"We're here!" Yelled Soren from the front of the carriage, which had just come to a stop.
Jack was laying down, deep in thought, and when he heard Soren he sat up immediately. He opened the curtains and was face to face with a huge empty field that went on for miles. Confused, because there seemed to be nothing, Jack knocked on the window connected to the front, to ask where they were.
Soren turned after the knock and opened the small window. "What's up kid?"
"Where are we? It looks so empty and there's just an open field."
"You're an idiot. Did you look out the other side?"
"Oh. No I didn't. Whoops~."
Jack then went to the curtains he had not looked through and opened them. This time he was met with a huge steel gate. They were part of the entrance, which consisted of a beautiful concrete wall with uniquely detailed steel gated doors. From the entrance, it looked like the rest of the gate spanned about a quarter mile in each direction. Jack was in awe as it looked like it was straight out a fantasy.
Marty got off of the carriage and walked over to the gate, opening both of the gate doors. Jack was now able to see the building that was behind the gate. It was a huge building, made out of primarily stone and brick. The front of the building was a facade and had two columns on both sides to keep it up. The door was huge, arched, and had exquisite details on it. The building was a beautiful white color and the paint seemed relatively new or well kept. The windows were also arched and there were two sets of them, indicating that there was a second floor. The path leading to the front was made of gravel and it was a good hundred yards from the gate. There were small stairs where the path finished, which led to a porch connected to the front door. As for its surroundings, the yard seemed very clean and taken care of. The path to the front was guided by oak trees that seemed to glow in the sun. There were bushes along the gate and there was lots of open space in the middle of the yard. To Jack it was a scenery too beautiful for his eyes.
Someone on the porch caught Jack's eyes as he was looking. "Who's that?" He asked, pointing at him through the curtains.
Soren, who was still sitting, turned his head to see a guy on the porch sitting against the wall, smoking. "That's Enzo." Then the cigarette caught Sorens attention. "Wait... he's smoking?! I swear! I told him to stop!" Soren angrily got off the carriage and began running past the gate and down the path.
"Where are you going sir?" Marty asked the sprinting Soren.
"Sorry Marty! I gotta catch a bitch!"
Enzo looked up to see Soren running at him at full speed, with a face that would haunt anyone. Quickly, he grabbed the cigarette from his mouth, put it out, and while panicking threw it into the bushes along the wall. He then got up and began jolting to the side of the building so that he could escape. Once he made it behind the corner, Soren stopped chasing, and began walking down the path towards the front. Marty told Jack to stay on, and he got back onto the carriage himself. Then he began heading through the gate and to the entrance of the building.
"Alright Marty, thanks for the ride." Soren said, handing Marty money for the ride.
"Thank you sir. Let me know when you need me again."
"Sure will."
Marty then rode off, closing the gate and going his own way. Soren and Jack were left standing in front of the door on the porch. Soren began knocking and Jack's mind finally realized that this was nothing short of a new beginning. He began getting nervous about the future and what was to come. Am I going to be good enough? Will I make a good first impression? Will I be liked? His mind was repeating these thoughts over and over again which made him even more nervous.
"Relax kid. I can see your sweat. It'll be okay." Soren told Jack, who was too distracted in mind to notice Soren staring at him. "They'll like you."
The door began opening, and even despite Soren's words, Jack was filled with nerves. Once the door was open, a woman was standing there. She looked as tough as nails and looked to be about twenty-three.
"Hey Aurora." Soren said to her. "I'm back."
She ignored Soren and then turned to stare straight at Jack. "He brought another one!" She yelled behind her into the building. "Soren... what could it possibly be this time."
"Listennn~. I can explain. This is very good in fact. Let us in."
She moved out the way and gestured for them to come in. They walked in and began walking down a hallway that seemed plain. It was mostly empty except for a mirror on the wall with a plant below it. When they made it to the end of the hallway, Aurora told them to go right as that was where everyone was. Jack was following behind the whole time, saying nothing and just fidgeting with his hands.
They finally entered into a kitchen, where there were three other people sitting and talking. Two of them were eating at the table in the middle of the kitchen, while the other was sitting on the counter drinking something.
"I don't get why you couldn't make me food." Said the man on the counter.
"Because this was for only me and Elias. BLEH!" The woman eating said. "You like it, right honey? Hehe~."
Elias, eating next to her, looked up and stopped chewing. "Um- yeah thifh is- good, don' call me honey thfough." He said with food still in his mouth.
"Yo! Soren's back!" Aurora said, interrupting the others.
The man on the counter turned. "What was you yelling before? You said he brought another one? Another what?" Aurora moved out the way revealing Jack. "Ohhhh." He paused. "HAHA! Another kid! This really is becoming an orphanage. Soren whyyy."
"Look, I can really explain. But for now," he pointed to Jack, "this is Jack."
They all stared. Then the man from the counter got up and walked over to Jack. He extended his arm. "Hey, I'm Bastille, but you can call me B." Jack, still nervous, stood still.
"C'mon Jack. Greet him." Soren said.
Jack extended his arm and shook B's hand. "Hi." He said quietly.
"HAHA! Another quiet one!" B said.
"He's just shy. This one actually talks a lot." Soren intervened. Soren then patted Jack on the back. "Go greet the others."
Jack then walked up to Aurora. "Hi."
"Hi child. I'm Aurora."
He then walked over to Elias and the woman. "Hi guys~."
"Hi I'm Mercy! And aren't you the cutest thing!" Mercy said.
"Hey. I'm Elias." He said, completely uninterested.
"Don't worry Jack, Elias is naturally boring!" Soren said from the other side of the kitchen.
"Well if I'm so boring then how bout you... you... just let me eat~."
Aurora turned to Soren. "Wait since we're all here, tell us how the mission went, and about this situation."
"All except..." Someone came out from the corner of the kitchen. "Me!" Enzo yelled into the room.
"You!" Soren exclaimed in anger. "Enzo what did I tell you! You gotta stop smoking! I just know they're bad."
"There's no scientific explanation!" Enzo remarked. He then walked to Jack. "Hey, names Enzo. I know who you are because I was watching from behind the corner."
"He likes to watch kids~." Elias added.
"Not funny!" Enzo yelled.
"Guy's, focus!" Aurora exclaimed to the group. She turned to Soren. "Now explain."
"How bout we all sit down first?" Soren responded. They all, except Jack, sat at the table and were focused on Soren. "Okay... so the mission was pointless." He then paused and looked at Jack. "Actually before I begin explaining everything, Jack, can you go so that the adults can talk?"
"Where should I go?"
Mercy turned. "Go to the living room. It's back through the hallway you came, and just go straight. Someone should be there that can keep you company."
"Oh ok, thank you." Jack walked back through the hallway and there were only two places to go. Either turn left to go back to the entrance, or go straight into the living room. Jack walked into the living room.
The walls were a nice pale blue color, there was a nice fireplace on the left side of the room, surrounded by couches, a reflective hardwood floor, a nice rug under the couches, many paintings hung on the wall, fancy looking curtains on the windows, and huge plants in the corners of the room. There were even glass doors connecting to the outside of the building.
Jack was so busy observing the room that he completely missed the person on the floor playing with little toys. Clack! Clatter clatter. Jack looked down to see that he had kicked a little wooden elephant toy. He began to bend down so that he could pick it up, and as he was halfway down, he made eye contact with a boy who was also reaching for it.
"Oh! Sorry! I didn't mean to kick your toy." Jack said, apologizing. The boy stopped in his tracks and slowly retracted his hand. "Here I'll pick it up, don't worry." Jack grabbed it from the ground and handed it to the boy. The boy grabbed it, nodded as thanks, and stood it up onto the ground.
"Now Atlas, what do we say?" Elias questioned from the entrance of the living room.
Jack turned around. "I thought you guys were talking? Was it really that fast?"
"No they're still talking, I just finished my food and got tired." Elias walked over to the couch and laid down. "Anyways. Jack meet Atlas, the very quiet child. And Atlas meet Jack... Now Atlas, like I said, what do you say to Jack for picking up your toy? Sorry we've been teaching him for a while now."
"Th-thank you." Atlas said very quietly.
"Good job." The last words Elias said before sleeping almost immediately.
"It's no problem." Jack said with a smile on his face. "Cool toys you got there, can I join you? I have nothing to do." Atlas nodded, even though he felt a little nervous. Jack sat down on the ground in front of Atlas. "Let's see what you got." He inspected the toys. "Ah you've got a lion, elephant, tiger, some weird looking thing, and a cow. Cool! Let's see... which ones can I play with?" Atlas grabbed the tiger. "Ah okay got it, you want the tiger."
"Not tiger." Atlas said.
"What? That's not a tiger? Are you sure? It looks like one."
"No~."
"If it isn't a tiger then what is it?"
"I no know."
"So it is a tiger! HAH!" Jack exclaimed.
Atlas frowned. "N-no."
"Okay, okay fine. You win, hehe." Jack looked back down at his options. "Now which one's can I be?"
After playing for five minutes Jack was feeling a bit bored but he could tell Atlas was having fun so he decided to continue.
"Rawr! Boom! Teehee~!" Atlas expressed as he was playing around with the animals.
Jack smiled and even though he was a little bored, he stayed. At that moment, Atlas stopped and looked up. Jack turned his head to see what he was looking at.
It was Mercy walking into the room, sneakily. "Shhh." She whispered as she put her finger over her mouth so that they would know to be quiet. She then walked to the couch where Elias was sleeping and jumped on him.
UMPH! "Owwww~." Elias said in pain.
"Elias! Wake up!" She yelled while on top of him.
"Atlas, Jack get her off of me please. Atlas this isn't your first rodeo remember what to do." Elias begged in a sleepy tone.
Atlas got up and gestured with his hand to tell Jack to come. They got up and walked up behind Mercy. Atlas began to pull her left side and then Jack followed by pulling on her right. "Guys! Stop~!" Mercy pleaded. Atlas let go and then began tickling her side. "HAHAHAHA!" Mercy couldn't control her laughter and her strength so she was pulled down by the boys onto the ground. She continued to laugh even when on the ground.
Elias got up and stared at her. "Heh. I win again." He started to walk out of the living room.
Mercy stopped laughing. "Heyyy~. Where are you going?"
"I'm going to my room. Clearly I can't nap here."
"Ooooo. Can I go?!"
"Not unless you want to tuck me in." He said while already walking down the hall.
"Really?! Yes yes yes! Of Course!"
Elias turned back in fear and began running to his room. "I was joking!"
When they were finally gone Atlas and Jack were left standing there. Jack was confused but Atlas looked as if it were an everyday thing. "Soooo~. What else is there to do?" Jack asked Atlas, while still being able to hear Mercy and Elias yelling in the background.
"Stop yelling!" Yelled Aurora from the kitchen. "That's like the hundredth time!"
"Sorry!" Mercy responded from the second floor.
"Help! She's grabbing me again!" Elias yelled. It went silent for a second. "Please Aurora! It's getting worse!"
Atlas was now over by the door leading outside. "Come." He told Jack as he was opening the door.
They were now outside, on the side of the building. "Why are we out here?" Jack questioned. Atlas walked into the grass and picked up a small leather ball that could be held with just one hand. It was nicely decorated and painted white. It even had Atlas's name written on it, with very poor handwriting. "Oh cool! You have a ball. What should we play?"
Atlas walked back further and then stopped. "We catch."
"Oh okay. I like that game."
"Wait." Atlas said as he started to walk over to the bushes on the side of the house. He then went in between two of them and bent down. It looked as if he was trying to get something. When he got back up, he appeared with two small circle-ish objects in his hands which were wrapped in paper. When he got to Jack, he handed him one of the objects and then proceeded to go back to his spot.
Jack unwrapped the object, and it turned out to be a little cookie. "Wow! Thanks! I'm going to trust you even though you got this from the ground. Hehe."
"My favorite~!" Atlas excitedly said.
After finishing their little snack, they proceeded to play catch for less than a minute before Enzo came outside and interrupted them.
"Heyyy guys~." Enzo said happily after joining them in the great outdoors. "So what y'all doing?"
"We just started playing catch." Jack responded.
"Awesome! Yeah, yeah, awesome~." Enzo responded. He then saw the paper from the cookies on the floor. "Atlas... what's that?" In response, Atlas shrugged, trying his best to make an innocent face. "Don't tell me..." Enzo walked over to the bushes and revealed many of the cookies wrapped in paper. "One, two, three, four... There's like ten in here! Atlas... we've told you before. Stop hiding cookies in the bushes~. There isn't even a reason to. They're inside. No one but you eats them. What's the point?! Honestly I don't have a problem with it, but I don't get it. Why?"
"Cookie~." Atlas responded.
"Yeah you're right. I guess I could go for one right now." Enzo said.
When he was done grabbing a cookie, he didn't turn around and started acting suspicious, as if he was holding tons of things. Atlas caught on instantly and ran up to Enzo, forcing him to turn. When he did turn, he was holding all the cookies that Atlas had stored.
"Heh. Caught me~." Enzo said.
"Not that hungry." Atlas said angrily.
"You're right again. I was joking. For real." Then Enzo walked back to the bushes. "Seeeee. Look, I'm putting them back." He did indeed put them back. "Now, can I join you guys in playing catch?"
Jack, Enzo and Atlas played catch, and this time there were no distractions.
"Jack, I'm really glad you're here." Enzo stated as they were playing catch. "Now Atlas finally has someone to play with, and we won't have to worry about keeping him company all the time. It gets sad when everyone's busy and he's left alone."
"It ok Enzo." Atlas interrupted.
"I have a fear of being alone, so don't worry I'll keep him company just like he'll keep me company." Jack said happily.
Some time passed and Enzo had gone inside, leaving Atlas and Jack alone. During this time, they were trying out other games, like tag.
"Jack, Atlas! Come inside!" Yelled Aurora from the living room door. After hearing her, they ran up to the door to go back inside. "Yeah, get in here little buggers."
Once inside, they saw Soren and B on the couch. "Come, sit down." Soren said. "Wait, not you Atlas, this is just for Jack, sorry." Atlas retaliated by grabbing onto Jack's arm and shaking his head. "Fine~. I suppose you both can sit down." After sitting down, Soren said that they had come to a conclusion. "Alright listen here kid, now the choice is yours, remember that. Look, I told them about your ability to use Saints Spirit, and even they were in awe. I truly believe that you did in fact forget your life and that you have no place to go. This decision can change your life and it not only benefits you, but the country itself. Now, tell me, do you truly wish to become an Immortal?"
Jack, staring at the ground, looked up and stared into Soren's eyes with determination. "Yes. Yes I do."
Aurora stepped in. "Well great. It's settled. You child... are now one of us."
The rest of the day passed by and Jack was given a tour of the place, they played card games, they had to wake up Elias for dinner, they ate, and then Mercy had a great Idea as they were cleaning after dinner.
"Wait! To celebrate Jack's new arrival... we should go into town!" She suggested, excitedly.
They all paused.
"I mean, they do have good food." Elias stated.
"That's the spirit!" Mercy responded.
"But, I'm tired and we just ate~."
"Honestly Mercy, that's a great idea." Soren added. "I think we should call up Marty and head over there. Who's in?!"
B raised his hand. Then Enzo, Atlas, and Jack did, while jumping up and down. Then Mercy did, waving happily. So did Elias, even though it was because Mercy was grabbing his arm up.
"Alright then." Aurora said. "We should get going then, before the sun sets."
Marty came about half an hour after that and waited in front of the gate. Everyone was getting ready and Soren told both Jack and Atlas to already head out and go to the carriage. While walking outside, Jack saw that Atlas was holding his tiger toy. "You going to bring that?" Jack questioned.
"Mhm."
"What if you lose it?"
Atlas pointed at his pockets. "See."
"I can tell it means a lot to you."
"Yeah. Lots."
Jack paused. "For some reason I feel as if I can relate to that."
"Welcome Atlas and Jack." Marty said as they walked up to the gate. "I assume the others are still getting ready?"
"You'd assume correctly." Jack responded.
"Well you guys can hop right in already."
"Thanks Marty." Jack said while getting in.
They waited in the car, where Jack suggested they play odds and evens. "Soren taught me when we were coming here earlier. He beat me like every time. Do you know it?" Atlas shook his head. "Okay, Okay, so how you play is one of us holds up a certain amount of fingers, and the other tries to guess if it's odd or even. It's easy! Let's try. I'll hold up my fingers first, behind my back so you can't see. Ready? Go!" Jack then held four fingers behind his back. "Now you guess, odd or even?"
Atlas tilted his head to think. "Hmmm... ummm... even?"
"Ah dang! You win! I was holding up four~. Okay, now you. Wait! Let's make it more interesting. Let's do first to five points. Okay?!" Atlas nodded. "Okay so you're winning, one to zero. Alright now you go."
Atlas held up seven fingers. "Okay, go."
Jack thought about it for a second. "Let's seeee. I think that you think that we think that... wait, I don't even know what I'm saying." Jack said, losing track of his words. This made Atlas giggle. "Okay, so I think that you picked... even!"
"Hee hee hee, nooooo..." Atlas said, revealing his hands. "Seven~!"
"Dang! I really do suck at this!"
"Hey guys~." Soren said approaching the carriage. "The others will be here soon so get ready. What are y'all doing?"
"We're playing odds and evens, like you taught me!" Jack answered.
"Ohhhh yeahhhh. I'm gonna be honest Jack... I cheated while playing against you~."
"You- that's why I could never win!"
"Whoops sorry. Hehe."
Jack and Atlas continued to play the game and they were so distracted that they missed when everyone else arrived in front of the carriage.
"Let's see. Two go in the front with Marty and three on each of the benches." Aurora ordered. "I'll go with Soren in the front and you guys can decide where to sit back there."
By the time everyone was seated, Soren and Aurora were in the front, with Marty in the middle. Elias, Mercy and Jack were on one of the cushioned benches, with Mercy in the middle. On the other bench was, B, Enzo, and Atlas with Enzo in the middle.
"Everyone ready?!" Marty asked.
"Yes!"
"Alright let's go!"
Gallop! Gallop! Then just as the carriage started, it stopped. "Sorry guys, it just seems a little unbalanced right now!" Marty said apologetically.
"It's because Aurora's big!" Enzo yelled from behind.
Aurora turned around. "Oh yeah?! You really think so?! If anything it's Elias over there who only eats and sleeps!"
"The hell did I do?!" Elias remarked.
"Leave him alone!" Mercy yelled.
While this tussle began, Marty and Soren got off to check what was wrong.
"HAHA! She got you there Elias!" Enzo chipped in.
"Nah! I know you're not talking Enzo!" Aurora exploded. "Don't think I don't know who started this!"
"GULP! I was just joking! I promise~! Heh."
"Oh yeah?! Well joking's gonna end up killing you!"
"Are you okay honey?!" Mercy asked Elias.
"HAH! You won't do anything because I've got B here with me!" Enzo responded to Aurora.
Elias turned to Mercy. "Yes I'm fine. And I am not your honey."
B was in shock. "You're on your own buddy. I am not facing her."
Meanwhile Atlas and Jack were continuing their game of odds and evens, completely distracted, not noticing the scene around them.
"Alright since B is a wimp..." Enzo continued. "I have Jack and Atlas on my side! Isn't that right guys?!" Jack and Atlas, still oblivious to the situation, ignored Enzo.
"HAH! They ignored you!" Aurora laughed.
Enzo tapped on Atlas. "You and Jack would have my back if there were some big scary monster about to kill me, right?"
"Umm." Atlas paused.
"Wait! I can come back! Let us concentrate!" Jack expressed with determination, trying to win their game.
"Hold it. What are y'all doing?" Enzo asked.
"We're playing odds and evens. A game Soren taught me."
"Ohhhh! We know that game!" Enzo then smiled grimacingly. "Hey Aurora, let's settle this!"
"How?" She replied.
"We have the boys play this game and we bet on who wins. Deal?!"
"Alright deal. How much?"
"Let's do one-fifty."
"Alright. I got Jack, you take Atlas." Aurora said.
"Very well!"
"No way y'all are betting on two little kids?" Elias intervened.
"You bet your ass we are!" Aurora said.
"Alright now this is my type of fun." B said.
"Alright Jack, we're gonna do first to two points. Okay?!" Enzo suggested.
"Huh?" Jack replied.
"Have you not been listening?!"
"Nope. Sorry. We're focused."
"Alright, just listen." Then Enzo explained what was happening to Jack. "Got it~? Hehe."
"Yep got it! Did you Atlas?" Atlas nodded. "Alright, I guess we have to stop our game now and start over. So I guess you won Atlas... for now."
"So are y'all ready?" Aurora asked. Atlas and Jack nodded. "Alright start!"
They began and Atlas hid his fingers first.
"Ummm... even!" Jack yelled. Atlas revealed his fingers. It was five.
"No!" Jack yelled.
"Yes! Good Atlas!" Enzo cheered.
"Dammit Jack! Focus!" Aurora angrily said.
"Can you guys shut up, I'm trying to sleep." Elias asked.
"No!" Enzo and Aurora yelled.
Now it was Atlas's turn to guess.
"I'm ready." Jack stated.
"Even." Atlas said. Jack revealed his fingers. It was eight.
"Dammit!" Jack yelled in frustration.
"HAHA! Yes!" Enzo celebrated.
"Jaaaaack!" Aurora said with fear.
"So simple. I can tell who's gonna win." B stated.
"Shut up Bastille Warner!" Aurora angrily commented.
"Will do."
"Awe come on Jack you got this!" Mercy said, trying to support Jack.
Now it was Jack's turn to guess. "Even!" He said. Atlas revealed. It was two. "Yes! I knew it!"
"Noooo, come on Atlas!" Enzo yelled.
"Finally! Nice job child!" Aurora proudly said.
Now it was back to Atlas. At this point everyone was intrigued to see what would happen and had their eyes on the kids.
"Odd." Atlas guessed.
"You sure~?" Jack asked suspiciously.
"Ooooo, mind games. Nice one." Aurora said.
"Don't fall for it Atlas!" Enzo remarked.
Jack revealed his hands. It was a seven.
"Yesssss!" Enzo yelled excitedly.
"Nooooo!" Aurora yelled, sounding as if she was in pain. "Why you!" She grabbed Jack from the front window of the carriage.
"I'm sorry!" Jack replied.
"Whatever... You!" She said, dropping Jack and pointing to Enzo.
"Who... me~. Hehe." Enzo said giggling.
"I'm not giving you any money! And if you try to retaliate I'll get Eternal Eclipse."
"Alright! I wasn't gonna make you pay anyways."
After this things went back to normal, in a way, Jack and Atlas went back to playing the game. This time Jack was more focused and determined than ever. Elias was sleeping with his head leaned on the side of the carriage. Mercy, B and Enzo were telling jokes. And Aurora went to help Soren and Marty. After another couple of minutes, they finally fixed the problem.
"This time for real! Are we ready?!" Marty asked.
"Yes!"
"Allllright! Let's go!"
The ride lasted around half an hour and then they finally arrived. The town was huge compared to the one where Jack was found. It had many houses all around. They were all fancy looking, with a nice design and beautiful decorations. Some, closer to the town square even had balconies, which awed Jack. The town square was huge, having many restaurants and small shops all around. It even had space for a huge common in the middle, that had both a field and rest area filled with trees. Since it was close to becoming dark, the street lights were being put on, which made the scenery seem more amazing. The sun was setting in the background, and even so, the people didn't seem like they were planning to go home any time soon. Even families were still out and kids were still playing.
"Okay guys, I'll be right here waiting for y'all." Marty said, stopping the carriage right outside of the town square.
"Don't be scared to get something for yourself Marty." Soren said as he got down.
"Thank you sir."
Once they were all down, they walked into the square, discussing a plan.
"What I think is that we should all go do what we want! The only problem is we need someone to watch the kids." Aurora said. "Also I think once we separate, we should meet up in an hour so we can eat. Sounds good?"
"I can watch the boys." Enzo offered.
"Didn't we eat dinner not too long ago?" B said.
"Shhhh! We can always go for more!" Elias remarked. "Plus, we're gonna get hungry in an hour, watch."
"That might be true." B replied. "Hey Soren, want to go to the game house again? I brought fifty today~. Poker's calling my name."
"Hell yes!" Soren responded. Then he looked at Jack and paused. "Actually, today is to celebrate Jack, and I feel like it's only right if I stay with him."
"I see what you mean, I suppose he's coming with us now!" B said.
"We are not taking a kid gambling." Aurora added. "But Soren's right, how about we all stay together and do things as a group?"
They all happily agreed.
"Is that fine with you Jack?!" Mercy asked.
"Yeah of course!" Jack responded.
"Alright so where first?" B asked.
"I have an idea." Elias said. He walked them over to the field and brought them to a bench. "This is my favorite place." He continued to lay down and close his eyes. "Wake me up when we go get food."
"You better get up..." Aurora demanded. He stayed down. "Now!" She commanded as she pulled him up.
"Oooo, wait I have a good place!" Mercy said. She began leading them while Aurora stayed with Elias.
"I'm sorry~. I'm just tired. I'll get up. I'm for real." Elias begged while being held by the neckline of his shirt.
"Good, now let's catch up to the others." Aurora said, putting him down.
They were now in front of a tiny pastry shop.
"Welcome back my favorite Immortals!" The man running the shop said, in a really excited tone. "What can I get you guys today?!"
"Can I have one of your famous pies?!" Mercy excitedly asked.
"Why yes of course~." He responded happily.
"Anyone else want anything?" Mercy asked the group. Everyone passed up on it, except for Jack and Atlas.
"I also want to try a pie! They smell sooo~ good. Oh and Atlas wants a cookie." Jack informed her.
After getting their treats, they waved the man a goodbye, saying that they'd be back soon, and began eating very rapidly.
"No! Atlas it's not my fault you already finished yours! You can't have mine!" Jack yelled as Atlas was trying to reach over to get his pie.
"Atlas, maybe instead of trying to steal Jack's treat, you go throw away your trash." Enzo told Atlas.
"PBBBBBBT!" Atlas blew a raspberry and turned around to go find the nearest trash bin.
The others went to sit on some benches on the field. That's when Jack noticed B and Aurora were missing.
"Where did they go?" Jack asked Soren.
"They went to go do their own thing. They'll be back soon, don't worry." Soren responded.
"HAHA! Look!" Enzo interrupted, pointing at Atlas near the trash bin.
Everyone looked over to see a girl talking to Atlas. It was clear that Atlas was nervous and he was squirming around, with his hands all over the place. The girl kept getting closer, and at a point even tried to grab his hand.
"No way it's happening again." Elias, who was laying on the bench, stated.
"Again?" Jack questioned.
"Yep! Every time we come to this place that one girl always comes up to Atlas. It's obvious that she has a little crush on him~. So cute!" Mercy added.
Atlas began blushing when she finally grabbed his hand. He pulled it back, because he was so nervous.
"I can't tell if he likes her or not." Enzo wondered.
"It might be because he's nervous." Soren said. "Jack, you should go and try to save him."
"Nah, I'm gonna try to finish my pie. Plus, he's got this." Jack responded.
The girl went in for a hug and wrapped her arms around Atlas. At this moment he was super stiff and couldn't even move while being hugged. She then stopped and ran away giggling, waving bye to Atlas. After that he stood there for a second in shock, before heading back to the others.
"You go man!" Enzo applauded.
"Yeah Atlas, that's amazing! A girl is totally crushing on you!" Jack added.
"Ummm." Atlas mumbled.
"Sooo~, do you like her?!" Mercy asked.
"I, uh-"
"Hey! We're back!" Aurora interrupted, walking up to them.
B was holding something in his hand. Once they were standing in front of them, he handed the thing to Jack. "Here, it's a gift for you."
Jack grabbed it and when he took off the wrapping, there was a small leather band in there. When he inspected it, it had his name on the outside, and on the inside it read "Immortal."
"You wear it around your wrist. It signifies that you are an Immortal now." Soren told Jack.
When Jack looked, he saw them all wearing one, even Atlas. He never really noticed them up until now. "Thank you." He gratefully said.
"Sorry if it's a little plain looking. It's just because it was made really quickly. I'm actually surprised they made it that quick." Soren added.
"No no, it's perfect." Jack replied.
The rest of the evening went really well. They did all sorts of things. They went shopping for clothes, they relaxed with people on the street playing music, B even took them to gamble for a bit, even though it took some time convincing Aurora. It was getting late and they were now back on the benches, deciding whether they wanted to go to the restaurant or not. That's when they noticed that Jack, Atlas, and Mercy were all sleeping. Jack was on the ground and the other two were on the benches curled up in a ball.
"Wow, I'm surprised it's not me sleeping this time." Elias said.
"Well, I guess we should head back for tonight." Soren said. "It is getting a little late, plus if you guys are really hungry, either go get something from a shop right now, or make yourself something at home."
Elias and Enzo went to go grab some snacks while the others were beginning to head back. They woke up Mercy and decided to carry Atlas and Jack. Soren carried Jack like a baby, while Aurora carried Atlas on her back.
"You're going to bring all that food?!" Soren said in disbelief, to the sight of Elias holding tons of snacks and food.
"I told him not to overdo it, but I guess he only has energy when it comes to food." Enzo replied.
"It's not my fault I need a snack. Plus I'm willing to share~." Elias said.
"Alright, alright just put it all in the boot." Soren requested. He then turned to Marty who was ready to go. "Once they get everything settled, we can go."
"Very well sir." Marty replied.
Once everyone was on and everything was stored, they finally took off back to the building.
"Look, she fell asleep again." Enzo said, pointing out that Mercy was asleep. "And look! She's sleeping on your shoulder Elias!"
Elias turned his head to see that she was indeed resting her head on his shoulder. "Oh ummm."
"You're gonna wake her up?" B asked.
"That's a little mean." Enzo added.
"No... I'll let her stay, but you guys better not tell her, or I'll kill every single one of you. Even the kids. She's just lucky I'm too tired to push her off~." Elias said.
Eventually the ride died down. Soren, Marty and Aurora were talking quietly, B and Enzo were also quietly talking, Mercy was still sleeping on Elias's shoulder but Elias was now sleeping with his head on top of hers, and the kids were asleep laying against the carriage.
They finally made it back, Soren paid Marty and then sent him off with a goodbye. Everyone headed inside and began getting ready to go to bed.
"Did you let me sleep on you?!" Mercy asked Elias full of hope.
"No..." He responded.
"Oh. I really thought..." She said sadly.
"Heh. You thought wrong." Elias replied.
"One day I will though!" She said determined.
"Hey Jack!" Aurora yelled.
"Yes?!" He said, panicking.
"Come with me, Let me show you to your room."
"Oh ok!"
Aurora took Jack upstairs and showed him to a room. It had four beds and a single window in the back. There was a nightstand next to every bed, but apart from that there was nothing special to the room. The room itself seemed to be in good condition as the wood on the floor and walls were very nicely polished. The view from the window was beautiful, as the open land that went for miles could be seen, with mountains in the background that made the stars even more mesmerizing deep in the sky.
"Atlas sleeps in that corner." Aurora said, pointing to one of the beds near the window. "You can take any other bed you want."
"Oh ok thank you." Jack said.
Night fell upon soon after. Atlas was already sleeping in his bed with his toy tiger on the stand. Jack was dozing off but since he slept in the carriage, he wasn't the most tired. He chose the bed right across from Atlas so it gave him a good view from the window. He just laid there and looked out, seeing the beautiful field and the mountains covered by the moon's light.
CREEK! The door was opening and it startled Jack.
"Whoops!" A voice quietly yelled from behind the door. When they walked in, they walked straight to Jack's bed. "Hey kid." They said, quietly. It was Soren.
"Hey." Jack responded. "You scared me!"
"SHHH! I'm sorry~. Look, I came here to talk to you for a second."
"About what?"
Soren smiled. "I just want to tell you that you're going to do great. You know this Enhancer is more than just a gun. With time you will learn that. Right now it's telling me that you'll do great things. It chose the right person. If you're nervous, I want you to know that I'll be here guiding you. And so will the others. And if you're not, then great! But there will be a time where you will get nervous. I want you to know we are all here for you and that we will guide you."
Before he could keep going, Jack hugged him. "Thank you. For everything." Jack said, on the verge of tears.
Soren hugged him back. "Don't thank me kid. Thank your soul. It's the one who saved you." They stopped hugging. "Well you better get to bed. You have a big day tomorrow. Someone's coming to see you. Then you'll officially be an Immortal. Or a future one, because you're still young."
"Wow..." Jack said in awe.
"Yeah, it's crazy to think. Anyways I hope you're doing okay, and if you feel like you're panicking, don't be afraid to come tell me." Soren said, smiling.
"I'm doing good. And I'm not that scared anymore!"
"That's good kid. Get some good rest, I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight kid."
"Goodnight~." Jack said happily.
Soren exited the room and now Jack was alone, looking out the window again, dozing off. Thank you. The last thing that went through his mind as he fell asleep looking at the moon.
It was dark. Jack couldn't see more than a foot away from himself. Someone was sobbing nearby. It was cold. Chatter chatter. He was shivering and his teeth were chattering. His body in pain. The person sobbing was trying to speak.
"P-please. Help." The person said, begging. It sounded like a young girl.
Jack was feeling scared. His heart was beating fast. His breathing became unstable. Tears were running down his face. His hands trembled uncontrollably.
A door then began opening. Light was the first to come through. And just as the person began walking in...
Jack's eyes opened. He immediately sprung up. He began looking around, his hand on his chest as he was breathing insanely hard. He saw that he was in the Immortals room. He was covered in sweat and there were also tears running down his face. He looked outside. The sun was up and the day seemed to glow. Yet something seemed off. A dream? He thought.
After calming down, he noticed that Atlas wasn't in bed anymore, so he decided to go find him. He headed downstairs and proceeded into the kitchen.
"Good morning!" Mercy said, greeting Jack.
"Hey guys, good morning." Jack said to Mercy, Elias, Atlas and Soren since they were the ones in there.
"Come sit, we'll make you breakfast." Soren told Jack.
Jack sat down next to Atlas and Elias who were both eating bacon and eggs.
"You guys ever wonder what would happen if you crossbreed a human and a horse?" Elias asked while eating.
"What the hell?!" Soren questioned. "Why are you asking the kids that?!"
"It was just a general question! It's because I had a dream about it. And it scared me~." Elias replied.
"Anyways, here kid." Soren said, handing Jack some bacon and eggs.
"Thank you."
"Oh and Jack get ready, they're coming soon."
"Who? The person you mentioned?"
"Yep! So get ready! And remember, you got this." Soren said happily, trying to calm Jack if he had any nerves.
While Jack was putting his dish away, Atlas returned to the kitchen holding something in his hands. He walked up to Jack and proceeded to show him.
"Oh, you got the ball." Jack said. "We can play, just give me a second. Okay?"
"No... look." Atlas said, handing Jack the ball.
Jack grabbed the ball and took a good look at it. "Oh... no way. This is p-perfect." He said, staring at the ball that now also had his name on it with that same poor handwriting.
"Our ball~." Atlas said cheerfully.
"Now we got to go play catch!" Jack said.
"Hehe~." Giggled Atlas.
Time passed and the place seemed calm. Everyone was doing their own thing and were relaxing. KNOCK KNOCK! The front door was being knocked on. The people in the house turned their heads.
"Soren! They're here!" Aurora yelled.
Soren ran to the front. "Enzo! Get Jack please!"
Enzo went outside to find the boys. "Jack, it's time. Goodluck!" Jack and Atlas began going inside. "No no, not you Atlas only Jack. You've already done this." Enzo said, stopping him.
"B-but." Atlas said sadly.
"Fine~. I'll play catch with you until he comes back. Okay?" Enzo requested.
Atlas nodded in agreement. He waved Jack goodbye.
Jack went inside, where Aurora asked him to go sit at the kitchen table. After sitting for a minute, Soren walked into the kitchen looking serious. He sat down, hands clasped and firmly on the table. Jack was getting nervous. Then a man walked in. His clothes were elegant and he was wearing a fancy coat and a top hat that looked as if it cost a fortune. He looked to be around his thirties and seemed like a serious man. He walked over to the table and sat directly next to Jack.
"This is him?" The man said in a serious tone.
"Yes sir." Soren responded.
Sir? Jack thought to himself.
"What's your name?" The man said, turning to Jack. Jack, out of nervousness, didn't reply. "Well, speak."
"M-my name's Ja-Jack."
"Soren, I can't do this anymore~! I can't act intimidating~." The man said.
"Why?! You ruined it!" Soren responded.
"The boy seemed too nervous and it made me feel bad!"
Jack was confused because of what was happening.
"Jack... meet Nathaniel Harwood... Our King." Soren told Jack.
"Nice to meet you." Nathaniel said.
"H-hi." Jack said, still nervous.
"No need to be nervous~." Nathaniel said happily. "I won't bite ya. And acting mean, that was all Soren's idea. He wanted to scare you."
Jack turned to Soren. "You! That really scared me!"
"It was funny~." Soren said.
"Anyways Jack, tell me about yourself." Nathaniel asked.
"Like what?" Jack questioned.
"Like your full name, your age, where you come from, things like that."
"Ummm. I guess my name's Jack and uhhh... I don't know anything else about myself."
"Is Jack even your real name?"
"I don't know." Jack said, unsure.
"Well look at this." Nathaniel said, pulling out a sheet of paper.
The paper was a contract that ensured a person to become a future Immortal for the country of Silvia. Nathaniel then pulled out another paper that was for citizenship of the country.
Nathaniel then explained. "Before you sign the contract, I need you to fill this paper for citizenship. Now I know you're a citizen, but we need to make a name for you since you don't know it." He then handed the paper to Soren. "Soren, as Jack's guardian you will mark his name so that the boy will have a first and last name. Do not worry about his age or birthplace."
"Very well." Soren responded.
"Wait... so Jack is going to be my first name? Then what's going to be my last name?" Jack questioned.
"Jack, I ask you." Soren said. "Do you want your last name to be mine?"
"Yes!" Jack responded instantly. "It would be an honor."
Soren wrote it down.
Nathaniel took the paper. "Very well. Now Jack, take this paper." He said, handing Jack the contract. "By signing this, you are admitting yourself to become an Immortal of Silvia by the age of sixteen."
"Yes sir." Jack said as he signed the paper.
"Congratulations. You are now Jack Fullow, future Immortal of Silvia." Nathaniel said.
"Wow~." Jack said in awe.
Soren got up. "Good job kid." He said while patting Jack's back.
"You know my daughter is here, she's about your age." Nathaniel said. "She's probably with Atlas right now. You should go play with them, me and Soren need to finish some other paperwork right now."
"Oh, okay." Jack responded.
"BOOM!" Yelled a girl as Jack walked outside. The yell made Atlas scared and he flinched, covering his face with his hands. "And that's why I'm not allowed in the kitchen anymore! Hehe." She then turned to see Jack walking out. "Oooo~. Who's this~?" She asked.
"Hi guys." Jack said.
She ran up to him. "Who are you? Are you the one my dad was telling me about? I'm Francine, I'm going to be the future queen! You look weird."
"Ummm. Nice to meet you too. What are you guys doing?"
"I was just telling Atlas stories about myself! You want to hear also?!"
"Sure, on one condition. You go inside and grab us cookies." Jack demanded.
"Deal!" She yelled as she began to run inside.
Once she was gone, Jack turned to Atlas. "We should hide from her. She seems weird. Hehe."
Atlas giggled and then nodded.
"Alright, got any hiding places?" Jack asked.
Atlas nodded again and led Jack to another place in the yard. They hid behind some bushes, where you could still see the side door.
Francine came back and she looked confused. "Guys! Hello! Where'd you guys go! Not funny! You said you'd listen! Come out or I'm going to get my dad!"
They stayed quiet but were holding in their laughs. "Mmphh!" Atlas accidentally let out a little noise.
"Shhhh!" Jack said as he put his hands over Atlas's mouth.
Francine didn't hear them. "You guys suck!" She then turned around and went inside. Before she walked through the door, she yelled, "I'm getting my dad!"
"Oh shit, we might be screwed Atlas." Jack said. "Let's play catch and act like we didn't do anything."
Atlas laughed. "Teehee. Okay, okay, catch~."
"Look daddy! They're messing with me!" Francine said while forcing Nathaniel outside.
Nathaniel looked, and saw Atlas and Jack playing catch innocently.
"Hi king." Jack said, waving.
"Why did I come out here again? They look like they're just playing." Nathaniel said.
"Noooo! I swear!" Francine said. She then walked over to Atlas. "Tell the truth!"
Atlas looked over at Jack and saw that Jack was putting his finger over his lips indicating that he should be quiet. Atlas then shrugged as if he didn't know anything.
"See Francine, they don't know." Nathaniel said. "Now come inside, it's time we go. We finished the paperwork."
"Oh ok." Francine responded. She walked up to Jack. "I know it was you. You're lucky you got nice hair that I like... or else." She then walked inside.
Before Nathaniel went inside, he turned. "Nice to meet you Jack. You've got a wonderful spirit. You'll do great." He then began walking through the door. "Oh, and I also saw you shushing Atlas with your finger. You guys are funny~. Hehe."
"Wow, the king likes me." Jack said to Atlas.
"Yeah. Good job~." Atlas responded.
"Also! Did you hear Francine! She likes my hair! I don't even like my hair." Jack said.
Then they began walking inside.
"Would it be cool to marry a princess?" Jack asked.
Atlas laughed and then shrugged.
"Hehe~. I think it would!" Jack said.
A couple days passed by, things were going fine, and B and Aurora were called up for a mission. It was a morning and Jack was eating breakfast with Atlas, Soren, and Enzo.
"Stop!" Elias yelled from upstairs.
"Not my fault you slept on the floor outside of your room! You made yourself vulnerable!" Mercy pointed out.
"So guys we have news." Soren said to Jack and Atlas. "Us as a collective group have decided to start a little program. Now you guys are still young, so it's not going to be hard... yet. But, this program will help you guys become Immortals."
"It's not a program, it's just training." Enzo said.
"Program sounds more official though~." Soren said sadly. "Anyways, this training will begin soon, but we need to wait for someone."
"Who?" Asked Jack.
"His name is Knox. He's from the neighboring country, which is our country's biggest ally. Kinda like best friends." Soren responded. "He's about one year older than you guys and he will come here to take part in this program. But he's going to be an Immortal for their country, Flitchiton."
Atlas looked up with concern hearing the country's name. But he shook it off and focused on his food.
"Wow~!" Jack said in excitement. "Isn't that cool Atlas?"
"Mhm!" Atlas responded as he was taking a sip of his drink. Yet deep down he was a little shook about that name.
"And guess who's running the training?!" Enzo asked. "Me! So get ready little kids, I ain't going easy on you! Haha!"
"Guess what Enzo." Jack said.
"What?"
"Nobody Asked!"
"Why you little!" Enzo said getting up, ready to chase Jack.
Jack got up and ran away from him. "AHH!"
Atlas also got up and ran, but carrying a banana. "Hehe!"
"Just another normal morning~." Soren sighed to himself.