A New World

Chapter 15 - Encroaching Darkness

Almost half an hour had passed and there was no change in Hayato's condition. Rouge sat by his side, waiting and watching, hoping for him to awake from the strange slumber he put himself under by following Blake's guidance. She looked over at the large meeting table in disdain towards Blake who kept himself busy by analyzing the latest news stories around the world.

This moment clearly shown to her who he was in public was merely a facade. He put on a mask as he saw fit to better appeal to the everyday person. But in a situation like this, he could care less what was happening to the well being of someone else.

She couldn't take it anymore. Simply being in the same proximity as Blake was getting on her nerves. At this point, Rouge would've rather left than eventually unleash her anger and frustration on him.

Blake turned off the news projection and retreated to his desk. He continued on his work as if the two weren't there.

"I'm getting an air taxi. I'm done waiting," Rouge said taking out her phone. She walked to the door and opened it in anticipation of carrying her unconscious friend out of the building.

"It's been half an hour already and he's still unconscious. I don't care how much help you think you can provide him. We're done here."

"You mean to imply you're leaving so soon?" Blake questioned. "It was no simple task to find someone with the gift of dreams, but now that I have, I simply can't let you go so easily."

Rouge paused upon hearing Blake's change in tone. He caught his error but the damage was already done.

There was a moment of silence as the two carefully studied each other. She already saw past his facade and shot him a glance letting him know just that. Afterall, what could he really do to stop them?

She dared him to try to make a move.

Blake had underestimated Rouge. He was prepared for any situation but didn't take into consideration an impediment to his goals could be met so early. He couldn't afford to let the two go now, not after coming so far. However, their interaction was already doomed to failure the moment they stepped foot into the office. Getting what he sought after would be no simple task.

He cleared his throat and tried to elaborate on his reasoning in hopes of diffusing the situation. "The reason I went out of my way to help him was because I needed answers of my own. Those answers reside in the past, and with him I can get those answers. So if you could wait a moment longer-"

"So you're using us then, is that it?"

"Using you?" Blake couldn't hide his laughter as he got up from his chair. His demeanor was completely changed from the calm and collected charismatic leader she was acquainted with. He no longer found it necessary to hide his true self from her now that he perceived her as a possible threat.

"Look! I have a goal in mind and I will see to it that it gets fulfilled regardless of the cost. He has promised me a place of authority with him. All I need to do his but give my allegiance to the true god of this world!"

Suddenly, Rouge felt an ominous presence emerge in the office. The lights flickered intermittently, and from the candle-lit room came a tall dark figure. It was unlike anything she had seen before.

Her breath hung in place.

She glanced down at her trembling hands and struggled to steady them. Every fiber of her being was communicating to her to get out of the office, if only her legs would act accordingly.

"You naive little girl who knows nothing of the world around her! You've grown in safety and comfort all your life, and that has left you ignorant of the battle that rages on in this world, a battle that spans several millennia. I will see to it that neither of you leave this room till your friend wakes up and gives me the information I desire!"