Belonging

Chapter 1: Gateway

"There's a sign on the wall but she wants to be sure
'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings.
In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings,
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven"

~Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven

"So today, we are starting with Zeppelin", Amon's soulful voice penetrated my thoughts, ceasing their rhythmic flow through my head.

"Grace, are you with me?", he asked me.

Of course I am with you. I am forever with you. I smirked internally.

I hadn't realised that my smirk was beginning to show on my face until I saw Amon frown.

I apologised quickly. "I am sorry Amon. I heard what you announced, that we are starting with Zeppelin today."

"And?"

"And?", I shot his one-word question back at him. He was starting to annoy me; which was very rare. Among annoying Grace. It always used to be the other way round.

"I attached a question with my announcement", he folded his hands and glared at me.

Oh God. I would have guessed what his question was had it not been for my thoughts jumping inside and out of all the Universes.

Ever since our class on music started, Amon would always introduce a new band or musician to us with a brief introduction. And every time, every godforsaken time, he would ask me to provide the bunch of ten scientists with the information concerned. As if they even cared.

That's right. We, scientists were having lessons on music bands, musicians and singers. How stupid can you get?

"Grace, would you like me to repeat the question for you?"

"No."

"So?"

"So, I am thinking I would let it go for this time. The only thing I know about Zeppelin is that Stairway to Heaven is one of my favourite songs since I was twelve, and that the band had to discontinue because the members were drunkards. That is all I have, and I think I will leave it at that."
My defiance rang loud and clear in the facility room. I thought I even heard some of the words ricocheting.
I didn't know that I was standing and giving Amon a Basilisk glare.

He was shaking with fury.

I decided it would be best for me to walk out of the room.

"You all are dismissed for today." I heard him say to the gathering when I reached the door.

I was walking when a hand grabbed me from behind and turned me around.

"Amon, what-?"

"Listen to me. Listen to me very, very carefully."

I had never seen him this angry before. And he was beautiful, beautiful even in his anger.

I didn't want to acknowledge that. I didn't want to acknowledge anything that involved him.

"I always listen to you Amon", I smiled at him, unrepentant.

He shook me. "It doesn't give you any power. Any power."

"Over?", I stuck to my promise with myself of never letting my guard down.

My reaction was absolutely unexpected. He was not prepared for it. Somehow, it cooled him down.

He let go of me, and closed his eyes.

"Over anything, Grace. Over anything. You are my creator, but it doesn't matter to me. You are my creator, but you are not God."

_________________________________________

What was Grace and Amon's secret?
What did Amon mean when he called Grace his creator?
And most importantly, what was with that stupid music class? (I am kidding with this.)

Disclaimer: All characters in this story are fictional. All incidences are fantastical.

Another thing that readers should note: This is NOT a love story.

Thank you for bearing patiently with me.