Layla heard a soft click as she put her hand to the door. Giving the door a push, she looked around to see a barren room. A single bed sat in the corner with only a mattress. A desk made of white composite material was mounted to the wall beside the bed running to the other corner.

Layla wasn’t sure what she was expecting to find, but the emptiness of the living space was not it. A pang shot through her chest as she thought about her room in her old apartment. There she had her junk spread out everywhere in a nice homey feel of organized chaos. This room lacked all of that. Its cold, clean look left her feeling hollow inside.

She knew it did not make sense. They would be somewhere else in a month. The room at Atoms house had been full of girlish things that didn’t precisely fit Layla’s style, but it did make her feel a sense of belonging or homeyness. This emptiness overemphasized that hollow place in her heart that used to hold Jogen and their life together.

This place seems pretty nice. 

Layla was jolted out of her pity party at the voice that came from inside her head.

“You again. What the hell do you want?” Layla said aloud.

What? Who are you? Get out of my head, foul wench!

“Foul wench? Listen here you bastard. I don’t know what your about but if you keep messing with me—,” Layla was cut off by the voice.

Back fiend, back. I shall not listen to your vile words…

The voice trailed of snickering to its self disturbingly.

I remember… I remember something. Something important. You are… Why can’t I untie these knots? This cord shouldn’t be together, Arghh…

The voice went silent, and Layla knew it had left or at least gone away for some strange reason. The experience left her mind in turmoil. She wasn’t confident that she wasn’t losing her mind because of what Atom did to her. She cursed him anyway, for the principle of it.

She took one last glance at the empty room and walked down the hallway towards the common space that made up their makeshift dorm room. Layla had taken the room at the very rear of the abode. Everyone seemed to have gotten settled and were now talking in the living room.

Tia was bright red as Oliver spoke to her. Most likely digging into her personal life if Layla had a guess. She could tell a drama queen, noisy socialite when she saw one. She didn’t think Oliver meant any harm. He was just shamelessly curious.

Oliviana was watching an AAC match on her slate, ignoring everyone. Layla had never encountered a person like her before. The girl was beautiful, achingly so. Her perfect olive complexion and noble features contrasted with her actions, though, making her seem like a crude barbarian male. She wouldn’t be surprised if the woman said her primary forms of enjoyment were fighting beer and a good romp. Layla was confident that some of it was an act, but at the same time, she didn’t believe the woman was acting counter to her true self. Only time would tell, she figured.

“So Tia. Tell me about your love interests. How many do you have?” Oliver said mischievously.

Tia when dark pink at his words and started stuttering, “Oliver, I don’t—,”

“Shh, Oli is fine dear. We are friends. Come tell Oli about your love life. You are too cute to not have dashing young men beating down your door.”

Layla chuckled before making her way to a cushioned chair and plopping down. “Oli, if you keep that up Tia is going to burst into flames.”  

Oliver laughed before giving Tia a feminine wave of acquiescence, “Fine keep your secrets for now. I’ll work on you later.”

Tia gave Layla a look of relief. Layla was starting to believe that the girl may have been way too sheltered. She wasn’t precisely socially awkward, but neither was she used to interacting with people as far as she could tell.

Oliver turned his noisy gaze to Layla and hesitated. Not feeling up to battle words with someone who was clearly more social than her, she said, “Out with it man. I’m comfortable with you asking me questions as long as it doesn’t leave this group. You have my trust. Just don’t betray it and I’m an open book.”

Smiling in relief, Oliver nodded to her, “Thank you Layla. I appreciate that trust. You can expect the same from me as well.” He gathered his thoughts before asking, “What was the master talking about down stairs? I sort of understood it had something to do with starting down the path but my,” he looked over at Oliviana before continuing, “our training never went into anything to do with the path. We were told that we had to wait until we were here before we could delve into those things.”

Layla thought about the question. She honestly knew nothing about what she was doing. Atom, of course, didn’t say whether she could talk about it with anyone. She honestly didn’t care the more she thought about it.

“I actually don’t really know. The void is sort of like a meditation. It’s something my… it was something I was taught and instructed to do. I don’t mind teaching you but we should probably wait until you all are cleared to do so. Your guess is as good as mine on the tower part. I found it while meditating this morning.” Layla said with a shrug.

“Who’s your master?” Oliver enquired.

As though just thinking about him would summon the bastard. The prick popped into the center of the living space with a big grin. “Hello there potentials—,”

Layla moved without thinking and struck while the man’s head was turned towards her suite-mates. Before her fist could connect, she found herself back in her chair as though she had never left it. Layla growled at the man, muttering, 'Bastard,' under her breath.

Atom looked over at Layla and gave her a wink, making her want to pummel his face even more. He was too powerful, but that wouldn’t stop her from trying. At some point, she would be able to wipe that grin off his face. She would bide her time for now. Tess appeared beside her, sitting on the chair's arm, and gave Layla a hug which Layla unexpectedly realized she needed.

“Ah what was I saying, oh right. Hello there potentials. You may call me Master Neutron. I am Layla’s master.” He waved back to Tess, “This is my lovely assistant Jess.” Tess waved at everyone.

Layla said nothing. The man was either an idiot or his identity as a Mantle was so protected that no one would be able to make the connection. She looked at her slacked jawed roomies who had been stunned into silence by the appearance of a master in their new home, or it was possibly Layla’s failed attack of said master. Probably both.

They recovered quickly and shot up to bow to him respectfully. Atom nodded in approval putting a sagely look on his abnormally perfect face that Layla hated.

“Ah I can see you all have manners. That is quite good. Relax though. Hopefully some of those manners will rub off on my disciple. ” He said, eyeing Layla.

She snorted and crossed her arms obstinately, “Keep dreaming,” she muttered.

The disrespect shocked her friends, but she didn’t care. They'd find out soon enough if she didn’t miss her guess. It was something you had to experience to fully understand, and she didn’t want them to miss out on the opportunity. Hopefully, he would have little to do with their training here at the academy, but she doubted it.

“You two look familiar,” Atom waved at Oliver and Oliviana. “Are you Seth’s kids?”

The two went pale as a look of panic started coming over their faces. Atom seemed to understand what was happening and continued, “Worry not, young ones. You are beyond safe here inside the wall, at least from the masters. I knew your parents and you two are dead ringers for the Aleph family. I was saddened to hear of their passing. My condolences. They were good people.”

That name sounded familiar to Layla, but she couldn’t place it. The twins visibly relaxed at his words and bowed even lower this time, “Thank you master Neutron, for your kind words.”

Atom waved his hand, “Think nothing of it.”

He looked over to Tia, eyeing her suspiciously. “Do your parent’s know that you are here?”

Tia’s eyes went wide at the statement. Atom found some answer in her face and sighs aloud as he closes his eyes in frustration. The sight brings joy to Layla’s heart, instantly perking up her mood. She will have to make a point to thank Tia later or somehow pay her back for the gift.

Atom looked back down at her reproachfully, “That is… you have… This is going to make things complicated for a great many people, young lady.”  

Tia flinched at his words. The color of shame tinting her cheeks as she replies, “I-I am sorry master. I was… I was going to tell them.”

“Yes, I’m sure you would have. The question is who would still be alive before you did.” Layla barely heard the last part as Atom crossed his arms over his chest and began tapping afoot. He stood that way for a bit, looking off in thought. Layla said nothing and decided to just observe everyone's reactions.

She didn’t know much about the inner workings of politics but figured the idea had been played out in various forms of entertainment for her to get the gist. Tia was from an influential family. Said powerful family would start putting pressure on important people once they found out their wayward daughter was missing. If they were so protective, it wouldn’t take an intellectual giant to make the intuitive leap that her parents would be very unhappy with their little girl joining an extremely dangerous Ascendent Academy.

The question is how powerful are they and what kind of scandal would develop from the situation. Especially if they didn’t agree with Tia staying at NAA. If they were powerful enough to give Atom this amount of pause, then it seems odd that she would even need to go to an academy at all. Even the elder families in Arcodawn only attended the academy because they helped establish it a bajillion years ago. As far as she could tell, it was now a vehicle the families used to thin the ranks and a right of passage for those who would eventually take power in the family. NAA was still independent of politics, and their alumni made sure it stayed that way.

Layla thought it was all fascinating in an entertainment sort of way. Something undoubtedly worth watching from a distance, but she did not want to be a part of it. That was the question, though, wasn’t it? Should she support her? She wasn’t sure.

She had known the girl for less than twenty-four hours. They had been through something significant in those few hours, though. It wasn’t an earth-shattering thing, but a seed of friendship and trust had been planted. Did she nurture it or let it wither untended?

Layla was unsure. A constant companion, it seemed. Unsurety in almost every aspect of her life. The moment she picked up that damn tablet, her life had been like a leaf in the wind. All control lost as the forces fickle and random nature blew her across the sky.

Her own situation was something to be considered as well. Tia had no clue about Layla’s situation. If she asked Atom to intercede on Tia’s behalf, then it would most likely get her mixed up in Atom’s web. Was that a bad thing? As much as she loathed Atom, his actions so far had yielded results beyond anything she could imagine.

She refused to respect him and wished that small bugs would chew on his privates. But yet, she couldn’t deny that he had helped her. If anything, he may have put her ahead of everyone in her cohort. She would need to warn them first, though.

Looking around at her new companions, she came to a conclusion. She was going all in. It was a ridiculous decision that made absolutely no logical sense. She didn’t know these people at all, but… she had a gut feeling about this. That irrational gut feeling hadn’t failed her on the streets of Golar, and she wasn’t about to start ignoring it now.

She looked over at Tia. The girl refused to meet anyone's eyes, making Layla feel for her friend. She must have had difficulty with her parents if she had run off to join this place. It certainly was not the same thing as living as a street rat thieving. But who was she to judge who’s problems were more significant. Tia hadn’t shown an ounce of arrogant pomp. With such a powerful family behind her, that alone was a mark in her favor. 

According to her research, Layla was pretty sure that you had to be at the age of majority before you could apply to Nexus. This line of thinking made her consider her own age again. How old was she now? No, only madness lies down that train of thought. Stay on track, Layla.

Taking a grip on her thoughts and trying not to vomit at the words, she said, “Mas… ter Neutron would you please help Tia.”

Atom looked at Layla curiously, so she continued, “I’m sure that you could help Tia stay with us. If that’s what she wants of course.”

Layla looked over at the girl's emerald green eyes looking at her in surprise. Smiling back at her, she looked to Atom. She wasn’t confident he would agree, but she had something on him.

Atom thought about it, then shook his head, “I don’t think that would be a good idea. It’s better to not get involved in these things disciple.”

Putting on a strained smile, “Surely master has his ways to make many things happen if he wished them to be so.”

He put on a face of sagely wisdom and began stroking his chin, “You are correct disciple. Your master is very powerful and not much can stop him should he choose to act. But in this case, I choose not to.”  

Flicking a hand covertly, out of Tess’s sight. Layla made a two zero and motioned to Tia. “I’m sure master would but only reconsider the situation he might find wisdom in choosing to help.”

Atom’s sagely master face was suddenly marred by the twitch of an eyebrow. “Wisdom to act is certainly costly. A little to costly for my tastes.”

Layla’s eyes narrowed, and she made a three zero with her hand. She was generous, and this bastard thought twenty percent was still too much. “I agree with master. The wisdom to act may sometimes be more costly. I, a lowly disciple know very little of the cost of things but maybe sometimes the cost of not acting is too high.” Layla laid a hand on Tess’s leg and leaned into her side. Tess rubbed Layla’s hair in absentminded affection.

Atom’s face became cautious as he looked at Layla and Tess sitting together. Layla gave him an innocent smile. That’s right, you bastard. You forgot who’s side she’s on. Agree, or I make your life hell.  

“I’m sure master is wise beyond anything that I can imagine. His kindness and generosity knows no bounds.” Layla said as she stabbed the metaphorical knife in for the kill.

Atom coughed nervously, “Ah, yes you are quite right disciple. Your master is kind… and generous…” he trailed off. He nodded his head in acceptance.

What's the deal with him being so cheap? Does he really not have credits. How? Maybe it has to do with him being under the Neutron persona. Layla thought about it and then quickly realized she didn’t care. Giving up thirty percent for helping Tia seemed like a fair deal. She had no clue how much it was, but if it was enough to make him sweat at the thought of telling Tess, then hopefully, she wouldn’t need to worry about credits for a while.

Atom looked at everyone. The sagely master act abandoned for a more serious one. “I wasn’t lying when I said this is going to make things complicated. I have an idea that will probably work but it will cost you.” He looked at Oliver and Oliviana. “You two have to make a decision. Leave now and no longer associate with my disciple or join her. What will it be?”

Layla tried to open her mouth to warn them. Tell them to run away and forget they ever met her. That he was a bastard and shouldn’t be trusted under any circumstances. But her face couldn’t move a centimeter. She wanted to scream but she couldn't even move her eyes. He had done something to her.

The twins looked to Layla, searching her face for something but the lazy smile she had on her face never changed. She smiled back as if she had told them it was a great idea.

“It would be an honor Master Neutron.” Oliver said before looking at his sister, who nodded in agreement. “We would be very honored to become your disciples.”

Atom nodded to them as though it was always going to be so before looking at Tia. “If you want my help you don’t have a choice. So what will it be? Do you want to stay with your new friends here or are we taking you home to your parents?”

Tia looked at Layla just as the twins did, and she was able to look at the girl before her eyes froze again. Tia found some type of assurance that Layla most certainly wasn’t trying to convey before she looked back to Atom.

Tia bowed and said, “This disciple is honored to greet master.”

Why had she not warned them immediately? Because he showed up the moment he was mentioned, that’s why. Was this his plan all along. It had to be. He knew everyone. That was suspicious by itself. Layla finds friends, and then he suckers them into joining her as followers as well. Didn’t he not like having followers?

Atom looked at Tia as though it had never been a question on whether she would accept or not. “Outstanding. Well hmm. Tess dear. Would you please get a meeting setup with Tia's parents. You might need to talk to ‘her’ first.”

“Why do we need to go through her?” Tess said.

Atom sighed, “Because I don’t want to break cover. At least through her we can get backing without revealing my presence.”

Everyone looked confusingly at Atom, but he ignored them. Tess said, “Right. That makes sense.” She kissed Layla on top of her head and said she would talk to her later before her presence disappeared.

Layla thought she would fall over, but her body moved without her permission making itself more comfortable on the chair. Layla watched Atom gaze at his new victims before pulling out a metallic disk. Unbridled panic at the item struck Layla like a comet sending her into fits of rage and fear. None of this could be observed, of course. Her body was not her own currently.

She watched as Atom coaxed her new friends into the black slit in reality. The bastard, of course, was much kinder about it than he had been with her. It wouldn’t have mattered, though. Nothing he said would change the situation. The slice was another thing you had to experience first hand, and no words could accurately convey that.

As Tia stepped through with a wavy to Layla’s unwillingly nodding head, the slit closed. Atom looked at Layla with a huge grin. He walked over to her and squatted down beside her. She felt that she could move her face and head again but not her mouth. She gave him the most venomous look she could, but he only went from a grin to a smile.

“Ah, little follower. Don’t fret.” Atom ruffled her hair, and she attempted to punch him in the throat, but of course, she still couldn’t move, “It’s better this way. You win and I win. You swindled some money out of me. That’s a victory all on its own. I obtain some more minions to help me with my task. Calm yourself Layla. You have no idea who Tia parents are. Her presence here is almost a declaration of war.”

Layla gave him a look of skepticism before he continued, “Our little Tia is the heir to the Quillian empire.”

The Quillian empire. Megacorp turned empire. The largest provider of military and consumer tech in all the known planes. They outright owned and controlled two planes. How does one even own a plane of existence? Layla didn’t know, but she was confident that they did. The Council hadn’t stopped them either. As far as she knew, they weren’t some evil entity, just very successful at controlling the market on many things. When you live forever, it makes it easy to keep control, she figured. Slates, for instance, were all made by Quillian. The wrist units that everyone uses for communication, quick and safe transactions, all made by Quillian. Of course, there were other competitors, but nothing as advanced, reliable, or affordable in Layla’s experience.

What would happen if they decided to come to get their daughter. The Council would need to get involved. She looked at Atom questioningly, and he nodded, “I see you understand but let me elaborate and explain why I’m here. Tia most certainly wasn’t why I came. A big issue to be assured, but not exactly my specialty. No, that was just a bonus and disaster avoided. I’m here because someone has been killing promising students at several academies. I can only do so much as a professor. I wasn’t sure how to go about this. All suspects have come up clean. The more I thought about it the more I realized I had the perfect resources already under my nose. What would be more delicious bait than several promising students. I have no doubt that you will be top of your class.”

He waved towards where the opening to the slice had been. “Now I will have several top dogs. Plus there was no way you were going to make friends here and not put my identity at risk. Like I said, It’s better this way. You now have ally’s who are in the know and damn if you don’t have an eye for them. The Quillian heir and the Aleph twins, the last surviving members of one of the eight elder families of Arcodawn. You sure know how to pick friends.”

Atom stood up and patted her on the head. “Your friends will be back in the morning. I’ll take care of the Tia mess. They will know who I am once they get back. Don’t speak my name outside this room. I'll be expecting big things out your group. Get through the trial and we will talk about your assignments.” Atom disappeared.

Layla seethed in rage at the man. She had been played expertly by him. Outmaneuvered in a game that she didn't even know she was playing. How would she know? She lacked all control. Not even in the most innocent thing in her life did she have control. Making new friends. Her stomach churned at what they would think of her when they returned. Would they be the same? Would they blame her? Of course, they would. How could they not? She had smiled and nodded as Atom the snake herded them to slaughter. Why had she asked him to help? What was she thinking? His help always came with a cost. She just hoped her new friendships could survive this one.

Atom shifted back into existence in front of her, “Almost forgot,” he flicked a credit chit into her lap. “You asked for this. Everything has a cost little follower. There’s your thirty percent. Thanks for playing.” With a smile that she wanted to punch, and wink that made her feel the need to break everything in sight, he disappeared.