The safest place would be anywhere other than here.
In front of the dark brown door, he feels a bit trapped. Before him are large partitions left slightly askew. It gives the tiniest glimpse further into her room. To where the white tile leads from muted red walls to a bed dressed in the richest of crimsons.
It’s before these screens painted with golden specks, almost like a black winter with gold snow, that he waits. As he does, he rattles off the report to Kerse.
“I’ve lost contact with him and there’s no energy signature to lock onto. No one has seen him, either.”
The anger is something he can feel before the words even leave her lips. “Dammit! Damn him!”
Her fist catches one of the partitions and knocks it to the side. It teeters for a moment before falling over with a loud clatter. It barely misses him at that as it clangs against the floor near his boots.
“What do you mean you can’t find him?!”
“I don’t have any more leads.”
“And this stupid little Star got her hands on that girl. Now Soren won’t shut the fuck up! What are you even doing? You have one job!”
“I’m doing my best.”
Kerse glares at him. Marching up to stand toe-to-toe, she jabs a finger against his chest. “You’re doing shit. What did Charmilla even see in you? You can’t complete one task I give you.”
“I didn’t say I’d stop trying.”
She huffs at that, spinning around and stomping back over to her bed. There she takes her coat off and throws it onto the tussled sheets. That’s when he sees it— her arms.
Kerse is normally pale. But now? Now she’s looking like death itself with how the color is drained from her arms with blue crackling veins running through them.
Hax wasn’t kidding. That concerns Jace more than anything at the moment. It means she really isn’t cleansing. A loose cannon is not what he needs to deal with right now. She’s dangerous and if he’s not careful, he’s the next target.
“If I can track the Star, I can find Hax. I think these two incidents are related.”
“I—I know that. I’m not stupid!”
For a moment, she doesn’t move. She doesn’t say a word. She simply stares down at the red coat that’s folded in on itself. It worries Jace, she seems as though she’s not all there.
“I’ll find him, Kerse. Don’t worry.”
Slowly, she looks up at him. From the corner of her eye, she stares with a strange expression in those ruby orbs. He could swear it’s an entirely different Kerse he’s seeing. One that isn’t the confident, swearing, and loud woman that turns away from him.
“Go. Get to work before I make you help catch Nether for the weaklings instead.”
“Of course.”
Jace is more than happy to leave the room. He has other places to be, after all. One of those is going back to Soren. Nevertheless, he can’t shake that look on her face out of his mind.
He’s saved plenty and helped cleanse them so that they can get away from the Dark Surge. The expression on her countenance mimicked the one that those he’s saved have shown. It’s concerning only because he wonders, just maybe, if she cleansed would she back down?
The thought is shelved for now as he slips through a portal to get to the rundown castle where Soren is holed up.
Jace will never understand why this place was chosen. He’s been to hundreds— thousands— of areas like this one. Many of them had much nicer and more elaborate castles. Even forgotten and left to the vegetation, they still shone and held their grace well.
This one is something from an era of stonework and not much else. It leaves little to the imagination when it’s looked at. Simple, plain, and very, very gray.
Then again, in his eyes, it fits Soren perfectly. The distaste he has for the man he has to meet up with is immeasurable. Worse yet when he strides into the massive room where large embellished thrones used to sit.
Up on the platform is Soren with a Star before him. He seems to scoff while plunging a dagger into their chest. Jace keeps his pace steady, walking slowly up to the scene before him.
A scene he’s seen countless times before.
It only goes one of two ways. Of which, it doesn’t seem like it’s going the way Jace would hope. Death is a mercy compared to what does happen.
The pale, petrified-looking skin only spreads with the blue lines racing throughout it growing more pronounced. It’s one of the hardest events to witness. The way the emotions that plague them overcome their souls and turn it dark.
Turning them into a Nether.
A slow and undoubtedly painful process for the person in question that crumples to the ground like a wet paper bag. Blue blood drips onto the stone as Soren wipes the blade off. Lifting his gaze, he gives Jace a smile.
One that Jace doesn’t care for.
“Were they a traitor?”
Soren lets out a chortle. “Oh no, I just didn’t like him. He complained too much and was having second thoughts. We can’t have that.”
“On?”
“Not cleansing with the excuse he was feeling strange. How can more power feel wrong?”
Jace doesn’t answer and that has Soren peeking at him from the corner of his eye.
“Not that someone like yourself would understand. Keeper status gives you quite the power boost, hm?”
“I’m no different than the rest of you.”
“So you say, but I’m not convinced.”
“I’ve served under all three of them and had to bow my head.”
He doesn’t bat an eye in his reply. The fact that he speaks at all has Soren flipping the dagger so that he holds the tip. Jace eyes the handle that’s held out to him.
“Prove it.”
“How do you suggest I do that?”
“You’re never around while I have to do the dirty work. How convenient.”
They stand, staring at each other, while Jace assumes he’s calling for someone to come in. There’s no one else in the expanse of the room until a frail young woman limps over one of the thresholds. Before she gets close, Soren nods toward her.
“She doesn’t seem to be handling the energy very well. Do it.”
Coming to a wobbling stop next to Jace, her bloodshot eyes are all for Soren. There’s fear laced throughout her countenance as she clutches at herself and the black robe she wears.
“You called for me?”
Soren glowers down at her, disgust wrought across his features. “Your performance is lower than dirt. Your ability to keep up and absorb the energy is worse than that. You’re trash and we don’t have time to coddle you.”
“B-but, sir, I…”
“It’s that kind of half-hearted reply that tells me you don’t want this. Convince your Keeper that you do and perhaps you’ll be spared.”
Her face is awash with horror as she turns to Jace. Bare feet drag over the stone until she can look up at him. The second their eyes meet, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“I…I don’t, I’m sorry…I don’t want this, please, please help me! I promise I won’t say anything!”
“Tch, get rid of her. I can’t stand to hear the whining.”
Jace hates how the handle feels in his hand. It’s decorative at best with a short blade and a gilded hilt. His other hand lands on her shoulder, holding her still as he gets closer. The stab is quick and flawless— through the chest with orange blood speckling the floor from the dagger dangling in his grip.
More than anything, he hates having to do this. Some have to be killed to be freed as they’re too far gone— too weak to handle a cleansing to restore their soul. The mercy of the act doesn’t make it any easier to swallow.
She begins to collapse to her knees, folding over as she cries silently. Before her, Soren claps his hands. If Jace thought any different, he’d say Soren is mocking him.
“Well done. Now, I have things to do. Daichi is searching for the woman that kidnapped Hax’s pet. If he calls for you, help him. I doubt he’d be able to win.”
“Of course, anything else?”
“No. I’ll have the others clean up this mess shortly.”
Jace is slow to turn and open a portal. Anything to draw out waiting for Soren to leave. Once he can’t feel his presence, Jace glances around to make sure no one is watching. A flick of his finger over the diamond and he bends down.
Scooping the girl up into his arms, he hurries through the portal before anyone comes in. From the dreary land to the brightly lit living room in one of the safe houses. He glances away from how Yue is curled up on Gray’s lap and begins for the bathroom in the back of the house.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Yue is scooting off of Gray. The taller man is up and trailing after his friend the next second.
“It’s fine, Jace. Is she another one?”
Jace nudges the door open while Gray flicks the light on. He sets the girl down on the toilet with Gray next to her, keeping her from folding over.
“I’ll need you to watch over her. I avoided her core. I think I can help cleanse her to reverse it since it’s not as far along. If she truly doesn’t want this then it’ll work.”
The sound of the water filling the tub is deafening. Jace pushes his cloak back and sticks his left hand in the steadily rising water. He closes his eyes and concentrates. The right hand is already making gestures through the air— repeating what he’s been taught.
Clear liquid glimmers like diamonds in the sun as he does this. Not that he can prepare it for long. He’ll never be used to how fast it drains his strength. The instant he pulls his hand out and flicks the water off, it returns to what a tub of water should look like.
Jace rolls his shoulders as he stands. He’s quick to pick her up and lay her in the tub. He takes the towel Gray hands him and folds it beneath her neck. As he does, her eyes flicker open. She’s dazed and weak, yet still manages to reach up and grab the wrist that retreats from the water yet again.
A squeak of noise comes out that he gently hushes. “It’ll be alright. Rest. We’ll protect you from them.”
Letting him go, she settles into the warmth of the water so that he can stand. Jace careens his neck to look up at Gray.
“She should have a couple of hours at least. Otherwise, we can get some more water from Solis.”
“I can manage that. Were there any others I should prepare for?”
“No…the other one…He won’t make it. I’ll have to cleanse him when I can and Soren isn’t looking for his new Nether pet.”
“It’s disgusting what they’re doing.”
“Which is why I need you to keep everyone safe here and the word spreading to not stop cleansing. And…Gray, I’m sorry you were hurt. I really am. I shouldn’t have sent you with Daichi.”
“I am telling everyone I can. Please, it’s fine. I’m alright. I’m sturdier than you think.”
Jace sidesteps and slips out of the bathroom. He has places to be and things to do after all. Except, he doesn’t make it very far. A strong grip has a hold on his wrist before he can turn down the hallway.
Gray keeps his voice low, “How are you doing? I’m worried about you.”
“I’m busy.”
“Any word?”
“No. None yet.”
Gray lets Jace go only to clap a hand on his shoulder. “Then I can give you the good news. Yue got an update from Ilista. He’s doing fine. All healed up and kicking up a fuss about things.”
A smile touches his lips at that. “I bet he is. Keep your ears open. I might be needing someone’s help to get into Noctis. The fact I can’t to begin with is ridiculous. Stupid rules…”
“Perhaps another thing to change?”
Jace bites back the laugh and steps away. The smile grows ever-so-slightly and it’s all Gray needs to have his worry lessen. Jace calls up a corridor, watching as the colors burn into existence.
“Make me a list of your demands and I’ll see what I can do.”
“I’ll be sure to.”
From Gray to Hax, Jace steps through and into the hotel room with a rather bewildered expression. What he gets isn’t what he expects at all.
Vespera sits on one of the beds with Sigil. One hand is against Vespera’s knee as the Star paints her nails. Behind Sigil is Callua with a pair of scissors. Hair falls onto the towel draped over Sigil’s shoulders and the one on the bed behind her.
Callua doesn’t so much as glance back at Jace. She’s focused on trimming the girl’s hair and refuses to mess up. Meanwhile, Hax is on the balcony with the door shut behind him. From where Jace is, he can’t see the horns. It must mean he’s appearing more human. Perhaps for Sigil’s sake?
“What are you three doing?”
Callua scoffs, “Having girl time. Get out.”
He doesn’t dare argue with her. Joining Hax out on the balcony isn’t a terrible idea. Not that he blames Sigil for his own flare of emotions. He simply doesn’t care for that to happen again.
He’ll be damned to admit it, but he can’t handle it. Not right now.
Out in the chill of the air, Jace shakes his head. He leaves the door cracked open while taking his place beside Hax. The man leans forward on the metal railing with a cigarette drawn up to his lips.
It truly is strange to see him as a person; no horns, no dark eyes, and no clothing that screams he’s who he is. Just Hax in a dark jacket with his hair wound up in a bun.
“I didn’t know you smoked.”
“I partake now and then.”
“I’ve heard it’s a terrible habit.”
“I figured I’d enjoy it while it can’t kill me,” he replies with a sly glance over at Jace. “Tell me, what’s wrong now?”
“She’s looking for you. Do you really have your mind closed off completely from her?”
“Except for you three, yes.”
One look from Jace and Hax chuckles.
“That includes those in Noctis. I can’t risk it. I do think we should allow Vespera to return to Noctis and speak with Celeste. Better yet if she can bring Zye here.”
“That’s not for you to decide.”
“I worry if we do it there it could hamper his acceptance of the power. The energy flow is different there. The sun can’t live during the nighttime. I don’t want him to get hurt trying to accept this.”
“I don’t care for your riddles. Tell me what you mean or I’m not considering this whether Vespera came up with it or not.”
Hax exhales after a long drag. Tapping the filter with his thumb, he flicks off some of the ash into a small tray he holds with his other hand. “And I’m liking that you talk back more. Did you learn that from him?”
“I don’t think you should—”
“What? Talk about him? You do know I knew him far sooner than you? In fact, he was a rather cute kid. Quite the mommy’s boy.”
Jace glares over at him. “I don’t want to hear it from you.”
Not that it stops Hax in the slightest. It never does.
“Lyra, his mother, was exceptionally beautiful as well. So kind and lovely. He’s lucky he gets some of her traits. At least, when he’s not picking fights.” Hax stubs the cigarette out and sighs. “You read all of my findings, yes?”
“I did.”
“Then you know I chose him a long time ago.”
Jace watches as a smile faintly curls at Hax’s lips. He’s surprised to see it— taken aback by how genuine it seems.
“To know he’ll be driving the old guard crazy…It almost makes me wish I’d done it differently so I could watch.”
“You’re insane, Hax, and stupid. I don’t know how any of you made it this long.”
“Perhaps…Only a genius madman could do what I’ve done!”
The sarcasm that drips from his words has Jace struggling to push a smile of his own down. It feels so strange to stand on equal footing with this man— with someone that was told is beyond his reach.
He watches as Hax retreats from the railing and sets the ashtray on the ground. However, as he’s about to turn to go inside, he doubles over. Hax claws at the neck of the jacket to pull it down as coughs wrack through his body. He just manages to cover his mouth while his other hand slaps against the glass.
Jace hurries to his side, grabbing onto his shoulder just in case. He waits for Hax to calm down and to catch his breath so to speak.
“What’s wrong, now?”
Hax chuckles at that. “It seems your boyfriend is trying to leech more power from me.”
“Is there a reason why? Could he be hurt?”
“If I knew, I’d time it better. Now would you kindly put those arms to good use and help me in?”
This time, Jace doesn’t react. Hax is still important. If anything, he’s a person as much as the girl he saved tonight. He doesn’t like to see any of them suffer. Even if it is from Hax’s own machinations.
Nudging the door open, Jace wraps an arm around Hax’s waist and guides him back inside. He ends up carrying most of the weight until Hax collapses onto the side of the bed opposite where the girls sit.
The concern he has at watching Hax strip off the jacket and curl up on the bed is far too great for his liking. He’s worried that this means things are moving faster— before he’s ready at that.
Hax keeps his back to everyone as he slips into another coughing fit. It shatters the atmosphere to where they all can feel the worry rolling off of Sigil in waves. All three of them look to Jace for an answer.
One that he doesn’t want to give.
“It’s fine.”
Even though it’s not. He can see the crimson blood that’s smeared over Hax’s hand. Worse yet when he retrieves a tissue from the bedside table and touches the fingers reaching for it.
They’re cold like death.
Hax should be warm. His blood should be orange.
He flicks his gaze over to the ladies. “Ves, we need to talk about you going to Noctis. Do you have a moment?”
“Sure, lead the way.”
Where neither woman expects him to take them is the bathroom. The cramped room leaves little to do aside from Callua perching on the edge of the tub and Vespera on the toilet with the lid closed. Leaning on the sink, Jace sighs.
“He’s bleeding red. We’re out of time. Not that I think I can keep the barrier up around this place for much longer anyway.”
Vespera’s eyes go wide. “You’re what’s keeping us safe. That’s too much energy you’re putting out. No wonder you look so pale and worn out.”
“I’m fine. I just need us to plan. Any questions you have we’ll answer.”
“Don’t you think you should rest first?”
“No. He’s more important.”
Vespera shares a look with Callua before nodding. “Alright, I just have one question. What happens when Hax does whatever he’s doing?”
“I’m not sure. It’s never been done before.”
“I meant with everything else.”
Callua crosses her ankles and leans forward. “Well, Daichi and Soren are still a problem. The Surge is shrinking but only because more are becoming Nether.”
“And then we have Kerse,” Jace finishes. “I know we need to take them all into account. However, I need to do this first.”
Vespera fiddles with her outfit. “I see…I’ll have to be careful. If I can find him right away, I’ll grab him. Otherwise, I’ll speak with Celeste and make sure no one bothers to interfere. If…they’ll listen to me.”
Callua reaches over, patting Vespera’s knee. It’s not been long and yet they’ve gotten close— shared some of the trials they’ve gone through. If anything, it makes Jace happy to see. To Jace, she deserves a friend— she deserves the world.
“I think they will.” Callua glances up at Jace next. “Now, when are we doing this?”
Jace turns for the door, “The second I have a place prepared for us to go to. We’ll need to rest up and be ready.”
Vespera speaks up quickly, “Wait. I…I do need to tell you that I think Daichi has seen me. He’s trying to find me.”
“It’s fine. I have this area cloaked. If you feel it weaken, let me know.”
“And Daichi, his power? What is it in case I have to fight him?”
Callua hums at that. She remembers training that one all too well. “He has wind affinity. To go with it he uses these little sharp things on a cord. If you have to, cut it to piss him off.”
“What about Soren?”
Jace leans against the door instead with arms crossed over his chest. “You don’t have to worry about him. He never goes out in the field.”
“But if he does? What does he even think he’s doing by trying to turn himself into a Nether? If he’s that drunk on gaining power he must be weak.”
“No. Soren is a special case. All I know is this inferiority he has is a nasty combo with his power of sight. He can see a few seconds into the future. It does have its limits.”
“I see…That’s problematic.”
“As far as I know,” begins Callua, “he can’t focus on more than one target at a time. Teaming up against him is the best strategy. If one of us runs into him we should call for backup.”
“Hmm…alright. I can do that. I do have one last question.”
Jace nods for her to continue. Doing so has her gaze focusing solely on him.
“Zye, what is he to you?”
Silence settles and Callua holds herself back. She wants to blurt out the answer. On the other hand, Jace unfolds his arms as if he’s physically letting down a wall.
“A lot. I was his boyfriend. Not that I know if he’ll even want to stay here after he can choose for himself.”
Vespera rolls her eyes at that. “Seriously? He’ll stay. What else does he have to go back to after pinning after you for so long?”
“He could start over in a new life.”
“Dying and reincarnating is nothing if he doesn’t have the chance to be with you again. You’ll still be in Solis, as far away from him as you could possibly get. And I don’t see him getting another free ticket to join us here. He already got here by cheating the system.”
Jace can see the fire that burns in her eyes as she speaks. It’s from experience— from her own feelings. It has him stepping forward and brushing a hand over her shoulder.
“You don’t have to punish yourself either. Those that love you want you to be happy first and foremost.”
A blush sears over her cheeks. Turning away, she shoos his hand off of her. “Thank you…that’s very kind to say.”
Callua stands up, determination etched into her features. She places her hands on her hips. “Alright. If we’re doing this then, Jace, you need to go back to Solis. Sleep and recuperate. When you get back here, we’ll set this plan into motion. While Vespera goes to get Zye, I’ll watch over these two idiots.”
“Understood. I’ll refresh the barrier before I leave.”
Jace opens the door and Vespera is the first to hurry out. Once she has, Callua comes up behind Jace. Her hand presses against his back.
“Please, rest. We need you at full strength for this.”
“I know.”
“You don’t. Promise me. I won’t let this happen unless you show up here later bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.”
“What does…where do you come up with these sayings?” He glances down at the grin she’s sporting. It’s for him, a petite comfort that he takes so eagerly. “Alright, I promise. Check-in with Soren one time before I get back.”
Callua pats him on the back one last time before slipping out. She jumps straight into a conversation with Sigil in case she needs anything. Vespera is over by Hax, making sure he’s comfortable and no longer hacking up a lung.
And Jace…he isn’t sure what to do with himself.
An eager anxiousness is settling in the pit of his stomach.
Nothing will go wrong.
He can’t afford for it to go wrong.
ns 15.158.61.7da2
