Genesis Reality III

Chapter I - Neurogenesis

"Axel...?" A gentle voice called out from the darkness.

"Mom...? No... Annabelle?" Axel called back, trying to open his eyes, "Where am I?"

"Please you have to wake up... You're going to be late."

Axel immediately opened his eyes and shot up from his bed, headbutting Annabelle.

Annabelle let out a soft shriek and rubbed her forehead.

"I'm so sorry... I was-" Axel apologized.

"In that dark place again? I know..." Annabelle comforted Axel, rubbing his left shoulder and smiling at him, "It's going to be alright. I know I can't do much to help you... I'm so sorry."

"I love you," Axel kissed Annabelle, caressing her face and moving her hair out of the way.

"I love you too... Don't be late babe," Annabelle helped Axel stand up and guided him to the bathroom.

Axel began shaving the stubble on his chin while analyzing his entire face. He let out a deep sigh and leaned over the counter, "This isn't getting much easier... every day I feel more and more unalive and distant..."

He stripped off his clothes and turned the shower on. Before stepping in he took one last look at himself in the reflection of the shower door and inhaled deeply. 

Annabelle rushed downstairs and greeted all of the guards and butlers as they completed their morning tasks.

"Your highness, do you have a moment?" A familiar voice called out.

Annabelle turned her entire body in excitement and saw Ashton standing by the stairs in a slick black suit.

"Oh, my Gods Ashton!" Annabelle ran in for a hug as the two greeted each other.

"Where is Axel?" Ashton asked, revealing he had a small gift for him.

"He's just getting ready... I'm sure when he reaches the stylists he'll be available. I can take your gift to the Hall if you'd like?" 

"I think I'd prefer to give this to him personally," Ashton explained, grinning as the two carefully looked at each other.

Annabelle sighed and chuckled, "You never know when to stop, do you?" 

Within the brief moments of composure, Axel made his way downstairs to the grand foyer and was immediately greeted by Ashton.

"Ashton my Gods, I didn't think you'd actually come by!" Axel said in excitement.

"Rin and I picked this out for you... I'm sure you're going to love it," Ashton handed him the small box with an orange ribbon tied around it.

Axel pulled the ribbon off and delicately pulled the top off. Out displayed a silver bracelet with an exquisite carving of a male lion encrusted with compact diamonds.

"This is... Amazing! Why bring this to me now?" Axel asked, trying to put the bracelet on.

Ashton quickly aided Axel by holding the chain for him, "We wanted you to wear it today at the Hall. And as your brother-in-law... I just felt it was important to personally deliver this to you."

Axel hugged Ashton and patted him on the back, "Make sure to tell Rin thank you for me."

Ashton nodded and Axel was already off.

Meanwhile at the Valenferna Mansion...

"Dad can you help me tie my tie!" Ezra asked.

Vincent sighed as he leaned against the kitchen counter as Mai tied his tie.