Black Silk Ch. 2
Wiping her brow, Nova found herself in a nice rhythm, she'd wake up in early in the morning, walk across the hall, wake Dr. Oliver, head down the hall and wake up Sam and Neil, grab some breakfast, head to the palace and head to towards the lower levels of the palace, document the writing, translate, picture, and head back to the apartment, repeat.
That has been her life for the last 2 weeks, and she was more than happy to live and work such a simplistic life.
Staring at the set of hieroglyphs in front of her, it was telling the story about how Ahk-Ton came into power, in the beginning he was a priest to the Pharoah, but soon became drunk with power and dark magic. Taking the control of the armies, he soon became the ruler of Kahndaq, enslaving the people, and forcing them to dig for Eternium, his dark desire to forge the crown of Sabbac and bring forth the demon realm.
Pulling out her camera, Nova took the time making sure that her pictures reflected the story correctly, it was important to document the tablet's correctly, because once they were completed with their work, they would have the painstaking task of writing their papers, presenting their findings to the scientific community, and hopefully getting the funding to have a beautiful museum built within the city to display all artifacts that Teth-Adam allows to leave his home.
Hearing her phone, Nova gently put down her camera, pulling out her phone, smiling at the ID.
"Hey mom, what are you doing up so late?" she asked.
Letting out a yawn, "I missed talking to you my sweet girl." Rubbing her face, "So, how's the city, are you making historic discoveries, have you met the Champion?" she asked in rapid fire.
Chuckling a bit, Nova wiped the sweat that was trailing down her forehead, "The city is beautiful, while there are a lot of crumbling buildings, the city is starting to rebuild. Yes, I have made a few, Dr. Oliver is reconfirming my work, but if I'm correct, the story of the former King who was once a priest will be verified."
Clearing her throat, she knew that while her mom was interested in her studies, she would be far more interested in her social interactions, "As for the Champion, I've official met him when we first arrived, and other than seeing him when I've walked through the palace, we haven't spoken." Not that she minded that. He was far too intense and intimidating for her to be around, and frankly being near someone that was so powerful scared her.
Lesley couldn't help but smirk, "You know, The Champion could confirm your theory, he was there my sweet girl. Why haven't you asked him?"
Choking on her spit, "Mother! He's a God among men that not so subtly threatened our lives if he felt we disrespected his home, what on earth would make you think that I would go seek him out!"
"Oh come on, where is your sense of adventure?" She teased.
Shaking her head, "I have adventure, I don't have a death wish." Letting out a sigh, "Get to bed mom, I promise I'll skype you later."
Sighing, "I love you my sweet girl, and you better skype me, or I'd might be on the next flight out there. Goodnight baby."
Nova knew that she was only partially joking, "I love you too, and you know, perhaps before I head home, you could come, I'd love to show you around."
"You know I will. Love you."
"Love you too mom." Hanging up, Nova put her phone in her pocket. Her mind wandering to what her mother said, perhaps she could tap into some courage and ask the Champion about her findings. As her mind racked back and forth, Nova made the choice to tap into her mother's daring spirit.
Grabbing her camera, she found herself walking towards the throne room, a part of her wondered if she should wait until Edmund and the rest of the team come back, but today they were out in the desert exploring what was said to be the resting place of the Pharaoh before Ahk-Ton.
However, she knew herself well enough to know that if she didn't go now, she'd never muster the courage. Taking a deep breath, Nova slowly walked into the throne room, keeping herself just in the entryway, not wanting to invade his space without his permission. Taking a second, her eyes searching around for the champion, but the man was no where to be found.
Giving herself another moment, Nova took a tentative step deeper into the room, clearing her throat, "Um, excuse me. Champion?" she called out, her voice shaking a bit.
Teth-Adam watched the young woman enter the room, even standing back against the farthest wall, he could see her nerves. As he watched the 4 of the scientists in the palace, this one seemed almost scared of her shadow, the others seemed on alert, but more relaxed when they noticed his presence. Not her though, if she detected him, she was quick to move to another part of the palace, perhaps now would be a good time to figure out why she was terrified of him.
Moving out of the shadows, he smirked when she noticed his movement. Keeping his eyes on her, he slowly flew towards her, amused with how large her eyes got at his approach. He was right about his observation about her, her eyes were of the deepest blue.
"Teth-Adam or Black Adam, not Champion." He gruffed out. Enjoying how her body tensed as he spoke to her.
Nova watched him come down, it was almost unreal how a person could just fly, and to be able to actually see it up close was a little intimidating but extremely incredible.
Two things happened, one Nova realized that she was staring, two she was startled by his deep voice. Shaking her head clear, "Oh, pardon. Teth-Adam." She started, "I've come to ask you about a tablet I've found." Doing what she could to keep her eyes low, wanting to make sure that she that she didn't do anything to annoy him.
Taking a step towards her, chuckling at her obvious uneasiness around him. "Why are you so scared of me?" he asked.
Her eyes snapped up to his, finding his deep brown ones staring into hers, why would he care? Realizing that he wanted an answer. Swallowing her nerves, "I'm not scared, just cautious around new people." Hoping that he would drop it.
"So it's not just me you seem ready to run from?" he stated to her, taking another step towards her. Smiling when she took a step back. "You keep moving away, why?"
"I don't like being crowded." Placing her hand on her stomach, doing what she could to keep herself as still as possible. "Some of us aren't the size of houses nor infinitely strong."
Stopping about a foot from her, chuckling at her response, "I guess not." Seeing her relax a bit more, "What tablet are you speaking of?"
Feeling better that he wasn't moving closer to her, "If I'm reading in correctly, it says before he was the ruler of Kahndaq, Ahk-Ton was a priest to the pharaoh, would you have knowledge of that?"
Just hearing his name set his teeth on edge, but perhaps that was how it would always be, taking a second to control his temper, he could see that she was watching him with panic interest. Slowly exhaling, "That he was, the head advisor to the Pharoah, from the rumors of his ascension he used dark magic to take control of the army, and released them onto the people, enslaving us."
Reaching into her bag, pulling out the camera, Nova pulled up the picture of the tablet, "This is what I found, and getting the information from. I've interpreted the information correctly then?" Her voice hopeful.
Gently taking the object from her hand, giving it a once over, "You have. What are you going to do with the tablet?"
Seeing that she was standing closer to the man, Nova took another step back, "I figured that if you didn't mind, having it displayed in the museum once it was built."
Smiling down at the woman, she was barely up to his shoulder, "As long as it stays within the city, I do not care."
Looking up at him, Nova just smiled, "I'll make sure to log it properly," taking a few steps back, "Thank you for your time." Turning quickly Nova wanted to get back to work and put some distance between the man and her, the intense power that radiated off of him was overwhelming to her senses.
Watching her practically run from the room, he waited until she was almost out the door, "What is your name?" he yelled out. Amused when she froze in her tracks.
Freezing at the sound of his voice, Nova turned her head slightly, seeing him watch her intently, "Nova. My name is Nova." With that she darted back down the lower palace needing to put some space between them.
His eyes followed her until he could no longer see her outline. His interest in the woman was surprising, every time he caught a glimpse of the woman, he wanted to be near her. Needing to clear his head, he launched himself into the sky and flew above his city, his eyes looking down for anything that stood out, but since Intergang and the Demon king was slain the city was quiet.
While that should have been a good thing, it was exceedingly frustrating not to have something to occupy his time. Groaning out in frustration, he made his way to the mountains, figuring letting some of his energy out would relax him, but like most things since he's awoken, he hasn't had a true moment of peace.
Adrianna looked at the artifacts that she brought back from the tomb, a few pots, some furniture, and a few pieces of jewelry. While it wasn't the find of the century, it was a great start to preserving their history. She was a little disappointed that it didn't contain the mummy of the former Pharaoh but perhaps it is buried elsewhere.
Looking over at Dr. Oliver and his team, "What is the plan to keeping these items safe?" she asked them, holding up the beaded necklace.
Edmund looked up, "Simple, Teth-Adam has mentioned a vault within the palace, he's the only one strong enough to open it, I figured we'd start putting the items in there for safe keeping."
Smiling at the man, grateful for his knowledge and kindness, "That is a fantastic idea." Hearing her son calling out for her, she carefully put the necklace down, "What have I said, no running in the palace." She chided.
"Sorry mom." Amon looked over at the group of scientists, realizing he rarely ever saw the blonde girl, "Where's the girl?" he asked them.
Chuckling, "Nova, she's probably tucked somewhere quiet, once she starts things, I have to practically pull her away." Sitting down, "How was school young man?"
Sitting in the makeshift chair next to him, "Pretty good, boring." Looking over at his mom, seeing her face, "What, it is!"
"Amon, is your homework done? I said you can come after your work is done." Raising a teen was not as easy as one would have thought.
Nodding, "Yup, you can check it when we get home." Looking around, wanting to explore a bit, "Can I walk around?" Giving her the biggest puppy eyes that he could manage.
Sighing in frustration, "Fine, but do not go to the throne room, Teth-Adam doesn't like to be disturbed," sighing when he jumped up and ran out, "BE CAREFUL, NO RUNNING!"
Sam and Neil shared a look, knowing that he was going to run through the entire place.
Sighing out in frustration, "I swear, I raised him better." Adrianna knew her son was full of spirit, she'd love to blame her husband, but it was all her.
Edmund chuckled, "He's young, full of energy and curiosity, I'm sure he'll be fine." Taking a sip of water, "I should have sent him looking for Nova, that would take him ages, she's great at hiding."
Adrianna couldn't help but chuckle, "Next time then." Turning her attention back to the artifacts, hoping that Amon didn't get into too much trouble, or go annoy Teth-Adam.
Amon made his way down the stairs, taking in parts of the palace that he never seen, while it was falling apart, it was still pretty interesting. As he moved through the halls, he could see the chalk marks that Nova used to mark her path, generally curious, he set out to find her.
It took a good 30 minutes, but he found her sitting in the corner with her laptop, "HEY!" he yelled out.
Nova was so wrapped up in getting the pictures loaded into the S-Drive that she didn't hear anyone come in, but as she heard a voice, she couldn't help the screech that came out of her mouth from being startled.
"FUCK!" she gasped out. Grateful that she didn't toss her computer off her lap. Looking up, she found the amused face of a child. Taking a slow breath, "What are you doing done here?" she asked him, her voice holding a bit of frustration.
Making his way into the little room, "Mom said I could explore, found your little trail, figured I'd try to find you." Sitting down across from her. "So, why are you so quiet and shy?" he asked her.
Raising her eyebrow at him, "You're a nosy kid." Closing her computer, she could see that he wasn't going to go away anytime soon, "Just how I am, kid."
Extending his hand, "Amon." Smiling at her.
Nova smiled back, taking his hand, "Nova. You're Adrianna's kid?" she asked.
"Yup. She's the one that woke Black Adam and found the crown of Sabbac." He said proudly.
"Well, that makes her ridiculously cool." Giving him a once over, she could see that he was curious by nature, but he wanted to be elsewhere. "What are you really doing in the palace?" she asked him, giving him a pointed look.
Rolling his eyes, he couldn't help but sigh, "I may want to talk to Black Adam, ever since the Demon King was killed, he's rarely left the palace, and doesn't want too many people around." Kicking a rock, "I figured, perhaps now that he's letting you people in, he'd be up for company."
Neither of them knowing that Teth-Adam was in the room above them, watching her, listening.
Nova couldn't help but smile, she could understand, Teth-Adam was his hero, saving his city. "Maybe he might, but don't push him, besides being dangerous, he's adjusting to a whole knew world. When he was entombed, the world was such a different place." Seeing the kid frown, "How would you feel if you fell asleep, and the world you knew was gone?"
Amon didn't really think of that, "I'd probably be a little scared."
"I don't know if he's scared, being all powerful, but he's probably pissed off, everyone he ever loved is gone. He's alone." Starting to put her stuff away, she could see the kid handing her a few things, "Thanks." Lifting her bag over her shoulder, "Eventually he'll come around, but like most traumatic events, that takes time."
Looking at her face, Amon could assume she was speaking from experience, "You know this?" He prodded, hoping that he didn't upset her too much.
Closing her eyes, Nova could feel the memories trying to push forward, shaking her head, she found the kid watching her, "Something like that yeah, and no I'm not discussing it with a child." Smirking at his face, "I'm sure your mom is going to freak out if you're gone too long, let's go kid."
Keeping in step, "I'm not a kid, I'm 13." He whined out.
Snorting, "Oh, my mistake. But move your butt, I'm not going to have your mom yell at me or worse your hero think I'm kidnapping you." She teased.
"HA! You know he saved me from Ishamel, who was a descendent of Ahk-Ton. It was so cool." Letting the memory wash over him.
As they climbed the stairs, Nova couldn't help but chuckle at his excitement, "See, that's what I'm saying, if he thinks I'm kidnapping you, I'm toast. So, to your mom, please." With that she moved up the stairs making sure Amon stuck close.
Teth-Adam chuckled as he jumped down from the beam, so it seemed it was only him she was scared of, or perhaps she didn't feel threatened by a child.
Before he could think any further on her, the ground beneath the palace started to shake. Rolling his eyes, Kahndaq didn't have too many earthquakes, but it did happen from time to time. Moving out of the way as piece of rock came down, he could hear the woman screaming followed by Amon.
Darting out, he flew quickly towards the stairs, his eyes finding Nova holding Amon by his arm as he dangled over the now crumbling staircase.
Almost to the top of the stairs, Nova felt the ground start to shake, instinctually she dropped to her knees to keep herself from tumbling down the stairs, looking up, she could see the boy losing his balance, "GET DOWN!" She yelled out. Her arm reaching up to grab his.
Feeling his hand in hers, Nova pulled him towards her, but the sound of cracking and his scream yanked her towards the edge. Letting her body go with his, Nova held on to his arm, reaching down with her other. "HOLD ON."
Amon looked up, his eyes wide, "Please, don't let go." His voice was shaking.
Seeing the look on his face, Nova was terrified, "I won't," she breathed out. Freaking out, she could see him kicking his feet, "You need to not do that." She said to him.
Looking up at her, "Can you pull me up?" he cried out.
Shaking her head, "No. I'm going to scream really loud, so please don't freak out." Taking a deep breath, Nova screamed as loud as she could for help, hoping that someone would hear them.
Feeling him slipping, Nova moved with him, "Hold on Amon," she said, but as the words left her mouth, she felt herself being pulled over with him. Screaming out as she fell, Nova closed her eyes, but kept her hand wrapped around his arm, refusing to let him go.
Teth-Adam watched as they both fell, flying up he snatched them out air, his one hand holding Amon, the other holding Nova. Brining them to the landing, he carefully put them down. "Are you alright?" he asked, his eyes looking down at her.
Naturally placing her hand on his, she looked up into his eyes, "Thank you." Seeing Amon, she pulled him into a hug, "You OK kid?" she asked him.
Wrapping his arms around her, "I'm good. Thank you." His voice cracking. If it wasn't for her holding on, he would have fallen before Black Adam was able to get to him. Stepping back, he wiped his face, looking at his hero, "Thanks."
Nodding at him, his eyes turned back to Nova, "Are you OK?" he asked again. Enjoying the feeling of her hand on top of his.
Nodding, "I'm OK, thank you. Really." Realizing that she was touching his hand, Nova dropped her hand, and took a step back. Her eyes never leaving his, swearing she saw him smirk at her.
"AMON!"
Nova turned towards the entryway, seeing Adrianna run towards her son, "He's fine!" she yelled out. But she stepped aside knowing that until he was in her arms, she wasn't going to really listen.
Running into her arms, "I'm fine, Nova, kept me from falling, and Black Adam saved us both when we both fell over." He said in a rushed breath. While he hated being treated like a little kid, it was nice to be held, he loved his mother.
Wrapping her arms around him, feeling relief seeing that he was safe. Looking up into Teth-Adam's eyes, she smiled, "Thank you again." Giving a quick glance at Nova, she could see that Teth-Adam was looking over at her. "You to."
Nodding, "You're welcome." Clearing her throat, "I'm going to go find Dr. Oliver make sure that he's OK," taking another step back, she looked up at him again, "Thanks again." Turning on her heels she ran into towards her teacher.
Adrianna watched as she ran off, her arms still wrapped around her son, but as she glanced back at Teth-Adam, it was clear he was watching her. That wasn't going to work for her, she wanted his attention, lightly touching his shoulder, "Please, come to my home, I owe you dinner." Her eyes trying to catch his.
Looking down, Teth-Adam took a step back, "No." Looking over at the boy, giving him a smile, "Be safe. Kid." Giving his mother another look, not really appreciating that she was so comfortable with touching him. Taking another step back, he launched himself into the sky, wanting to check over the palace and the city to see if there was any major damage.
Watching him fly off, Adrianna couldn't help but feel embarrassed at his blatant rejection, shaking it off, she looked down at her son, "Let's go home, I need to make sure our home is still standing, feed you, and check your homework."
Amon smiled at his mom, it was obvious that she had a crush or something on Black Adam, but either he wasn't interested or didn't know. It would be awesome if he liked her that way, but he'd just settle for him being a little more social.
Nova wrapped a towel around herself, and made her way to the living area, pulling out her laptop and called her mom. Leaning back, she waited for her mom to pick up the call. Smiling when her face came into view.
"Hey mom, how are you doing?"
Lesley looked over her daughter, seeing that she just got out of the shower, "You look comfortable." She teased.
Smirking, "Yeah, had an exciting day, I found Teth-Adam asked him about my findings, and confirmed what I found and even survived a little earthquake."
Gasping, "OH goodness, you actually spoke to the Champion? I'm so proud of you." She said, completely ignoring the fact that she was in an earthquake.
Nova stared at her mom, figured she'd be more interested in the boy not the earthquake. But that was who she was, hoping that she would find love the way she did, perhaps at one time, that may have been the case, but Nova really didn't think it was a possibility now.
"Thanks mom, he was polite, and even saved me and this kid Amon from falling during the earthquake, for a moment, I was flying."
Squealing, "Oh that sounds so exciting. Are you going to talk to him again?" She asked, hoping that her daughter would.
"I guess if I come across something that needs to be verified or confirmed can be touched, but it's not like he's sitting around waiting for me to chat with him. He's really not a people person.
Rolling her eyes, "Perhaps he's looking for some company." Giving her a knowing smile.
"MOM!" Blushing at her statement, "You need to let that shit go, it's not my life anymore, you know that." Feeling a little frustrated about having this conversation. Crossing her legs, Nova took a few deep breaths to try and keep her mind from falling into those memories.
"Super Nova, please, I know it wasn't easy to get over, but it was almost 12 years ago. You can't stop living your life and it's OK to move forward with your life." She said, almost pleading with her. But as the words left her mouth, she could see her tensing up. "I'm sorry, I'll drop it."
Feeling some tears running down her face, "You don't think I want to? To move forward, let someone touch me? I want to be touched mom, loved, but the thought of someone seeing my scars, asking questions, just," wiping her face, she looked at her mom, feeling her voice crack, "I can't OK. Please understand."
Lesley could feel her heart breaking, "OK Super Nova, I won't bring it up again." Looking into her daughter's eyes, she could see the pain swirling around her eyes. Wishing for just a moment she could have taken away her pain. "I love you."
Wiping her face, Nova looked at her mom, giving her a small smile, "I love you too." Looking over at the clock on the wall, "I need to be getting some sleep, I'm heading into the desert first thing in the morning."
"Be safe my girl." Seeing her smile, "I love you Nova, I hope you know that."
"I love you to mom. I will call you tomorrow night, let you know about my adventures." Knowing that would probably change the mood.
"Goodnight my sweet girl, I look forward to hearing all about that." Blowing a kiss at the screen, Lesley shut it off. Standing up, she headed into their library, her eyes falling on the last picture before her daughter's world came crashing down around her, the last time she truly was free.
Picking it up she let her eyes linger on her smiling face, anger building inside her, hearing her husband walk in, "That bastard is lucky he's dead, or I'd skin him alive."
Lenard walked up behind his wife, kissing her neck, "She's going to work past this, you know she will." Doing what he could to give her the encouragement he could.
Wiping her tears off her face, "I'm not so sure anymore, it's been 11 years baby, and she still refuses to put herself out there." Shaking her head, "I can't talk about this right now." Leaning up to kiss him, "I'm going to go grocery shopping, I'll see you after your class.
Lenard watched as his wife grabbed her purse and headed out the door, letting out a sigh, he looked at the picture that she was holding, feeling his anger grow. Putting it down, he headed back into the living room, grabbing his briefcase he headed out the door, his mind unable to stop the images of his daughter after she was found.
Nova stared at the blank screen for a moment longer, using her shirt to wipe her face, letting out a shaky breath, she stood and made her way to the bed, hoping that she would be able to fall asleep tonight.
Teth-Adam leaned against the balcony frame, listening to the conversation that she had with who he found out was her mother. Feeling a bit strange for spying on the woman, but he had a this urge to be near her.
But as he listened to the conversation, the moment it became sexual in nature, she immediately freaked out. At first, he thought it was because she was shy in nature, but as he listened, it was clear, something happened to her. Scars?
He watched as she crawled into her bed and turned out the light, giving a last glance before he headed back to the palace, he knew he would need to figure out what truly had her so fucking scared, and if whoever sacred her so was still a threat to her, he would kill them.
Heading into his chambers, he needed to figure out why he was so interested in this girl, or why he even cared about trying to figure out what has her so scared. As he laid down, one of his last thoughts before he fell into his deep sleep, was the image of her wiping away her tears.