The Trials

The Calling // Chapter 1

The doorbell rang a little after 10pm. Living in a private neighborhood, this was highly unusual. In the middle of a school project, I didn't know if I should go and answer the door or just leave it. It shouldn't be that urgent, but the curiosity got the best of me and I decide to head downstairs to answer it.

I get up and catch myself in the mirror, with my bright snow white/blonde hair, skinny jeans and a big comfy sweatshirt ; a usual style of clothing for me. I head around the corner from my room and reach the front door. I look through the peephole but nobody was there. My father, mother and I live in a private neighborhood, so we know everybody around. I couldn't think of anyone that would ring the bell past 9, or in general. I open the door and feel the mid January air press against my face, cold, but comforting.

I look around to see nothing, and nobody. Just as I am about to close my door, I hear what sounds like rustling of paper. I look down and see a white envelope, with a black, scripted "O" on the front, sitting on my doorstep. I pick it up and feel the light weight to it. Who would this be from, and why isn't it in the mailbox? I head back inside and close the front door behind me, locking it tightly, as I'm a little on edge and confused.

I head to the kitchen and flip on a light, before opening the envelope. The weight of it is fairly light as I rip the top off and pull out a single piece of paper. It was tri-folded very neatly, so I open the folds and on the page is a small chunk of words hand written. It reads "You have been chosen for your Calling. Be ready tomorrow morning at 8am. -C" 

Thoughts race through my mind, confused.  I set the paper down on the marble table, and pull a hand through my hair. The idea of waking up my parents for help struck me, but I quickly hid that thought. What were they going to do? I grab the paper and envelope and head back upstairs quietly, not to awake my parents. I reach my room, shut the door and lay on my bed, confused. What was I supposed to be ready for? Tomorrow was Friday, so I couldn't miss school for whatever this was. I ponder for a few moments, deciding on what to do, but exhaustion beats me to it and I fall asleep on my bed, still more confused and on edge than ever in my entire life.

Morning sunlight beams into my face as I wake up, still tired. I glance over at my clock and it reads "7:54am". I forgot to set my alarm for school at 8:15. My heart begins to pound as I quickly change clothes, black skinny jeans, combat boots, and a white shirt underneath a denim jacket. I quickly throw my belongings in a bag and rush downstairs. My parents already left for work, so I was alone. 

Or so I thought.

I turn the corner into the kitchen and I see a tall darker skin man, dressed neatly in a dress suit, leaning against the table, with an apple in his hand. I notice a calm demeanor from him, he doesn't seem like a threat. He smirks and says, "Mr. Fallon, I've been waiting for you" I was taken back as my eyes dart to the clock. 8am on the button.

"Why are you in my house? And who are you?' I spit those 2 questions at him first. Why was I even talking to this stranger? I should just run and call the police

"The name's Cameo, and I'm here to bring you to your Calling" he replies as though he's said this a million times before. "Now, if we don't get going soon we'll be late, so let's get a move on Orion" He says before standing upright.

"My Calling?" I ask back.

"I'll explain in the car. And before you ask any more questions, you are safe. I promise I won't hurt you." Cameo added. "Your parents are notified and I called your school. You're good to come with me." That's definitely what a kidnapper would say, right?

But, my parents knew already? My first instinct was to get out of here, but where? This was all too calculated and it made me nervous. I decided that I really didn't have a choice. If my parents knew about this, then it should be just fine. Hopefully.

"Alright" I replied, still very hesitant. Why did I even agree? Cameo smiles and gestures me to follow him. I lock the door behind me and we walk down my front steps and I see a black car sitting out front. Cameo opens the side car door for me and I sit inside.

Next to me another boy is there, wearing black skinny jeans, and a dark leather jacket. His hair was neatly groomed, and had a strong quiff at the front. His face was very structured and his dark eyes look at me and gave me a friendly smile. Definitely not what I was expecting from him.

"The name's Avalon Atlas" he said and stuck out his hand for me to shake it. I give it a shake and respond by saying "Orion Fallon" and Cameo begins to drive the car out of my private neighborhood.

I feel very uneasy as we drive for what seems ages, until out of the distance I see a giant stadium, looking identical the football stadium that's located over the next city. Avalon has been looking out his window the entire time. 'Some great company' I thought but Cameo's words disrupt my thoughts.

"Hope you two are ready, your first Trial is about to begin" He says with a smile that I can see in the driver's rear view mirror.