Everlight by ZoriStory

. . . .

. . . .

Her eyes started to open once more, the room still dark. She blinked her eyes a few times, adjusting to what little light was inside the room. The faint scent of maple detected, as Alex moved to slowly sit upright in bed - having trouble waking, despite feeling as if she had had the best sleep of her entire life. Shifting about, the young woman moved to stand upright - reaching for a light switch on the wall nearby. With a flick, she’d be able to see the room once more–

“. . .hold on.”

She glanced from where she had gotten up, to the couch itself. The blanket was gone and her bag with the baseball bat in it was next to her bed now. She recalled falling asleep on the couch with her blanket, and didn’t recall waking up and moving from one place to the other. Not to mention she couldn’t seem to locate said blanket, aside from the ones she had on her bed anyways. Where did it go?

“. . .whatever.”

She felt a small twinge of excitement as she recalled the magazine she bought, and what day it was. Heading over the coffee table, she glanced about the table. . .then the couch. . .getting on her knees and looking under them both.

It was missing.

“Oh, come ooon!”

A disgruntled snort emitted from her, standing up as she looked around the apartment. She was starting to feel like the times where she had gotten drunk, and forgot fragments of the night before. She knew she didn’t drink last night, even though most no doubt did–

Several rapid thumps were heard against her door, startling Alex slightly, as she soon after heard a voice on the other side of it.

“We are here to retrieve a Miss Alex Fae, by order of Everlight’s Royal Knights.” A deep male voice started from behind the door.

Royal Knights?! This has gotta be a prank. . .

Tiptoeing across the floor, she checked through the peephole. . .and sure enough, two well dressed men black military outfits were there; their faces seeming clouded by some form of magic. One had yellow-orangish trimmings, while the other had green instead. A knight that represented each goddess, both of the highest order. As if knowing she was looking at them, both of them held up a hand, index finger extended. . .a magical wisp of fire appearing above each; each one matching the other’s colored trimmings. An ‘ID’ of sorts, that was hard to fake. . .and even if it was fake, was punishable by death should it be done by one unknighted.

“Uhhh. . .j–just a second!”

What. The. Hell.

Taking a moment to recompose herself, she tried to calm down. . .unable to do it fully, and unlocked her door, before opening it to speak to them both.

“Y–yeah, hi! Hello, sirs. Whaaat seems to be the problem?” She asked, trying to sound cool, but couldn’t help but to be nervous about what was going on; still attempting to give a winning smile.

They did not return it.

“You are ordered to come with us, once dressed and ready, and are to be relocated; now.” The one with the green trimmings stated, his voice lower in tone, but smooth as silk. Alex looked towards him, as he went on. “You need not worry about your belongings, only to get dressed and prepare yourself. We will leave shortly.” Both men glanced briefly over her form, causing Alex to feel rather uneasy.

“Why?”

The question of the day, which anyone in their right mind would ask at once.

“Everything will be explained once we have departed. Please.” The knight with the deeper voice stated, causing the one in green to shrug.

“Yeah, just, lemme get dressed!” Slowly, she closed the door, as if to see if they’d allow it. When neither of them tried to halt the door closing, she quickly finished closing it - the smile replaced by a small look of horror. Hands pressed against it, as she tried to figure out what was going on.

“Chill, chiiill. . .” Alex attempted to reassure herself, as she got to moving.

The knights were a group of people that worked with the city’s military army, formed by the two goddesses. They were taught some form of light magic, each one honed towards the goddess they served. Those that followed Fortia were gifted with extraordinary might. Sophia’s focused on the mind, bringing with it a vast variety of magical spells. She didn’t quite know the military rankings, but knew those in black were the highest ones; the elites.

Running around still waking up slightly, the young woman quickly stuffed her feet into a pair of simple boots, as she grabbed her favorite dark brown jacket with a fur collared hoodie. Whenever she wore it, she felt more sure of herself; ready to take on anything the world could throw at her.

It was poorly underperforming that day, as Alex snatched up her phone and went back towards the door. Taking a moment to try and recollect herself, she threw open the door, and stepped outside - making sure to lock up behind her. With that, she followed the knights down the stairs to the lobby below, with a number of people peeking from behind their doors at them as they passed in awe. It wasn’t an everyday thing for knights to appear in this part of town, much less two elites.

Outside was a heavily armored limousine, which the two knights marched towards; having shifted about. One was walking behind her, while the other strolled in front - making Alex feel as if she was some high profiled member of society. Something that didn’t quite feel as well, wearing her work uniform from the day before under her jacket.

The one at the front stepped towards the car, opening the door and gesturing for her to enter. “Please.”

Stepping inside, she found the interior was what one expected. A somewhat open back seating, with the seats, floor, and everything inside being well outside her price range if she chose to break it–

“Lady of the hour, have a seat!”

Startled yet again, the young woman turned towards the speaker; spotting a young man around her age sitting on the other side of the limo. He wore a well-tailored three piece suit, his entire ensemble black except for a splash of color in his emerald tie. His hands sported a pair of gloves that only seemed to be fitted over half his hand and fingers. Slightly combed back dirty blonde hair and blue eyes were seen, with a grin that would charm man and woman alike.

Alex was wary, knowing -what- this man was at once.

“Hey, heeey! Why the glare? I ain’t going to bite you know. Name’s Max, I’ll be your partner in crime for the day! I’m sure you got questions, and I haaave the answers!” The door closed shut behind her, prompting the woman to take a seat. The furthest away from the suited man.

“Uhhh, yeah. A few.” She said, not wanting to be rude, but kept her guard up around him - a fact he seemed to notice given his next words. “Not a fan of guys?” He questioned, with her responding at once without thinking.

“No, just not a fan of Enforcers.” She blurted out, wishing she hadn’t said that.

Enforcers. A group that worked under the goddess, but unlike the knights in the military, their job was ensuring the status quo of the goddesses. While not quite holding the same might or magic as the knights, they were given a small mixture of both. Resulting in a blend of power and magic, but it wasn’t these powers that made them respected and feared by the people.

They were the only group in the world that did not have to answer to a higher power; outside of the gods themselves.

The Enforcers oftentimes were seen as the boogiemen of the religious section of the twin goddesses. Their history was rife with men and women alike that sometimes sought to abuse the power they were given, while claiming it was for the gods.

Over the last few decades, however, there had been a crack down on them. Their numbers having dwindled down, as the goddesses had stated it was a new age and they need not depend on them as heavily as they did once upon a time. During the old times, the goddesses had been. . .not as fair to the land they walked upon. It had helped to repair a great deal of the damage the corrupt Enforcers had caused, with the goddesses laying the blame sorely upon them.

Despite the years that had gone by, they were a grim reminder of when the gods had engaged in more cruel acts, though not nearly as much as they had decades ago.

Max merely gave her a shrug and smile in turn, as if not offended by it at all. “Don’t blame you, but let’s see if we can change that? After all, we’re going to be getting to know each other now!” By his side on the seat was a rather thick folder, on top of a brief case. Picking up the folder, he opened it up and scanned through it - with Alex unable to help herself.

“What’s going on? Why–”

“--is such a devilish, yet charming young man, picking you up with the good ol’ boys? Don’t worry, like I said; I have the answers! First off, you -are- Alex Fae right?” He fingered one of the pieces of paper. “Odd last name. . .decided to pick it yourself after running out on Ma and Pa?” Max questioned her with an amused grin, only to be met with another frown from Alex.

“No, it’s a family name.” She was used to it, often teased as a child for having such an odd last name.

“Ahhh, of course, of course. . .man, allergic to peanut butter? Wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy!” This caused Alex to straighten up and look at him unsure, before recalling who she was dealing with. . .

. . .along with him turning a piece of paper around, showing it was her medical record.

“Used to depend on an inhaler as a kid, but not as much as an adult? Good for you! NOW–” He placed the paper down, grinning over at her again. “Let’s break it down nice and easy. As you know, there was a festival last night - I got stood up by my date, wasn't cool. Although, I wasn’t the only one that stood up their date last night! Seems -you- fancied yourself an early bed time, and missed your big public debut!”

“. . .I don’t follow. Me?”

“Mhmm~”

“I’m single.” Alex stated in an unamused manner, as if expecting this to be a setup.

“Ah yes, you very much are!” Max retorted. “Buuuut, it was a bit of a bliiiind date. . .double date really. You and two lovely ladies, who felt a little wounded that you didn't go to see them, even after putting on outfits that made them feel young again!”

There was a brief moment of silence, as the Limo started driving - with Alex responding to him.

“Look, I think you got the wrong person–” Alex was soon cut off by Max.

“Mmm, no, we have the right one. Fortia and Sophia made it -crystal- clear who you were.” He said, looking up towards the roof of the limo, before staring right at her; as if waiting for her to understand what he meant.

“I didn’t–wait, repeat that?” What did he just say?

Max’s smile didn’t falter as he explained to her. “You know, Fortia and Sophia! Two -very- tall ladies. One always has free tickets to the gun show, while the other loves halloween? I’m sure you know Sophia, you dressed up as her as a kid!”

Alex felt as if a cold bucket of ice had been dumped over her, an odd pit forming inside her stomach.

“. . .c–come again?”

Max merely smiled, holding up a hand as if to pause their talk. “Take a moment. . .breath. . .and yes, the goddesses.”

Another moment of silence.

“Ok.” Alex said. Max remained silent as the limo kept on driving, giving her time to soak in the information.

“Ok. . .ok. . .ummm. . .uhhh. . .” She looked at him in a dumbfounded manner, as he reached towards the side of the car. . .bringing out a small bottle of water, offering it to her.

Without a word, she took it with somewhat trembling hands, unscrewing the cap, and gulping it down in a flash. Max held his hand out again, with Alex wordlessly placing it back within his grasp, as he stowed it away at his side.

“. . .good?” He questioned her, while she shook her head, causing Max to chuckle.

“Taking this better than others have. Let’s do a review. . .you’re Alex Fae. You work at a small radio store. Went to school, got decent grades, then went to college, but left school to–”

“Yeah, yeah. I get that. I know who I am.” She said, snapping somewhat, before feeling somewhat guilty. “. . .sorry.”

“That’s alright, you’re processing a lot right now. To skip straight to the point. . .said two ladies have had their eye on you for some time. Not going to spoil all the surprises, but to make this simple? They enjoy taking in normal people. Bit of a refresher on things for them, among. . .other reasons.” He glanced away for a moment, causing Alex to frown again; with him returning the look with a grin.

“I’m not your enemy, I swear.” A pause, before he sighed and went on. “Come oooon lighten up! First hand experience with the big two! Live, in color, and up close! It’s fun, I promise you. Get first class treatment, everything paid for, get to live in the temple, aaand yours truly–”

“Wait, wait, WAIT. Hold up. . .” Alex leaned forward, semi holding a hand up, with Max making a face at her, cutting him off. “The temple. . .liiike a local one?”

“The gigantic one in the mountains where the two of them live. Huge lake, nice waterfalls, forest, some little–”

She felt sick.

“Hey, hey! I’m paid to clean up messes, but not those types. Stay with me Lex!” Max said to her, as she tried to control herself. It must have shown on her face, as Max looked a bit unsure at her, recoiling away slightly.

“Wanna get drive-thru? Bet those two lugs didn’t even give you time to eat–hey!” He knocked on the glass panel behind him that connected to the driver section; as it opened up for a moment.

“Let’s get some food for her before the meeting, wouldn’t do for her to do this on an empty stomach!” Max said, with a quick ‘Yes, sir’ heard, before the glass panel closed again.

The car started to turn off the main road, searching for a drive-thru. Max remained silent once more, as Alex tried to let what she had been told so far sink in.

“You know. . .normally adults aren’t allowed to get the bag with the toy in it, but I can swing it for you! I mean. . .you got an offering to give to them once we’ve arrived?” Max questioned her, though it was clear he knew the answer already. With another knock on the glass panel and opening, Max informed them as such - before closing it.

Alex looked up at him, unsure. . .then asked him a question.

“Am I going to see them today?”

“Yup! After we get some drive-thru food in you, then we’ll be heading there! Will take about half an hour once we leave the city limits. No beating around the bush! Just be yourself. After all, it’s why they want you! Once you’re feeling up to it, I got a few papers for you to sign. . .” He shuffled through the paperwork in the folder, getting it prepared with a pen held between his fingers.

“. . .am I going to be a sacrifice?”

The question made Max pause, almost as if he had not been expecting that from her; a slight look of surprise written across his features.

“If you’re talking in the ye ol’ tradition of being consumed to appease the gods, so as to let the city thrive, yadda yadda? No, you’re not.”

Alex felt as if a weight had left her shoulders, but froze up at what Max said next.

“Though in the sense of how you go about your life? That’s up to them from now on. The paperwork is mostly to note this is all you, and that you understand that.” He said, a somewhat serious tone to his voice. Alex didn’t respond, with Max deciding to share more information.

“It’s hard for me to give you a -direct- answer on that, save for it is what you make it. For some, it’ll be a dream come true. For others, they could view it in a rather negative light! Best I can advise you is to try to make the best of it.” Max said, speaking in a rather honest manner for once - a real smile sent her way.

“What do you two wish for?”

It was the deep voice again, as they had arrived at the drive-thru as he spoke through the glass panel’s opening. Max was quick to get his order, consisting of a milkshake, some fries, and chicken strips. Alex wasn’t sure, and simply requested a hamburger, fries, and a medium sized drink. The last garnering a curious look from Max. Suggesting she could go a size larger, but she refused. Leaving at that, they soon pulled up to the next window, received their food, and were on their way as the Knights driving the Limo offered the bags through the glass panel after opening it; with Max all too eager to accept it.

“That’s something you should get used to!” Leaning forward, he handed over her bag of food, sitting back against his seat after she accepted it. “You won’t need to worry about paying for anything while you’re a part of this. It’s not going to put you into debt or anything, it’s normal practice for anyone in your position to–”

“Position?” Alex questioned, slowly opening her bag as she noticed she was indeed starving. Having only made a quick meal the night before and had not eaten since.

“Yup! Friend of the goddesses! Life’s going to be veeery different for you from now on. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them and the staff located at the temple. I’ll be your go to man for most things, and middle man for when you have requests!” Max explained to her, taking a happy gulp from his milkshake.

“Like. . .requesting. . .uhhh. . .”

“Oh, anything within reason! Nice dress? No problem! Favorite video game that’s about to come out? First edition! Though I’d warn against abusing that right at first, until you get settled in. You’re going to need all the energy you can muster the first month while adjusting to everything. Can get you tickets to that favorite baseball team of yours too!” The Enforced declared, pausing to take a bite out of his chicken; making sure not to get any on his suit as he held it over the bag.

Alex found herself slowly starting to understand what was happening. The idea was not so scary. . .but then, another problem presented itself.

“. . .what do I do?”

Max had been ready to take another bite out of his chicken, pausing to look at her. . .replying with a grin.

“Just be you, like I said, and be a friend to two beautiful gals who long for your company.”

Something just seemed. . .off. It seemed too good to be true, and there was something else. She wasn’t quite sure what it was, but it didn’t quite set right with her. Not yet.

The two ate in silence as the car drove outside the city, traveling along the wide strip of road large enough for the massive super beings to walk down as if it was a red carpet; with Alex relenting at last and signing the paperwork. It held information about her medical history, where she worked, and some other pieces of paper that she wasn’t quite sure what it was, but signed off on anyways.

Once signed, she handed the papers back over to Max; who took them with a smile on his face. Tucked back into the folder they had been first seen in.

A few turns later, and the massive mountain landscape loomed before them. With some even larger than the gods themselves; which Alex knew held the temple and land of the gods beyond it.

However, at one point they turned off the main road onto a dirt path; heading through a small series of trees. . .and soon arriving at a tunnel leading into the rocky mountain wall ahead. In front of it was a decently sized guard post, with a few buildings scattered about, and a chain link fence blocking their way. On either side of the fenced off area were the symbols of the gods, one being the symbol of the sun while the other bore the markings of a tidal wave, making it clear this was under the Knight’s control.

They slowed to a halt when arriving, with the driver speaking to someone at the guard post while still inside the car, with Max explaining to Alex.

“Not sure how well versed you are in your goddess history, but this is how all the staff goes to and from the temple. Main road is for the gods only, along with another thing or two. We’ll be heading through the tunnel, and once parked, make the rest of the way on foot. I noticed you didn’t read everything, but you’re not allowed to speak about what you see within, unless the gods allow it. . .or me!” He said, with Alex nodding as she had a mouthful of hamburger at the moment. That part didn’t surprise her, once she thought about it. The place was somewhat shrouded in mystery, with secrets abound no doubt.

It. . .got her excited, forgetting for a moment what was to become of her, as she thought about what she might see.

The car started to move again, driving through once the gates were moved and before long they were driving through a long man-made tunnel. A series of lights were hooked up to help show where they were going. It’d be a thirty minute drive, with Max polishing off his food, while Alex finished hers as well.

“Umm. . .”

Max turned to look at her, waiting for her to speak after that.

“. . .will I be allowed to go home ever?”

Max stared at her for a time, as if figuring out what to tell her. A thoughtful look on his face.

“. . .speaking frankly? This will be your home from now on. We have people at your place gathering your belongings, and they’ll arrive here after a day or two. At the moment, focus on the here and now.” Another honest sounding answer, something she had almost figured he’d give her the run around. So far, he had been rather forward with her, but she had noticed him dance around a few topics, but she found herself too curious to bicker back at the time, wanting to see what came next.

The tunnel opens up to a massive underground parking lot. It looked. . .normal. Something that surprised her, having expected. . .well, anything else.

It must have shown on her face, as Max chuckled and commented on it.

“Don’t worry, we keep the aliens locked up on Cell-block C, and world ending machines in Section Zeta.”

Alex stared at him, unsure if he was joking or not.

Max merely smiled, as he moved to exit the car - refusing to expand any further as he took the bag containing his order with him.

Alex soon followed, as he closed the door behind her. The knights once again took a position both in front and behind Alex. It was then she noticed Max had a few inches on her, putting him just slightly over six feet tall, while she was five foot seven. The group traveled mostly in silence, with the only thing she heard was their footsteps echoing about the massive underground parking lot. They soon arrived in front of an elevator, with Max pressing the button on the side to call for it.

“Sooo. . .is this like a front?” Alex questioned them, with only Max replying to her yet again. The knights remained silent.

“Well, duh. How else do you get through something if not through the front? Wanna sneak in the back door? Secret waterfall entrance, with a mermaid to guide you~” A teasing tone detected, with Alex rolling her eyes at him. . .before responding in kind.

A soft ding announced the arrival of the lift, with the doors slowly opening as the group made their way inside.

Alex noted there were roughly a dozen buttons; but was let down when they were just labeled one through twelve. With the letter ‘B’ seen at the bottom, which seemed to be where they were judging by how it was currently lit up.

“What about dropping in while skydiving?” She joked, only to be surprised at what Max said next.

“That has happened from time to time! Crazed followers or rich teens using a private jet to parachute on down. One landed right inside Fortia’s top. . .was funny, honestly! They were aiming for her head, but she saw them and pulled open her top. Sophia had fun catching another in her mouth!” He said with a grin, a laugh followed shortly after - while Alex looked slightly unsure.

“. . .did. . .did they die?”

“Hmmm? Nah-nah, just gave them a scare so they wouldn’t do it again while doing a good ol’ Fe-Fi-fo-fum on ‘em! They got stuck cleaning Fortia’s boots for the next week before we let them go, after telling their family. Theeey didn’t think it was quite so funny. . .” He leaned forward towards Alex. “. . .I thought it was helluva hilarious; sprained ankles aside~”

Alex couldn’t help, but smile for the first time.

Another soft ‘ding’ noted they had arrived on the twelfth floor, opening to display a long hallway that had two sections of floor. One moving towards the lift, the other leading away towards the end of the hallway; each with its own moving railing to hold onto as well. Stepping forward, the four of them were soon moving via the escalator floor on the ground, as a series of different posters were seen on the side - as if they were arriving at some sort of amusement park.

Each poster seemed to be of the goddesses in different themes and poses. One showed Fortia sporting a two piece bikini - flexing an arm as she posed on the beach. . .with a number of tourists spread in front of her body as she laid on her side. Another showed Sophia, with a number of men and women spread across her body as she laid on her back; a large sheet of some sort covering her lower region and chest, as men and women alike seemed to be worshiping her body.

There were dozens and dozens of posters, each of them in different parts of the world or city at different time periods. Posing, being worshiped, and other such things.

“All it’s missing is Worker of the month, with a picture of them on all the months~” Max joked, causing both knights to turn and stare at him, with the young man merely shrugging. “What, you think they wouldn’t?” They didn’t respond, but turned around without a word spoken.

Before long, they arrived at the end where another lift was waiting for them. As they entered the lift, it was. . .different. The inside seemed to be made of some sort of marble. There were no buttons within. . .just an empty space with a simple railing lining the middle of the walls.

“Hope you enjoy the show,” was all Max said, as the doors closed. . .and the lift moved upward; with Alex noticing there was a see through front where the doors once were.

At first, all they could see was darkness outside; with nothing, but rocks in view.

Then, the view changed.

It was the inside of a massive sparkling cave. . .the scope of its size was hard for Alex to grasp, but it was what was inside the cave that shocked her.

A beautiful city landscape was before her, looking almost just like Everlight itself. There were cars driving about, people going to and from places, and street lamps that helped to light the way. Alex thought for a moment she was seeing things, before a slight nudge from Max gained her attention, noting how he nodded upward, causing her to look up as well.

The ‘ceiling’ of the cave was covered in a sea of darkness. . .with twinkling lights seen all about. It was as if it was a massive city forever cloaked in night.

“This is where myself and others live. Can’t live in the city, as you never know when the goddesses might want to snatch you up and spend some quality time with you! It houses military members, Enforcers, maintenance workers, and then some; along with some of their favorites. . .which you’re now one of them. We’ll get back to this later, but. . .sure is a sight, huh?”

Alex merely found herself nodding. This. . .this is where she was going to live? A beautiful city dotted with dazzling lights, under a massive mountain? It wasn’t quite hitting home for her, as the lift continued going up for several more minutes.

“There’s another city deeper within, but thaaat’s another thing for later.”

Then, the view vanished and they were once more greeted by the walls of the cave right outside the glass doors.

“Almost there. . .let’s make sure you’re looking sharp, as you’re about to meet them!” Max said, turning to look Alex over, reaching over to ‘dust off’ her shoulders and pulled out a comb; with Alex allowing it as she was shocked.

“. . .w–wait, I’m meeting them NOW?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Are they waiting at the top?”

“Yuuuup!”

“. . .will I be meeting them by myself?” She asked in an almost quiet and worried voice, as Max finished calmly combing her hair; ensuring she was as presentable as she could be. He rested a hand on each of her shoulders, smiling down at her.

“You’re going to do great. I’ll be with you for a bit, but then I have things to do. Just remember. . .they’ve summoned you because of who you are. Keep that in mind, always.” He said, in an almost brotherly manner - a few solid thumps against her shoulders, before turning to face the door.

The lift started to slow down. . .and then. . .

They arrived at the temple, in which Alex would find her life forever changed.