"I appreciate you taking the time to train me," Sean expressed gratitude to the gracious angel. "You were the most rational of all the angels I encountered today. Macedon was insane, and Emery tried to persuade me of everything. All of the questions she had on the test made me feel like I'd be thrown into The Void."
"Those two are over a century old. I suppose we're all eccentric in some way." He giggled. "However, you're welcome to come here and keep practicing." Elijah smiled as he moved his hand to the spot where Sean had fallen. "All you have to do now is figure out what to do."
Sean thought back to the terrifying fall, a lightbulb triggered in his brain. "I think I know what you mean."
"You must understand who you are and what this place is all about. When it comes to living here, the most challenging part is adjusting. Maintain your concentration. Thinking about Tabatha will help you focus. As long as you keep her in your mind, your mana will grow stronger."
"I appreciate it," he said. Sean bowed a broad smile on his face. Sean turned around and returned to the corridor where he almost died. He told me I needed to find a way up. Sean looked up the dark stairwell with small lights flickering on each wall. It appears to be a section for an elevator. He sat there for a moment, expecting something magical to appear, but nothing did. What should I do?
"Climbing is the only way to get to the top." Sean was looking at the wall with a big grin on his face. Yes, I believe I am capable of completing this task. He stretched back, recalling Macedon's advice about honing his body. Let's get started!
Sean went back out and ran full speed up to the wall of darkness, putting his foot against the wall and then stepping out and jumping across the walls. I believe I see the door. Sean could feel his legs weakening. He pushed off the wall, concentrating on Tabatha with each step; his feet felt like they were planted firmly yet as heavy as cement. His breath was heavy as his only hope was the flickering sign above him. I'm almost done. He pushed his right leg back to the left wall leaping toward the door handle. Sean opens the door returning to the shopping mall.
He slid back into the commercial alley, his breath shortened. He straightened up, calmed himself, and closed the door. "I'm done today. I need a drink a real one!" He brushed off his suit of the dirt from the walls.
Several people walked by Sean, and they giggled at him. Many of them knew what he had experienced.
"It's all right," a man's voice said, "it happens to all of us." The young man put his hand out to Sean and gave him a smile.
I guess I'm not the first, and I won't be the last, and I can't be too embarrassed. Sean let go of the man's hand, watching him disappear into the crowd.
Sean took a peek around and saw that it was nighttime outside. He began walking around the mall, rubbing his shoulder to ease the pain. He noticed fewer people at this hour since it was evening.
I'm curious as to what Melody is doing. Before exiting, he took a step around the corner and stared at the silver and marble floor. Is there a way for Samantha to come and pick me up? He stood there for a moment hoping his thoughts would summon his steadfast angel, and to his dismay, no one came.
I suppose I'll walk home. Sean raised his eyes to the heavens. The pink and purple clouds painted the sky. Taking a step back he continued onward, his attention fixed on Tabatha. I adore you, sweetheart. He dashed forward and sprang into the air. He then stretched his arms after drawing them in. His feet collided with the ground. Looking back he surmised it was around a thirty-foot gap.
Several minutes later…
As he approached a directory, he examined the map and found the housing district. He lowered his eyes to the little speaker at the base of the statue. I'm wondering whether this is some form of help button. He pushed it, and the machine responded with a voice.
"How can I help you?" the cheerful voice responded.
"Yeah, I was wondering if there is anyone who can take me back home? I'm new here, and I'm unsure how to get back. I'm sorry for bothering you," Sean said.
"Someone will be there soon to pick you up. Please take a seat on the bench next to you," the voice said sharply, hanging up.
"Thank you," Sean murmured as he sat down. He leaned back in his chair and gazed up at the stars above him. Life? What exactly is it? He pinched himself to ensure that he could still feel pain. This realm seems like a second Earth. Who would want to leave here? Is paradise all that it is cracked up to be?
"Hello," a voice cheerfully said.
Sean sprang into the air, terrified at what appeared out of nowhere, and spoke to him. "Wow, you're a unicorn!"
"Yea, I am, and I am your taxi. First time taxi fares are on us, and you get our premium taxi." With a grin, the unicorn lowered its head toward Sean.
"I don't know what to say." Sean was exhausted from his day of training.
"I like you," the unicorn said. "Now hop on."
Sean nodded and hopped on top of the white-horned beast.
"Hang on," the creature said. As it took to the air, its wings flapping furiously, rocketing up at lightning speed.
Sean was holding on to the unicorn's mane for dear life as it corkscrewed into the air and dove into a dense forest of trees. It turned left, right, up, and then a complete 360 into the air, flying straight ahead over a sparkling sea.
Why couldn't they have provided me with a helmet?Where are the insects? Sean was not pleased with the way his eyeballs were being blown out of their sockets, and he was fearful that his face might blow off as well.
The unicorn came to a halt. "This is what we refer to as the Enchanted Sea. It is a place where people come to reflect. They plunge into the sea to receive divine purpose, while others seek refuge in the water."
"How do they manage to survive? How did they escape drowning?" Sean asked as the unicorn flew low to the ground, and Sean was able to look directly through the water.
"Those people have accepted their true spiritual self. They are one with the mana in their soul. They can master their breathing and hold their breath for extended periods by slowing their blood flow."
Sean glanced up and observed the high-rise condominiums hidden amid trees and other distinct structures for the first time.
"Well, you said that entry-level housing, here we are. We travel all across our society. Bear in mind that this VIP trip will cost around 500 gold coins in the future."
Sean patted the unicorn on the head. "Oh, I'm sorry," Sean said, jumping off.
"It's okay! Back on Earth, you guys have horses, and you pet them a lot when they do well, so it doesn't offend me. If you want to thank me for the ride the next time, I don't need a pat on the head." The unicorn took off into the sky.