingly? His heart wrenched at the thought. So many questions flashed through his mind and somehow he only managed to sputter out a weak, âHow?â It didnât even sound like him.
Harlow didnât know what to say to make any of this make sense. She shouldâve known that heâd be sent to earth, given his status in their district. But this was the one variable she didnât account for. She didnât know how hard it would be to catch her breath seeing him again. All the dreams she had of just touching him again pounded in her chest as his hand brushed against her cheek. Every hope she had of rebuilding their relationship was hard to see when he had that look in his eye. She was searching for anything that resembled forgiveness or wanting but only found confusion and anger from the only person she ever wanted. âI had to protect you,â Harlowâs voice comes out equally small, a ghost of the confident criminal catcher she once was.
She was the criminal now. And no part of her, even the parts that begged her to find Alfred again and never let him go, wanted him to see her like this. âI couldnât let anyone hurt you, Alfie.â This time her voice was stronger, more sincere. All the nightmares of finding him with his wings cut off, or stolen from her in the middle of the night, even killed for his status, they encouraged her to leave. The only way to protect him from receiving the same fate as her sisters was to go with the rebels. Still, convincing that to someone like Alfred Hanston would be her hardest debate.
âProtect me?â A wave of confusion swept over him. There was sincerity in her eyes but something else, underlying, almost- guilty. He had seen the same look many times before in those of the eyes of the convicted. Alfred shook the thought out of his head. This was Harlow, how could he think of her like that. Still, there was some part of him, the officer and the interrogator, that knew she was withholding something. âProtect me from what Harlow?â His voice came out more stern than he had expected it to, but he had to know.
It wasnât Alfie, her supposed to be husband, asking her. It was Officer Alfred Hanston, interrogating her like he already knew what she had done. She bites her lip, looking over at the house. Who knows where their alliances lie, it only made her scared for him. âThey promised you wouldnât get hurt like Wren and Sage if I joined them. I needed you to be safe.â Harlow answers, the desperation starting to creep in her voice. She realized the group that was protecting her, protecting Alfred for her, they had no authority here. She would have to keep him safe here, and that meant staying in this chair and staying on defense until she could find more rebels that had made it here to complete the mission.
His face fell at the mention of her sisters, Alfred knew how much they meant to her. They had been hurt? Is this why she left him? But then why had she never come back? Harlow would do anything for her sisters, he knew that well. Exactly what had she done was what bothered him.
Alfred could tell that her tone was getting increasingly agitated as he pressed her further but he couldnât stop himself. What exactly was she protecting him from, Harlow knew he was more than capable of taking care of himself. None of this made any sense. He crouched down to her height so he was eye level with her, frantically searching her face for some sort of clue, running a nervous hand through his hair. âHarlow did they hurt you? These people, is that why-â he glanced at the chair she was confined to wrapping a hand around one of the arm rests and then glanced back up to her face. âAre they threatening you? You know you can tell me anything, I need you to just be honest with me. You know Iâd never let anything happen to you- everâ. The volume of his voice dropped to a whisper as he finished his sentence. Even though he meant the last part with his entire being, some part of him felt like heâd already failed.
Harlow shook her head. He didnât understand. But heâd always had a way of calming her anxieties, even now. Even with a credible threat, she could almost believe that heâd be able to protect her. Almost. âNo theyâre helping me. Helping us. The people that are supposed to protect us, the Light District, theyâre cowards! They took everything from me and Iâm going to make them pay. And those people help me do that.â Harlow answers, her voice unwavering and her eyes set on Alfred. She needed him to understand that she wasnât the enemy here, and that their enemy was bigger than the both of them.
Alfred couldnât believe the words that tumbled out of her mouth. Harlow, one of the most loyal members of the flight district, someone who wouldâve given her life for Aurum. He wished he could have her take it back, that he had never heard the words come out. Alfred knew by her tone that she believed everything she had said. He stood up almost shakily taking a step away from her. âHarlow- you canât, what youâre saying is treasonâ. He would jail people for the words that had just come out of her mouth. Then it suddenly dawned on him, there was only one group of people who would say such words and make such promises. âAre you working with the rebels?â He couldnât help the flash of disgust across his face before his expression turned stony.
That was it, then. The sinking feeling in her chest wasnât because he was labeling her a criminal, but that he wasnât going to believe anything she said. He didnât see the bloodied backs of her sisters, or hear the witnesses tell of Light citizens who made their way into their district, their home, and take the most precious thing to her sisters. It made her blood boil, not even knowing where theyâd taken the wings. âItâs treasonous to hurt the very citizens youâre supposed to protect! I thought you were about justice.â Harlow hisses back, her grip tightening on the arms of the chair. He just needed to see that this was all for a good cause, she wasnât evil.
And the insinuation that she could be hit her harder than she expected. To be looked at with disgust, it was unbearable, especially from someone she loved so deeply. The very man she was protecting couldnât see she was the same person. Driven by justice, a guardian for those who couldnât protect themselves.
Alfredâs heart shattered into a thousand little pieces. To see the woman he loved, brainwashed by the people he was trained to hate was a pain comparable to nothing. He could see the hurt written across her face as plain as day. He wanted nothing more than to reach out and soothe her, to hold her close and reassure her that everything was alright - but he couldnât. Alfred could practically feel the rage emanating from her, like a thick fog. He knew that he had lost her for a second time.
Alfred tightened his fists at his side at her words, his anger clouding his judgement. âDonât you dare tell me what justice is! Did you know what they did to my father? They kidnapped him on parole, tortured him trying to find information to get into the palace. My father will never fly- will never walk again!â He lashed out his eyes aflame, his voice hushed but his tone strong, the anger that he had kept locked away for years unleashing itself at once. âI looked for you, for months- years. I never stopped. I nearly lost my mind, I thought you- I thought you were dead Harlow. I thought Iâd never get to hold you again, never tell you how much I loved you" He paused his eyes pleading with her before they turned cold. "I wish you wouldâve just told me- so I wouldnât have wasted so much timeâ. He instantly regretted the words that came out of his mouth. They were harsh, and empty as they came from his anger and not his heart. Still, he couldnât take them back.
She didnât know. His father had always been one of her biggest supporters, aside from Alfred. Heâd been the first one she ever told about her feelings for Alfred. To think of that man confined, it broke her heart. But not as much as Alfredâs next few words. It took the breath from her chest. Wasted time? Maybe it was. Maybe sheâd broken him too much to repair anything they shared. Still, hot tears brimmed at her eyes, which she tried to roughly brush away with the sleeve of her coat. âIâm sorry to have wasted your time then. Maybe you should have just stopped, if it was so bothersome to you. Let me not waste any more of your time,â Harlow spits, her voice wet with the tears she wouldnât let spill as she pushed forward, trying to wheel herself past him before any tears ran down her cheeks.
As soon as he saw the small tears form in her eyes he knew he had gone too far. His face flushed red with shame and his heart wrenched with her words. He so badly wanted to brush the tears from her eyes and tell her he didnât mean it but he wasnât so sure an apology could mend what just came out of his mouth. A dark part of him believed that maybe this was for the better, they werenât meant to be, but as she pushed past him his heart ached and he knew that he still loved her. He never truly stopped.
Alfred opened his mouth to call after her, but shut it after a moment. This was not the place, and he clearly wasnât in the right mind to speak to her after he had exploded. He was so irrational and impulsive, his mother wouldâve scolded him. Not to mention there were others pouring in around him. No telling who witnessed their argument. What they might've heard. Alfred watched her move towards the house and did the hardest thing he could and let her go on. Officer Hanston would've turned her in on Aurum, but Alfred couldn't bear the thought. Regardless of her words he decided he would stay silent. He knew that he would have to speak to her again, maybe he could talk some sense into her if she would even speak to him again. Still, Harlow was not the same girl he fell in love with and he wasnât entirely sure how that made him feel.
Cassius had been checking IDâs by the door and had just been getting back into his groove when suddenly and unexpectedly someone was right up in his face "How dare you- what the hell do you think you're doing here?" The first question was broad for most people, but broader for Cassius. However the second question was one he felt somewhat more qualified to answer: âIâm checking IDâs?â He said, giving her a questioning look as if what he was doing was obvious. âDo I know you from somewhere?â
Astoria started at him for a moment. Of course. Her hair was longer then, and she was younger. But she couldnât get his face out of her head, hearing the shot ringing and echoing through her head, her own screams ringing in her ears. She didnât have the luxury of forgetting him. âThe escape craft. You murdered an innocent man, ring any bells?â She asked, raising an eyebrow.
âOh yeah, that guy, I mean he was going to take off with the ship only half full and leave a bunch of people to die, not exactly a pillar of societyâ Cassius shrugged. Still, not exactly an easy moment to forget. Heâd just finished bringing back another load of people and when heâd gotten back. The fighting had been getting steadily closer all day and it was starting to be clearly audible from the ship now. As he ushered the group through the door he could hear shouting in the ship. As he made his way up to the cockpit they became louder and more panicky. âAre you kidding me?! We canât wait anymore! The rebels are going to be in range soon and if they have any AA weâre toast out here!â
âPlease, you canât leave just yet, there are still people out there!â Pleaded one of the survivors
âHey, Weâre not leaving till this ship is full, I donât give a fuck how close they get, weâll deal with itâ
âNo way, weâre leaving!â The pilot yelled as he began to hit buttons to ready the ship for takeoff in a panicked hurry. Cassius lurched as the ship shuddered and began to take off, before he managed to stabilize himself and drew his weapon and without hesitation fired a shot straight into the back of the pilots head. The shot echoed and seemed to hang in the air for a second before time snapped back as Cassius moved forward to abort the launch sequence. That was when the screaming started. For now that was going to be someone elseâs problem however. He turned back to head down the corridor, trying to wipe the blood off his hands, when he almost bumped into someone going the other way. âHey, I gotta go get more people to safety, if youâre a pilot can you take over here? If youâre not I need you to find me a new pilot. Donât leave till we get this ship full. Thanksâ Cassius said, clapping Astoria on the shoulder with a bloody hand as he left to go back into the fray.
Back in present day Cassius shook himself out of his recollection he nodded at Astoria again âThanks for your help back then. It's good to see you againâ he said smiling, and having checked her ID now, he waved her through.
{ demetria tempala }
The redness coated her cheeks and the tip of her nose as he went on about how well she was doing for herself. Other humans with her position and wealth, seem to have the same home. Demi only purchased this place in order to fit in. She didnât want people to think she was different or weird and snoop around. If they did, they would realize that her existence on this Earth was not normal. Many of the people she worked for had homes bigger than hers. âI just got lucky..â she said in response to the size of her home. If she hadnât met that politician that fateful day, she wouldnât be where she was now.
Demi melted into the second hug, holding him even tighter. Holding him, made him real. She couldnât materialize how warm and inviting his hugs are in her dreams. Eli was really standing before her, alive and well. She had to keep herself from crying even more. This time, Demetria pulled from the hug, wiping the few tears that lingered on her cheeks. âI am so happy to see you again. I canât even begin to tell you how much I have missed you.â Demi ran her fingers through her hair. âPlease tell me you have been taking care of yourself and doing well?â And just like that, her big sister and motherly nature kicked in. He has been around this whole time and she hadnât been able to make sure that he was okay. It would kill her inside if she thought that even for a second Eli was struggling and she wasnât there to help.
{ leonardo magnus }
"TayTay..."
Only one person in the universe calls him that. Leonardo turned around, eyes wide as he took a moment to process Kaliâs presence. He wasnât expecting much from this impromptu call for all Aurumians, but he was definitely wasnât expecting his sister. He was at a loss for words. Shock and relief written all over his face. âLiah...when did you..?â When did you get to earth? Where were you on the planet? How did you make it out? Have you seen mom? Many questions, but at the moment he was just happy to see she was alive. He managed to crack a smirk. âIf I knew you were coming, I would have waited for you.â He was mostly enjoying the show. Without warning, Leonardo quickly pulled her into a hug. He was reunited with family again. He was alone for so long. He can take care of himself and he has been for a while, but being so far from home without knowing if there was ever a place he could truly call home again. It was lonely. His heart was tired. The hug did not last long, there were too many people around and Leo can only show so much affection at once. He pulled from her and gestured for the two of them to head inside. âLetâs see if anyone will even let us in.â
He got up to the front door with Kali at his side and stared down the guard. Leo recognized the dark-haired girl as a guard from the castle. Her name was escaping him, but she was important. She demanded I.D and for a moment he just stared, showing no emotion. Leo then pulled up the right pant leg and flashed her the Thunder District emblem that was on his ankle. She seemed to approve and he walked by her. Leo waited for Kali to do the same thing and join him. He was getting bad vibes from being inside. âIf this starts to go south, we are leaving.â Leo wasnât going to wait around if this entire situation was a waste of time. He also wasnât going to leave without Kali. Not again.
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