Strangely Familiar - The Flaw in Time

Chapter 20 - Part II

"Mistakes are the portals of discovery." - James Joyce

***

"Any ideas?"

"I say we close the door and turn our backs." Naina heard Mr. Kazmi's strained voice.

Tia stepped a foot forward only to be yanked back forcefully by the ex-undercover agent.

"Grave mistake."

"Why?"

"This world will disappear for you the moment you step inside the Median," Naina explained, pointing at the edge. The skyline visible in front of her was gravitating in different shades of red, glaring at them for trespassing on their most treasured land.

"What about you?" Tia asked, curiously.

Naina did not understand Tia's role in his play. Why would Shaurya seek her out was beyond her. Perhaps, she could help him become more compassionate? She snorted inwardly. That would be a sight to see.

"I've been here before."

As if remembering something important, Naina whipped her head in the direction of the older man, "How do you know about it?"

"I've read about it. The Median, but before today, it was only believed to have existed in fantasy tales. They say no man alive can witness it."

"They speak the truth." Another voice loomed in. "Hard to believe mortals have some sense of imagination."

The vision was dimmed by a foggy layer penetrating in parallel lines in front of the group.

"Brace yourself." Naina could only mutter in a low whisper before the vision came to light but he heard her, revealing a lop-sided grin.

"Why, Akira, do I look that hideous?" Shaurya stood there, towering over their scared and stiffened forms.

Samraat, who stood next to Mr. Kazmi, visibly stiffened. The man he often saw in the portrait was right in front of him, in the flesh, with his arms crossed. Power and confidence radiated from him. Even as a mortal, Samraat could sense the intensity surrounding the Immortal. It was like one wrong move, and the person would end up dead. His looks were enough to seduce the world into war. His powers only fuelled it. Aruha once mentioned him as the leader - the commander-in-chief. She was not wrong in that accord. He shivered slightly, as cold waves attempted to pierce their way in, perforating through his loosely worn shirt. He brought his arms together to hug himself.

But more than anything, it was his dark presence that rang alarms within his head. Samraat knew the man in front of him was no hero. However, how much of a villain he could be was another question entirely. One that he does not intend on finding out.

Tia felt a volcanic eruption inside her. True to herself, somewhere in the deepest, darkest part within, she wanted to meet him, especially after coming face to face with the reality of the Mansion. She always felt an affinity towards the greyer characters since childhood.

His slender fingers and a wicked grin looked teasingly in Naina's direction for some odd reason. She wondered if anyone else, mostly, Samraat noticed such an exchange between the pair of them. Tia does not know what form of chemistry has been circulating between them, but clearly, a lot has happened, and Naina hid a great detail from all of them. She couldn't entirely blame her, she supposed. His attractiveness could break all records. It was inhuman like a page from a person's most wicked desire came to life, but then again he was never a human.

However, she needed to remind herself, this was not fiction. The man was very much real and extremely capable of causing destruction. Her deductive mind started making quick calculations. It was either he was free to roam in their world, or they have been taken captive in his. Whatever it was, Tia only hoped they make it out alive.