17 Leaving BoneHaven

"May the Only One God, Marduk, guide you all as you leave."

"Glory to his name!"

The Sunday mass ended with fanfare as the congregation dispersed while the priest returned to his office in the company of the altar boys that served him well.

Suddenly, amongst the crowd, there was a commotion that attracted the attention of the priest causing him to turn over.

There stood a light-skinned black girl held back by a man with similar skin color.

Both approached him at a steady pace until an altar boy stepped forward to block their path.

"What do you want?" he asked somewhat aggressively.

"We have a request for Father Anderson." The man replied gently while the girl held herself back from speaking.

Noticing the saddened expression the man had, Father Anderson stepped forward and spread his arms out. "May the Only One illuminate your path."

Then crossing his arms on his chest in the shape of an X, he waited for the other man's response.

A moment later, the man repeated the same before bowing slightly.

Father Anderson looked pleased as he remarked. "Tell me, my child. What request might you have for my humble self?"

The man glanced at the young lady at his side for a moment before he dropped to his knees and bowed his head. "We ask that you make a prayer for our brother, Douglas Regulus. He went missing a few days ago and we haven't been able to find him yet. We seek the blessings of the Everlasting light that he may show us the way forward."

Father Anderson turned wide-eyed for a second before he shook his head. "What a shame. So you are his brother and sister."

The man hesitated for a moment before he nodded in response.

Father Anderson sighed. "Your brother is a good man. I knew him well as he was an active member of our church, a model youth that served the Only One God piously. At the end of the day, evil always comes for those that serve the Lord. Do not worry, this is but a trial that your family will pass. Only show your devotion and surely, Douglas shall return safely."

"Thank you."

"Do not worry. Douglas is worthy enough for the angels to descend and search for him. They would not want such a good man to perish."

The young lady's palm tightened around the man's palm slightly before loosening up.

"I presume this is the first time for you." Father Anderson said smilingly.

"Yes."

"I hope to see more of you. Do not worry, you are safe in the church."

After exchanging pleasantries, Father Anderson turned and left with the altar boys, after which the gaze that had been watching Alex for so long finally disappeared like it was a lie.

"This place is not simple." He muttered as he acted like he was unaware of anything and quickly took the silent Emily and left the premises.

***

"So we managed to get it done," Alex said as he walked beside Emily.

They were on their way home, opting to walk from the church located in the central district to their home in the eastern district.

Along the way, they had gotten candy bars which both siblings currently held as they strolled in the park close to Sanders Manor.

"Yeah," Emily muttered gently, her countenance heavy. "We did."

A minute of silence passed before Alex sighed. "You know he wouldn't want you to be like this."

"…" Emily pursed her lips as she glanced at the lake. "Did he deserve it?"

"Emily…"

"I've tried, Alex. But I get so scared. Sometimes I wake up, recalling that I dreamt about him the whole night. There was no reason for us to be attacked but we were and now, we have no idea what state Douglas is in."

"How long are you going to continue like this?"

"He was taken while trying to protect me." Emily paused in her tracks as she turned to Alex. "It's my fault, he is not with us right now."

"You…"

"Who knows what state he is in?" Tears slid down Emily's cheek as she stood there, causing Alex's heart to palpitate.

Reaching out, he wiped away her tears. "I'm still here right, you don't have to worry so much, everything is going to be alright."

"You were right," Emily remarked tersely. "I can't remain fine if I continue to stay here. Everything reminds me of him. I need a breather… But then school…"

"Don't worry about it. A new semester is starting in two weeks, right?"

Emily nodded in response, tears still threatening to fall from her eyes.

Alex sighed. "Then you can go. This is a promise from me to you."

He stopped walking, reaching out to place his hand on Emily's head. "...I will find Douglas before your school resumes. So you can go without worries."

"Thank you." Was all Emily could manage as she embraced Alex, wrapping her hands around him tightly.

In a muffled tone, she added. "Please take care of yourself."

"I will," Alex replied before adding in a jocular manner. "Eat your candy bar before it melts."

His words helped to break the otherwise tense atmosphere.

Emily managed a wry smile as she placed the candy bar in her mouth and allowed it to melt in her mouth.

It was her favorite type of candy known for its sweet taste but today, it tasted bitter.

Alex took Emily to the market located close to Millennium Park and got her a necklace before they headed to Chelsea Square in a private coach.

Those that were familiar with them came around to share their goodwill while praying for the quick rescue of Douglas.

They even helped them rearrange the scattered house until it gained some semblance of how it looked before the attack.

After they were done, they departed, leaving the brother and sister duo to finish the rest.

Alex went out and got lunch which they had before Emily began to pack up.

There was no need for her to do this as better attires were waiting for her at the Sanders Manor but she chose not to use them.

How could she abandon the dresses she had made while knitting and even the ones that Douglas had gotten for her?

It didn't sit right with her, regardless of their current state.

Feigning sadness, Alex still helped her pack up and prepare for the journey the next day.

That night, they slept in their apartment after conversing the entire night.

Albeit unintentionally, Alex felt nice after talking with her.

It almost felt like he was back home, talking with his daughter.

Closing his eyes tightly, he imagined how she would look after 10 years.

With a smile on his face, he fell asleep.

***

Choo… choo

The steel train, powered by coal, was one of the greatest inventions of this era, accompanied by the airship, steamship, and telegram.

It looked quite imposing with a somewhat impressive design that caught the eye of everyone, including Alex, who had seen several modern iterations back on Earth.

The train station was busy with people boarding in a rush.

Alex stood at a window, wearing a long black coat with a pair of gloves as well as black pants and shoes to match

With a smile on his face, he waved his right hand at the occupant who sat there.

"Take care," Alex remarked softly.

Emily nodded. "Mn, you too."

After the train horns blared once again, it took off.

Alex stood there, silent as he watched the train until it was completely out of sight.

Sighing heavily, he muttered. "Be safe."