Eminence

Note 14 - The You That I Knew

An uncomfortable silence filled Emanon's room. As they sat awkwardly on the couch, Anika, Jack, Warren, and Dr. Galvan were witnesses for this visit. Emanon and Theo stood on opposite sides of the wall while they waited for the lawyer to enter. 

"So..." Theo spoke, looking at Emanon. 

"This is quite the reunion." 

"So it is..." Emanon replied, but she chose not to look back at him. 

"You look healthy." He told her. 

"Thanks..." 

"Are we at a divorce hearing?" Anika whispered to Jack and Warren. 

"Who do you think will get custody of us?" Jack whispered back. 

"You guys' aren't funny..." Warren whispered to them.

"No talking." Dr. Galvan said aloud as the lawyer walked in. 

"Good Morning, everyone." The lawyer spoke but was met with silence. 

"Alright then. My name is Taurai Abram. I will be the lawyer for this legal visit regarding the domestic offense between Emanon and Theo Ashford. Does Emanon not have a last name? I noticed we do not have any record of her." 

"She's an amnesiac. We don't know much, but perhaps this visit might clear some things." Dr. Galvan replied. 

"We'll proceed as is then, Emanon and Theo. Please step forward," Taurai said, gesturing in front of him.

Emanon and Theo step in front of the table Taurai sat at.  

"Now, you will do two things for me. You will consent to have your will overtaken by me so that I may get proper and truthful answers from both of you, and then you will prick your finger and bleed in this cup so that I may monitor your thoughts and emotional responses. If everyone complies and we can settle this issue today during this visit, it will not need to be escalated. If you understand, then proceed. Taurai informed them. 

"I, Theo Ashford, give full consent to have my will overtaken and my thoughts and emotions monitored by Taurai Abram..." Theo said, and he pricked his finger and dripped blood into the cup. 

"I, Emanon, give full consent to have my will overtaken and my thoughts and emotions monitored by Taurai Abram..." Emanon followed and pricked her finger and dripped blood into the cup. 

Taurai then diluted the blood slightly with a liquid from his flask and drank from the cup. 

"Speak..." Taurai commanded in a distorted voice.

Emanon then felt a chill followed by a heavy, overbearing presence wash over her. It felt like there were eyes and ears all around her. They were listening, watching, and she felt smothered. 

"Now, Theo, what is your relation to Emanon?" Taurai asked. 

"I have no relation to Emanon; it was Eminence that I knew..." Theo answered, sounding dazed.

"Who is Eminence?" Taurai asked. 

"Eminence was my fiance; Our engagement was called off thirty years ago." 

Jack suddenly stood up in shock. 

"What are you doing?" Ankia whispered. 

"You were Eminence's fiance? Does that mean you're the father of Vaan?" Jack asked. 

"Vaan?" Emanon asked. 

"Eminence and I did not have children..." Theo answered. 

"Do not interrupt my questioning!" Taurai yelled at Jack, and he sat back down.