Page 152 of Cerulean Truth
James appeared ecstatic ever since Julian was rumored to arrive. I had barely seen him with a smile on his face, and now he was ecstatic? My heart sank, and I harbored genuine feelings of dislike for this Elderly person. Frankly, I couldn't care less about him; all I yearned for was his swift departure so James and I could finally go on our more than long-awaited date.
A week after "the announcement"of the impending event, I found myself preparing for the grand arrival of Mr. Julian, who seemed to lack a last name.
I had meticulously planned every detail: accompanying James to the Forum on Monday, standing by his side when meeting The Elder, presenting myself as picture-perfect to show James that despite my limited knowledge compared to others, Icould still be an ideal partner. He would have been proud to have me beside him.
However, the harsh reality shattered my fantasy rather quickly. Come Sunday, I hadn't heard or seen James since the announcement, turning it into the longest week of my life. All attempts to nex him proved futile. Granted, he had warned me about his limited availability in the coming weeks, but still, being completely ignored left me feeling a little hurt.
On Monday, I left my dorm twenty minutes before the scheduled arrival, thinking the Forum was only a ten-minute walk from the Universitas, which would’ve made me early by ten minutes. However, as I approached the Forum, I realized my serious mistake. The entire Collective was eager to witness this historic moment and had already gathered there. The Elder was announced to arrive at the center, and everyone surrounded it in concentric circles, vying for a first glimpse of the oldest magus alive.
The crowd was massive, and I couldn't see anything. I cursed myself for leaving so late and tried to find a spot with minimal obstruction. Sighing, I knew any attempt to get closer to the center would be futile, so I made the best of the situation. I noticed some stairs leading to the Town Hall at the back, too far for most people to settle, but they ascended high enough for me to observe from a distance. Climbing as high as I could, I looked out over the Forum.
I spotted James up front with the Maumars and what I assumed was the rest of the Council. A quick sense of pride washed over me at seeing him in his prominent position, realizing he truly was one of the most significant figures in our society. I attempted to wave, but I was too small, and the sea of people before me made it impossible to get his attention.
The entire audience fell silent at the same time. Slowly, an otherworldly color materialized at the center near James and theMaumars—a portal not green, red, or any other familiar color, but a distinct hue created by what could only be considered a very special magus.
Everyone erupted in excitement as a large figure finally emerged, warmly greeted by all. Despite my lingering resentment toward the guy who stood between me and my date with James, I recognized the importance of his presence. The entire Collective had emphasized his role in the negotiations between Cyclos and the Resistants on the Great Exposure, which was a cause I fully supported. I desperately needed the Great Exposure to happen so I could return home as soon as possible. If the Elder was somehow crucial to achieving this, I realized I would have to support him in any way.
The mass of people practically swarmed him immediately, and I had yet to catch a glimpse of the guy. Climbing to even higher ground, attempting to see over the many magi eagerly awaiting to meet their "savior," I still couldn't get a clear view of him through the people standing before me.
I observed some exchange happening between James and the Maumars, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. I anticipated them addressing everyone from a central point, but that didn't happen. In fact, from what I could discern, The Elder unexpectedly left their side, swiftly making his way through the spectators.
Struggling to follow him amidst the sea of magi, I only caught a few glimpses of his dark hair. It seemed like he was navigating through the mob, searching for someone. "Good luck finding anyone in this crowd," I mumbled softly, then turned my gaze back to James, who appeared rather confused.
Julian was getting closer to where I was standing, warmly greeting everyone on his path. Despite his proximity, I still couldn't get a good look at his face. Climbing the stairs just alittle higher, I hoped to gain a better vantage point. He was standing much closer now but still faced away from me.
"Turn around," I thought, feeling a slight excitement building. Then, almost as if on cue, he pivoted toward me, and I got my first good look at his face.
My heart stopped.
My breathing halted.
I couldn't trust my eyes; there had to be some other explanation. It was impossible. When his gaze finally met mine, he smiled contently and took confident steps toward me. I felt the collective stare of the entire assembly on me. I could sense James's bewildered look burning into me, but I couldn't tear my eyes away from the Elder's face. Older than I remembered but unmistakably the same.
He then stood before me, and all the whispers around me fell silent.
With everyone watching us, the Elder's eyes fixed on me—while I was simply staring back at him, too stunned to speak—he spoke to me in a warm, clear voice, "Well, Emma, it surely has been a long time. Won't you hug me then?" He grinned and opened his arms to me.
In that moment, I ceased to notice the thousands of people around me. I was oblivious to James's fury, and I paid no more attention to the spectacle unfolding. All that mattered was the slightly aged face of my childhood friend, my best friend growing up—Martin. Without another thought, I jumped into his arms, hugging him tightly and relishing the comfort of finally having found some familiar ground in my very strange reality.
Everyone started whispering around us, every gaze was hooked to the sight of me, holding on to this man like a lifejacket after a plane crash on water. Martin softly entangled himself from my arms and I swallowed back every emotion fighting to emerge from that big black case I had put them in.
“You want to get out of here?” he murmured softly.
I nodded, ignoring the stares I felt prickling in my neck, telling me someone was watching us with murderous intent.
Martin opened a green portal, took my hand and without so much as a glance backwards, I followed him through it.
As we landed somewhere secludednear Oasis, I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. How in the name of Cyclos was this possible? His features had obviously matured but it was undeniably my Martin. No longer the ten-year-old boy I once knew, but before me stood an impressive and stunning African American man, taller and more striking than ever.
I begrudgingly had to admit, much to my chagrin—and in agreement with Justine—he was rather handsome, with kind brown eyes and a surprisingly robust physique for a… magus?
"So, tell me, Emma, how have you been?" he asked, a playful smile gracing his lips as he clearly reveled in the shock etched across my face.
"You're a magus," I whispered, the revelation still sinking in.
He chuckled sheepishly. "I hope you don't hold it against me."
A torrent of questions flooded my mind, making it hard to focus. "Did you know about me when we were little?" I blurted out.
