Chapter 73: 69. The Archaeology Society (Part 1)

The twin suns’ light bore through the uncovered window in Rai’s room. Soft heat reflected off the surfaces in his room as morning came.

Rai slowly opened his eyes. He looked up at the ceiling for a moment. After said moment, Rai slowly pushed himself up off of his bed. Regardless of how hot the suns’ light was, the combination of engineering and magical cooling elements in the walls made the room feel cool and  comfortable.

Rai’s seals were snug on his wrists as he fiddled with them. After a moment, he made his way to his washroom. The bedrooms in the penthouse had their own washrooms attached to them, fit with a shower, bath, toilet, and basin. Rai did the majority of his business, then finally he took off his clothes and turned the dial in the shower. He waited for the water to warm up.

As Rai stepped into the shower, he thought back to the farm. Him and Jin had worked on a bathhouse for Rai’s family. It wasn’t very large, but it was comfortable, and served its purpose.

Right now, Rai wanted to see his family again.

He thought that Aunt Elly must’ve been working hard given the Aspect’s summit that was soon to take place. Maybe I’ll get to see her again soon. It’s been a few months at least. I’ll be able to show off how much I’ve grown... A sad feeling hit Rai in his stomach. Stormflow... What on Zenith has been going on with Stormflow. Every time I use it, my body refuses to work properly. And Antithesis... I still have the Sword Dance, but since there’s never a chance to use Ghost, it’s not as fun. I’ll have to figure out what’s wrong with my techniques as fast as possible.

Rai washed his long hair to complete his shower.

As he stepped out of the shower, he reached within.

Wind vortex, heat element.

A wind barrier formed around his body. First, the majority of the water that lingered on his skin was blown off of him. Then the wind heated up, effectively drying him. Rai dried his hair separately, making sure it was done properly as his mum had taught him.

Rai put on a clean set of underclothes. He opened a wardrobe door and took out two clean uniforms. The wardrobe was full of uniforms. Rai predicted that he’d rip through so many of them, that he’d need more than just a few. Sin offered to pay for them, but Rai refused to allow her to pay for something like this, and dipped into some of the funds that his mum gave him when he came to Aurum.

He stored one uniform in his seals, since he’d given one set to Mary already. The other, he put on.

Rai held the tie to his uniform in one hand. He smiled.

After setting his bed, Rai left his bedroom to go into the open living area of the penthouse. The kitchen was just to his right, and the sitting area was ahead of him. The table in the sitting area that was full of food and treats only last night, was somehow spotless now. Sin was sat on the couch watching the crystalakrum. She was already wearing her uniform. Before he went over to her, Rai stepped behind the kitchen counter and grabbed a banana and a glass of water.

He made his way to the sitting area.

Sin was engrossed in what was on the screen. Rai stood next to where she sat. On the screen was a typical news show.

Rai poked Sin’s shoulder, which made her jump, “Good morning!”

Sin got over her momentary fright, and smiled warmly at him, “Good morning to you too.”

Rai pointed to where the tie should’ve been on his uniform, then to the tie in his hand, “Can you help me with this?”

Sin grinned, “I’m glad you asked.”

She stood up, and softly took the tie from Rai’s hand. Her hand brushed his. As if my heart rate wasn’t already high enough... Sin tried her best to keep calm.

She slowly pulled the tie around Rai’s neck and started tying it. Sin wasn’t as tall as Rai, but it wasn’t like she was much shorter than him either. She was only half a head shorter than him. After a moment, Sin finished tying Rai’s tie. She smiled at him and tapped his chest, “All done.”

Rai held eye contact with her, “Thank you.” He softly placed his hand on the side of Sin’s head and leaned in. He stopped. With a soft smile, he asked, “May I?”

Sin’s heart was racing. But she liked this. Rai was so gentle and caring, and cared to ask in the sweetest way she could imagine. Her face was already hot, “Please do.”

He went all the way. Rai kissed Sin.

Sin’s lips were soft. The warmth that Rai felt from them was... sweet. The scent of roses that emanated from her made him feel so much more attached to her. After that one comment he’d made years ago, Sin only ever used rose perfume.

Rai released his lips from hers. He gave her a goofy grin.

Sin giggled, and did the same.

After a minute of making funny faces and laughing at each other, they sat down together.

Rai turned to Sin, “Did you sleep well?”

Sin nodded, “At first I couldn’t sleep... but when I did fall asleep I saw my mum and my dad hugging. I think my mum put me to sleep.”

Rai stared at her with a face of sympathy, “But Sin... isn’t she...”

Sin nodded again, “She’s dead. I know. But last night felt so surreal. I could’ve sworn it was her. Even if it wasn’t, I felt like she came back just to help me go to sleep... and I felt so much love from her.” She smiled warmly, “I hope she’s in a better place now.”

Rai watched as Sin spoke while fidgeting with her fingers, “Regardless of where she is... she must’ve loved you a lot.”

Sin smiled, and hugged Rai. She whispered as her head rested on his shoulder, “I wish she could’ve met you.”

Rai tightened his embrace, but didn’t speak.

After a moment, Sin let go, then turned up the volume on the crystalakrum with the remote, “There’s supposed to be an interview with an Aspect on soon.”

Rai stared at her, “Aren’t we going to be late for school?”

Sin stared back at him with a blank expression, “Today’s Duodies. We start an hour later than normal today.”

Rai’s face was blank. He didn’t know of this.

Sin stared daggers into him, “Do you even check your schedule?”

Rai shook his head.

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Sin facepalmed, “You wouldn’t be able to function without me, I swear.”

Rai nodded. She wasn’t wrong.

They chuckled together.

A voice came from the crystalakrum. “And now, brought to you by Aurum’s number one news source: Aurum Primus. The interview with the Arbiter about the Aspect’s summit.”

Both Rai and Sin’s hearts skipped a beat at the mention of the Arbiter. They diverted their full attention to the crystalakrum.

 

⌜

          “Dear viewers from all across Zenith. Today I would like you to join me in welcoming a very special guest. Amon Whin. Thank you, Arbiter of the Justice clan, for joining us here today.”

⌟

 

The Arbiter wore a white regal dress with gold trimmings and small, probably expensive, gems inlaid along its seams. His hair was long, and pure white, just like his wings. Rai noticed that the Arbiter’s wings were different to the Archangels he’d seen previously. The Arbiter had six wings, with three on either side. They were huge. His shining silvery eyes pierced the screen, and a golden glowing halo floated above his head.

More than anything, the Arbiter gave off a clean and royal vibe. It was unlike anything Rai had ever experienced before. Even though Rai could only see him through a screen, the Arbiter’s presence was absurdly tangible.

The Arbiter, Amon, spoke. His voice was deep, heavy, and commanding. Clearly, he had untold levels of charisma.

 

⌜

          Amon wore a calculating grin, “It is my pleasure to be here, Richard.”

          Richard was off screen. He began the interview. “Mr. Whin, word around the city is-”

          Amon raised his palm, silencing the interviewer. “Richard. Please call me Amon.” He smiled. It almost looked completely genuine. Rai couldn’t tell the difference, but Sin could see through its faux nature.

          Richard cleared his throat, “Of course, Amon. I’ll continue. Amon, word around the city is that you personally called for this Aspect’s summit. For the viewers that may not be aware, there is to be an Aspect’s summit that shall take place in a little over a month from now. Amon, the previous summit was years ago, so big question that’s on everyone’s minds is: What is this summit about?”

          Amon closed his eyes for a moment. He breathed in the fresh air around him. The interview was taking place in a garden-like area. He opened his eyes slowly, “You see, Richard. This area that we are sat in now. This world that we live in. The people that inhabit Zenith’s plains, mountains, forests, and oceans. It all beckons to the will of the Creator. This summit, I have called, to maintain the stability of our world.”

          Richard took a moment as he digested the information laid out by the Arbiter.

          He continued the interview, “You mentioned the Creator just now. Is there anything more specific about his will that you might be able to enlighten us about, given your position as the Voice of the Creator?”

          Amon smiled. He stared through the screen at all of the people watching.

          “Death. This summit is, in truth, to prevent the death and destruction of Zenith.”

          Richard audibly gulped. “Could you elaborate on that at all?”

          Amon softly shook his head, “To say any more would be to bring about Zenith’s downfall myself. May you all have faith in us Aspects. The Creator bestowed these titles unto us, and we shall use them to protect you all. We the few... shall protect the many.” Sin noticed a slight twitch in the Arbiter’s eyebrow.

          Richard didn’t audibly react this time. He cleared his throat, swiftly shifting topics, since Amon clearly wasn’t going to say anything more of substance regarding the summit itself, “There have been a number of conversations surrounding multiple incidents including your sons at Aether Academy. Even the Daem family, of the Justice clan, lost one of their sons due to an unfortunate accident. Have you any word to say regarding these incidents?”

          Amon’s lips formed a slight smile, “The young won’t always be young. Their issues are for they themselves to deal with. So long as they do not cross any lines... There will be no need for outside intrusion.” He sighed softly, giving him a far more humane aura compared to how he previously carried himself in the interview, “My boys are... prideful. Speaking as a father, and not as an Aspect, they have a lot to work through as they grow up. I hope to mould them into fine, upstanding citizens that can inspire others.” He smiled at Richard, “I believe that is all I have time for.”

          Richard sounded like he was smiling, “Very well. Thank you for this interview Amon. I hope the best for you and your family.”

          Amon held his smile, “Likewise.”

⌟

 

Rai and Sin stared at the screen.

Sin grabbed Rai’s arm without looking at him, “Did... you hear...”

Rai nodded slowly, “Yeah...”

Sin shook her head, “He’s lying... it’s a front.”

Rai nodded again, in agreement, “Yeah...”

A recognisable voice came from their right, “When are you two gonna snap out of it?”

Rai and Sin turned to look at the source of the familiar voice.

It was Kallad.

He was sat beside Sin, watching the interview with them.

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