Search of Tempest

Chapter 1 ''Arrival''

The heavy rain fell steadily on the tarmac of Astral City Airport, its rhythmic pattern providing a somber soundtrack to the quiet night. The city was drenched in a curtain of gray, with distant lights flickering hazily through the downpour. As the airplane's wheels touched down with a soft screech, the passengers inside felt the familiar jolt of landing.

A boy with striking white hair stepped off the plane, his expression calm yet alert, contrasting with the restless energy of the airport. Beside him was a girl with long black hair and vivid green eyes, her gaze darting around with wide-eyed curiosity. Trailing behind them was a man in a sharp, tailored suit, their butler, whose stern demeanor and precise movements spoke of a life dedicated to service.

The trio moved through the terminal, their presence attracting the subtle stares of onlookers. There was something undeniably noble about them, an aura that set them apart from the casual travelers rushing to their destinations.

As they exited the airport, the boy took a deep breath, the cold, rain-scented air filling his lungs. In the parking area, a sleek black car waited under the dim glow of a streetlamp, the rain beading and rolling off its polished surface. The driver, a seasoned man with a stoic face, immediately stepped forward and opened the door, bowing slightly.

As Alex settled into the seat, his mind drifted to Cedric, who sat across from him, his gaze as intense as always. Cedric wasn't just any butler; he was sharp, perceptive, and unwaveringly loyal—a man who could size up any situation in seconds. It was in his nature to scrutinize everything, a habit Alex had seen time and again. Cedric's stoic expression, with eyes that seemed to drill into people, had become something of a fixture in Alex's life.

And right now, those sharp eyes were fixed on their driver. "You know where to take us, correct?" Cedric asked, his voice calm but commanding.

The driver nodded, perhaps feeling the weight of that gaze. Alex couldn't resist a smirk. "Relax, Cedric. The poor guy's just doing his job—you're gonna give him a heart attack."

Cedric didn't flinch. "My apologies, young master, but I was born with this face." His tone was flat, but there was a hint of dry humor beneath the surface. The boy rolled his eyes, the corners of his mouth twitching in a reluctant smile.

The car's engine hummed to life, and they pulled out onto the rain-slicked streets of Astral City. The city's transformation was evident in the glowing skyscrapers and bustling avenues, a blend of old and new that gave it a unique charm. Serena, the girl with green eyes, pressed her face against the window, captivated by the cityscape.

"Look, brother!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "Everything's so different now. It's so... alive."

Alex glanced out, his eyes scanning the familiar yet changed skyline. "Yeah, it's like the whole city's been rebuilt since the last time we were here," he said thoughtfully. "What do you think, Cedric?"

Cedric nodded, his gaze fixed on the passing buildings. "It has grown, certainly. But with growth comes change—some of it welcome, some of it not."

Serena's attention drifted to a group of people huddled under an awning, trying to stay dry. It was a simple, everyday moment, but it reminded her of how life continued regardless of the weather, regardless of the passage of time.

The rain blurred the city's lights into streaks of red, blue, and yellow, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that danced on the wet pavement. It was a sight both beautiful and melancholic, as if the city itself was caught between past and present, just like them.

After a short drive, the car pulled into the gates of a large estate nestled away from the city's main streets. The mansion loomed ahead, its dark silhouette standing against the night sky, framed by towering trees that swayed in the wind. Serena's eyes sparkled at the sight.