Ch: 4 Striking a Deal

Rhea's POV

The sun was peaking out of its horizon, and I seemed to have awoken from the streaks of light penetrating through my windowpane, blinding my heavy eyes. I blink, close my eyelids, and blink again, trying to understand why my bones were feeling crippled as if a bus had trampled over me a thousand times.

I tried straightening my back on this...uncomfortable object I seemed to be sitting on. Once I did, I rubbed my knuckles onto my eyes and stretched my bony arms over my head, trying to piece together my shattered bones. Hold on, sitting? Wait, why was I sitting, no, sleeping on a chair?

I stopped halfway through my actions, frozen for a second as it was all coming back to me...a guy, window, faint, glaring, attitude, blood, hazy, faint again, towel, and the most attractive per-No! Snap out of it, Rhea! Don't fall for the charms of the guy who came out of nowhere!

My train of thoughts stopped as I seemed to have sensed something or someone staring at me, and the moment I looked up, I knew it was a someONE. He was sitting up orderly on my bed, examining me thoroughly, looking intently at my honey-like eyes with his royal sapphire blue ones as though...he was trying to understand or solve an enigmatic mystery not explained by any before. Hold up, what mystery.

I scrunched my eyebrows together, trying to unriddle the reason he was stare slash glaring at me like that, I can't even tell. It was oddly...unusual, for an intruder that is. The bright rays blinding my eyes woke me up from my daydream, the sun is out...wait, why is the sun out? "No, no no no no no" I muttered hysterically under my breath, alarming the man who was laying on my bed lazily, but I couldn't bother with that right now, I am late!!! And yes, I care more about school than this weirdo sitting on my bed!

I shot my body out of the chair and wondered where I placed my phone amid all of yesterday's unforeseen occurrences, it was SUPPOSED to have been set up at 6:00, and surely not at whatever time it was now! I began rifling and rummaging my room in search of my phone, not leaving a stone unturned, literally, Not that there were any stoned here though. Wanna make a wild guess at what I found instead?

Yes, that's right, I found my expensive, high-end costly phone, on the ground, shattered into freaking smithereens! "What the hell!! My phone! What in the world happened to my precious phone!" I yelled angrily, mostly to myself though, I couldn't pinpoint the culprit yet however he better be on his tippy toes! What culprit Rhea! It was only the 2 of us in this room!

I bent down in front of the broken fragments left behind and held it grieving-ly in the palm of my hands. I had to go through a thousand part-time jobs to earn it, now only to find it in a billion pieces! Beads of water were threatening to fall just by recalling the number of arduous jobs and tasks I had to do.

"Oh, that irritating thing?" I heard the man speak up, lifting my head a little, looking straight into his eyes with my glaring ones, too enraged to even bother with his demanding nature. "It wouldn't stop creating those vexatious noises, and it wouldn't quiet down either no matter how many times I glared at it, so my only alternative left was to split it to bits, and I gotta say, it did the trick wonderfully, you should be thanking me instead of giving me your pitiful glares, I saved you ears from that racket it was causing" He continued nonchalantly, as though what he was saying was, by all means, the definition of normal! I gawked at him with utter shock, my mouth was halfway open, my eyes were literally bulging out, no, I can't take it, this man is crazy, he has to be.

 "I should thank you, you say? Really? You BROKE my phone because of an alarm! A FREAKING ALARM! Are you messing with me right now?" I approached the man angry, my voice getting higher and higher by the second "Do you know how MUCH this costs? Do you know how HARD I worked to get this...irritating thing you call?! Years! Years to get this okay?! And you want me to thank you?!" I shrieked furiously straight to his face, hoping he would at the very least look apologetic, but no, he doesn't! Instead, he raises one of his eyebrows and mocks my words as though it means nothing at all! "You worked hard to get this..piece of annoying metal? You, humans, are weirder than I thought..." 

I was exploding from anger! What is with this guy?! How could someone be so indifferent?! Just as I was about to shout at him again, a spark of realization came over me. Did he just specify us as 'humans' again? I looked alarmingly at the man now, what was he muttering on about? It's the second time he has mentioned us being 'humans' with annoyance in his tone, it just feels so wrong. 

"Okay just what do you mean by 'us humans', you are one of 'us' too so what are you mumbling about?" I had to be extremely wary with him, I was afraid of his answer. I mean I am not that stupid, but could I also be exaggerating a bit? However I was still nervous, what if he wasn't human? Ugh, that's just silly, stop being so stupid Rhea of course he is human, what sort of inquiry was that! Though he does seem to lack a brain..Was he by any chance raised by animals? I mean Tarzan was raised by monkeys, and at least he is a bit descent, but this guy...

He definitely looks like a human and sort of acts like too, well except the window part, it still haven't been explained yet, aand let's not forget the locked door, which is probably still locked...The man scrunched his brows together, thinking about how to answer my question, alright now I was frightened for sure, why is he thinking so intensely about my stupid question?! IT WAS STUPID! EVEN I ADMIT IT!

"Huh, you aren't as bad as I thought human, you surprisingly use your brain to think, after all, I would call that an accomplishment" he tugged his lips tauntingly at the mention of ''humans'' again. Nope, I am in a dream, it's either that or this guy definitely hit his head hard, it's really reasonable no matter how much you think about it. "Umm, mister, did you perhaps bang your head that hard to have, umm, had a bit of a memory loss? I mean come on, would you listen to yourself." I inquired worriedly, I know it's crazy, but I had to be cautious even if it sounds stupid. 

He shot me another menacing glare, probably has something to do about my 'insolence' I presume, his arrogance is waay too predictable. I may sound confident in my head, but I was terrified on the outside, this man's aura omits so much power, it's dreadful by just standing nearby, I, however, stood my ground, my stubbornness doesn't go down that easily, at least, I hope it wouldn't.

"I can assure you human, I have my memories fully intact" he spits out those words, sounding almost impatient, presumably annoyed that he is speaking with a fool, as offensive as what he said was, I do agree with him on that, I DO sound like a fool right now, even I have no idea what I am talking about.

I carefully took two steps backward out of wariness, if this guy, no alien, isn't really human then I have to be extra vigilant, I can't lower my guard like I did yesterday erm today, I mean, what was I even thinking?! Who would help a stranger, let alone one who imposed on you, well, my room, but still! Oh riggght, me. I ruffled my already disheveled hair, feeling annoyed and frustrated, it wasn't necessarily directed to myself, nor...him(?), I was just frustrated...at everything!

Deep breath Rhea, inhale and exhale, alright now...I still have no idea what to do! "Are you really not human? Erm, you do know it's just absurd when you say something like that without any proof right?" I faked a half nervous laugh. My skepticism is really annoying him now, he sighs deeply, probably thinking if he should kill me or not. Once his eyes catch mine he says, "I was wrong to say you humans use your brain, I am starting to doubt if you even have one at this rate. Tsk, I have no time for this right now".

Just as I was about to argue back, he got up from my bed and stood at the edge of the table beside it. He closed his eyes for around 5 seconds, as if he was concentrating on something, then opened them with scrunched eyebrows. He was like that for the past 5 minutes.

"Uhh wierd guy? Are you sure you are alright? Do you not want me to call a doctor?" At this rate, I can't tell if I was worried or creeped out. I heard him mumble something under his breath, and noticed his iris has a golden ring around it? Was that always there? No way, I know it was clear blue, there was no golden...

"Look human, I am neither in the mood to play your stupid games or have part in your pitiful conversation, so just stay quite" I felt my heart skip a beat, but it wasn't because I was infatuated, but because I was genuinely afraid. And no no no, not that I am afraid of him killing me or being dying, but of this creature himself, I was positive he wasn't human at this rate, there is no point denying it.

"Then?" I asked, my breath feeling heavy. The creature looked at me, his iris still covered in a golden ring. "Then why are you here? Why my house? Who...are you?" My heart felt heavy, I felt breathless and extremely light headed. "What will you gain from my answer human? He asked, his eyes still looking into mine.

What will I gain from his answer? Anything but how awful I am feeling right now. "My piece of mind" I heard his scoff at my answer, I was not joking thought, I was completely serious. "Piece of mind? Are you scared human?" He smirked, "you are a lot weaker than I thought" My gaze shifting to my windowpane then back to his, "I never said I was strong"

We were enveloped in silence for a few seconds until I heard him let out low and muffled laugh which surprised the hell out of me, he was laughing? "Alright then human, though I can't promise it will bring you your 'piece of mind 'I will tell you what you want to hear. Though I have to warn you, I am not a patient man listen carefully or don't listen at all". I nodded my head, not sure what of what exactly I was expecting to hear. "Now watch and don't talk until I am done"

I looked at him utterly confused, watch? Just as I was about to ask, POOF! He was suddenly holding a small, beautifully designed golden pouch, it wasn't that small, but it wasn't huge either, however, what caught my attention the most wasn't how it looked at all, but the fact about how he brought it out of nowhere.

I would have thought he was a magician by simply bringing something out of nowhere, but it didn't just come, it was being built, like it was all coming together to make the shape of a pouch right in front of me! I looked at him dumbfounded, he just did that, no way, he actually did that. I took another glimpse at him, and his face was completely stone-like, with no emotions. To him, what he did was the definition of normal, yes, normal.

"What I just did was control atomic particles. Shape, colour, composition, and type." He started explaining what seems to be the basics in his kind "Basically, we can move them around and command them to create whatever pattern or object we think about" I looked at him, astonishment written all over my face, "How? How is that even possible?" He simply shrugged his shoulders at my silly question "We just can, it's engraved in our genes, we are all born like that, there is no how or why to this." How can he make something so amazing sound so simple..

"When you say 'we' do you mean your clan? How many of you are there anyways? hundreds? thousands?" Okay, I may sound stupid to believe all this, but he just proved everything, and I am just too curious! He scoffed arrogantly at my question, "Thousands? We are an entire population of millions. I wouldn't think so highly of your kind human, there are far more magnificent species than your hopeless one" He said it rather proudly, as though his kind stands on top of all of them, now I am even more curious "So you are saying there are more species than your atom control people?" 

He gave me a deep scowl, he can't blame me for not knowing about his kind! Humans are known for their curiosity, seriously. "First of all, we are called 'Lucians' not atom controllers. And yes, there are many more than you can even think of, but of course we stand at the top of the hierarchy chart, nobody could ever try to threaten us, we are considered more powerful than the others because of our special abilities" This man was unquestionably proud, and I was simply astonished, so there is extraterrestrial life! Who would have know...that's amazing.

"So sir Lucian, uhh where exactly do 'humans' stand in this chart you mentioned" I had to know how proud I could be of my kind, I am not expecting much, but I wanna know, the Lucian smirked disdainfully "Your kind? Well if you are that curious, I could tell you that your pitiful species stands pathetically at the very bottom corner of the hierarchy" As I said, I didn't have any high hopes, however, I can't help feeling disappointed, it's sad you know, are we reallyy no more than that? Just forget it, I put my thoughts at the back of my mind as my curiosity was once again piqued up.

"So can all the Lucians create objects in all sizes and shapes?" He looked a bit pleased, probably because I asked a more meaningful question, "Of course not, the things we create are limited to everyone's social status" He was thoroughly explaining once more, they also have social status?

"There is a certain hierarchy system we follow up on, and everyone's status determines what they can or can't create. For example, the farmers and commoners can make small fires, cloth, farming equipment, small house pieces, and so on, they don't have the capability to go further than that, even if they tried. Then we have the nobles, they have the ability to forge more extravagant and larger objects, I guess that's what makes them nobles"

Wait wait wait! Why are the nobles right above the commoners? shouldn't there be knights or something? He seemed to have understood my confusion and continued, "The knights are more superior than the nobles, they contribute more than just extravagance and lavishness, I don't even know who gave you humans the idea of corrupt nobles standing atop the knights, it's ridiculous" His brows scrunched tightly, obviously disapproving of our stupid way of thinking.

"Yeah, I wonder how it came by too" I commented bitterly, I just sighed and probed more "So that means that the king stands above them all, what about a government? And do you have a church? Do you have religions? Does the king not have any advisors and such?" The second I asked the question, he gave me an odd expression.

"The king doesn't have any advisors or a so-called government, he would rather rule on his own to avoid any power corruption, however, he does have aids, there are 3 superior knights whom are very well known. They are of course the same status as each other but are above the normal knights. He also has his left and right-hand men, who follow him up close at all times, they help him in decision making but have no final say in them whatsoever. As for whatever a church or religion is, we don't have that. If you mean traditions and festivals, then of course."

My eyes were full of astonishment, wonder, and envy. How lucky, everything is incredibly fair and organized, with only one monarch and one hierarchy, I bet they are more prosperous than us in many ways. "How do you know if someone is from a certain status or if he is royalty or nobility and such?" There must be some sort of proof right? I mean people can dress up as anyone and act like them.

He pondered a bit and then answered, "Every object any Lucian creates has there status mark somewhere on it. If the king were to forge something the royal mark would be embedded somewhere around and of course, every Lucian knows what mark belongs to which class, it's only something every citizen should know. Nobles have there own mark and so do the knights and the commoners. We don't put it, it simply comes automatically, as I said, genetic."

"That's incredible..and what about you? What is your rank?" I might be pushing myself too much, however, I need to be careful of whom I am talking to right? Not that it matters because either way, my attitude towards him wouldn't change. "You are in no position to inquire about my rank human" he taunted arrogantly, I rolled my eyes inwardly, here goes his arrogance, I thought we got over this.

"Hmph, judging from your haughtiness, I take you as one of those no-class nobles. Seriously, how could someone be so proud" I grumbled quietly under my breath, positive that he can't hear my muttering, though the look on his face says otherwise.

"How-" I started but he already read my thoughts, "You must have forgotten that atoms are my specialty, and sound waves are one of them" He spat basic facts to me. I know that okay? I just...needed a reminder. Oh well, as if chemistry was ever my fort in school. I tilted my head to the side confusingly. Umm school? Hahaha, no way, right? I mean that's impossible am I right? Yes, I gotta be right, I can't get myself to look up. I didn't just sit here listening to this terrestrial being talking about his kind the entire morning right?!

I took a glimpse of the clock and quietly went to the corner of the wall, curled up into a ball, put my head on my knees, and started sulking while muttering incoherently to myself. Grace will kill me, mom and dad will know about this, I bet I missed important lessons today. I am having a hard time catching up to the previous lessons, now its just piling up...I can't let Grace teach me, she is too strict when it comes to studying. The atmosphere around me became gloomier, what will I do. "What is wrong with you? Is that how humans normally behave?" I heard the Lucian guy comment on my internal suffering.

"No, for your information, this isn't how humans normally behave, we do this when we are feeling discouraged and dejected or when something has gone completely wrong Mr. genius" I replied sassily, what? If he can be arrogant, I could be as sassy as I like, is this even considered sassy-ness? He rose his brows in question, ugh whatever, I am already too upset to deal with him. We stayed like this for a few minutes and the silence vexed me even more, why isn't he leaving yet? "So Mr. arrogant, why exactly are you still here? Don't you have a population to be with or something?" He looked at me perplexed, he kept blinking, silence evaded us again, okay what the hell?

He finally decided on what to say, "Oh, I might have lost half my powers and still need time to recharge, so I can't go anywhere right now" Our eyes met again, this needs to stop, "Aaand? Aren't there Lucians nearby that you can get in touch with?" He shook his head, "No, I just tried to get in touch with someone and like I said my powers are down, I can't communicate with others, they are too far away to reach with my powers half gone like this"

I pondered a bit more and asked, "When will your powers return? Where will you go till then?" I don't know why I asked that question, but it just slipped out, oh well, I can't say I am not curious. "It will take about 2-3 months at the maximum for it all to recharge, till then...I don't know" He replied flatly, I almost felt bad, keyword: Almost, I stood up on my feet and decided on something, it wouldn't hurt I guess? "If you want, since we are already acquainted and all that stuff, you can stay here for a few weeks, if you have no place to go" 

I paused mid-sentence but continued swiftly so that he wouldn't misunderstand, "My parents won't be home for a few months so this house is free and empty, it is just a suggestion though, you could do as you please" I waved my hands dismissively, I didn't want him to think I am trying to trick him into this or whatever.

And just as I thought, he frowned and looked distrustfully at me, "What's the catch? There must be something you are trying to gain from this? Why in the world would you help someone you never met before and offer to help him, don't joke around and tell me 'its out of the kindness in my heart' bullshit" Yup, its official, this guy has serious trust issues, well I can't blame him, if I were, or anyone at that, in his place, we would all act the same way, after all no one is supposed to be trusted.

"Listen, buddy, I am not some kind of negotiator, you can choose to stay if you want, and if not, then you can be on your way. I am only doing this because you obviously need help, however unless you think you can handle it, then it doesn't concern me. If you do choose to stay, then all I ask for is absolute privacy, other than that, we are two creatures living under the same roof. I don't know you, and you don't know me. Alright?"

"Really? That's it? I find that hard to believe, coming from a human, the most untrustful species out there, your reputation does you no good." Can he stop with the disdainful looks? "Look, assume what you want, I am not chaining you here, all I did was suggest, the rest is up to you Lucian" I imitated his way of speaking, while looking straight at him, he needs to get things clear. 

It took him a few minutes to consider what I said, "Alright, if all you ask for is privacy, then our deal is fixed in place. However, I am warning you human, you better not go back on the agreement" He threatened fiercely, that doesn't seem to work on me anymore though, I may have known him for less than 3 hours, but he is so god damn predictable.

I walked up to him and held my hands up, expecting a shake, "Fine. as long as you don't go back on yours" I answered frankly, he glanced at my arms and scoffed, "Don't think too highly of yourself just yet human, staying here doesn't mean I trust you in the least" He then turned his back to me, ignoring my reached out hands, and began looking around my room. What have you gotten yourself into Rhea?

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