Cyberspace; The Ultimus Collection

Chapter 10, Divine Authority and Intervention

Daniel slept comfortably in his bed. It was so much nicer than the one he had back home. So soft, so warm. Daniel felt as if he could sink right in and sleep forever in complete and total bliss. Everything was just so tranquil. He truly believed that nothing could ruin this moment. 

‎*CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG CLANG* ‎

Daniel's eyes shot open. He turned his head to see Derick standing on top of bed smacking pots and pans together.

"WAKEY WAKEY FUTURE GUARDIAN! TIME'S ARROW NEITHER STOPS NOR REVERSES, IT MEARLY MARCHES FORWARD! IT'S TIME TO GO!" 

"Jesus Christ man." Daniel sleepily said, rubbing his eyes. "What time is it?"

"Eight am."

"And you couldn't have let me sleep in a little more?" Daniel yawned.

"Guardian work is like a nine to five. You have to be consistent, timely, constantly on top of things! Also, we're running late to the ceremony."

"Wait what?! It hasn't even been a full day!"

"Despite her occasional scatterbrain, Alyson is quick and reliable when it comes to this kind of stuff. And besides, everything moves fast here. Jokes and current events that were relevant one day can be a distant memory the next. I mean, how do you think we have several centuries of history in only a couple of decades your time?" Daniel was ready to fire back with something clever, but he found himself at a complete lack of words. "Now come on and get yourself dressed and ready, we have to leave in half an hour." Derick hopped off the bed as Daniel scrambled to get up and out from under his covers. He ran into one of the many bathrooms to take a shower, while Derick sat in the kitchen making a cup of tea. Daniel scrubbed himself head to toe with the luxurious soaps, questioning the last time he's had a proper shower. The hot water washed away all of the filth and remnants of Daniel's past life. He shut off the water and opened the shower door. Steam filled the bathroom. Daniel then swaddled himself in the purest towel he's ever seen. Deodorant, body spray, toothpaste, all catalysts for Daniel's refreshing transformation. Daniel threw on some brand-new clothes he bought with Derick last night. Unfamiliar designs while retaining his familiar style. When he emerged from the bathroom, Daniel felt like a completely new person. Daniel walked down the stairs a met back up with Derick who was just finishing up his tea. 

"Alright, I think I'm set." Daniel nervously proclaimed. Derick smirked.

"Then let's get going. No need to keep the people waiting." Daniel and Derick rushed out the door and began to walk towards a new era of heroism. They exited the small neighborhood and started down the city streets. Passing by shops and buildings in the dawn sun, Daniel began to get nervous. 

"So, what am I going to have to do? Do I need to rehearse? Give a speech?" 

"We'll explain everything when we get there. Just try to relax and steady your nerves."

"Right, right ok." Daniel's shaky voice eased ever so slightly, but not enough to portray the same confidence he showed before. "Can I at least know where we are going?"

"We're heading to the heart of the Internet." Derick explained. "At the very center of downtown is a building that houses a grand majority of the universe's energy and power. People will refer to it as 'The Core' or 'The Spire'. It's the largest building here so it's hard to miss."

"Yeah, you've mentioned it before."

"In front of it is a statue of our goddess, that's where the ceremony will be held." 

"Goddess?" Daniel questioned.

"It's how we guardians get our powers. We've all been blessed by a higher power, given a sacred duty to protect this land and all the people within it. She guides us and protects us, so it's only fair we help out with the rest of her people, right?" Derick looked back at Daniel with the same familiar, friendly smile. Daniel smiled back and the two rounded the corner into their destination. It was an open park plaza, a large patch of grass that was laid out in front of The Core and the goddess statue. The statue was a made of a beautiful white marble. It depicted a graceful and stunning woman reaching out her hand as an offer of protection and salvation. At a first glance, the goddess looked like Alyson. She stood tall and proud on top of a pedestal, and while her eyes were covered, she had a warm soft smile, one that radiated comfort. Towards the top of the pedestal, at the base of her feet, was a plaque. On it was writing of a foreign language. While Daniel was admiring the sheer beauty of the statue, Alyson appeared from behind it.