บท 3: The Idol and His Dog [Past]
It was a gorgeous night, as always in The Heaven. The moonless sky was littered with countless stars sparkling brightly. The large business district platform was the brightest and highest-floating platform. Since the area was scarce, all buildings were tall skyscrapers. Many were connected through sky tunnels and bridges. The tallest ones possessed lavish gardens to make up for the lack of greenery. Arguably the most impressive one belonged to Gabriel Corporation. Roses in various colors adorned the footpaths. Marble benches provided ample space to rest. Several small fountains invited small birds to take a bath.
Several stories below, the skyscraper was open on all sides. In the middle were a shuttle landing platform and an elevator shaft running through the entire building.
Alric impatiently waited by the elevator. Every few seconds, he would stare at his phone as if the person he was waiting for would miraculously jump out of the device. In between the checking, the angel would turn to face the dark mirroring glass of the elevator doors. Using his fingers, he combed through his short blond hair. Every so often, Alric straightened his tie. The abstract pattern on it clashed furiously with the light gray business suit.
Next to him stood his assistant, his face expressionless as always. His looks were impeccable. Not a speck of lint on his white suit.
"Sir, you've fixed your outfit for the 48th time within the last 10 minutes," he dryly commented, keeping his eyes peeled on the dark sky.
"This necktie you chose is terrible, Samael. Look at how easily it wrinkles. It doesn't even match the color of my wings!"
"Sir, may I remind you that it was you who chose to purchase this inexplicably... exquisite piece of attire after partying on The Surface?"
"Still, you should have prevented me from doing so."
"That I tried, Sir."
"Obviously to no avail."
"Apparently, Sir."
Before another word was spoken, a small shuttle landed on the open space before them. Once the door unfolded, an angel with one pair of luminescent white wings emerged to welcome the two. Unlike the two, he did not have a classic business suit. Instead, he wore black jeans and a loosely fitted shirt.
"Brother!" Alric's eyes widened in surprise. "I did not expect you are coming along!"
Samael felt reminiscent of watching a puppy run to its master when Alric pushed past him to greet his older brother.
"Alric." A faint smile hushed across his lips. "I have a business to attend to on The Surface, so I thought I could join you guys going down." He scratched the stubbles on his face and then ran his fingers through his light brown hair.
"And here I hoped you'd join me for the pitch before the charity show."
"Your business, your responsibility." Of course, he would not get roped into his little brother's corporate shenanigans. Not after he had successfully passed the cup to him.
Alric grinned. "At least I tried, Eros."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Father is waiting inside." Eros beckoned the two to enter.
The interior was upholstered in dark suede with contrasting seams. The air was filled with the pleasant scent of sandalwood. Soft lounge music coming from speakers on the wall provided a relaxing ambient for the passengers.
At the very back of the shuttle sat an old man with wings as luminescent as Eros'. He smiled upon seeing his two sons board the shuttle. The two smiled back and took a seat next to him while Alric's assistant chose the chairs opposite the family.
Seeing all three together was quite intimidating, even for someone who was used to dealing with them. While they outwardly seemed casual and relaxed, there was an air of royalty around the three. Perhaps it was their glowing blue eyes, maybe their luminescent wings? Yes, even Alric, whose wings were merely plain cream-colored, possessed feathers that glistened in the sun like the sparkling wings of the fae.
Eros pressed a few numbers into a control panel, and the pilot-less shuttle quietly ascended into the air. He looked out the window and watched how the aircraft flew past platforms and buildings of varying sizes and floating heights before it began its descent towards a wall of thundering clouds below.
"You look ever as pleased, brother," Alric commented sardonically before looking out the window as well. Even through the well-insulated shuttle, the crackling electricity was audible.
"Some take their jobs seriously, you know."
"Hunting a Wingless fugitive?"
Eros grimaced. "Wingless has already been punished. Why should I go after them as an executor? So obviously, the answer is no. And no, I won't tell you anything more, no matter how you beg."
Gabriel chuckled at Alric's disappointed look.
"Even now, as CEO, you adore your brother the most," he commented with an amused look on his face.
Alric pouted, even more, causing Eros to laugh out loud.
"Everybody does what they can do best, alright?" He rubbed his fingers against his three-day-beard. "So you continue being our poster boy, and I continue hunting criminals."
Gabriel chuckled again while the bumpy descent through the barrier continued. Eventually, the shuttle broke through the clouds. Below them, a megalopolis stretched out until the horizon. The brightly lit skyscrapers stood out like glowing fingers desperately reaching for the night sky.
Guided by the coordinates Eros had entered earlier, the shuttle easily maneuvered through the city canyon until it hovered over a grand hotel. It waited in line behind other, more luxurious-looking shuttles. A red carpet was laid out from the landing spot. Right and left, paparazzi and onlookers excitedly greeted various celebrity guests arriving.
"I presume everybody has their devices switched on?" Samael chirped and pointed at a device on his wrist. Everybody checked to verify they were wearing an electronic bracelet.
"Yep. Well, guess it's showtime," Alric said, getting up first. "I hope to see you soon again, brother!" He patted him on the back before hugging his father goodbye. "And you should slowly stop looking like an old human, father," he added. "Mother has been gone now for so long."
"I quite like this appearance, thank you," Gabriel replied with a soft smile. "I wish you a good evening and good luck with your pitch."
"Thank you!" Alric fixed his tie one last time before opening the door and stepping out to face the crowd.
The moment he left the shuttle, his wings magically disappeared, obscured by the bracelet. This was, in fact, a requirement for all beings non-native to The Surface. Moreover, it also served as a tracking device to ensure nobody overstayed their welcome.
Laws like these enabled strict segregation between all worlds. Any being trespassing the other world without a respective permit was subject to apprehension by the individual enforcers. Eros, being an executor, was such an enforcer. Using the company's shuttle with his father and younger brother permitted him to furtively enter The Surface and continue his search for vigilant Winged Ones.
As soon as Alric and his assistant left, the shuttle doors closed, and it took off into the distance, leaving the two to the scrutiny of the masses.
And so, Alric did what he always did: smile. Smile and wave at the spectators. Pose for the cameras. Do small-talk with celebrities. Behind him, Samael followed closely, like his shadow.
"Mr. Alric, what are you looking to forward the most?" A reporter rudely poked a microphone into his face. Before he could reply, Samael intervened.
"Mr. Alric is looking forward to the entire show," he sternly replied with a false smile, shoving the microphone right back into the reporter's face. He then quickly ushered Alric to the entrance.
"By the way, why is father not joining us today? It's a gala after all." Alric inquired in a surprised tone.
"Have you not listened to me earlier?" Samael retorted exasperatedly. "Your father has a private appointment here on The Surface. He will join us after we finish all the meetings scheduled before the show."
"That's not fair," Alric muttered, wanting to leave. If there was something he hated, it was personally attending meetings.
"Alric," Samael used a threatening voice while holding him back. "You are booked for several meetings here, so you better attend them. I have enough on my plate for today already."
"Sheesh, calm down." He rolled his eyes. Begrudgingly, he let his assistant drag him through the hallway.
That was when he saw her for the first time.
Technically, it wasn't the first time, but it was the first time he saw her up close. Fiera, owner of Pride Security and direct rival to the junior company he was trying to establish within his father's conglomerate.
She was mesmerizing. Long, black hair that curled at the tips. Red eyes that could kill just by looking. Generous curves are put on display through a tightly fitted evening gown. The Pride tattoo was visible on her right cheek. As the matriarch of the Pride Pack, it glowed red. Just like Alric, she wore a bracelet around her left wrist to conceal her proper form here on The Surface.
But, beautiful as she was, Alric despised her. She had such a firm grip over the global security sector that he had not been able to establish himself beyond The Heaven.
As he was dragged past her, the two exchanged glances like fire and ice.
"I see the loyal dog has finally taken his master with him," she noted with an amused look on her face.
"Beg your pardon?!"
"Hush, Sir, please do not cause a scene," Samael's patience was wearing thin. Could his boss not cause a commotion for once?
Fiera's amused look turned sour. She scrutinized the two, even walking around them as if to judge their fashion choices. Both felt immense pressure.
Suddenly, the tension dissipated, and Fiera took a few steps back. Raising her eyebrow, she remarked, "I guess I will see you in our pitch meeting in a few minutes."
"I... guess?!" Irritated by her sudden demeanor change, Alric wrestled free of Samael's grasp and walked past her down the narrow hall.
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