“I burnt everything” Said Evelynn. Atlas walked over to the table and ate a few pieces. It tasted terrible but he love that she cooked it or toasted for him.

“Sorry I ruined your food” Said Evelynn.

Atlas hugged Evelynn and said “Thank you”.

He took all the burnt bread and took it to his room to eat. He sat down and saw hands shoot out from underneath his blankets.

Levy and Havana yelled “Boo!” As they reached out.

“Well, what exactly were you trying to do?” Asked Atlas.

“Scare you” Said Levy.

“Havana, you can stop attempt to scare me now” Said Atlas.

Havana had her hands under his shirt. She smiled and drew her hands back. Levy glared at her.

“He’s dating Allison” Said Levy.

“No I’m not” Said Atlas.

“You're not?” Said Levy.

“Of course not, you told me to break up with Allison” Said Atlas.

“I did not, I told you if you weren't happy you should move on.” Said Levy.

“Oh, sorry” Said Atlas.

Atlas had the book on his mind. He wanted to master a few more skills. He smiled knowing Levy could have instantly memorized all the information because of her photographic memory. Atlas has to spend hours to do what she could accomplish in minutes.

“Well I'm going to read” Said Atlas.

He watched Levy walk out and he took his place beside Havana. She rested her head on his chest as she took a nap.

He continued to read until Evelynn walked in later that night.

“Atlas,” Said Evelynn “can I ask you something?”.

“Anything you want” Replied Atlas placing the book down.

Atlas had learned how to heal minor wounds during his reading.

“Why did you let those things attack you. You know it's my job to protect you. Not the other way around” Said Evelynn.

“I'm sorry, I just didn't want them to hurt you” Said Atlas.

He was worried she knew. She was more than able to figure it out.

She sat on his bed and said “I'm not mad but I'm worried. I don't want you to get hurt for me”

“I'll make you a deal, you must promise me that if you know we are in a situation that may get us both killed you will run.” Said Atlas.

“Never, even if we both die.” Said Evelynn.

“I need you to be their for Levy and your sister. I need you to protect them even if I'm gone.” Said Atlas.

Evelynn walked to the door.

“Atlas, I hope you know I would die for you” Said Evelynn.

“You shouldn't die for nothing”

She walked back and caressed his face in her soft hands, she looked into his eyes. She kissed his forehead before walking out.

Atlas almost didn't notice he had gone to school. He had arrived at summer break before he knew it.

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He had a date with Hex and he felt worried he would disappoint her. He knew she could see right through him and read him like a open book, just like Havana. She was blind but she saw every time he smiled.

Atlas wondered if he should describe the color of his eye, his true eyes. He wanted to wait. He looked in the mirrors and cared about what he looked like for the first time. He looked at the makeup on his desk and pushed it into the trash.

He smiled at the pictures of his family and walked up the stairs. He took a deep breath.

“You look great” Said Evelynn and Levy.

He gave his half smile as he always did.

“Thanks” Said Atlas.

He walked out and to the car he had bought. It had a self driving feacher. He rode to where he had the carriage waiting. Four horses stood tall and proud. They didn't know it but soon they would carry one of the most important cargo of their lives. Atlas walked to the carriage where a man sat waiting.

“Well that's a surprise” Said the old man with a thick white beard.

“What is?” Asked Atlas.

“This is usually rented out for weddings. You seem a little young” Said the old man.

“Well it's for an occasion far more important than that.” Said Atlas jumping on.

“May I ask what that would be?” Said the old man with a whistle in his voice.

“It's her first date.” Said Atlas.

The old man smiled and moved the rains. The houses began to gallop. They marched all the way to Hex’s door. The door opened before he touched it. Her parents stood at the door with crossed arms.

“You're early” Said her mother.

“I couldn't wait to see her” Said Atlas.

“What if she wasn't ready?” Asked her father.

“She would look beautiful anyway” Said Atlas.

“It's going to rain tonight” Hissed her mother.

“I payed to have that changed”

“What if she likes the rain?” Asked her mother.

“She told me otherwise. She said it's too much noise” He replied.

“It's bright out” spat her father.

“I brought sunscreen” he answered.

“What if she gets cold” Questioned her mother.

“I doubt she will, she is pretty hot” Said Atlas.

“Thanks” Said Hex.

“How long have you been there?” Asked her mother and father.

“You're here early” Said Hex stepping outside and hugging Atlas.

“I couldn't wait to see you” Said Atlas walking her to the carriage.

“Did I just hear a house?” Asked Hex turning in her elegant black dress.

“You did” Said the old man.

“Can I pet them!” Yelled Hex in a whisper as she does walked over to them.

“Go right ahead, and don't worry they have never hurt anything but carrots and apples” Said the old man.

Atlas walked Hex over to them. When they saw her the horses bowed.

“Well, that's a surprise” Said the old man.

“Why?” Asked Atlas with a watchful eye on Hex.

“I never trained them to do that” He replied.

“What are they doing?” Asked Hex.

“They are bowing to you” Replied Atlas.

Atlas took her hand and guided it to the horse's face. She blushed and felt the horse's face. When she was done she climbed into the carriage.

“So where are we going?” Asked Hex.

“Somewhere special.” he replied.

Atlas tapped Hex on the shoulder.

“Want some food?” Asked Atlas.

“Depends” Said Hex with her sunny smile.

“On what? Asked Atlas.

“Are you on the menu?” She replied.

“No but you look pretty good” He replied.

Hex reached out and said “I want to see you”.

Atlas grabbed her soft hands and placed them on his face. She could feel every scar once again. She ran her hand over his damaged skin. Atlas felt shame. How could he allow someone so flawless and perfect touch something as corrupt as himself.

“This one is shaped like a heart,” Said Hex. “I have one like that”.

“Really?” Asked Atlas.

“Yeah, I'll show you later” Said Hex.

When they arrived at their destination, he smiled. He had bought a second house and had it prepared for the evening. He had the perfect destination.

“Thank you that’s all for tonight” Said Atlas.

The man and the horse vanished into the night. Atlas took her hand and walked her into the house.

“Hex, I need you to stand right here” Said Atlas.

“Will you stand with me?” Asked Hex.

“I will but in a few seconds” Said Atlas.

The world shifted as they stood on their platforms. Atlas smiled as they entered a world created by the Ark of Madness. Gravity here knew no up or down. Cities and small villages stood on, under and around massive pillars. Ocean's sat floating in the air and rivers of stone flowed in the sky. Touches emanated shadows and fire gave off a cool breeze. He could smell the colors around him and hear the rough ground beneath his feet. He could feel Hex move beside him.

“How” Said Hex.