5. Pandemic In London

The President of the United States made me drink! Quite literally, and the sad part, I was across the Atlantic on my way to London. All of it, based on fear of a virus taking its hold on the world. I wondered if I would make it back to the United States or be trapped here in the United Kingdom. Granted, would that be a bad thing? Hear me out; I have a place to stay here, no school to worry about, and it's a pretty cool country to be stuck in with a lot of history. The Brits are keeping calm as the world is falling into madness. Even the train operated like the one I am currently on to kings cross. I looked out at the rolling hills that pass by, the sun just starting to be blocked by the clouds.

In front of me was a group of Americans on a study abroad trip making jokes about this virus. It was nice to see them take such a light approach to all this as borders close across the globe. There were twelve of them in total, including their professor. It seemed strange, but it felt like I recognized some of them. However, I needed to catch up on some reading, and hopefully, the train would be arriving soon.

"Why is the food here so bland," Lucas said, interrupting my reading as he sat beside me with a bacon sandwich.

"We're in England," I replied, hoping to end the conversation. He never let me read, even as he stuffed his face in the sandwich.

"So what's the plan once we get to London, Phoenix?" He asked.

"Take to the tube to Evelyn's flat, then we will go from there," I replied, putting my book down, knowing I was not going to be able to finish.

"Where's that exactly?" he asked.

"Just follow me when we get there," I replied, trying to make it easy for him. He needed it sometimes; hell, the world needed it sometimes. Even now, this virus has been classified as a pandemic, causing panic. People were hoarding toilet paper, of all things.

Our train finally began to pull into kings cross station, and soon we would depart as we gathered our things. The group in front of us was altogether as their professor came by. They apparently had a hotel nearby that they were walking to. I hope they can get home when all of this is over. I would hate to have them stuck in a place they didn't know.

We headed off through the station once the train stopped and the door opened. It's glass ceiling and tannish stone walls surrounded us in a cavernous free space. People whisked past, to catch their next train or made their way out into London. We exited the station and made our way down to the Underground to the Piccadilly line waited for the next train. It was about five to ten minuites before the next train roared past us in the station. As the intercom speaker came over, "Mind the gap."

The train was relatively quiet, with many people already staying home. So we took a seat and made our way to Knightsbridge. It was a short tube ride before we came to our station and exited the streets. We walked briefly before coming to the address Evelyn messaged me with. And knocked on the door. I hadn't an idea of what to expect. I had never been to Evelyn's flats since I had known her. Most of the time, she was in the States. That being said, I had been to her apartment back in Memphis multiple times.

"Ah, Mr. Knight, she upstairs waiting for you. May I get yours and Mr. Jones's bags?" Asked the doorman, who answered.

"That would be great," I replied, "thank you." We handed him our luggage, and we made our way upstairs. Her flat was elegant and neatly decorated; she had a separate room for books and a study. Evelyn stood looking out of her window with a coffee in hand.

"The world is really going crazy, isn't it," She spoke with her British accent. I walked up to her placing my arms around her.

"Yea, it is," I replied.

"Glad you two came down. Have you heard anything about getting back yet?" she asked.

"Not yet,"

"Well, you can stay here as long as you need, you know that." She replied, facing me now, "Besides, we get to spend time together, and maybe I can show you both the sites of London."

"So I am hearing we get to be tourists," Lucas interrupted.

"Yes, you bloke," Evelyn replied with a slight laugh.

Evelyn sat on her couch as we debated what we wanted to do. After relaxing for most of the day and settling, we decided to head out a little later in the evening to grab some food and head over to Westminster. That was, of course, before someone decided to interrupt as the FaceTime ranger on the television in the living room. It was Veronica, which was not going to be good.

"Hello, hope everyone staying healthy," Veronica said. She was well dressed as always, even as it was just her head in her office.

"I take it there is a job," I said, and she stomped a bit. Knowing she was about to toast a lot of us in uncertain times.

"Yes, unfortunately," She began, "it seems your friend Allison is in London, and the collective is looking for something. I know a lot is going on, but I am asking, not ordering, for you to check it out."

"The bitch is in London," Evelyn said, "well, it gives us something to do." I agree with her on this. I rather risk getting sick than have Allison succeed in whatever she does.

"We'll do it," I replied.

"Thank you, Please stay safe and healthy. Wash your hands, and good luck." Veronica replied.

"We'll keep you posted," Evelyn said before Veronica ended the call. So much for a relaxing trip and sightseeing. What could Allison be looking for? Or a better question. What could be hidden here in London that caught her eye? These questions need an answer, but first, some food would be excellent. Apparently, I wasn't the only one thinking about it.

"Can we please get food first?" Lucas asked.

"Yes, I know a great pub, plus we could fish for information," Evelyn replied, and we rushed to get ready to head out into the streets of London.

***

We got off at Westminster station and were unprepared for the rain coming down from the grey sky as we exited and approached the street. You could make out the Parliament even if Big Ben was covered in scaffolding. On the other end stood the magnificent Westminster Abby; it looks even better in person than in a photo. It makes me wonder how they built all of this, everything grand. We don't produce anything like these buildings anymore, and a part of me hates that.

"Where are we going?" Lucas asked as we stood in the rain. An umbrella would be cute right about now. As I searched the storefronts hoping they find one.

"Right down the street," Evelyn replied. As I sneaked away for a second to buy an umbrella. I found one, and it only cost me a few pounds. The umbrella was a simple black with a wooden cane handle. It was large enough to help cover our heads in the rain.

"Your brilliant," Evelyn said as I walked up to them, holding the umbrella shielding us from the rain as it fell. We walked over about a block to a pub named Westminster Arms and headed downs stairs to find a seat. It wasn't bustling; a group was at the big table. Wait a minute, it's the group from the train, at least part of them. Interesting, I guess the world is small. Then, I noticed a sweatshirt one of the girls was wearing. It was a navy blue with Ole Miss in a crimson red. I could recognize those colors anywhere.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but by chance, are all of you from Ole Miss," I asked the group, hoping I didn't startle them.

"Why yes, how did you know?" one of the girls asked.

"The sweatshirt," I replied, pointing to the ole miss sweat the girl was wearing, "Friend and I are students there; funny how small the world is."

"That's awesome," The group said. I knew some of them looked familiar. We went to the same school, and I didn't even realize it on the train. For a couple of moments, we chatted a bit about their travels. They had been north in Northumberland for the first half of the week and were studying fantasy fiction here in the UK for spring break. The voyages would take them to Oxford in the morning, the real one. Not the place I currently call home. I let them get back to their meal, and Lucas and I headed back to our table. Evelyn laughed once I told them they were from the States and Mississippi, for that matter.

For dinner, we had fish in chips along with a pint. Maybe a few minutes into our meal, the news headline changed. I looked and instantly regretted it.

BREAKING NEWS: The United States closes borders until further notice

"That escalated quickly," Lucas exclaimed, looking up from his meal. I looked over to the group of students and could visibly see the panic starting. This got real fast, and we officially moved into uncharted waters. Never in my lifetime had I experienced a pandemic of this scale. Preferably even in my history studies, I have never heard of such a halt to a virus.

My phone rang, and I knew who it was. So I stepped outside for a moment to calm my mother down. She was worried and wasn't a fan of me being trapped here, but she also knew I was with Evelyn, which made her feel better. I intentionally omitted the Allison part; Veronica will tell her if she sees to know.

"How are you, mum?" Evelyn asked as I walked back into the pub.

"Worried, but ok," I replied, "Apparently, everyone is hoarding toilet paper."

"Are you serious," Lucas joined.

"Yeah," I said, trying to wrap my head around that. What the world has come to. The group from the train left, probably trying to figure out what they're next steps were going to be. While we now know there was nowhere to go, I decided to figure out what Allison could be looking for. We debated for a moment, then a man around our age walked down the stairs. He was dressed in a full windowpane navy suit with an umbrella in his hands. It was well tailored to him, and I wished I had one like that. Maybe something to do with why I am here.

"Ah, Miss Evelyn, I believe I have some information for you," The man spoke quietly, elegantly.

"Harry, so glad to see you," Evelyn replied, "come fill us in, please. Phoenix, Lucas, this is Harry, an informant for the council here in London."

"Nice to meet you, Harry," I said, shaking his hand.

"Good to meet you; I heard a lot about you," Harry replied, shaking Lucas's hand before returning to business. Harry sat in a chair beside the table and began to brief us on the situation.

"It seems, Miss. Stratford is fancying something in the British Museum. Unfortunately, we haven't the slightest idea of what it is. She is being bloody careful. I suggest heading that way and seeing what you can find. I will research what the Museum may be holding that would interest the collective." Harry explained.

"Well, I guess we should head that way," Evelyn said as we finished our meal and prepared to head back out into the rain.

"Good luck. I will let you know more once I find out; Cheers." Harry said as he departed. Evelyn, Lucas and I then headed back down the street to the station. The rain was a light drizzle, with a little breeze bringing a slight chill to the air. It didn't take about fifteen two twenty minutes to make it to the Museum. Most of that was walking from the tube station to the front door.

It was grand, like a palace, all for historical artifacts. I am trying to keep calm and collected, even as I am screaming on the inside. The front facade looked like the Parthenon in Athens, with a Greek style to the architecture. Walking into the building was impressive as the high ceilings and the central court opened to an open skylight roof. I could stay here for years and be content. Yet I had something find, questions to be answered as I knew I had to venture these halls. First, however, I will see the rosetta stone, and nothing will stop me.

"Where are you going?" Lucas asked as I headed to the Egyptian exhibit. Which was to our left.

"Rosetta stone!" I exclaimed, trying to contain my excitement for the three-thousand-year-old artifact.

"That what?" He replied, and Evelyn just shook her head as we walked over.

"You amaze me sometimes, Lucas," She exclaimed as she entered, and there in the center was the stone in its glass case. My life is content now. I'm feeling ok with passing away now that I have seen it. That could come sooner with this virus running amuck.

"You happy now, Phoenix," Evelyn said as we stared at the stone. It was dark grey with different levels of language on it. From the hieroglyphics to the Greek at the bottom, it wasn't complete, yet it helps us unlock and language that was long dead for us to understand.

"Yes, yes, I am," I replied. Evelyn just looked away. Her way of wondering If I was sane. I had my fun, but now I needed t get work as we ventured through the Museum, trying toes if we could spot something that would take the collective interest.

Making our way through the Greek and Roman exhibits, I noticed someone looking at me and then gazing at the floor. Like they wanted to avoid being found. I walked over slowly to the man, who began to walk relatively fast away from me. Like that doesn't make me want to follow you more. We rounded the corner through more artifacts and entered the Parthenon exhibit with the Elgin marbles. As much as I tried to stop, I needed to follow this guy. He took a quick turn down a staircase, and if I didn't notice it when I did. I would have missed it.

I kept my distance, trying to stay out of view as we descended the stairwell. We were no longer in the public area of the Museum. This made me wonder why he was walking down this way. I needed to be careful as I continued. As we ventured below the main exhibit floors, the beautiful smooth marble and stone gave way to a more industrial look. No need for it to be ascetically pleasing as this area was most likely only used for museum staff. He made a couple more turns as I trailed behind him. He finally stopped inside a room with a couple of cases. He had a complete fascination with one on the side.

A door slammed in the distance, and it seemed to spook the man, and he ran off. I quickly made my way to the case to see what it was. Inside the display case was a piece of parchment. I could barely make it out, but I took a picture with my phone and returned to the museum floor.

"Where have you been?" Lucas asked once he spotted me again.

"I got something where, Evelyn?"

"Right here," She said, coming up behind me.

Let go; we can discuss it at your place," I replied, looking around, making sure no one saw me come up from the place I had just explored. The ride back to Evelyn's Flatt was silent as I looked over the picture I had taken but still had difficulty making it out. All I could see was just a few words here and there.

"What did you find," Evelyn asked once we entered her flat.

"This, the man I followed, was very interested in this," I replied, showing her my photo. She looked at it intensely, with her face showing a vast amount of concern. She looked up and sighed. She knew something, but what was it.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Nothing," She replied, "since we're chatting, have you decided on your grad school choice."

"Not really, haven't thought about it much," I said, even as Lucas walked into the other room.

"You have been accepted into Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Phoenix," She replied, "Those are great choices."

"I've also been accepted into Oxford," I said quietly.

"Oxford?"

"Yeah"

"Oxford, as in here?"

"Yeah"

"Oh--well, that's a fine choice too," she replied, even if she wandered through her books. She just would finger through the different titles. I knew what this meant. It was why I never told her about my acceptance into Oxford.

"Hey, I haven't made my choice yet. I wanted to talk it through with you first," I said, coming up to her. She smiled at me but continued to browse through her books. I sighed and went over to the window to look outside. London was eerily quiet, with no one in the streets almost. London at this time should still be busy even as the street lamps lighted the streets. Granted, the world was strange now. For one, I find myself stranded in a foreign country, unable to return to my own. The worse part is fearing a virus that only targets the old and vulnerable. What kind of things was this? For it alone to do something like that and have people carrying the virus without noticing. The crazier thing is how the world governments have responded, almost imposing draconian measures to flatten the curve. So that they would not have the situation that currently going on in Italy, with thousands dying because the healthcare system was overwhelmed with the sick.

We retired for the night after a brief moment of reading. Lucas was actually in bed before Evelyn and I. It was a long day, traveling from Edinburgh down here to London. I was even yawning as I prepared myself for bed. Evelyn was just a little behind as we settled in her sheets. As we lay together, I wondered how this Pandemic would change our world. We would have to wait and figure it out once we get to that point.

***

I ventured out in the morning, the fog thickened, making it hard to see. Even as I walked out of Evelyn's Flatt for a morning run. The air colder than it was the night before. London's fog was no joke as I ran down the neighborhood's sidewalks. Barley able to see the townhouses that surrounded it. As I turned onto the high street, I passed several stores with closed doors, with a sign saying closed until further notice. These weren't small stores but big brands such as Zara, Chanel, Topman, and more. For a day like today, they would generally be open in a few hours, welcoming thousands of customers, yet now they remain closed.

I stopped for a rest when I reached Hyde Park. It, too, was empty; it seemed that London was holding its breath along with the rest of the world. After trying to make out what I could in the fog, I continued my run back towards the flat. Evelyn was awake, making breakfast as I walked back into her flat, with Lucas still fast asleep.

"Good morning," She greeted, "good run?"

"Yea, a little foggy," I said, as I walked up to her. We kissed briefly before I headed to the shower to clean up. When I returned, Lucas greeted the day, stepping out from the guest bedroom.

"What are we doing today?" He asked, still slightly drowsy.

"Figuring out more," Evelyn replied, "but we must be careful."

"I guess I should get ready then."

"Yes, you should," I replied, "do hurry."

"Ok, ok, I get the point," Lucas replied as Evelyn shook her head at him. It took him about an hour to be fully ready. It really should take less time for a guy to get ready. Evelyn and I were able to finish breakfast, have tea, and have a meaningful conversation about grad school when it took him just to shower.

"All I wanted was for you to talk to me about it," Evelyn said.

"I know; I've never been accepted into this many places before," I replied.

"It's a good thing, Phoenix, one it means my boyfriend is quite intelligent," She flirted.

"I mean, my girlfriend is the same, soon I’m going to have to start calling you Doctor,"

"That does sound nice."

"Oh, get a room, please," Lucas said, coming out of the shower. Evelyn and I just laughed at him. It has been a while since I could really be around Evelyn. That may be the one positive thing about this Pandemic at the moment. At the very least, if the world ends, I will be with the one I love and Lucas. Even as I look at her smile, seeing it makes my heart jump. I wouldn't be happier anywhere else. My mother might disagree, wanting us both home with her. However, I think deep down, she contempt of me being over here, knowing I had Evelyn by my side.

"We should get going," Evelyn said, grabbing her coat, and we prepared to head out. Hoping to discover what was going on. We took the tube to Holburn and walked back to the British Museum. We entered with ease yet again as the crowds were low. I was still surprised the Museum was open, yet I could tell they were taking extra cleaning precautions.

"Show us this staircase," Evelyn said as we ventured out a way to the place from the night before. I led them down the same staircase and hallway as I did the night before. It was the same, yet it felt more empty than last night. Was this still a remnant of the virus? I led them straight to the room and followed the mysterious man. The room was still the same as the night before when we arrived. The different artifacts in their cases.

"This is what he was looking at," I said, pointing to the parchment case. Its edges are worn from years of use. The text was legible; some were harder to read than others. Evelyn analyzed a took a deep sigh; there was again. She knew something but won't say what it was.

"What is it?" I asked, "You did the same with the picture."

"Phoenix..."

"Look at what I just stumbled upon," A somewhat familiar voice said in the distance as it echoed throughout the room, "Handsom, you just can't stay away, can you."

"Allison, why am I not surprised," I said as she emerged. She was alone, which was surprising.

"Looks like the whole gang is here," She replied, "Wonder what you could be looking at."

"I would remind you to be social distancing, six feet, remember," Evelyn said with a bit of spite as Allison drew closer. Allison pulled her hand up in the air and stepped back.

"Evelyn, why don't you tell Phoenix, what that parchment says," Allison replied as I looked at Evelyn. She does know, but why would she not tell me about it. Evelyn's eyes glanced at mine as she turned back towards Allison.

"It's not my story to tell," Evelyn explained. Which didn't make me feel any better. She was still hiding it, but why?

"Evelyn, what is it?" I asked, hoping to get an answer.

"Come on, Evelyn, don't keep your boyfriend wondering," Allison said; I wanted to throw something at them so she would just shut the hell up.

"It's a folk tale," Evelyn replied, looking up at me, "About your bloodline."

"My bloodline," I exclaimed, looking back at the parchment, "how?"

"Tell him," Allison ordered, "We have all the time in the world."

"What do you even want?" I asked over to Allison as she stood there observing, edging the conversation on.

"Same as you," She began," Research, wanting to know the truth." She stood waiting for Evelyn to tell the story. It was weird; she wasn't after anything more than a story. That apparently Evelyn knew. She could ask, but that would not be how Allison conducts herself.

"Evelyn, just say it," I begged. She shook her head in agreement and ready herself to speak.

"' There was only darkness in the beginning. It stretched endlessly in every direction; for some, this was perfect, while others longed for more. So a single tear fell down from the heavens above as a tree sprouted from its touch. Its roots spread endlessly throughout the darkness, eventually fostering more trees and light. The forest grew, cultivating different landscapes, some more humid and wet, others dry and hot. As the world came into view, it was all connected to the tree with the whitebark.

"'Creation was endless and beautiful even as life bloomed in all forms, from tiny insects that crawled to majestic creatures that roamed the vast grasslands and woods. Even more intelligent creatures began to rise, those who endlessly pursued progress and used the land for themselves, admiring yet respecting its value. Yet even as everything was peaceful, some wanted more.'"

"Who wanted more," Lucas interrupted.

"Will you let me finish," Evelyn said before continuing.

"'Three were tasked to protect the source of Creation, each possessing skills they could use. The three shamans, those who could wield nature itself. Control the slightest breeze, connect with everything living. These shamans would guard and protect at all costs, and for many years they were silent as the world was at peace. With their time endless and nothing to do, they taught. Teaching the ways of how to use and respect the land. Showing the world's people the many things that came and went. The life that was all around them.

"'It would not last, as one seeks to use the source for his own gain. He tried to reshape the world in his images. Whereas the shamans taught diversity and peace. He saw impurities that needed to eliminate. A world that would be perfect without a single imperfection. One of order and might, one that would stand against all others. It would be challenging to take on the shamans, as they had many friends and powers that would be hard to match. So he sought out the darkness that once stretched endlessly throughout Creation. After years of searching, he found the night hidden deep within the earth and pleaded with it to help him achieve his goal. The darkness pondered, not liking how the light and life had stretched endlessly, which once belonged to it. So he made a deal. He would grant the man with powers of shadows and darkness and give him a massive army to conquer the lands of light. In return, he would help the night return and deliver his soul to the dark. Desperate, the man agreed and was infused with power beyond match, full of darkness as pain. This man was known as Hakan, the Shaman of Night.

"'Now with power, his army began pillaging the land, seeking to destroy, searching for the way. The way to the tree of white. Kingdoms and tribes fell at his hands, all consumed by the dark. As the darkness spread through the land, the three shamans were tasked to end it. It had been told that rumors spoke of the Dark Shaman and his wish for Creation to be his. They now had to do their duty and protect the tree of white. So they ventured out speaking to the tribes of man who they taught. Asking for their help as the darkness was falling upon Creation. Taking pride in the land they respected and used, they banded together with the shamans, ready to take him on.

"'The war lasted ten years and consumed all. The powers of light and darkness classing endlessly through the land. Battles upon battles, chaos, and destruction. As the Hakan armies progressed, more tribes and kingdoms fell to the dark. It seemed that all would be lost as the Hakan approached the grove of trees. With its center holding the famed tree of white, it white-barked, scared by the endless conflict that consumed Creation. The Shaman made their stand, willing to fight to the bitter end.

"'The battle is said to have lasted five days, each never making progress. The conflict consumed all as darkness pushed against the light. The storms the Shamans conjured ravaged the land as they tried to push out the lurking shadows. Armies collided endlessly, trying each to achieve victory, yet as time went on, the darkness prevailed.

"'Hakan knew victory was in his grasp, seeing that his vision for the world would soon be confirmed. As he approached the tree of white, the three shamans stood ready. Ready to stand for the last time, protecting Creation itself. The fight was brutal, and one by one, the Shamans fell until only one remained. In one last effort, the Shaman reached up to the tree taking its famed white-barked and crafted a single staff. Using it, he casts a light that shoots into the sky, using every last bit of his life to repel the dark.

"'Legends say the light was seen from all corners of Creation as it healed the land a vanquished the forces of shadows. Hakan was cast into a deep slumber and hidden far away in a dark cave. Never to be touched, never to wake again. With his dying breath, the Shaman told the tribes of men that Hakan would wake again. Searching to regain what he was promised.

""With his dying breath, the Shaman told of a shaman that would rise to defeat the dark, the brother of a lost bird that would rise from ashes. As the Shamans lay dead, the tribes of man hid and guarded the staff for the Shaman's return. Even hiding, they grove from all that wish to seek it so the world heals and grows. Man evolved, pushing endlessly for more, and the story was forgotten. Some still know, those who guard, those who watch waiting for the Shaman to rise as the White Sycamore rest preparing for the war to come.'"

I stood silently, trying to make out what I could from the story. Yet my mind was clouded, unable to process what I had heard. How could I? After all, the questions I have asked have yet to be answered. All I wanted was information, yet I would need someone to give it to me. Now here is a story that explains more than any other. All this time, it was right before me, kept hidden by the one person I loved most.

"Phoenix, you have to understand," Evelyn began, "I was told to keep it secret, even from you."

"Why?" I demanded, "Why hide that, knowing I wanted answers." I wanted to leave; I wanted to run and clear my mind. I couldn't stand being in a room with their eyes upon me. Even Allison's eyes were in shock. How could she not tell me? How could she hide this from me?

"Phoenix..." She said before I interrupted her.

"You knew the entire time," I said, and then I took off down the hallway pushing down the pain that built inside my chest. So I just ran to find a back door out into the streets of London. The fog lifted, but it was only replaced by constant rain. Even as I just ran and ran and ran. I was drenched in the cold rain, not knowing which direction I was going. Anywhere was better than here.

***

The rain was still falling as I finally ran out of energy to run. The sky was dark and grey as a cold wind entered the endless rows of buildings. Chilling me through to my core. When I looked up, I could see St. Pauls Cathedral rising up. Its stone dome is magnificent, in my view. I walked up to the main door to shelter myself from the rain. The artwork on the ceiling was beautiful. As the cavernous opening stood in front of me. The church was nearly empty, with a few walking along, seeing the different relics and artwork on the outer edges. Some towards the center next to the Alter looked to the ceiling marveling at the impressive dome.

I was soaked, my feet squeaking against the marble floor, but I found a place in one of the pews to gather my thoughts and hopefully dry off. St. Paul's was not a Catholic church, but it doesn't mean it wasn't beautiful. Right now, it serves as a sanctuary out of the rain for me and gives me time to reflect. I couldn't believe that the story was there the entire time. Why would they hide it from me? Even with the information it provided, I still felt lost and confused. I guess there was no straight answer for me, not with this.

Part of me hated running out like I did, yet all I wanted was to be left alone to think. Not having to worry about what anyone else thinks. I would like to know if I could forgive Evelyn for hiding this from me. I could see it on her face, how much it was hurting her. She was probably scouring the streets, trying to find me. She would keep going until she did or heard something from me. I probably needed to text her, letting her know I was ok, yet part of me wasn't ready.

"You look rather drowned," A familiar voice said. I looked up from where I was sitting, finding Harry standing over me. He was still dressed in a bespoke suit; this time, it was a dull charcoal grey.

"What are you doing here," I asked as I moved over, letting him sit beside me.

"I come here often; also, your girlfriend is looking for you," He said as he sat.

"I know," I replied, "You can let her know I'm ok."

"Already did," he said, and we kept our voices low so we would not disturb the other's worship.

"Normally, the cathedral is much busier, but with our virus friend, I'm afraid many people are staying home." Harry explained as he looked around, "They hid the story from you, so it didn't give you something to worry about."

"They knew I wanted answers; I wondered ever since I found out I was adopted. Wondered why it was all kept a secret from me. Hell, they kept even my brother a secret and won't even tell me where he is," I said, frustrated at it all. Disappointed that I even had to explain myself.

"It is for you and your brother's safety that they hid that; you must understand. All they want is to keep you both safe. Also, it was Evelyn doing, she wanted to tell you, and it has been eating at her for a year now."

"So, this is Veronica's doing then."

"She doing what she thinks is best, along with your mother," Harry replied. My mother knew, and she didn't even tell me. Granted, she is not my real mother; after all, I spent twenty-one years thinking so, only to find out my real one died when I was younger. I sighed as the frustrating beginning to fade. There was no use to work up to something I couldn't control.

"This is all much bigger than what it seems?" I asked over to Harry as he was looking up at the dome.

"Yes, it's bigger than all of us. I'm afraid," Harry replied, keeping his gaze on the ceiling, "the scary part is we still don't know everything."

"What do you mean?"

"Phoenix, there are forces at work that are even bigger than the collective. Even searching for more information, there is something else at the foot. I'm afraid we won't be able to understand it until it's too late," he replied, his gaze back down at me, and I could see the fear in his eyes. Something I didn't use to seeing from members of the council. What were they afraid of?

"Does it have to do with Allison's fascination will shaman artifacts," I replied.

"Possibly; what I will promise you is I will let you know what I can figure out. You have my word on that."

"Thank you."

"Now, if you're ready, I can give you a ride by to Evelyn's. She waiting for you," Harry said, gathering his umbrella.

"Yeah," I said, and we both left the cathedral. Harry's car was sitting, watching the rain still falling. At least this time, I had something over my head to keep me dry. The drive across town was easy, as few were on the road. It was kind of creepy seeing London this dead. It felt weird, more than I could really explain.

We arrived some twenty or so minutes later. Looking up at the building, the lights were on, and I could see a shadow pacing back and forth. I looked over at Harry, who nodded as I was about to step out of the car.

"Thank you for everything," I said.

"Anytime, mate," he replied before I shut the door, and he drove off into the night. I opened the door and headed upstairs to where Evelyn stood by the fireplace. She looked over at me and placed her glass of wine on the table before rushing to hug me.

"I'm sorry," I said, "Just a little frustrated."

"I know, and I'm sorry. I should have told you." Evelyn replied, and we kissed.

"Oh, glad you're back," Lucas said, entering the room. I looked up as he interrupted the moment and just shook my head.

"I interrupted a moment, didn't I," He said.

"Yes, you did," Evelyn replied. Lucas put up his hands and walked away as we laughed at him.

"Promise me one thing," I said, "When this is over, we won't hide anything."

"Of course, I should probably start by saying Allison got away with the parchment," Evelyn replied.

"She what?" I asked, but right now, it really didn't matter.