Chapter 9: First Impressions

Livia

Livia furrowed her brows. "Okay, and what's the big deal about that?"

"What's the big deal!" Luca yelled, making Heath flinch from the sudden outburst.

"L-Luca, pl-please d-don't y-yell." Hearing Heath's shaky voice, Luca quickly walked over to him. He had his head down with his hands over his ears, hyperventilating. 

Luca quickly embraced him. "Clam down, kiddo. Deep breaths. Your airhead is so sorry."

"Take him to get some fresh air. Then, we will meet you guys in the garage." Asa told them.

As the both of them slowly made their way to the elevators. "Is he okay?" Livia asked.

Asa held his lips in a tight line. "The sentiment of someone being okay is subjective. Everyone has faced something that has impacted their lives, some for good, others for the worst. Do you know that 46% of children under seventeen are exposed to trauma? In addition, 16% of those children develop PTSD, and 4%-7% go underdiagnosed." 

"No, I didn't know that, but what does that have to do with Heath?"

"All of us in this room are a part of the 46%, but Heath is part of the 16%. PTSD in children is heavily overlooked. Adults say they are just kids and will get over it someday, but they fail to comprehend the ignorance behind that thought. They were once children who faced trauma never resolved. All the more reasons they should know children notice and remember more than they are given credit for, especially someone like Heath. Hyperthymesia, or highly superior autobiographical memory, has to be the worst best thing someone with a past like Heath's could have. Vividly remembering something you wish to forget has to be torture for him."

Livia was concerned. "How bad could his past be?"

Asa shrugged his shoulders. "That's something only Luca knows in full detail. Heath is Luca's adopted little brother, after all." Asa's phone rang. "Hello," he answered.

"Why aren't you moving?"

Asa chuckled, looking up at a camera. "You are being such a creep, J."

"Shut it and move it."

"Aye, aye, captain." Asa saluted the camera.

"Brat," he mumbled before hanging up the phone.

"We better go. J has his panties in a knot." Asa said, smirking at the camera.

Percy shook his head. "You love playing on the line of life and death."

∞∞∞

The Capital is far more advanced than I expected. But I was far more amazed by the genuine happiness on the Citizen's faces. People were getting off work others were heading to their jobs. Families were spending quality time with each other, and teens strolled the town without a care. Unity in peace was new to me.

"This is amazing," I whispered to myself.

The car suddenly came to a halt. Looking out the window, I saw a guard walking up to the driver's side window. "Good evening, young boss." He greeted, "May I know your business here on this fine night?"

"Request from the Originals," Malakai responded. "We have a plus one on board summoned by Master J himself."

The guards' eyes briefly widen. "Master J, you say?" Malakai nodded his head. "I understand, but we must complete protocol."

Malakai sighed. "Very well. An open door says, Come in."

"A shut door says, who are you?" the guard replied.

"Shadows and ghosts go through shut doors,"

"If a door is shut and you want it shut, why open it?"

"Doors forget, but only doors know what it is. Doors forget." Malakai completed.

The guard signaled with his hand, "They're clear." He announced and then looked back at me, "Good luck up ahead, and welcome to a new world."

The white and gold marble gate glided open, revealing the Sky Tower 100 feet out. The estate was massive. The glass and white metal arrowhead building looked unreal, and gold dripped from the skyscraper's tip like blood.

"Wow, this is massive."

Malakai chuckled, watching me from the rearview mirror. "What did you expect? It is home to the founders and hundreds of guards."

"Makes sense."

"The arrowhead is the staple of our strength. It symbolizes our vow to protect the Hidden City and the people that reside in it."

"Welcome, sirs and guest. Shall I lead you to the masters?" The head butler greeted them as soon as they entered the building.

"No, we can manage. Where are they?" Luca asked.

"They are on the rooftop, Sir Luca."

"Thank you, Gustoff. We will be on our way if there isn't anything else."

Gustoff gave them a small smile. "That is all, sir. Have a happy stay."

"Hope so."

The elevator doors opened to a perfect king's panorama of the Capital. I was in awe. "Wow, this is a breathtaking view. I could stare at this for the rest of my life."

"This view is the motivation I need to continue to save those who can't save themselves." I jumped as a sudden deep voice spoke behind me. "I apologize. I didn't mean to scare you, Livia Moon. However, it's good to see you in person finally."

I tilted my head. "Have we met before, Master J?"

He chuckled. "I'm not Master J my name is Rowan August. I am one of the six founders of Hidden City. That guy is Master J." he pointed to a man about six feet, buzz cut, covered in tattoos, and a scar across his face that nearly missed his eye.

"Scary." I unconsciously said out loud.

Master J chuckled. "You lack a filter, just like her."

Rowan also chuckled. "Yeah, she does. You see, Livia, although we have never met, we have a mutual acquaintance. So I know more about you than you remember about yourself."

Remember about myself? "What does that mean?"

"I'm afraid I said too much already."

Alaric sat back, watching Livia's, Master J, and Rowan's interaction skeptically. Then, finally, he leaned over to Jonah. "Is it just me, or does it seem like Rowan knows more than what he's spilling? And I've never seen Master J warm up to someone so quickly."

"I thought so too, but you know Rowan always has a reason for everything."

"Hmm, if you say so." 

That night was life-changing for me. Strangers came into my life and gave me a purpose to live. They guided me on a path of integrity, strength, and happiness. Sometimes you need to walk on fiery coal to realize that wherever you place your feet is your path. During the day, I was a modest student but a ruthless gang leader by night.

Livia

Livia

LIVIA!

"Huh?" 

"I have been calling you for the past ten minutes. What are you thinking about?"

"A path worth crossing," she mumbled.

Malakai squinted his eyes slightly, tilting his head. "I don't want to go down this rabbit hole, so can you please join the rest of us? We are about to start the party officially."

She nodded her head. "Yeah, yeah, let's go."