The Commencing

Chapter Six

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Chapter Six.

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Jump City was a cacophony of sounds and movement as the early morning rush took hold, its streets packed with honking horns and hurried pedestrians. Richard navigated the crowd with practiced ease, seamlessly weaving through the bustling crowd. But as he looked back at his friends, it was clear they weren't acclimated to the chaotic symphony of traffic and bustling city life.

Raven was more accustomed to the downtrodden area of the city, and despite being in Jump City only a week ago, she found it was a lot quieter in the middle of the night. Now, the daytime hustle engulfed her in a whirlwind of overpowering emotions and invasive feelings that left her feeling overwhelmed.

Garfield wasn't doing too well either. He was a stranger to such urban settings and found the sensory overload too much to bear. Despite appreciating the anonymity the city's commotion offered, the combination of loud sounds and pungent smells was overwhelming.

Conversely, the same chaos that overwhelmed the others happened to entice Kori. The city intrigued her, like an alluring mystery she was drawn to explore. However, the intimidating nature of the cityscape left her in conflict, torn between her curiosity and the impulse to retreat.

"So, Richard. Where exactly is this safe house?" Raven inquired, her patience wearing thin as they strolled down the sidewalk.

"It's just around the block." Richard assured them.

Reaching the end of the block, they turned the corner and stopped, taken aback by the sight that met their eyes. A towering building, sleek and modern, rose above the coastal landscape. The tower, not amid the bustling heart of the city but overlooking the waters, was a beacon of design and functionality. Its glass facades captured the shifting hues of the ocean, reflecting the brilliance of the sun and the play of the waves below.

Not expecting such a luxurious place to be their new residence, the group stood in awe of the tower's grandeur. The architecture was imposing and modern, exuding elegance that mesmerized them. While they marveled at the towering structure, Richard saw the tower as a beacon of respite after their long and chaotic journey.

Approaching the entrance, Richard placed his face in front of the retinal scanner. A red light scanned his eyes, and the passcode chimed, unlocking the doors. Turning back to his friends, he watched them, still taking in the magnificence of the tower. "Are you guys coming?" He asked, gently breaking them out of their trance.

Walking inside, Richard led them up to the main floor. He opened the doors to the living room, allowing the others to take in the luxurious establishment. The spotless interior bespoke luxury, furnished with posh amenities that seemed incompatible with the notion that this place had been abandoned for years. The sight was a stark contrast to their expectations, making it hard to believe the place had been vacant for so long. The sleek, modern design created an ambiance of comfort and sophistication that was unexpected and delightful.

"Wow, this is incredible!" Garfield exclaimed in amazement, his eyes dancing around the lavish interior.

"The bedrooms are on the next floor. You should go pick yours out." Richard suggested, turning back to the group.

Eagerly, Kori and Garfield exchanged excited glances before dashing off to the elevator to claim their sleeping quarters. However, Raven hesitated, lingering behind. There was a storm brewing in her mind, something she needed to confront before moving forward.

Slowly making her way to a large window, Raven took in the view that overlooked the entire city. The sight was indeed beautiful, and a small smile crept onto her face. But the view wasn't the only thing she could see in the window as she caught her reflection once again staring back at her. Her smile vanished, replaced by a deep sigh as she glanced back at Richard. "Richard, what are we doing here?"