They feared the day he was no longer leashed by those people. They hid in terror in the brightest corners of his minds knowing it liked the dark. The numbing of the dark kept it calm and rested.
Atlas captured the last shard and his seal was back in one piece. He felt a calm wash over him once more. He walked home as if nothing had ever happened.
Darwin was just outside the door waiting. Atlas had been asked by Levy to be kind to the dog. He would do as she asked. She never truly told him to do anything but Atlas always did as she implied anyway. He walked up to the mut and patted its head once.
He walked away and stepped into the house. The sweet smell of burnt food filled the air. Evelynn had attempt to cook again. Atlas walked into the kitchen and looked at the burnt toast on the table. Evelynn had her head down on the table and looked over to him. Her earthly brown hair was draped over her face and her face was on the table.
“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.
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.
She had could feel the colors around her. She could smell the warmth and hear the texture of the ground at her feet.
Atlas quickly mastered the change in perception. He was now bored but knew Hex would enjoy this world. Hex reached over to Atlas and kiss his cheek.
“I can smell your texture!” Yelled Hex.
She had a wicked smile on her lips. She began to unbutton his shirt.
“What are you doing?” Asked Atlas.
“I want to see you. Well this place let's me feel you but in a different way ” Said Hex.
Atlas looked away.
She looked up and asked “What's wrong?”.
“I was looking at you and...” Atlas paused.
“And?” Asked Hex with her hand still clutching his shirt.
“I was able to hear your eyes and I was worried I would get you pregnant” Said Atlas.
He still truly believed it was possible for him to impregnate her with eyes contact alone. He could hear her clasp her chest.
“You do realize that's not how people really get pregnant” Hex laughed.
Atlas had no idea what she meant by that.
She turned his head and said “It's okay to look at me”
Atlas didn't want to be like his father. As his uncles worded it “Whoring around all day with any girl he thought was cute” And that was not the kind of man he wanted to be. The last thing he wanted to be was anything like his father. Atlas would allow himself this moment of weakness. He looked at Hex as she held him. He could feel her soft skin. The smooth creamy color of her skin lingered on his lips. He could hear her hand as they rested on his face. She squeaked and fell to her knees shaking slightly.
“What's wrong?” Asked Atlas.
“I think I felt you eyes it was nice.” Said Hex with a smile.
Atlas had no clue as to what that was supposed to mean. He didn't understand how something could feel nice. They spent hours walking around and experiencing the world.
“Come on, I have to get you home” Said Atlas.
She could see his words and followed him. They stepped on the transport and we're back home before she knew it. They stood alone in the dark. Atlas knew she couldn't see but he wanted to do it anyway. He removed the thick contact lenses that covered the true rage hidden in his eyes.
He took a deep breath and said “I know this will sound weird and stupid but...”
Hex interrupted whispering “I know”.
Atlas knew there was no possible way she could have known. She reached up placing her hand at both sides of his face.
“I can feel them” Said Hex learning in.
Atlas closes his eyes and leaned in. She kissed his forehead and hugged him. Hex knew he didn't want to kiss her lips. She also knew that she wasn't good enough for him. She knew he could find someone better than her without trying. Hex knew Alison was far more attractive. And he broke up with her, what chance could she have. She could feel his eyes but she didn't know how or why. She wanted to kiss him, she wanted Lucius to be her first kiss.
“Want me to walk you home” Asked Atlas.
“It depends” Said Hex.
“On?” Asked Atlas.
“Well you see I lost my teddy bear” Said Hex.
“What can I do to help?” Asked Atlas.
“Well I need something cute that likes to cuddle at night so...can I have you” Said Hex.
“I don't think your parents would approve” Said Atlas pulling her closer.
“Well I don't care and they think you're great anyway” Said Hex.
“Maybe if you ask” Said Atlas.
“How about I tell them I'm sleeping over with your sister?” Replied Hex.
“It's up to you” Said Atlas.
Hex took her phone out and sent a message to her parents. Atlas saw no harm in a sleepover. He had yet to learn how humans truly reproduced.
“Hey mom can I sleep over with Athena?” Asked Hex.
A moment passed and she smiled. “Sleep over”
They walked to his house and Levy was eating a jar of peanut butter at the dinner table.
Her hair was in a messy bun and she had sweatpants. Her shirt was a sports bra with a large amount of writing on it.
“Sup” Said Levy.
“Hey Athena” Said Hex.
“You two look so cute together but remember. Try anything with my baby brother and I'll teach you how to swim with lead shoes” Said Levy with joy so overwhelming it almost seemed like a good thing.
“Hmmm” Said Hex in a worried tone.
“Let's go to my room” Said Atlas.
They walked down stairs and he opened the door. Havana had a short skirt and an almost transparent shirt.
“Havana, I can see through your shirt” Said Atlas.
“I doubt there's much to see” Said Hex.
“Like you would know” Said Havana covering her chest.
“Lucius you're sleeping with me again to night right?” Said Havana scowling at Hex.
“Of course” Said Atlas.
“What?” Yelled Hex.
“Is something wrong” asked Atlas.
“Yes, you are sleeping in the same bed as her” Said Hex.
“She told me it would help me understand feelings. I have yet to grasp what feeling, but she told me it would help” Replied Atlas.
Atlas noticed Darwin was attempting to run in his sleep.
“You don't do that. You don't sleep in the same bed with people when you have a girlfriend” Said Hex.
“What about our daughter, when we have a daughter will she be allowed to sleep with us?” Asked Atlas.
“Stop being cute I'm trying to be mad at you” Said Hex with a smile.
Atlas had no idea as to what she mean by that.
“Let's go to sleep” Said Hex.
Atlas waited outside as she got ready. Havana had been forced to make a bed on the floor. Atlas walked in after she opened the door and she kissed his cheek. She had packed the bed with pillows so only a small amount of space was available for sleeping. They both lay in the bed and looked at each other without their eyes.
“Lucius!” Yelled Levy.
She walked to the door and Hex frowned.
“I had a bad dream” Said Levy.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
“How, it's been twenty minutes? And you were eating a bucket of ice cream and peanut butter” Said Atlas.
“I took a nap okay. But I had a bad dream so can we share a bed” Asked Levy.
“You know you don't have to ask” Said Atlas.
She walked over and Levy lay between Hex and Atlas.
“Sweet dreams” Said Levy.
When they fell asleep Atlas got out of bed and activated a transport. He had a game to finish. He stood on a single white cube. He looked at the god before him.
“You have lost five hundred and thirty nine trillion time in a row. Do you think you stand any real chance of beating me?” Asked Atlas.
The being manifested its body out of dust and spoke.
“It's only a matter of time” Said the God.
Atlas shook his head. He had never lost against this so called supreme being in all the time they had played against one another. He knew she and he could read his mind. But that only made the game all the more fun. Even with knowing every more he would make the god still lost. Even when it used its ability to read the feature it lost. Nothing it had ever tried had gotten it close. Atlas had never so much as lost a piece unless he wanted to. Atlas had no need to speak only exists. They began the war. It created trillions of evenly matched soldiers at first. Then it created soldiers ten times more powerful that Atlas’s in order to view the full extent of his power. They began the process piece by piece. Years passed as they played, loss after loss Atlas was left victorious.
“Do you want to know why you lose?” Asked Atlas dispute knowing she already knew why.
“You are a being of perfection. And the chaos I create is beyond your understanding. This is why you will never win” Said Atlas. Here Atlas was allowed to use more of his mind than anywhere else.
The so called God was beneath Atlas on a mental level. But physically it was still had divine supremacy over him. Atlas knew it was reading his mind but not the right ones. The nearly limitless minds Atlas had within himself to understand emotion were nothing compared to his core but we're more than enough to compete with Gods. When Atlas was done with the games he returned to his house. He was bored of playing with lesser minds. Months passed and Atlas grew to understand what he felt.
Hex had ended the relationship with him and told him it was because her parents came to the conclusion that he was cheating. She had been given a choice end the relationship or move to a boarding school.
“Birthday” Said Atlas looking at his calendar.
Scarlet birthday was tomorrow. Atlas still had lots to do. He had the present in its box. He knew he wouldn't be able to go even if he did his absolute best. He had to catch the fragment before he hurt anyone else. This particular fragment had fused with other fragments to become stronger.
Atlas walked with Havana to the library. He walked with Morrie who had grow to be remarkably beautiful. Atlas had turned fourteen many weeks ago. But they had celebrated Levy's birthday at random points in the year. She had a summer birthday. That's all her friends knew. Atlas walked to his first class of the new year. He sat at the back of the class and could hear the teacher drone on about the basic information of the biology of plants.
He saw Scarlet take her assigned seat. Atlas never took his unless it was beside one of them. He spent the rest of the day floating to classes. When the end of the school day finally arrived he knew he had just enough time to talk to Scarlet and give her the present. He walked over and tapped her shoulder.
"Hey I'm sorry but I can't go to your party my caretaker said I can't be out that late but I wanted to give you something" Said Atlas.
Atlas had created the object inside with the help of his mother. It was one of the most precious things he had ever owned.
"Don't open it until you get home and don't open the card until tomorrow" Said Atlas.
"Thank you I really wish you could come thou" said Scarlet beginning to blush.
"Don't get your hopes too high I only gave you what you deserve" said Atlas walking away.
"Thank you" Said Scarlet with tears attempted to escape her eyes.
Atlas found Levy and Evelynn, they walked home together. Atlas got his gear together and waited till nightfall. Havana was laying atop Atlas. Atlas did his best not to wake her. He slowly moved her arms away and looked down. Her shorts left very little to the imagination. Her creamy skin was visible in the faint light. As he moved he away she began to wake. He knew she had promised to tell Evelynn if he tried to sneak out again. He had to be care full. The instant he was no longer beside her those sleepy red eyes opened. He had to make her believe she was dreaming.
“Atlas?” Said Havana in a sleepy tone.
Her ruffled dark hair covering most of the bed.
“You're dreaming” Said Atlas.
“You're going to be in trouble…” Atlas knew it was the most effective method he could think of.
She would never believe he would kiss her anywhere but in a dream. Atlas kissed her, letting his lips linger for just a instant, she lay frozen.
Maybe it hadn't been enough.
Atlas had an idea. If he truly wanted to make the moment dream like he would have to do it right. He kissed her lips once more holding the moment. He had to admit he enjoyed it. They kissed for several seconds. She moved her lips and her had hit the pillows.
“It worked” Said Atlas.
He got out of bed picked up his backpack and started out. He knew none of the fragments could be more than two miles away from him. He walked out into the night and looked for the fragment. He alway had a slight feeling of where they were. Atlas marched into the woods and looked into the void. He held his handgun and hunting knife tightly in his fists. An hour passed without any sign of the shard. He knew it was near by.
The darkness that covered the world was unlike anything that had come before. The trees seemed to cry as the wind pushed them. The wind cast a cold into all life. And light left those unfortunate enough to be in full sight of monsters, demons far more sinister than the fallen.
“Core” Said a wisp of a voice.
Atlas looked up and could see hundreds of dead bodies. Only a small handful were humans. Just about twenty. The shard dropped hundreds of feet from the tall canopy of trees above. It slammed the into the earth and rose as a shadow of death. It's skin darker than the void. It’s from broken to the core. It held a woman in its left and a man in its right. It dropped them inches from his feet.
“Abusive” Said the shard.
Is slithered away from Atlas. Atlas didn't know wether to be angry or not. One of its dark tendrils slithered it's way up their legs and shredded their skin. It lifted them into the air as it ripped a massive chunk out of their legs. It split them in half and their intestines hit the floor with a wet thud. Another body hit the floor as it chanted.
“Pedophilia”, and another body “murderer” and another “rapist”.
Body after body fell as it named of their crimes. Atlas was at odds. He knew they could not lie. Atlas knew it was not his job to be judge and jury. This shard was as much a part of him as the blood in his veins. It walked away and slithered back.
It's body language changed, “Abandoned”.
It held a small child possibly no older than a week.
“Abused” It cried holding another larger child.
It took a moment and sutured “Too late” It howled into the sky before falling.
A small girl lay in its wings covered in flowers. A snow white dress with forget-me-nots. It's body shook as it placed her small heavily bruised body down. It bowed and kissed the girls head.
“Sleep” it whimpered.
It set down the two younger children as a mother or father would their own. It lowered its head just within reach for Atlas. Atlas knew all he would have to do is reach out. Atlas lifted his hand and the smaller child began to cry out. It stopped and turned picking up the baby. Only seconds later the baby stopped it's crying and began to giggle. The baby touched it's face and fell back to sleep.
“I'm taking them to an orphanage” Said Atlas picking up the baby and small child.
Atlas looked at the shard and said “I will be back for you,” he looked away “And her”.
He walked an hour hour back to the city and another half hour to the orphanage. He left the children at the doorstep. He linked a back account to each of them by using their fingerprints and DNA. Fifty thousand marks for each. Atlas walked back to meet the shard. It stood over the lost child holding it between its many wings. Atlas was unable to determine how many because of how dark the wings were. It set the child down and looked over at Atlas.
“Return?” It asked.
Atlas nodded. He touched it's face and a pain like none he had ever felt before made its home in his mind. Atlas collapse as this pain spoke its name.
“Sorrow”
He had never felt this kind of emotion to this extent before. To any other it would have seemed seemed like a slight sadness. But he had never felt something so overwhelming before. He attempted to move but the pain had been too powerful. He lay in the darkness for hours. Atlas knew it wasn't the last shard. He hadn't felt the calm. Atlas saw the shard. It smiled and slammed it's massive clawed foot on the body of the lost girl. It split her body into bloody chunks. He felt her blood cover him. It walked up to Atlas and stood over his body. A single long pale finger touched his skin. Several dozen cuts formed.
“Why do you allow yourself to be so weak. I can tell you know that I'm not like the others. You know what I am. Now, telt talk”
“You walk among the human race only bing half yourself. And we are just as human as you are. What gives you the right to do this to us. You imprison us in your mind and let the human race kill one another without restraint. We do nothing they haven't already done. We merely seek to remove that cancers of the human race. Do you think the human race would hate us? Hate you for what you are. Maybe you think out appearance just won't do?”
It began to change its form to a more human one. Its body became identical to his own. Blonde hair formed from the top of its head and it had ocean blue eyes.
“I can make life from death, I can be more human than you ever could! You took away everything we could ever we could have been before we even had the chance! You took our lives away and continue to hold us in you prison of pain. I am a force beyond gods! I am your shadow!”
It created billions upon billions of stars in the palm of its hand. The stars died as it neared him. It lifted its hand and the body of the girl moved. Shadows began to form around her and reformed her body. She gasped and looked at Atlas. Her eyes were black voids. He knew that he had taken all the humanity and burned it.
When the second finger touched his skin several hundred cuts began to spread across his skin.
He could feel the cuts across his skin and he passed out. He woke at the doorstep to his house. The cuts had not faded.
“I’m sorry” whispered a small vice.
When Evelynn opened the door for her morning run she nearly began to cry. Atlas felt her warm embrace and she walked him to his chamber. She set him down in the pool like chamber. She stayed with him and told Levy he would be home all day. Atlas was glad she had not seen him. He knew she would have cried and he always felt bad for making her feel sad. He spent the day with Evelynn. He enjoyed the day as she gave him everything he could ask for. Most of the day was spend floating on Evelyn lap as she placed bandages on him.
Atlas woke the next day and had most of his minor wounds healed. Atlas had a gift for Aurora but knew it would be wrong to give it to her himself. He thought it would be better to give it to Kip and he would deliver the gift.
Atlas knew where Kip lived and he decided to give the gift to Kip. Atlas knocked on the door and Nero looked around. Dick was waiting at the fence. When the door opened a large fat man scowled at Nero. But when his eyes met with the eyes of Atlas he stepped back.
“Where is Kip” Said Atlas in a voice that seemed far too demanding.
The man merely nodded and moved back slowly.
Nero looked at Atlas and said “He seems scared of you”.
Kip walked out and said “What do you want”.
Atlas handed the box to Kip.
“It's for Aurora would you mind giving it to her?” Asked Atlas.
“Maybe” Said Kip.
Atlas walked with Nero and Dick.
“So you don't have a girlfriend anymore” Said Dick.
“Well, not anymore, why?” Asked Atlas.
Nero glared at his sister.
“You too?” Said Nero.
“What” Said Dick with a smile.
“I really don't get it,” Said Atlas
“What are you talking about exactly?”
“This really cute kid I know” Said Dick.
Atlas would ever catch on. He still struggled with such advanced concepts.
“Interesting” Said Atlas.
“Where are we meeting them?” Asked Nero.
“The park” Replied Atlas.
They had a half hour before the time arrived that they needed to be at the park. They picked up Levy who was playing with Darwin. He had only grown a few inches and still looked like a massive puppy. He ran around Levy until she reached the group and Darwin began to run around all of them. Atlas was fine with the puppy.
“So who's ready for some fun at the Park” Said Levy with so much enthusiast everyone began to smile.
“Yep” Said Nero.
Atlas nodded and Dick simply hugged Atlas. They walked to the park slowly talking about anything that came to mind. When they arrived everyone was their. About a thirty five of Levy's friend. Roughly one tenth of her total. She was very close with about two hundred of them. Atlas was happy when the rest of Levy's friends arrived. Morrie, Hex, Raven, Azrin, Scarlet, Allison even Penelope. They ate and talked as the party Levy had set up went on. Atlas looked over at Evelynn who was reading on bench beside herself.
“What you reading?” Asked Atlas.
“A book,” Said Evelynn.
“Have you read it before?” Atlas looked at the book and did not know the title.
“No” Said Atlas.
“Probably because I finished it yesterday” Said Evelynn.
“You wrote it?” Asked Atlas.
“Yep, story of my life” Said Evelynn.
“Really, would you mind if I…” Evelynn interrupted Atlas.
She held the book out and smiled. Atlas opened the book and read who it was dedicated to.
“In dedication to Aurora my little sis…Sam my almost brother...Levy my ball of spice...And Atlas my inspiration”.
Atlas blushed when he saw those words. He had always hoped she thought of him in such a way but never knew. Morrie tapped Atlas on the shoulder.
“Lucius, you made these right?” Asked Morrie pulling the heart shaped pendant out from between her curves.
“Yes, why?” Asked Atlas.
“No reason” Said Morrie. Atlas could not help but glance over her. She had a beautiful air about her.
She still had the sweater he had gotten her. They spent the entire day talking and eventually went home.
“So you're all having a sleepover?” Asked Evelynn.
“Yep” Said Levy.
Evelynn looked at at the massive group of girls and looked over at Atlas. Atlas was reading her book word by word not his usually page by page. He wanted to savor every word.
“Lucious can I talk to you?” Asked Evelynn.
Atlas nodded slowly. Evelynn sat Atlas down in her room and said “You’re sleeping in my room tonight”.
Atlas opened his mouth slightly and nearly fainted. Evelynn caught him just before he fell.
“Are you okay?” Asked Evelynn.
“Just dizzy” he Replied.
“Anyway, I just don't trust those girls” Said Evelynn.
“They don't do anything bad” Said Atlas.
“Hey” Said Hex knocking on the door.
Atlas walked over and opened it.
“Mind if I talked to you alone” Said Hex.
“I don't mind, let's go outside” Said Atlas.
As they walked out Atlas notice Aurora and Kip were gone.
When Atlas knew no one was near by he said “Were alone”.
“Good” Whispered Hex.
She pulled out a water gun and said “Wanna to bang?”
“Depends do you have a bulletproof vest?” Asked Atlas.
She held the squirt gun at her side and said “Anyway”.
“I’ve never seen your eyes” Said Atlas.
“How about I show you the day we kiss” Said Hex.
Atlas kissed her cheek and said “Done, will you show me?”
“That doesn't count, only on the lips” Said Hex.
Atlas had the intention of seeing her eyes. He had a thought flash in the back of his mind. Aurora was his first kiss and then the mysterious girl had been the second. Atlas recalled a trick his mother would play on his father. “Find” Said Atlas pulling Hex in by the waist. He used his index and middle finger to quickly taped her lips.
“I know that wasn't your lips. I would have felt sparks” Said Hex.
“Maybe I will” said Atlas.
“Well I'll show you the day you do” Said Hex.
“Hey!” Said Penelope pushing Hex.
“He's not for you” Said Penelope.
“Penelope!” Said Scarlet popping out from behind the door.
“So you were watching me” Yelled Hex.
“Maybe” Said Raven.
“Time to sleep!” Said Evelynn.
She walked out and took his hand.
“I really don't trust them,” Said Evelynn.
“By the way I hope you don't mind sharing because I really don't want you to sleep out there”.
“Not at all” Said Atlas.
“So let's get sleeping” Said Evelynn jumping into bed.
Atlas lay at the opposite side of the bed. He stayed up reading her book. He had found a comfortable position and it was gone soon after. Evelynn had rolled over and used him as a pillow.
“Silly potato” Said Evelynn.
She pulled him away from the eade and held him like a baby would a teddy bear. When morning finally arrived Atlas was already in the kitchen cooking for all their guests. Atlas was still star struck. He never imagined he would be so lucky. Once he finished cooking all the meals he thought they needed he placed a single piece of bread in the toaster. His own meal cooked nicely. He felt someone hold him from behind.
“Hey,” Said Ginger “I know what people say about you but I think you're amazing”
Atlas had no idea what she was talking about.
“Thanks” Replied Atlas.
He stood up and walked to his room. Havana, Hex and Morrie were all sleeping in his bed. He walked down to one of his extra room and reached the massive door. He unlocked it and closed the door behind himself. He knew if it ever got out their would be nothing to stop it. He walked passed three more door and reached the chamber. He opened the last door and could see her.
“Daddy!” Yelled the little girl running up to Atlas.
“Hello Jann” Said Atlas scooping her up.
“Mommy showed me how to read Schifrin today” Said Jann.
Atlas had created a child with the help of the Archive. The Archive being the most powerful AI ever, had grown lonely and asked Atlas to have a baby with her. The Archive had chosen to be female and did so to suit Atlas. Atlas was the only being she had been able to communicate with in the past ten trillion years within her pocket dimension.
“How is Jann doing” Asked Atlas.
“She is doing very well, but we missed you” Said the Archive, she sounded remarkably similar to Evelynn.
“I'm taking her to you today. I hope you don't mind but I think she’s safer with you” Atlas knew this was true.
He kissed her cheek and she cried “Bye daddy”.
“Don't cry, I will see you again soon. But until I'm back, I want you to have this” He reached into his pocket and held a small bracelet with a black heart.
“I love you sweetie.” Atlas wrapped his arms around her and gave a half smile.
She pressed her face again his chest and smothered her tears. He cared for Jann. He had spent hundreds of years trying to create her after all. The Archive eventually borrowed a part of his Dna and mixed it with other DNA. Atlas had no idea whose. Perhaps the archive had it own DNA or she used that of a ancient Noah. Jann walked to the transport and went to join her mother. He walked back out and the phone rang. Atlas walked over to answer. The information barely registered. Aurora was missing and Kip was in the hospital. The police were wondering if they had any idea as to what could have happened.
Atlas replied “No” and hung up.
He walked to his room grabbed his gear. If they hurt her he would let the fragment do as it wished. He walked out without telling anyone. He found the area the police believe she had been abducted. Policy offices were looking at the skid marks and possibility looking for footprints. Atlas know if anyone knew it would be the gangs. He knew where they lived for the most past. He needed muscle and knew just who to ask.
“Nero” Said Atlas knocking on his door.
Nero opened the door and smiled “Sup”
“I need your help, Aurora's been kidnapped and I need back up” Said Atlas in a cold dead voice.
“I'm ready for anything what do you need?” Said Nero closing the door behind himself.
“I'm headed into the headquarters of a massive drug cartel to get information and I don't believe I'll be taken seriously. You on the other hand will, considering your size” Said Atlas.
“Let's go them,” Said Nero.
“Is Darwin coming too?”
Atlas looked over at the puppy. “For now”.
They walked to the run down slums and Atlas opened his backpack. He looked at his tools and reached for a proxy seal breaker. Atlas recalled that Nero had touched a proxy seal. But it's true purpose was intimidation. When others touched the seal it had a different effect that it did when Atlas did due to the fact that he had many seals placed upon him.
They reached the lower parts of town and Atlas turned to Darwin “Go find Athena”.
He was off faster than a bullet. They walked up to the door and were greeted with men wielding machine guns.
“What are you kids doing her” Said one man with a scarred face.
Atlas had taken the liberty of removing his thick contact lenses for thinner ones. He had worn them for the majority of his life but decided it would be appropriate to remove the thicker top pair. Atlas lowered his sunglasses and the man froze.
Tears began to fall down his face. He fell over and Atlas called out “I need to talk to Dallis”.
More people began to move in.
“Who do you think you are” Said a large woman.
Atlas simply made eyes contact showing them just what he held deep inside. “Where is Dallis” Said Atlas.
“It's that one freak” Said one of the people.
“Get the door open already” Said another.
Atlas and Nero walked into the building. They soon arrived at the office of the king pin. “What do you kids want. There are easier ways to get crack you know” Said Dallis.
“I'm not here for drugs. I want you tell what you know about any recent kidnappings” Said Atlas.
“Why should I tell a punk ass kid like you” Said Dallis.
“Because if you don't you can count on Lobo the beast himself will be at your door my tomorrow morning” Said Atlas.
“You think I'm scared of him” Said Dallis with teeth clenched tight.
“Maybe you're not but I have more than enough money to get Adriel to bash your skull in. But I like to make friends so I'll give you fifty thousand Marks if you tell me everything you know” Said Atlas leaning back in a chain.
“Fine, I get the idea. But listen kid, it wasn't us. But I do know who. The Fangs have been taking people. I don't know where but if anyone knows it will be them” Said Dallis.
“Thank you” Said Atlas tossing a stack of cash.
They walked out after that “So what should we do next?” Asked Nero.
“We aren't doing anything. I'm going to find the Fangs and kindly ask them to give Aurora back. Go home and tell my sister I'm safe” Said Atlas walking away.
He turned on his scanners and took a position somewhere hidden in the woods. A full day of waiting and he finally heard what he was waiting for. He heard two women and a man talk about where they would taking their cargo. Atlas knew the location they mentioned did not exist on any maps. But Atlas had used a bug to steal information from Dallis. He knew everything they did. Atlas had a total of five seal breakers in his backpack. He knew two would be enough to temporary let him use his Ark ability. Anymore would run the risk of fracturing the Lord seal. The proxy priest class seal was the seal that had created the shards. He could only imagine what the Lord class shards would be capable of.
He began what he knew to be a very long walk. He had enough toast in his backpack to last a month. He still had to eat black pill every day but that wouldn't be a problem. He walked until the sun had hid at the far side of the world. He set up his orange camping tent and looked over his weapons. A stun gun and several pieces of paper.
He knew the power he had been born with. His mother had told him exactly what it was. He smiled at the thought of his mother.
He waited till the sun once again stood over the red planet. He walked through the rugged terrain and found the facility. Several large group of armed guards were waiting around every corner. Human trafficking was something Atlas hated. Atlas learned the patterns and hacked the systems. Atlas was able to hack the automated machine guns. Atlas them found a small group of traffickers sitting around a fire. Atlas knew just what to do. He waited till one of them walked off to take care of businesses. When the woman walked off he grabbed a piece of paper and used a possession seal. She hadn't heard Atlas sneak up on her. He gave her other possession seals and told her to placed it on all the other guards.
Atlas now had a total of ten guards under his control. He got two of them to pretend to capture him. The others would spend time possessing other people. Atlas was brought in and walked to where all the other prisoners would be held. When Atlas knew what was going on within the walls he considered killing someone for the first time.
Young men and women were strapped to beds. They had lost eyes and seemed all to empty. Atlas felt something snap. Armed guards taking advantage of girls and young boys alike. Atlas had not noticed the shard as it fell. A darker part of Atlas had been set free. He heard it's voice.
“Released?”
Atlas had to find Aurora. Far off in the distance he could hear the crying of newborn children. Another piece had fallen. The voice called out.
“Free?”
These shards were smarter and more powerful than any that had ever come before. They knew to fear the core, his core. They would wait till he gave the word knowing only death would come with defence. They walked Atlas around and he wanted to kill the more he saw. He found a cage with young girls and saw the word “Virgin” in large red letters.
He felt piece after piece fall. He found her, he felt joy and they knew fear. She was safe.
He walked up to the cage and called out “Aurora”.
She saw Atlas and began to cry “You idiot! How could you?!,”
“They'll hurt you too”
Atlas could not recall what he had done. But what she had said causes something to change in his mind. When his mind returned to the place it belonged only pieces remained. The shards had taken the lives of ever trafficker and had returned to him knowing he willed it so. Small shreds of people were scattered throughout the massive buildings. If he had known this would be the result, he would have killed them himself.
Atlas was holding Aurora and had no clue as to when he had picked her up. He wanted to leave that place. Not because he held any hate for for what he had done but because he didn't want Aurora near it. He knew he would do anything to keep her safe. He walked until the place was out of sight. But evidence of his crime was still visible.
Aurora had fallen asleep or passed out. He felt the strain of what the shards had done on his body. As he carried her in the woods she began to wake up. Her eyes lit up and she hugged Atlas. She began to cry and he held her for hours. He continued to walk back to his camp.
When they arrived the sun had hid behind the trees. Atlas had been unable to look away from her. He feared losing her again. She was afraid for so long. She had watch unspeakable crimes and had nearly been sold by human traffickers.
“I won't let anyone hurt you” Said Atlas.
He knew he would even if the price for doing so was his life. When they arrive he set her down and she pulled him down.
“Don't leave me” Said Aurora.
She wanted to be with him. She didn't want to be alone. For the first time she would allow greed to take the lead. She wanted him to stay with her. Atlas kissed her cheek and sat beside her.
“We won't be able get home tonight” Said Atlas.
“I'm fine with that, as long as you don't leave me” Said Aurora.
Atlas felt something he could not identify. The most powerful emotion he had felt so far in his life. Atlas didn't know when but he had kissed her lips.
The last drops of sunlight touched their tent at that moment. It was strange. Atlas had never felt anything so soft before. He had never felt his heart beat so fast. He had never loved anyone this way.
They looked into eachothers eyes and kissed again. Aurora felt only joy as she looked into his eyes. Those eyes were her guardian, her protector, her lover. Atlas felt his hands drift and did his best not to.