Burying the Hatchet (COMPLETED)

Distant Past

“Let us all welcome our honorary guest, his excellency President Adam Clay.”

After the introduction a man in his early thirties entered the room. Stunning and regal in his midnight three-piece suit and umber leather shoes. Pulled back icy blue hair. Stern looking steel eyes. Frigid enough that each stare can freeze you in place. Just a subtle stubble putting a respectable man on display. Warning that he can be close to anyone he chooses and maintains a safe distance for treachery.

Screaming authority in every glance and well rehearsed smiles. In the midst of his age, women in every generation still gets swooned by his irresistible charisma. It’s like he was born to be leader, a grave secret he guards with his life.

Not even one a click of camera can be heard from the scene. All are connected to EDEN, utilizing its ‘gifts’ or Adam would like to call it himself. From pictures to video all done at the user’s mental command. Each dependent to Gabriel an AI which Adam playfully calls a guardian angel he bestowed upon his people for their safety. Even though he fancies technology and progress, he’s a bit of a sentimental person no matter how hard he denies it. Still subconsciously clinging to ancient history. The truth reveals itself.

Behind that carved image of perfection is a rich contrasting personality. A wolf in sheep’s clothing. Many wouldn’t have known his not so humble beginnings. He has quite the bad reputation in his past, that would surely tarnish and compromise his present throne if brought into the light. He made sure to cut ties with anything and anyone that might become a hindrance to his reign.

***

Twenty years ago…

February 14, 4000

Rozen City Square

“That’s too heavy for you, let me help.”

“Thanks but no thanks, I’m stronger than I look.”

The young woman continues walking, her long and silky cerulean hair bounces over her shoulder in each step. The young man somehow got caught up in a daze. He had never seen eyes as beautiful as hers. Resembling the calming ocean and its fearsome rage at the same time.

She stops on her tracks when the same guy spreads his arms in front of her. He grins assuming he already won, so the young woman moves to the other side though he persistently follows. Annoyed the young woman purposely drops the grocery bag she’s been carrying. Caught in a panic the guy knelt to catch it when the wind suddenly blew. Her minty lace dress drifted with it.

Right on time after catching the bag a slap landed on his face. “I was just trying to help,” he protests still catching up with her again and grabs her hand.

“Pervert!” When she turns to slap him again, she twists her ankle losing her balance and her lips landed straight to his.

Though embarrassed she immediately pushed herself up and reach for the nearest, ripest and biggest tomato. Eyes glistening with a sinister idea. While the guy was waving his hands signaling her not to do it. But he was too late she already mushed the tomato on his face and angrily skipped away from him. Leaving him with his mouth wide open.

He muses while wiping off tomato peels from his face. “I’ll even the scores next time,” then licks his hand clean afterwards, “sweet!”

***

“Eve I brought a plus one for your birthday.”

At the sight of her sister she jumps at her with excitement, “Who is it Venn?”

“Your suitor and future boyfriend.” Her sister’s wide smile means this is just another date she set up for her.

Saying that she misses out by not having even a fling, unlike her sister she’s an introvert. Then eventually drags someone to the scene.

“You?” Both said in unison, surprised.

Feeling the tension Venn grabbed her sister’s hand and overlapped it with the guy she brought. “Evelyn Sage meet Adam Clay. Isn’t this destiny? Adam and Eve.” She then goofs around entertaining guests leaving both in an awkward situation.

Eve takes her hand back first while Adam half-heartedly put it in his pocket, still remembering the fiasco that happened just a few hours ago.

Brows arched, Eve circled him as if scanning his entirety. “How much did my sister pay you do date me?” Then flips her cerulean hair backwards, arms-crossed; definitely not amused by the turn of events.

“200 roseates but I gave it back when I saw it was you from a distance.’ He then flashes her that arguably adorable, boy-next-door smile.

She hates to admit it but his reckless behavior is growing on her. “I’ll pay you double for being honest but this is the last time I’m seeing you.”

“Deal, “ he offers. The takes out his hand asking her for a dance.

Though that deal was invalidated just after a year later.

***

February 14, 4001

“Yes.”

“What? I didn’t ask you anything?” Adam’s confused what’s the yes for?

“You we’re asking me that for over a year and now you suddenly forget?” Eve faking her irritation by snorting.

“You mean, yes as my girlfriend?”

“No, you’re boyfriend,” she giggles.

“Your sarcasm is by far your most striking quality. I don’t even know what got into me. But I was caught under your spell and I voluntarily shut the exit. I love you Evelyn Sage.”

“Whatever you say human, ” she then pulls him close and gives him a kiss, “I love you too.”

“Well look at you two. A year ago you were ready to slit each others’ throats if left to your own devices. Now your…never mind. Meet Luke my new baby.”

Venn looks stunning as always. A lady boss in her own right with a bob cut. Though she had dyed her hair scarlet this time. Her long and silky cerulean hair is nowhere in sight. She has eccentric tastes in wardrobe too. Unlike Eve she’s adventurous and outgoing. Gears up base on her mood while Eve is okay with simpler clothes as long as it’s comfortable. Though both are contrasting beauties they are evenly loved by their parents and people around them. They could even pass up as twins even if they were born four years apart.

“Sorry about that guys, she just means she’s happy for the both of you.”

Luke gently interrupts and explains at the same time. Sporting a bowl cut hair in brown and glasses. Plain white tees, denims and sneakers. Though you can’t deny the fact that he’s blessed with good looks too. Just get covered up by his reserved persona.

“Venn I’m happy you have found yourself such a nice guy in Luke.”

“So you mean I’m not nice?” She purses her lips acting like the youngest though it’s the opposite.

Eve flicked her forehead, “I didn’t say that. Though technically you aren’t, “ rubbing it in teasing her even more.

“Adam please bare with my sister. She’s sweet though it takes some time to let her spill her guts out. With practice and you not getting in any accident soon, you two will be fine.” Then casually leaning against Luke’s shoulder. Even such a random act made him a blush. Still not used to having someone as a girlfriend.

“Venn!” At the mention of her name it’s a cue to begin playing tag and start running from her sister.

***

March 16, 4002 | 11:00pm

Rozen City | Unknown Government Underground Facility

“You’ve done such a wonderful job Agent Clay. By the time she gives birth to your child, she will become an endless source of the antidote. There will be no need for your wife.”

Evelyn’s eyes widen in horror while lying in labor for their child “Adam don’t do this! Please have pity on our child.” She grabbed her husband’s arm relentlessly pleading to save them.

He mercilessly shoved her hand away with a stale expression on his face, “I already did Eve. All of it was a lie, no hard feelings.You’re just another pawn I used to get what I want.” Then started walking away.

“I don’t believe you!” She’s trying to get loose while the nurses and doctor do their best to hold her down.

He looks over his shoulder with his hands on both pockets, “Then don’t.” After that, he totally disappears into the shadows ignoring every scream and pleading his wife did.

***

Adam Clay is down rotten ambitious and sly. Destroying anything and anyone who gets in his way. With insatiable thirst for power and wealth. Not even his own wife and child is worth the weight, for him to abandon darkness and change for the better.

“I would like to end this speech with thoughts for your to ponder. Both to my supporters and mockers. Being on top is such a lonely place to be in.Those below yearns for the throne with jealousy but what they don’t know is, it takes all of you to keep going. It’s a point of no return.” He wears that signature smile, looking down on everyone.

Right after the speech the room became was a riot. Reporters throwing question after question. Though much obliged he answer each one of them. Loving the moments he could stay in front of an audiance. Leeching attention to fill an empty void inside him. He only wanted to be needed. Mistaking power for success though he knows it. Like he said, ‘it’s a point of no return’.