16th Period: Fall Semester in Brightwood

After staying in the Brightwood District for the last 2 months I began preparing for the Equinox of Harvestara semester at Garcinia Institute. While attending, I decided to gather some information about Lenora Institute of Technology. The company my father once worked for eight years ago. I was hoping to gather information about the company, and I decided to ask around the university. But for some strange reason, everyone I asked seemed afraid to answer any questions and would run off. It was quite strange; it was as if they were afraid of something. Just like the StarShip Science Guild my father was once a member of, they wouldn't tell me anything, and that made me want to know more than ever. 

While exploring Garcinia Institute, I spotted a beautiful young lady wearing her uniform in the distance. The military uniform she was wearing bore a strange House Crest that I didn't recognize. So I decided to approach the lady, but before I could ask her anything, her bodyguard blocked me, stopping me in my tracks. He appeared to be former military, probably retired from the looks of it. 

As I stood there silently gazing at them, stymied by the imposing figure of the bodyguard, my curiosity regarding the unknown House Crest and the mysteries behind Lenora Institute only deepened. The cold indifference in their eyes told me that I wouldn't get much information from them but I felt I had no choice as I continued to walk towards the figures. 

"Greetings civilian, I haven't seen you around here before and don't worry about him. He's an old friend of mine, and he is perfectly harmless. You may call me Lily of the Belladonna House, so tell me what business you have with me?" asked Lily of the Belladonna House as she stared at me with an unreadable expression on her face. 

Lily of the Belladonna House, I've heard that name somewhere before, I think Athena's aunt Jemima mentioned her all those years back. She must be one of the Aeonians that I was told about. I've heard that she is one of the many Aeonians who hold great influence on this planet. She has been given authority to move freely within the Brightwood District. She would be a great ally to have and if I'm not mistaken the military watches their assets very closely meaning she has the military force backing her up. That means no Aeonian Hunters would dare risk attacking her, making her quite a useful ally to have. 

"Lily of the Belladonna House, I've heard your name once before from an old friend of mine. I think you might know her. Her name is Jemima of the Rosewood House," I stated. 

A silence hung heavy in the air as Lily's eyes widened, a flicker of recognition passing through them. "Jemima... of the Rosewood House? It's been decades since I last heard that name," Lily murmured, her stern demeanor softening, if only for a moment. With a nod, she stepped away, signaling her bodyguard to stand down. 

"You know Jemima of the Rosewood House? How interesting it's been a long time since I've heard that name. She's an old friend of mine. If memory serves she should be over a hundred years old by now," she said. 

"You appear to know quite a bit about her, I was wondering if you might know anything about the accident that occurred here eight years ago at Lenora Institute of Technology?" I asked. 

"I might know something about the incident. But I can't tell you here in the open please follow me this way. By the way, why do you want that information?" she asked as she waited patiently for my response while I followed slowly behind her. 

With a wave of Lily's hand, these enormous metal doors behind her slowly swung open, revealing a grand hallway adorned with ancient artifacts and rich tapestries. Stepping forward, Lily motioned for me to follow her inside. 

"We have much to discuss," she stated, her voice echoing in the grandeur of the corridor. 

As I stepped into the room, I felt a subtle shift in the air, a sense of anticipation charging the atmosphere. It was as if I was stepping into the world of the Aeonians, and something told me my journey had only just begun. I became more determined than ever to find out what she knew about my father and the accident that claimed his life. While I stood there quietly I noticed her carefully examining my reaction but for some strange reason I couldn't sense any emotions being emitted by her. It was as if she had no emotions of her own. 

"Please, if you know anything about my father, tell me his name was Jefferson E of the Eliwood House and he died over eight years ago at Lenora Institute of Technology. I've heard rumors about his death and would like to know a little more about the type of work he did. If you know anything that would be helpful, if not it's not a big deal," I said, and she paused for a brief moment before finally giving her response. 

Lily agreed to assist me after realizing that I knew Jemima. More importantly she became impressed with the determination and pain she saw reflected in my face. Being a full fledged Aeonian she appeared unable to fully understand the depth of my emotions regarding my father's death. 

"I remember hearing something about your father, Jefferson E of the Eliwood House. He was indeed a brilliant scientist who worked on cutting-edge research projects at Lenora Institute. Just between the two of us, the people I work for don't believe it was actually an accident. In fact, the evidence we have gathered suggests that the Dark Leviathan's may consist of Aeonian Hunters and we believe they were involved in the explosion in some sort of way," she continued, her voice taking on a more serious tone. 

"We also believe the Dark Leviathan's consist of former G.B.I. Law Enforcers who had tested a dangerous formula known as the Alphus Formula. They are believed to have been responsible for releasing a man named Legion. Not only that they worked for Lenora Institute of Technology which was in fact a secret government facility which has been doing unorthodox experiments on individuals," she explained. 

After listening to her speak, the military officer who was standing next to her confirmed everything she had said. It appears the information she gave me came directly from the military who had been investigating them from within the shadows for quite some time now. 

"Unfortunately, the project that he was working on went terribly wrong and it resulted in his death, we believe. It's been over eight years now, but I still think about that incident that occurred here as I try to understand why anyone would want to cause your father harm," Lily sighed, appearing puzzled before continuing. 

"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you much more; some details about the project have been kept confidential by those involved," she explained. 

She gave me one final glance before turning away and heading down the hallway. I watched her go, grateful for the insight she had given me info about my father's life and work. I was still left with more questions than answers, but at least now I had an idea of what he had been doing before his untimely passing. With a heavy heart, I silently thanked her for all that she'd told me before making my way towards the dorm room to meet up with Aspen, and Cobalt, my colleagues from the Eliwood House who waited patiently for my return.