Lust of the Light

University

    Alora stood with her parents at the golden gates as Michael prepared for her exit.  "I would like to show you something before you go, follow me."  She looked at her parents and followed Michael into the Great Hall.  A single white rose sat in the middle of a table under a glass container.  "This rose signifies your purity, the good in you.  If you begin to turn dark, the petals will begin to turn black.  If it is becoming too late for you and the darkness is winning over the light, the petals will drip with red.  There will be no turning back once they are red, we cannot save you at that point."  Helena stepped in, "You need not worry Michael, you know Alora has more light than any of us here."  

    Michael nodded, "That may be true, but it does not take much to dim a light and once it is out there is not bringing it back.  Just as the sun goes down each night, our light can also turn into the darkest of nights."  Alora shivered thinking of what would happen if she were to become such a person and everyone she ever knew would turn their back on her.  "Alora, the world is a dark place.  There are many temptations and things that will appeal to you.  When you are in the City of Angels, you are free from temptations, but once you step onto the earth we cannot help you.  You will be on your own and you will not have the strong will we have here.  Also, if the rose turns completely dark, we cannot allow you back into the City.  We cannot allow darkness in this holy place, it simply is not done.  Do you understand?"

    Alora nodded, "I will resist the temptations Holy One.  I refuse to give up who I truly am."  "You will be placed in a place called University there.  There is much darkness, but we are placing you with friends we believe will be good for you.  University is where young adults on Earth go to enhance their knowledge in certain areas.  This is where we believe the Dark One will be.  We do not know who he is or what he looks like.  The Dark Lord, Damion has kept him hidden until he came of age, we do not even have a name to give you so that is up to you to determine."

    Alora understood even though she felt nervous.  She had never been around anyone with darkness in them and truly didn't know what to expect.  She had never even seen humans up close or been around anyone who was not a Child of the Light.  She knew her people were counting on her to stop the Tribulation and she would do just that.  Her parents had prepared her for this moment and it was her destiny.

    She turned to her parents, "I will make your proud, I will not let my people down."  "We know Alora, we know who you really are and believe you will save the human race."  They embraced her and her father kissed her head.  He thought about her a little girl and how she was so innocent and sweet and now he was sending her out to be tested.  This was the ultimate for a parent to test if they had successfully raised their child in the way they should go.

    She turned towards the gate and held onto her mother's hand.  "Wait! Alora!" She turned to see Apollo running towards her and he engulfed her into his arms.  "I am so sorry beautiful I was in a meeting and I almost missed seeing you off!"  She smiled taking in his beautiful face once more.  "It is alright my dear all that matters is you made it."  He glanced at her parents who turned away and pretended to discuss something.  He looked back at her smiling and cupped her face in his hands.  He kissed her deeply and she felt tingles all through her body.  She smiled against his lips before he pulled away.  "I love you Alora, when you return I swear to you I will make you my wife."  Her heart fluttered, it was custom when a girl turned 18 to get married and begin life with her soulmate.  All females were married by age 20 at the latest.  "And I love you Apollo, I would be honored to be your wife."  He kissed her again, "Stay strong my love.  I have seen the evil and the dangers down there, it is not a pleasant place to be." "I am always careful."  

    She walked towards the gate looking back one last time at those she loved.  She waved and smiled as her mother begin to have tears in her eyes.  She turned and walked out of the gate and closed her eyes.  She opened them to see a large sign that read New York City, NY.  After all the years of watching from afar she was finally here among the humans.  A yellow cab pulled up and the driver rolled down his window, "Are you Alora?  I'm driving you to NYCU?"  She smiled, "Yes that's me."  She climbed in and watched out the window as all the sights flew by. 

     There were so many people dressed in all different ways.  She was fascinated by everyone and all the lights.  They pulled into a long drive and she saw many people unloading cabs with suitcases.  The driver pulled up to a building and stopped.  He got out and got her bags from the trunk.  "This is it, the Grovemont Dorm where your father said to drop you off."  "This is perfect thank you."  She handed him the money her parents had given her and he nodded before leaving.  She pulled out the paper from her bag to look for her room.

    She noticed many different people looking at her as she walked by.  She had on a light pink maxi dress that flowed as she walked.  Her silver flats clicked on the floor as she walked into the building.  A young man greeted her, "You must be new here, can I help you find your room?"  She smiled, "That would be lovely thank you."  She handed him the paper and he nodded, "Victor, this lady is going to room 2005, could you take her up?"  A young man nodded nearby, he had spiky dark hair and a polo shirt on indicating he worked for the school welcoming committee.  She followed him to the elevator as he grabbed her bags.

    The second the door closed he spoke, "You are probably the hottest girl I have seen here."  She looked confused, "I don't feel hot?  It is actually quite cold here!"  He laughed and came close to her, "So innocent and sweet, I bet no one has ever told you that before."  He wrapped his arms around her waist and squeezed her backside.  She instantly pushed him away, "Excuse me sir, but I do not appreciate being touched in such a way.  You stand back or I will report you to a higher authority."  "God, you freshman are so boring."  The elevator opened and he threw her bags into the hall, "Enjoy your stay, you are in for a rude awakening."  

    She scoffed and walked down the hall to her room.  She opened the door to see two girls standing laughing.  One had blonde hair a little darker than hers and the other had shoulder length brown hair.  They both smiled and the blonde one stepped forward, "You must be my new roommate, I'm Alice."  She shook her hand and introduced herself.  "This is my best friend, Claire, she lives in another dorm."  The two girls looked nice enough and she felt at ease with them.  This college thing could be fun, she thought, having no idea what she was in for.