Chapter 21 - Unity(Part 1)

"Hello? You awake in there?" Came Theo's voice, as a loud knock on the door echoed out.

"Yeah, I'm up!" I called out, as I sat up and stretched my arms out with a wide yawn.

Oh, I feel a lot better now. I woke up about half an hour ago, not sure how long I was asleep. Don't think it was that long ago though, the sun's still out.

My head feels nice and clear...I think I had a dream about my aunt while I was asleep, and I feel like I've gained some clarity over what to do with myself after this. But let's set that aside for now.

"It's about time, I was starting to think you were never gonna wake up," He remarked, as the door swung open and he walked in with a grin.

"Huh? Exactly how long was I out?" I asked him as I yawned again.

"Oh, it's been more than a day. You went to sleep around 1 PM yesterday, it's currently past 3 PM," He informed me.

Oh. So, I was asleep for almost twenty-six hours? No wonder I feel so refreshed and well-rested.

"Wow, is that right? Anyway, what's up?" I inquired in response.

"Well, if you're up for it, our leader would like to meet you. You can wash up in there," He nodded at the small bathroom in the room, before pointing at a closet, "We also left some clothes for you in there, feel free to wear whatever you like."

"Yeah, sure...why don't you come back in, like, an hour or so? I should be ready by then," I replied, as I hopped off the bed and stretched my arms up.

"Got it, be back in an hour then," He responded with a thumbs up, before heading out and shutting the door behind him.

That was the best nap I've had in a really long time...it's been so long since I slept so soundly and comfortably, I've got those sleep marks all over my arms and face.

I then took off my clothes and headed for the bathroom, turning on the shower as I stepped under it.

I shuddered slightly as ice cold water rained down on me, quickly adjusting the taps to even out the temperature, as I felt goosebumps all over my arms. I then let out a content sigh as the water got warmer, my shoulders relaxing.

I closed my eyes as I tilted my head down, letting the water fall onto my hair, running down the back of my neck. I then turned my head up, the water splashing onto my face as I pushed my hair back from my forehead, as the water ran down my shoulders and chest.

I stayed in the shower for longer than I intended, there isn't a clock in this room, but I'm willing to bet that I was in there for at least half an hour.

As I dried myself off with a towel that was hanging on a hook on the bathroom door, I walked back into the room while drying my hair, heading for the closet.

I opened up the closet doors and glanced through the outfits in it, before picking a loose black t-shirt and dark blue knee-length shorts, slipping into them. Nice, they fit perfectly.

Almost right on cue, a loud knock echoed out from the door...huh, talk about timing, barely ten seconds had passed after I finished getting dressed. Wait, they haven't, like, put cameras in here or something, right?

"Uh, hello? Did you go back to sleep or something?" Called out Theo.

"No, I'm up, just finished getting ready," I responded, before the door opened and he peered in.

"You ready to go?" He asked me, as he walked inside.

"Yeah, let's go," I nodded in response.

It's kind of a drag, but they have taken me in and all, so I shouldn't be rude. As we left the room, I followed after Theo as he led the way.

I got a few stares from people we walked past, looking at me curiously. Most of them are pretty young, some are literally just children. Maybe they're like me, taken in since they have nowhere else to go.

"Hm? Oh, hey, guys!" Suddenly came Xandra's voice, as she bounded over with a cheerful wave.

"Hey, Xandra, f-fancy running into you here," Theo greeted her with a goofy, awkward grin.

There's no way she hasn't noticed, right?

"Yeah, I guess," She shrugged with a smile, before turning to me, "So, how'd you sleep? Hope you're finding things comfortable here."

"Uh, yeah, I am. I slept great, thanks for asking," I replied politely.

"So stiff, loosen up a bit! We're all friends here," She grinned as she suddenly smacked my shoulder.

Ow...

"Uh, right, okay...," I nodded in response.

"You guys headed to meet the boss, right? Let me tag along," She remarked, as she slipped in between us, putting her arms around our shoulders.

She's so close...huh, she has a pleasant fragrance. Theo looks both happy and conflicted right now...I'm guessing happy because her arm is around him, but conflicted because I'm here too.

Well, whatever, since this seems to be a one sided affair, it's not like I'm a third wheel here. The two of them then took me to their leader, making their way through the building until we were in front of a room with a large, wide doorway, with two doors.

"Hey, boss?" Called out Theo, as he knocked on the door, "You in there?"

"Yes, Theo, I'm here. Come on it," A deep voice echoed out from inside the room.

"Well, you heard the man. In we go," Remarked Theo, as he pushed opened the doors and stepped in.

I followed after him, before meeting the gaze of the man at the back of the room.

"Ah, and you must be Ariodred Phoenix, young man. It's a pleasure to meet you...I'm the leader and founder of Unity, Yale Charlin," He greeted me with a smile.

_____________________________________________

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Don't forget to vote, and feel free to leave a comment, I appreciate any and all feedback and criticism!

Also, check out my Instagram account @aimdaqs for posts relating to this book.

Join the Discord server, I plan to tease upcoming chapters and future story arcs here, and you can also discuss or ask me any questions about the story and characters. Use the invite link to join:

https://discord.gg/sRbx9VbTVP