Chapter 6: Onward to Atlanta

As Adan descended into the nearest subway station, he proceeded cautiously, scanning his surroundings for any lurking monsters, and waited a few minutes until a subway train arrived at the station, bound for the Dallas bus terminal. From there, he planned to catch a bus heading towards the Atlanta bus station. The entire journey was estimated to take 18.5 hours, but first, he needed to obtain a bus ticket.

Upon arriving at the bus station, Adan approached the ticket counter and asked a mother sitting on a bench with her child if she could purchase a bus ticket for him, claiming that he intended to visit his grandmother in Atlanta—a fabricated story. Initially hesitant, the woman eventually relented when Adan began to tear up, and she walked over to the ticket counter to purchase the ticket on his behalf. Adan handed her $43, the cost of the ticket, leaving him with only $160 remaining after his earlier grocery store visit.

As Adan waited for the bus to depart, he noticed a peculiar figure in the distance. It resembled a machine, reminiscent of a bull, emitting smoke from its body, with glowing orange-red eyes fixed upon him. Uncertain of what it could be, Adan grew increasingly anxious, wondering if the creature intended to pursue him. However, it merely approached him slowly, as if assessing whether Adan was its intended target. Thankfully, the last passengers boarded the bus, prompting the driver to close the door and depart.

While the other passengers relaxed, Adan remained on edge, his gaze fixed on the mechanical bull-like creature, which continued to watch him from afar without taking any further action. Gradually, Adan's nerves began to subside as he realized he had a long journey ahead of him. Settling into his seat, he greeted his elderly seatmate—a woman in her eighties—and attempted to get some rest.

As the bus rumbled along the highway, Adan's mind wandered, reflecting on the events that had transpired since his encounter with Apollo. He marveled at the revelation of his divine lineage and the newfound sense of purpose it bestowed upon him. Yet, with this realization came a heightened awareness of the dangers that lurked in the shadows—monsters drawn to his demigod nature, like the mechanical creature he had seen at the bus station.

Despite the uncertainty and peril that lay ahead, Adan found solace in the knowledge that he was not alone in this journey. His father, Apollo, had assured him of his guidance and protection, even from a distance. Drawing strength from this assurance, Adan resolved to embrace his destiny and face whatever challenges awaited him with courage and determination.

Hours passed as the bus continued its journey through the night, traversing long stretches of highway illuminated by the glow of streetlights and the occasional passing car. Adan's eyelids grew heavy as exhaustion weighed upon him, but he remained vigilant, ever mindful of the dangers that lurked in the darkness.

As dawn broke on the horizon, casting its golden hues across the landscape, Adan felt a sense of anticipation stirring within him.

Adan sat on the bus, his mind racing with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. As the bus rumbled down the highway, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every noise, every movement made him jump, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced out the window, half-expecting to see the strange machine-like creature still following them, but there was no sign of it.

Turning his attention back to the interior of the bus, Adan observed his fellow passengers. Most were engrossed in their own activities, whether it be reading, chatting with a neighbor, or staring blankly out the window. Adan envied their apparent calmness, wishing he could be as carefree as they seemed.

He leaned back in his seat, trying to relax his tense muscles. Closing his eyes, he attempted to clear his mind and focus on the rhythmic hum of the engine. Slowly, he felt himself drifting off to sleep, the gentle swaying of the bus lulling him into a sense of peace.

But his rest was short-lived. Before long, he was jolted awake by the sound of shouting coming from the front of the bus. Opening his eyes, he saw the driver engaged in a heated argument with a passenger who appeared to be causing a disturbance.

Adan's heart rate quickened as he watched the altercation unfold. He couldn't afford any delays, not with the possibility of that creature still out there somewhere. He glanced nervously out the window once more, half-expecting to see it lurking in the shadows.

As the argument between the driver and the passenger escalated, Adan felt a sense of panic rising within him. He needed to do something, but he wasn't sure what. Should he intervene? Or would that only make things worse?

Before he could make a decision, the situation took an unexpected turn. The passenger, evidently fed up with the confrontation, stormed off the bus, leaving the driver visibly shaken but relieved.

As the bus resumed its journey, Adan let out a sigh of relief. It seemed they were back on track, at least for now. But he couldn't shake the feeling of unease that still lingered in the air.

Throughout the remainder of the journey, Adan remained on edge, his senses heightened for any sign of danger. But aside from the occasional bump in the road or unexpected detour, the trip was uneventful.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the bus pulled into the Atlanta bus station. Adan gathered his belongings and stepped off the bus, his legs feeling stiff and sore from the long journey.

As he made his way through the bustling station, Adan couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him.