The thundering of hundreds of pounds of metal filled the air. Atlas huffed and puffed like a angry bull as his fists crumpled the steel punching bag. He began to pick up speed each strike coming one after another at such a speed they began to sound a one continuous impact.
"Try to take breaths a little bit deeper" said Trinity the A.I.
"Thank you for the tip" said Atlas with a grin.
His short dark brown hair contrasted his fiery golden red eyes.
"Atlas your new bridal is here" said Trinity with her soft British accent.
Atlas walked to the door and stood in front of the door wondering what he would say.
"Hello come in. No that sounds creepy, what about hi. No that is to informal what do I say maybe I should just open the door and wing it." Whispered Atlas in a confused tone.
He opened the door and saw a woman with wild fiery red hair and eyes simply breathtaking eyes. The shades of blue and green hugged one another in a vibrant way. The woman had a work dress on and held a black suitcase. Her lips were a crimson red and fit well with her freckles.
"Nobody's home" said Atlas shutting the door.
He heard a knock at the door and a beautiful voice say "Yes there is I just saw you. So are you going to let me in or am I going to have to blow the doors down".
He could already imagine her standing there with her hands on her hips.
Atlas opened the door and said "Hi I'm Atlas please come in".
The woman was even more beautiful up close and he wondered if she was single.
"So is there somewhere you would like to do this" said the beautiful woman.
Atlas opened his mouth but no noise came out. He mostly pointed and then began to walk to a dressing room. When they arrived Atlas was rose red.
The woman had a red measuring tape and asked Atlas "Can you take your shirt off".
Atlas knew he had a hard time grasping the buttons on his shirt and would have to ask for help.
"I can't do it well the buttons are too small" said Atlas looking at the floor.
The woman smiled and said "Don't worry I got it".
Atlas was almost double her size and needed to get down on one knee in order to let her unbutton the shirt.
"So how old are you" Asked the woman as she unbuttoned the shirt.
"I am eighteen" Replied Atlas as she completed the last button.
Atlas removed his shirt and his godly form seemed to interest the woman.
"What's your name" Asked Atlas attempting to get a reaction.
"Right forgive me my name is Jinx" said the woman.
She pulled the measuring tape out and attempted to wrap it around his waist. When Atlas was on his knees they were almost eye to eye. She wrapped her arms around his waist but could not reach the other side. She pressed herself against him and pulled the tape around him.
"You're a big guy" Jinx said looking him in the eyes.
"Thanks" said Atlas looking down.
Jinx moved the tape up and down his body taking measurements as she did.
"Mind if I take a picture with you? You don't even have to put a shirt on" said Jinx with a giggle.
Atlas was overwhelmed with joy and hoped she liked him.
"Yeah that sounds great" said Atlas returning to rose red.
Jinx pulled out her phone and held it out to take a photo. But she was far too small to capture Atlas in the photo with her.
"Mind if you take the pictures" said Jinx passing Atlas the phone.
She stood in front of Atlas as he took the picture. His massive body seemed almost like a wall in comparison to hers. She looked like an angel shadowed by the devil himself.
"Thanks I hope you don't mind if I use this" said Jinx placing the phone in her pocket.
"Not at all" Replied Atlas.
"This might sound a little weird but do you want to hang out after I finish making your new clothes." said Jinx with a half smile.
"That would be amazing" Replied Atlas reaching into the sky and flexing out of habit.
When Atlas did this she bit one end of her glasses and smiled.
"Mind if I give you a tour of my home" said Atlas looking back.
"Show me your world" said Jinx taking the lead. Atlas showed her the kitchen to start.
"This is my third favorite place in the world because it has food" said Atlas standing next to a stove.
"Who cooked all this" said Jinx looking at the mountains of food.
"Well I did" Replied Atlas leaning on a table.
"You're quite the cook" said Jinx looking at a cake.
"You can have anything you want" said Atlas shrugging.
"How about you. You look pretty sweet" said Jinx giving Atlas a wink.
Atlas wondered if he had just imagined what he just heard but that idea was erased when she said "So can I take a bite".
"How about we get to know each other first maybe we can go to the carnival by the beach" said Atlas.
"Fine let's go right now" said Jinx walking out the door.
Atlas wondered if he should get the clothing made first or go. His mind when with that he thought would be simpler.
"Let's go then" said Atlas in a state of ecstasy.
Atlas hopped onto his custom motorcycle and helped Jinx on to the machine. The warm spring air brushed his skin and Jinx’s warm hands gripped around his leather jacket. By the time they arrived it was almost dark. Atlas walked up to the tickets booth and bought two wristbands.
“So were you from?” asked Jinx
“Earth, I think. Did you like my home, just recently started living their. My dad was dealing with stuff so I came home to help out” Replied Atlas.
“It's a really pretty home. Where did you live before?” Asked Jinx.
“Somewhere on Mars. I was a soldier.” Said Atlas.
"Where do you want to go first" said Atlas taking in the environment, or the little that he could.
"How about you use one of those strong man hammer things" said Jinx with a lip biting smile.
"Anything you want" Replied Atlas with a grin.
He heard a man yelling "step right up step right up and take a gander at the hammer".
Atlas walked over and found the man who had been yelling until he had arrived.
"How much" said Atlas with his thundering voice.
The man simply looked at Atlas and the red headed woman beside him for a moment.
"Three swings for two dollars" said the man still awestruck by the size of Atlas.
Atlas handed the man two dollars and stepped over the fence. He looked at the tiny hammers and decided he did not need one.
"Hey mind if I just use my hands I don't want to break your hammer" said Atlas crossing his tree trunks for arms.
"Go ahead" said the man.
Atlas smashed his fist instantly maxing out the meter that would have decided whether or not he got a prize. Atlas maxed out the meter two more times as a crowded gathered. Atlas was happy, this was one of the first time he had been in a public event science he got home.
Atlas walked over to Jinx and asked "what prize do you want".
"Get the big panda bear" said Jinx with glee.
"How about we go to every one of these placed that involve strength" said Jinx pulling Atlas closer to herself.
They continued to walk until they came across a new carnival game. This was one of the old fashioned throwing baseball games.
"How much" Asked Atlas as he received the same awestruck response.
Atlas picked up a ball and shot the ball through the wall behind the bottles.
“I am so sorry, I didn't mean to damage your wall.”
“It's, umm fine.” Stammered the man.
He repeated this process two more times.
"So what prize do you want this time" said Atlas admiring the stuffed panda.
"Can I have you?" said Jinx looking deep into the heart of Atlas.
Atlas looked at what was on the shelves and found an interesting prize. He picked up the super size Teddy bear that looked about normal next to him. He held a bear in one hand and her hand in the other.
"I think this was a bad idea" said Jinx with a hint of sadness.
"Why?" Atlas Replied with worry in his own voice.
"You can't fit on any rides" said Jinx with increasing sadness. Atlas began to laugh and reached down to Jinx.
"I know this will sound a little mean but you look really cute when you are sad. And I know I can't fit on any of the rides I knew that before we came here" said Atlas wiping the frown from her face.
"When why did you come if you knew you would have no fun here" said Jinx smothering her face into the panda.
"I knew I would have fun because you're with me. How about we go to the beach when you have had your fun" said Atlas walking to a ride.
He stood in front of a carnival ride for children.
A little girl walked up to him and asked "are you a giant".
Atlas smiled and got down on one knee and said "Yes I am".
The little girl smiled and squeezed her cheeks. She turned to her mother and said "mommy can I take a picture with the giant".
"Jenny leave the man alone" said the woman.
"It's fine" said Atlas looking down.
"Thank you very much" said the woman a rosy red face.
Atlas stood beside the child and the woman moved feather back to take a picture.
The little girl turned to Atlas saying "Can you hold me".
"Of course sweetheart" Replied Atlas looking over to Jinx. The girl almost looked like a doll in Atlas's hands.
"I wish you could be my daddy my other daddy hits us" said the little girl.
Atlas had lost his smile and now had a dead expression. His once fiery eyes now had no separation between pupil and iris.
When the woman walked up to Atlas he said "Jenny told me your husband hits you, is this true".
The woman looked surprised as if she never thought anyone would ever know.
"If you do not tell me who he is I will have the authorities take your child from you. I am sorry but I can not let this child be harmed if I can stop it" said Atlas.
Jinx placed her hand on Atlas and he set the child he cradled down. A man that looked as if he had not showered in weeks walked up to the woman and placed his arm around her.
"Who the hell are you" said the man who looked moments away from a drug overdose. Atlas could tell he had no idea what he was doing.
"Are you her husband" said Atlas with a calm tone.
"Listen jackass I don't care who you think you are but..."
At that moment Atlas covered the little girls ears.
His voice cracked like thunder and lightning shot through his eyes. "If you ever lay a finger on this child I will turn your bones to dust".
"How about we talk about this elsewhere buddy" said the man.
Atlas followed the man behind one of the tents and stood waiting for the man to talk. He then pulled out a gun and pointed it at Atlas. Before the man could shoot Atlas snapped his fingers sending a shock waves through the air knocking the man down. Atlas walked up to the man and clapped sending a second shock wave through the man busting his lungs. He knew they would never be able to prove that he could shatter someone's insides without any external damage. The powers he had on record didn't match up with what he did.
Atlas left the man and in the dark to fall prey to whatever hid in the dark. Atlas walk back to Jinx and told the woman her husband had left. He gave her ten thousand dollars so she could move with her life. He also gave his phone number to call if she ever needed help. Atlas knew it would be nightfall before anyone found his body and decided to have fun.
"Jinx how about we do something fun" said Atlas to Jinx who now only held a panda bear.
Jinx had a wicked smile and tried to kiss Atlas. Atlas turned and she kissed his cheek.
"Can I spend the night with you" said Jinx looking into his amber eyes.
Atlas did not know what to do, he wanted to say yes but he barely knew her but having a sleepover wouldn’t hurt.
"I was hoping you'd say that" said Atlas.
But he knew that was not what he meant to say something had overwhelmed his mind.
"Let's go home" said Jinx pressing up against him.
Atlas rode home with Jinx and they walked into the house together. Darwin lay with his paws resting his head. He slowly got up and sniffed Jinx and layed back down. Atlas got extra blankets and made himself a bed in the floor next to his own. Atlas wondered if Jinx was hungry and would have asked but she was nowhere to be found.
"What do you think" said a seductive voice sliding from the bathroom.
Atlas would not lie and told her exactly what he thought about the skin tight T-shirt. She smiled and placed her arms around him.
But that was seven months ago and since then things had changed.
Atlas punched the steel pillar he called a punching bag until it was bent out of shape.
“Hey wanna come shopping with me?” Asked Jinx.
“Absolutely I'll dry off and meet you in the driveway.”
“Alright I'll be waiting for you.” She winked and blew him a kiss.
"I can do it I just need to walk up to her and tell her just need to be able to say it" said Atlas attempting to build courage.
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Atlas took a few deep breaths and walked up to Jinx.
"Can we get some chocolate cake" said Atlas in an almost childish manner.
"Of course dear" said Jinx giving Atlas a kiss on the cheek.
"So when do you think we should tell them" said Atlas picking Jinx up by her waist.
"It's up to you baby whenever you feel ready and since I'm a orphan we don't have to worry about my family" Replied Jinx.
"That sounds like a plan" said Atlas attempting to get a better view of the woods bear by.
"Why do you like your morning and late night walks so much" Asked Jinx as they walked to the store.
"I have no idea I just like them but I know you love sleeping so I don't wake you up" Replied Atlas.
When they reached the store Atlas sat outside as Jinx went in to get cake and other food. A young woman walked up to Atlas asking if he could held her. Atlas agreed still unaware of what she wanted him to do.
She guided Atlas over to a car and told him about how she did not know how to replace a car tire. Atlas grabbed the spare wheel from the trunk and lifted the car with one hand. He used his left hand to replace the wheel.
"Thank you so much how could I ever repay you" said the lady.
Atlas simply replied "I like coffee".
The lady smiled and gave Atlas her phone number saying "We should hang out sometime". Atlas agreed and walked away to find Jinx.
"Are you ready for tomorrow" said Jinx hugging Atlas.
“They are just giving me the certificate. It's not a big deal I only have one more day of class anyway" said Atlas.
Jinx and Atlas left to their home near the woods. Atlas still needed to dig a basement big enough for their garden and his equipment.
"Hey beautiful I'll be working on the house just so you know" said Atlas walking into the stone tunnel.
Atlas picked up his half ton pick ax and got to work. He smashed away at the stone and set up steel pillars to hold the stone. He continued until he had cleared a mile of land. Every once in awhile he would take a few tons of rock out and stack it creating a mountain of stone. Dust hung in the air making it almost impossible to see more than thirty feet away. And that was his signal to stop and rest.
Atlas made certain anyone could fit within the basement and he made certain of this by making the ceiling just within his reach if he stood hands stretched. The scent of wood and dirt still filled the air but were almost overwhelmed by the smell of crushed stone.
"I'm going out for a walk" said Atlas as he glanced at his beautiful fiance who was reading a book of baby names.
Atlas started off but not before grabbing his GPS. He could get lost in a grocery store and that is why he needed it. He chose a random path and began to walk. The darkening landscape gave way to the sounds of coyotes and wolves.
Atlas soon picked up on a screeching and the rustling of leaves. He walked towards the sound but found nothing but a mass of dead deer and wolves. Pieces lay strewn along the ground like a carpet of blood and flesh. A bit of a leg here a part of a head their. The body of a dog lay torn open and it still moved slightly. It seemed as if there should have been more bodies for the amount of blood.
Atlas looked around and found a total of thirteen deer and seven wolves. He noticed they all had their eyes removed and teeth missing. Who ever had done this or whatever had done this did not do it for food, it had killed for fun. He could easily follow the river of blood that ran through the trees and ivy. He walked through the deepening darkness and found a cliff face with a large crack in it.
The rocks were soaked with blood and Atlas wondered if this was the home of the being. The crack seemed darker than the other shadows something about it was wrong. Atlas walked to the crack and soon found that it was a cave. He walked farther into the cave and it soon became pitch black. The stench of death filled the air and Atlas turned on a light he had on his wristwatch. He found hundreds of bodies, if you could even call them that.
The bits could barely be called bodies it was more like pieces of flesh that covered the floor. He looked around until he felt bored and left the tunnel. The forest was now only lit by the light of the moon.
Atlas began to walk back home still wondering what could have done all this. Maybe it was a group of cultist or some psychopath that likes to kill animals. Atlas continued to walk but soon stopped when he saw a woman with blood covering her. She seemed to be limping away from something and a large human like being popped out from behind a tree.
The being had a human like face and pale almost transparent skin. It had slits for a nose and black beady eyes. But what gave Atlas rage was that the clawed being was attacking something without any reason. They would not become better by fighting her nor would they eat her for food. He felt only anger towards their useless action.
Atlas was enraged "How dare they attack in a group and just play with their prey this is not right".
One of the beings turned to Atlas and when its eyes locked with him. Atlas tossed a stone at it. The stone broke the sound barrier and the skull of the being. The stone shot through the head of the being splattering its brain nearby. Black blood now covered the ground behind it.
Atlas walked towards the being that looked like blobs in his eyes. He picked up a hand full of rocks and tossed them shooting them through the beings.
"Run, you can't win!" Yelled the woman who lay covered in blood.
Atlas stood beside her and pulled a large knife from his side. Atlas waited for the beings to attack him but they did not move. One of the beings jumped after a long pause at Atlas but before it could impale him he uppercutted it causing a sonic boom.
The sound of its breaking bones and tearing flesh filled the air. It's black blood covered the fist of Atlas and its body hit the ground with a thud. The beings began to dash around Atlas and showed their endless rows of shark like teeth.
"You don't understand they are just distracting you they don't want you to see the Alfa coming" said the woman starting to stand.
Atlas wondered what kind of bears they were and thought about asking. Atlas began stomping on the body of the being he had hit. The body of the being looked similar to that of roadkill.
"What are you waiting for?" Yelled Atlas
"Attack me!", Atlas felt as if he should not get too far from the woman. Atlas could sense their eyes as they swirled around him.
"I'm fine you don't have to die for me" said the woman struggling to stay up.
Atlas did not respond but only looked into her with sorrow filled eyes.
"I can't leave you" said Atlas lifting a massive stone.
Atlas held a stone and fired it like a shotgun. The beings easily evaded this and took this moment to attack, but not from the ground. One of the beings dropped down to attack Atlas. The splitting of bone and flesh once again filled the air. The body of one of the creatures lay in pieces.
Atlas was able to feel the lightning bolt that had passed over his head. He could smell the scorched flesh of the being and could only wonder how she had done this.
Atlas turned and said "Thanks".
He was becoming annoyed but that feeling was soon replaced by love and panic. His phone began to ring and he quickly answered.
"Hello beautiful how are you" He said in a calm loving voice.
"Baby when are you coming home it's late. Did you get lost or are you just taking your time" said Jinx in a nagging tone.
"Sorry baby just the opposite I found someone out here and she has a scratch or two so I am bringing her home" said Atlas still facing the beings.
The woman looked at Atlas wondering how any human even one as strong as him could stay calm in this situation.
"Ok be home soon love you" said Jinx and Atlas hung up.
"Well I don't have time to be careful anymore" said Atlas.
At that moment he took a breath creating a massive current of air that spiraled inward. His body seemed to become bigger if that was even possible and all of his muscle now were tightly pressed against his once loose fitting clothing.
Atlas merely clapped sending a shock wave that split the beings in half. Atlas picked up the woman and walked away from their lifeless bodies. He felt the earth shake and the world grew dead silent. It felt as if everything had been frozen in fear. Atlas turned to face the being but could only hear the sound of trees snapping in the distance.
"Is that the Alfa?" Asked Atlas locking eyes with the darkness.
Atlas leaned forward and placed her down somewhere safe. Atlas turned back and walked towards the being that walked towards him. The stench of rotting flesh filled the air as the monster drew closer.
Atlas could now see the monstrosity in crystal clean view. It looked like a larger version of the things he had been killing earlier. But this being had what looked like a mace in one hand and a clawed hand in the other.
" Hey lady what kind of bear is that" said Atlas glaring at the being.
"That is the Alfa" said the woman standing far in the distance.
The thing howled letting its stench fill the air. It's howl could be described as a high screech and a low guttural growl. The being jumped at Atlas swinging its mace at him. Atlas caught the mace and grabbed its wrist. He was able to snap its wrist but it now had its long fangs flying at him. But this was a distraction the real attack was the foot of the creature that rammed through his leg.
Atlas tensed his body so the claw could not be removed for the time being. Atlas used the clawed hand of the being to stab its face until it was a bloody clump of flesh. Atlas pulled the claw out of his leg and walked towards the woman. He picked her up and started walking home.
"I'm fine you know I don't need your help" said the woman in a sleepy voice.
Atlas knew she was probably going to pass out but wanted to at least get home before she did. Atlas began running towards his home with the woman in hand. He arrived and saw Jinx near the window or just something near the window.
"Hey beautiful" said Atlas opening the door.
"What the hell happened" said Jinx looking at the bloody woman.
"Nothing it's just a scratch" said the girl as Atlas laid her on a couch.
"That is not a scratch we need to call 911" said Jinx pulling out her cell phone.
Atlas could see in her expression that she did not want Jinx to call.
"No don't that's mostly my blood" said Atlas pointing at the girl then himself.
Jinx held the phone for a moment then sat down "Ok tell me what happened".
"Well I was walking and I saw her getting attacked by ugly chimps with claws or maybe bears I couldn't really tell" said Atlas looking down.
"Did you kill those poor things" said Jinx with worry in her voice.
"Well they were attacking her" said Atlas shrugging.
"So what's your name" said Jinx with a stunning smile.
"My name is Hope" said the woman.
"Well nice to meet you Hope my name is Jinx" said Jinx flashing her beautiful green blue eyes.
Her long red hair hugged her sides and so did her red dress.
"Let's get some nicer clothing for you" said Jinx standing up. Atlas looked at his watch and saw it was time for him to sleep.
"Well I'm going to bed and knowing you this will take all night" said Atlas walking away.
"Where do you think you are going" Jinx placed her hands on her hips.
Atlas turned around and said "I was going to sleep" in a tone a child would use when he was in trouble.
"Are you forgetting something" said Jinx with her arms crossed.
Atlas walked over and kneeled wondering what he was forgetting. Jinx walked up and kissed Atlas. Atlas turned bright red as he always did and smiled.
"I forgot the most important thing of all" said Atlas looking into her eyes.
"Sweet dreams cutie" said Jinx giving Atlas a hug.
Atlas lay in bed dreaming of the only thing that mattered to him. A pair of people Jinx and a small red haired girl with incredible strength. Even in his sleep he smiled just imagining what could be. He quickly awoke and looked around for what was making the sound he heard. He got out of his bed and turned on the lights. He looked around and found a spider walking on the floor. He got a piece of paper and lifted the spider, he walked outside and dropped the spider. He was about to step inside when he heard something move outside. He could see what looked like a man with eyes that belonged to a wild animal.
Atlas pulled a throwing knife out of his pocket and split the thing in two. He picked up the body and tossed it into an incinerator. He walked back inside after unlocking the door. He walked into his gym and started to lift the few weights he had. When he was done the sun had popped out from its home. It illuminated the trees and lifted the light fog between the trees.
Atlas could feel the land warm and went to check on Jinx. He saw her laying in bed and Hope in the bed next to hers. He decided to let them sleep and make the breakfast in bed. He got his apron and "Kiss the Cook" hat. He gathered all the ingredients he needed and started to make cake. He also had the ingredients for chocolate pudding and vanilla ice cream.
"Hey" said Hope standing at the door with a shirt that most likely belonged to him.
It would have been a dress to her but she had rolled up the bottom of the shirt until it reached half way down her thigh. She walked up to Atlas mostly half asleep and blinked her blue gray eyes. Her snow white hair swayed by her shoulders as she tiptoed to get closer to his face.
"What does your hat say on it" Asked Hope.
"Kiss the cook" Replied Atlas standing up.
She look out the door and asked "What were you doing last night".
"Sleeping" said Atlas trying to avoid the pointless subject.
"Thanks for saving my life" said Hope hugging his arm.
Atlas could feel her soft skin touch his almost steel hard skin. Hope could hear the beating of his heart like a drum but it was not just one heartbeat. Hope could hear his irregular heart beat as she held him. Hope walked over to a chair and sat down.
"Where are you from" Asked Atlas pondering where such a strange girl could come from.
"I'm from Mars" said Hope as she wondered what kind of human Atlas could be.
She thought about the possibility of him being one of the genetic experiments.
"Where were you born" Asked Hope in order to continue the conversation.
"I forgot but I'm from Earth, other than that I don't know" Replied Atlas mixing the flour and eggs.
Hope wondered how he was capable of killing an Alpha with his bare hands. What were his limits and what could his weakness be.
"Do you have any weaknesses?" Asked Hope looking up and down his body.
Atlas looked puzzled for a moment but replied "Well it depends on what you mean".
Hope walked up to Atlas and said "Physical weakness".
Atlas hummed for a moment and replied "Yeah I'm ticklish".
Hope then began to poke at Atlas as he shifted and made noises trying to hold his laughter back. She continued to tickle him and he lost control spilling the mix on her. She stopped tickling Atlas and looked at him with anger.
"Take your shirt off" said Hope with a cold tone.
Atlas was about to ask why she didn't just pick up a rag or take his apron but he did not want to make her mad. Atlas removed his shirt and she snached it from him. She ran off into the bathroom and came back out with a new shirt. She had used the old one to clean herself off.
When she came back she walked up to Atlas and gave him a wicked smile. She began to tickle him but Atlas tried to escape. But it was no use she was able to pin him down. She tickled him until he could barely keep laughing. He was unable to control his hand other than placing them by his sides. She was happy to know he had a weakness and that she could have fun by exploiting it. She pinned his hands over his head and was inches from his lips. They were breathing heavily and sat their for a moment.
"What is going on?" said Jinx looming over Atlas with a happy yet angered expression.
"She started it" Replied Atlas looking into her eyes.
"No I didn't, you spilled cake mix on me" said Hope crossing her arms.
"Do you mind getting off Atlas so I can talk with him?"Asked Jinx tapping the kitchen table.
Hope hopped of Atlas and sat silently nearby. They walked together into the living room and Jinx pushed Atlas against a wall.
"What were you two doing" said Jinx with a hint of rage.
"She attacked me, I was defenseless. You know how hard it is for me to move when I am being tickled" said Atlas looking down at her bright red hair.
"You think I don't know that" said Jinx beginning to tickle Atlas.
Atlas fell and she giggled at how someone so powerful could be brought down by her little hands. She knew all his weak points and was going for all of them. Then she believed he had enough, she kissed him on the lips with such passion it would have seemed like it would be their last.
She looked into his eyes and he into hers. He knew he had not said it yet but he knew he felt it. What else could it be such a feeling like he had never felt before and only felt when he was with her.
"I'm going to visit my sister. While I'm gone keep my heart safe for me will you?" said Jinx with a smile.
"Well I would have to be paid in some way. I'll keep it safe for a kiss from the most beautiful girl" said Atlas picking her up.
Atlas pulled her close and she kissed him. They smiled and Atlas walked out to find Hope sitting just where he had last seen her.
"So is there somewhere you would like me to take you" said Atlas looking at Hope.
"Your bed" said Hope with a seductive look in her eye.
"What" Replied Atlas looking puzzled by what she had said.
"I am wondering how big a bed would have to be for a person your size" Replied Hope.
Atlas realized she always had a seductive look in her eyes. He walked with her to his room and opened the door to a room filled with nothing but a bed.
"What do you want to do" Asked Hope looking at the bed.
"We should go to the gym" said Atlas with glee.
He walked out the door and up to his motorcycle. Hope looked at the vehicle and climbed her way up. Atlas gave her a helmet and was about to drive off when he noticed she was not holding on.
"Are you going to hold me" said Atlas glancing back at her.
She grabbed onto Atlas and they speed off. Atlas rode to where his little sisters still lived. They stopped at the large mansion and Atlas walked up to the building. Atlas opened the door and a massive dog instantly started to lick him. The massive black husky wagged its tail so fast it looked like it was going to fall off.
Atlas patted the dog and chuckled saying "I missed you too".
When Darwin looked at Hope his hair stood on end. But he began to lick her hands and Atlas soon realized it was because of static electricity. Darwin rub his face against her hands and seemed to smile.
"He must really like you" said Atlas with a warm smile.
Atlas snapped with his pinky and thumb and walked inside. Darwin instantly followed and moments later Hope did to. Atlas walked until he reached a room with a label that said gym on the door. Atlas opened the door and grinned at his toys. Atlas then thought about what Hope would do. Atlas then realized he still had Valery's weights. Atlas ran to a pile of weights and ran back giving the several hundred pound weights to Hope.
"You can use this" said Atlas.
"You think I'm not strong enough to use yours?" Asked Hope with anger.
"Well I just thought you would want to warm up first" said Atlas peering into her eyes.
"Well I don't need to" said Hope walking over to his weights.
She gripped a bar she found nearby and lifted it in the air. Atlas smiled and grabbed the bar holding it out straight. Atlas wanted to tell her that it was one of Jinx's weights but didn't want to her to lose confidence.
"I guess you don't need to warm up then, but do you mind spotting me" said Atlas.
"Doing what?" Asked Hope tilting her head.
"Well if the bar is too heavy for me you just have to help me lift it that's all" said Atlas laying on the bench.
Atlas waited for Hope to get into position but she sat on him instead.
"What are you doing" Asked Atlas glancing at Hope who still had only a shirt and shorts.
"I am spotting you from here because it is more comfortable for me" said Hope.
Atlas shrugged and began his rep. He lifted the seven thousand pound weight and began to take deeper breaths.
"Keep going and just a little deeper" said Trinity.
"Who's there?" Yelled Hope slamming her hands on Atlas's chest.
Trinity ignored Hope and asked Atlas "Who is this girl on top of you" in a voice stained with jealousy.
"This is Hope" said Atlas between hard breaths.
"I don't think Jinx will be happy to know that you had a half naked girl on top of you when you had nothing but a shirt on" said Trinity with the intent of blackmail.
"Would you rather have me risk dying or have her do this" Replied Atlas as he continued to lift the bar.
"Why can't I just switch places with Hope and kiss you right now"
Is what Trinity wishes she could have said, but instead she said "Fine I'll just stay quiet".
Eventually Atlas was forced to stop because of two factors. One he was hungry and Hope had fallen asleep on him. He picked Hope up and walked with her in hand. He placed her down and began to cook. Atlas placed down his forty pound hamburger and the other meals he had made for Hope. Hope woke up and ate with Atlas.
"What do you want to do now" said Atlas.
"I want to go back and finish killing those things in the woods" said Hope without emotion.
"As you wish" said Atlas walking to the door.
"Atlas be safe out there" said Trinity as he left.
"So what is Trinity exactly" said Hope on the back of the motorcycle.
"She's an A.I., the kind that's based off a human brain so it can feel real emotion and still learn at inhuman speeds" said Atlas.
"Aren't those illegal" said Hope.
"Well yes, but no one is stupid enough to try and accuse my father of anything" Replied Atlas passing the cars on the road.
Hope wanted to ask why but felt she wouldn't like what she would hear. They arrived back at his home and walked to the woods. The woods seemed more alive during the day with wind brushing the trees.
Atlas could never fully understand the beauty of the woods because his view was limited to a few yards around him. Atlas walked to the location where he had first seen Hope. Atlas walked all the way to the crack and cave. Atlas wondered why he could no longer smell the scent of rancid flesh.
There was no blood, no bones, nothing but a teddy bear sitting on a rusted steel bed. The bed was sitting over a hole with black dirt. What looked like the burned remains of a building lay behind it. The bed had rusted wires going across it but where the bear sat it looked new. Atlas was frozen in fear this was something he had never felt before. Fear, what words could even try to display its unparalleled power. Similar to being paralyzed and knowing the thing that would kill you would soon be upon you.
He could feel the dark pit calling his name something wanted him to sleep. Just to rest for a moment with it. He felt as if the only thing keeping whatever was beneath the bed was the bear. It's black eyes and brown fur seemed to contain more power than Atlas could ever hope to achieve.
Why... afraid...
It was no more than an old bed, just a place to sleep. And the bear, what could make it so powerful why, did it give him the feeling that it was more that it told?
"Atlas?" said Hope touching Atlas's shaking body.
Atlas held Hope as if she was the last light in an endless sea of darkness.