Sitting up, Zye finds he’s not in Celeste’s room. He’s in the same comfortable space that tells him he’s asleep. The boundary between his conscious and unconscious blurs here. Enough that he can see the legs standing before him. Zye lifts his gaze to meet Hax’s single, visible yellow eye.
“I didn’t expect you back so soon.”
“They’re, uh, fixing my memory.”
“That’s good. I take it Jace has told you everything? I assure you that even if you detest me, I’ll still train you to use the power. Whether you learn or not is up to you.”
Zye laughs. His gaze sinks back down to his hands that brace on his legs as he stands up. “You’re an idiot. Did you really stalk my family? A Nether left to watch over me? Why?”
Hax takes a step back, giving Zye room to rise. But also in case the taller man lunges for him. It is a sensitive subject, after all.
“You were the first old soul I came across that took to the power and didn’t reject it. Not to mention you’d die young. That was a defining factor as I wouldn’t have to wait as long.”
“You always were pretty suspicious and, frankly, weird.”
“Is that so? And you still trusted me.”
“Well, I guess you’re just a wet blanket. Didn’t think you were a threat. Thanks for what you did do.”
Hax is about to reply when Zye grabs a fistful of Hax’s shirt, yanking him forward until they’re toe-to-toe.
“But fuck you for what you did, too. What the hell is wrong with all you people? Is it because you didn’t live at all? Just thrust into power to where you’re all so unbelievably socially inept that you can’t talk to each other?”
“Ah, you’ve met them. What other choice—”
“There’s always a choice. I rushed headfirst into mine. I took Jace’s offer because I was afraid. I let myself be selfish and stupid. But it didn’t matter because I still had them with me if I did it. I would have selfishly gotten to enjoy them all until they were gone first.”
Hax glances to the side, away from Zye’s burning stare. “That’s a bit naive.”
“I guess. But at least it meant I had friends,” he replies with a smile down at Hax.
“A jab at me? How brave.”
“If the shoe fits, wear it. Now, I have one question and you’re going to answer it because I know you were always there watching.”
“Go right ahead.”
“My mom, did she turn into a Nether?”
Hax pries Zye’s hand away. He brushes a palm over the wrinkles to smooth them out. As he does, he finally lifts his gaze to meet Zye’s.
“I can promise you that both of your parents passed on. So no.”
“Both…?”
“I was shadowing your father on his way to the hospital when he was in an accident. He was rather emotional upon realizing he was dead and began to change into one— something I had never seen before. That is until I told him I could let him see the both of you one last time.”
“You’re full of shit.”
The snappy retort tells Hax he’s struck a nerve. He shrugs it off as best he can. Tugging the transparent cloth over his arms, he glances to the side. “You know full well I’m not. I try my best to at least not lie when it’s something important.”
“Oh, but dancing around it and fabricating stories isn’t lying, huh?”
“What reason would I have to lie to you at this point? You hold all the cards. I’m at your mercy.”
Hax, a bit irate at the accusation, grabs Zye’s hand. With his other, he holds it out, palm up, and summons his power there. The violet flicks of energy slowly begins to form and spin in a circle over his palm.
Bringing Zye’s hand to do the same beside his, he slowly lets the energy slide from his palm to Zye’s. The second it touches Zye’s skin it begins to flicker out.
Unstable to where it won’t hold for even a second. He’s quick to keep his hand close, fueling it until Zye can control it on his own.
“And if I said I’m sorry, would you even forgive me?” he asks while he does this.
“Won’t know till you try. I’d at least know you’re not a complete narcissistic prick.”
Hax watches as the energy surges. The emotions are stoking it back to life and under Zye’s control. Not very well. Still, it’s a start that allows him to slowly bring his hands back to his side.
Zye huffs, a frown etched across his countenance. “You’re all so stupid. Ilista told me I could quit any time. Why didn’t you do it that way? Why put all these people at risk? I don’t get it.”
“You can handle this. You’re doing fine. Besides, I had planned to give you all I had learned and you’d have Jace by your side to assist you.”
“Bullshit! You’re still running away! Is that all you know how to do?”
Hax steps back and smirks. “Like you’re any better? I watched you time and time again retreat from the good that was in front of you.”
“Agh! I’m talking about you, not me. Wouldn’t it have been easier to talk to your friends? That woman, Charm, is dead. And now they want to take Kerse out, too. Do they really mean nothing to you? Cause I’m pretty sure I saw otherwise.”
Each sentence has the power flaring. Hax finds it admirable that Zye keeps his hand steady while slinging words so effortlessly. He’s aware that anger can sustain the power just as much as any other emotion. Still, it’s a step forward.
“I suppose you’re right.” He sighs. Zye has had too much access to his inner thoughts and memories. It makes it all the harder to dance around certain subjects. “I might be sorry for the mess it’s turned into. But I wouldn’t change my mind.”
“Idiot. At least say you’ll do it differently.”
Hax looks down at his feet. Toes curl against the rippling surface. He can’t answer. For once, he doesn’t have a sharp or witty answer to give. He’s…unsure. Would he have done it differently?
In the beginning, his motivation was because he missed his friend so dearly. As time went on, he found out secrets they hadn’t bothered to look for. It made him grow jealous of Haru and hate this routine— this life.
He wanted to be free from his cage.
To escape it, he caged others.
All in the pursuit of knowledge and something he didn’t have in the first place.
“Perhaps…I got too greedy.”
“God! You’re as irritating as Orion with your stupid vague answers.”
Out of irritation, Zye forgets there’s anything in his hand as he slings his arms down. The power hurls next to his foot, splattering and surprising him. It tries to open a small hole— a portal— despite Zye not touching it anymore.
Zye stares down at it with confusion etched into his features.
“You held onto it for quite a while. You can see it’s not fading either. To start, my power is over space itself. You can send just about anything through it and to a predetermined location.”
Hax chuckles at a long-past memory of training with Kerse. “Of course, there’s a limit unless you’re using more energy or are under the protection of a lunar eclipse.”
“The…wait, what? No one said anything about that.”
“It’s because Jace wouldn’t know everything. He’s only a Keeper and isn’t privy to knowledge an Infernal should know lest one of us told him. It’s a time where you’re stronger, under the presence of a lunar eclipse on the world you’re on.”
“You still trust him more than anyone else.”
“Ah….hahaha!” Hax covers his mouth, allowing the fabric to catch between his bent arm as he tries to stifle the noise. “ You got me on that one. Now, I’m sure you won’t stick around much longer. Next time I’ll show you more.”
Zye looks down at himself and realizes Hax is right. He’s beginning to appear a bit translucent. He wishes he could control how long he stays like this. It’d be easier than having to rely on falling asleep and hoping this happens.
“Is there anything you want me to pass on?”
Hax quirks an eyebrow at that, “Excuse me?”
“A message, dumbass. To any of them.”
He thinks about it for a moment. There’s only one person he wishes he could talk to. Only one person he wish he had, had the nerve to try and save. He’s deeply worried about her and what the plans for her are.
Hax isn’t a fool. He’s well aware they’ll arrange to battle and kill her, set her soul free into the cycle, or rest.
Zye tries to blink. The longer he stares at Hax, the fuzzier his vision seems to be getting. He’s running out of time and Hax isn’t even paying attention to him now.
Huffing, he grabs Hax’s wrists. The rough squeeze has Hax finally meeting his eyes once more. He knows that Hax hates people in his personal space as much as he does. It’s the easiest way to get his attention.
“Think about it. I’ll tell whoever, whatever you want.”
“You truly confuse me. You get nothing from being kind to me.”
“Not everyone tacks on conditions for being nice.”
________________________
72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIi8DLa9fd7
Slowly waking up, Zye stares up at the lavender ceiling. He blinks a few times as he realizes he’s back. It doesn’t help that his body feels heavy. Trying to sit up proves to be a feat for his wobbly arms.
Jace is rushing to his side the second he so much as twitches. Helping Zye sit up, Jace reaches back to grab for the bag he left on the table. As he does, Zye is glancing about the room.
Celeste is nowhere to be seen. He assumes they’re cleansing and resting up after that. Orion, however, is sitting in his chair watching him. Meeting those green eyes, Zye flicks his gaze down to the floor instead.
He’s conflicted— rightfully so. Orion toyed with his memories even if it was with good intentions. Rather, maybe not towards himself, but the balance as a whole. It’s shaken some of the trust he has in the man. Yet at the same time, he’s not surprised.
Orion is acting no different than that man, Hax. Always keeping things from him whether he means to or not. From the vague answers to the round-about explanations.
Zye can’t fault him.
And yet there’s still the frustration there even if he did right the wrongs.
Snapping back into focus, Zye stares down at a small vial that’s handed to him. There are two more atop the pouch on Jace’s lap. The first, however, Jace takes the cork out and urges into his grip. Zye doesn’t think twice. He lifts it to his lips and downs it in one go.
Something he immediately regrets.
The burn, while feeling amazing, is intense as it spreads down his throat. It has human reflexes acting up as he devolves into a coughing fit. There’s no real worry or pain. Only the scalding heat that goes from his mouth to his toes.
Orion shifts in his seat as if he’s going to get up and help. Except Zye is grabbing Jace’s wrist to steady himself. Jace glances up at Orion and then back to Zye.
It’s the only time in his life that he can think of where he’s been angry at someone like this. Jace would normally admire Orion’s forward-thinking— the balance is of the utmost importance after all. Yet he can’t. There’s a drop of anger that’s still lingering.
As the coughing quiets down, Zye reaches for the second vial. Jace attempts to stop him only for Zye to smirk at him. “Relax, I’ll sip at it this time. I’m not stupid enough to do that again.”
From the side, Orion scoots to the end of his seat. “Try thinking and see if you can recall what you couldn’t. Do you feel your memories are complete?”
Jace’s silver gaze clashes with Orion’s green. “Not until he can rest.”
“I think I’d know better than a mortal if he can handle it.”
“You were the one that did it.”
Zye’s grip on Jace’s wrist tightens, tugging slightly at the wristband that resides there. Jace, however, ignores him. He’s upset and it’s leaking out no matter how hard he tries to hold it in.
“Yes, which is why I would know.”
“You know more than you should. I hope you kept your eyes where they belong while you were eavesdropping through his mind.”
Choking, Zye sputters as he tries to recover from that. He glances over to Orion. Considering all he’s done in his life, he’s a bit embarrassed that someone could go through and watch it like a movie. Perhaps a little irritated at the complete lack of privacy.
Orion shakes his head. His lips remain drawn in a thin line— not hinting toward any particular emotion. “I did what I had to. I couldn’t let him remember you or Hax in case you crossed paths. There has to be a balance. The cycle of sun to moon— life and death— has to continue. Your actions jeopardized that as far as I was concerned.”
“I was only trying to save him. I wasn’t trying to ruin anything.”
“The desires of one Keeper do not outweigh what the scales need. Especially not for such a selfish reason as love.”
Zye catches the last vial as Jace rises to his feet. He’s caught completely off guard when Jace steps around him, fist clenched. Orion, however, doesn’t move. He looks up into the furious silver eyes. He can feel the power rolling off of Jace in waves.
Jace takes another step forward. “How would you even know that love is selfish if you’ve never let yourself really experience it? Did you think I’d give up because you hid him from me?”
“No. You mortals are all the same.” Orion stands with a sigh. “You’re all predictable, foolish, and typically don’t think before you act. Much like a child throwing a tantrum.”
Zye glances between them. Even shorter, Orion stands tall and determined. He believes his words— it’s what he feels after all. It’s what he’s observed and knows. He hasn’t gotten the chance like Callua, Jace, or even Hax has.
Which is why he knows Jace will hit him if another button is pushed. Grabbing at Jace’s fist with both hands, he looks up at him. “Jay, come on. It’s not worth it. You know that.”
And he does. It’s pointless to let his emotions get the better of him like this. Jace calms himself and sits back down in an effort to let bygones be bygones. For now.
Not that Zye can blame him. After everything that’s happened, he wants to hit some people, too. Still, that doesn’t keep him from glancing at Orion as he steps around the other side of the table. A smart move to stay as far away from Jace as possible.
“I don’t mind working with you. But next time I’m not stopping him. Hurt someone’s feelings and they’re gonna be pissed.”
“I don’t need your help.”
The door to the cleansing room behind them all opens and Celeste exits it. Zye, however, is locked onto Orion and he’s not letting go just yet.
“I think you do. Hax lost it all because he didn’t talk to any of you. What about you? Want to lose everything like he did?”
Orion glares back at him before quickly turning to leave. Regardless, Zye sees it. The hurt look on his face is clear as day despite how he tries to hide it. Except he didn’t mean to attack him. He wants him to realize what he’s doing. Zye simply doesn’t want to deal with another Hax.
One is bad enough.
From behind the side of the couch, Celeste chuckles and sits in the chair he vacated. They look undeniably comfortable in plush sweatpants with moons and stars across a pink and purple gradient. Not to mention the towel around their shoulders clad in a white tank top.
“You really do get under his skin, don’t you?”
“The feeling’s mutual. He’s not bad, he’s just…silent.”
“Hm, well, he probably dislikes being around you seeing as you have Hax’s energy signature. You’re not him, but your presence feels like his right now. Not to mention you have his abilities. A painful reminder.”
Jace picks up the bag that was dropped while Zye finishes the third vial. All of them go back into the pouch once he’s done. “Are you saying what I think you are?”
Celeste smiles and, to be honest, Zye is lost. He glances between them. “I don’t get it.”
“Ah, it’s just gossip between friends. You see, Haru used to love trying to get them together. Orion fancied Hax quite a bit.”
Zye’s eyes widen, “Seriously? What did they do? Have a fight and hate each other now?”
Celeste shakes their head. “No, no. I think they both have a lot of regrets is all. Charm and I used to debate on who would give in first. Of course, Kerse was always hanging off Hax’s arm so Orion never worked up the courage. Haha, Kerse and Orion used to go at it like cats and dogs. That…is the correct expression, yes?”
Chuckling, Zye leans back against the cushion. “Yeah, that’s the one. So, about Kerse. Can you tell me anything about her?”
“Planning to torture my old friend while he’s trapped with you?”
“Maybe a little.”
“Alright. Her nickname is Keke. Typically only Hax was allowed to call her that. At least, he’s the one she tolerated the most. She’d punch anyone else that used it. I believe she truly cherishes both him and Charm. Not having them is probably killing her.”
“Thanks. That helps.”
“And what do you plan to do now?”
Standing up, Jace holds out his hand for Zye to take. Zye does and allows Jace to help him up. “Until we set off to take care of Daichi, we’ll return to our base. I’ll make sure you and the others have the coordinates.”
“Rest assured we won’t show up unannounced.”
Zye grins and elbows Jace in the ribs. “See? Even they get it and I didn’t have to say a word.”
“I’ll be training him as best I can,” continues Jace, completely ignoring the comment. The last thing he needs to think about is alone time with the man he doesn’t want to keep his hands off of.
Celeste nods and relaxes in their seat. “Then I’ll stop by soon and see if I can assist if possible. As well as tell anyone else to if they so wish.”
Eager to leave and get back to the others, Zye squeezes Jace’s hand. He begins to tug him toward the stairs. “Come on, I want to see Xerxes before we go.”
“You could message him.”
“I’m not used to that yet. I’d rather talk to him face to face.”
Beginning down the stairs, Jace glances over his shoulder with a wave. “Thank you, Celeste. I’ll be in touch.”
When they reach the main floor there’s no one in sight except Iris. She’s waiting patiently for them to step aside so she can go back up. A smile shines at both of them as they come off the stairs.
“How did it go?”
“Good. Everything’s fixed. Well, my head at least.”
“I’m glad you’re okay. Celeste was very worried about how it might affect you.”
“Ah, I’m fine. I have to be if you’re going to take me to see those flowers. Oh! Jace,” he tugs at the man’s hand before letting it go. “You have to go with us when we do.”
“I’d love to.”
Iris’s tail swishes happily behind her legs at that. “Then once this is all over, we’ll go. Oh, are you leaving now?”
“Yeah, after I see Xerxes. You’re welcome to come see us before we head out for the first quest if you want.”
“Quest?”
Jace smiles at that and begins to tug Zye around her so she can get up the stairs. “He means mission.”
“Do be careful!”
She’s bounding up the stairs the next second while Zye huffs at Jace. He allows Jace’s grip to continue on his wrist to urge him in the direction of Ilista’s room. “Quest sounds cooler.”
“Sure.”
At the door, Zye waits a moment upon knocking. It opens and the Mark that does so promptly vanishes. Zye leads Jace inside. Stepping over the threshold is when Jace finally lets go. In the room, Zye’s gaze lands on the two of them instantly.
Xerxes is up off the couch he’s sitting on with Ilista. The earbud he had in his ear is dropped to the cushion, whatever they were listening to is forgotten. Zye meets him halfway with Jace trailing behind.
“Hey, what’s going on with you two?”
Ilista sets the disc player aside, a trinket she’s collected over the years, and kicks her feet up onto the table. “Just waiting for an order. There’s an alert, but I think Orion took the job from me.”
Xerxes glances up at Zye while being careful to avoid Jace. He doesn’t have his mask. The confidence to speak to the other man is zero. Focusing on his best friend is all he can do. “You’re leaving again, aren’t you?”
From behind him, Ilista speaks up. “He has to, Xerxes. Noctis isn’t a place he can stay. Too cold for that lizard.”
“Why am I a lizard? Where did that even come from?”
Jace pats Zye’s shoulder. “It’s because we’ve been told that the Infernals take after a creature known as a dragon. As Cal would put it, a big lizard.”
“See! Even your boyfriend agrees.”
Unhappy with the teasing, Zye turns his eyes back to Xerxes. Best to ignore them both and focus on why he’s here. “But yeah, I am. Not for long and now we can talk. I’ll figure out that whole message thing.”
“When will you be back?”
Xerxes’s question is answered by Jace. It has the shorter man finally having to meet Jace’s eyes as best he can. It doesn’t help that he’s met with the softest of smiles.
“Soon. Until then you can visit whether we’re staying at our temporary base or in Solis once things are settled. You’re always welcome. Both of you.”
Ilista is up off the couch and striding over to Xerxes in the next instant. Her steps are confident and the weight she places on Xerxes’s shoulder is a comfortable one to the man. She props her arm there with a gesture to Zye.
“If you need help training him more, I’ll come when I can. He’s not a quick learner all the time.”
“I’m right here.”
“And I see that.” She sighs and turns to Zye.
The somber expression on her face is strange to see. Zye doesn’t care for it at all. He’d rather have her smiling and joking over this.
“I really am sorry, by the way. I should have trusted Vespera.”
Zye shakes his head. It’s a pointless thought to him now anyway. “You had every reason not to. Besides, you remind me of Cal. Better safe than sorry when it comes to your friends.”
“I’m still in the friend category? Awesome. That means I didn’t screw up too badly, huh?”
“Ilista, you did a lot for me. I couldn’t hate you for trying to protect me.”
Her arm slides off of Xerxes’s shoulder. Zye might not catch the way she blinks quickly, but Jace does. He notices how she draws her glossy lips into a thin line and tries to find a way out of this. She’s emotional and doesn’t know what to say— what to do.
Thankfully, she’s saved by the energy asking for entry into her room. It doesn’t matter who it is, she lets them have entrance. To which, Aster storms into the room. He has an absolutely crossed expression on his face.
“What the hell did you say to Orion?”
Zye rolls his eyes as he pivots on his heel. “I didn’t do anything. He did.” He jabs his fingers back toward Jace as he half-turns to address Aster as well.
“I think you did more with that last question.” Jace counters.
“Fine. We both stuck our foot in it.”
“Orion stuck it in first. We simply replied.”
Aster exhales, obviously pissed. “I don’t care. Ugh! Fuck. I hate you both.”
“Why? Did you get put on a mission?”
“No. I got taken off a mission. He thinks that since Ilista trained you, so should I. Not that I know why.”
Jace pats Zye’s shoulder. “I’m sure it’s only so you can keep an eye on us.”
“And I don’t want to.” Aster glances between them. “If I wanted to see two idiots flirt I’d come see Ilista more.”
The comment goes right over Xerxes’s head. He doesn’t quite understand why Aster says that. Ilista, however, does and she’s flustered. Not to mention angry that he’d dare to say that in front of Xerxes.
Zye notices it as well and is quick to grab Jace’s hand. He’s already tugging him around Aster and to the door as he waves back at Xerxes. “See you later, kiddo!”
Befuddled, Jace allows Zye to urge him out into the hallway. He steps away as Zye goes to shut the door. Seeing as he’s taking his time, Jace leans against the wall opposite the door. There’s a good reason Zye is gradually closing the door. It’s all so he can make sure that Aster and Ilista are launching into a back-and-forth.
His hand slips from the handle before he turns, striding to stand toe-to-toe with Jace. The man smiles at him. “Anyone else you want to see before we leave? We have a long day tomorrow.”
“So…does that mean we can relax tonight? Cal is waiting for us, right?”
“Yes and yes. I’m sure you’re tired after that.”
“I guess.” Zye leans forward until one palm presses to the wall, cutting off Jace’s ability to move down the hall. “I do have it all back, you know. You can relax.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
Jace has always been one to surprise him. Happy little instances where he does something that Zye would never think he would. Not when he knows Zye doesn’t care to do anything where someone could walk by.
This, however, is so simple.
The warm palm that presses to his cheek has him stilling. Purple-blue eyes slip from looking at the silver gaze to the lips that gradually close in on him. The hand on his cheek slips down along his jaw and to his nape.
A light squeeze.
Soft lips that gently brush across his own.
The pleasant shiver Zye gets is all he’s wanted since they were separated. Suddenly, it was all just a bad dream and he can’t stop his hands from gripping the edges of Jace’s cloak. He wants to pull him in for more— deepen the kiss and never let go.
Until a cough comes from behind them.
“Really? You couldn’t wait till you left?”
A light blush dusts over Jace’s cheeks as he opens a portal, feeling confident in the fact that Zye will want to hurry and leave now. Except he doesn’t. He’s pissed that Aster would dare interrupt.
Spinning around, he balances a hand on his hip. “What? Jealous that you can’t do that with Orion?”
Aster whips his head around, actively making sure that no one heard it. Especially not Orion. “Would you shut up?” he hisses back at Zye. “Scream it to the world why don’t you.”
“I will if you wanna make a big deal out of it. It’s not like I was jumping his bones.”
“Zye, we need to go.”
Jace wraps an arm around Zye’s waist, ushering him closer to the portal. Not that he’s worried. If anything, he’s happy to see Zye still being as adorable as ever. It reminds him of all the times Shae would tease them.
“I’ll message you later, Aster. Thanks again.”
Zye sticks his tongue out at Aster just before he slips through the portal. All the while Aster groans and shakes his head, muttering that he’s stuck with a bunch of weirdos.
ns 15.158.61.55da2
