Disclaimer: I hereby disclaim all rights to all characters (save for those of my own creation) during this overheard conversation… especially for the one who's irritating.

~保護者~

"Mercy"

~保護者~

Shei hadn't meant for it to take this long for him to calm down. Finding his half-sister dead had impacted him more than he'd anticipated, especially considering how briefly they'd known one another. Maybe it was an effect of his Malevolent energies. They weren't fully restrained by the seal anymore, after all. It was a small consolation that they weren't entirely free yet, but that didn't mean they weren't doing things. I never used to experience much in the way of anger. Now it's begun happening frequently. There can be no other cause that I am aware of.

For now, he decided to push the thought aside and focus on returning home. His teleport was interrupted shortly before he reached Hyale, however. He landed in a crouch within a tree someplace else in the Highlands. Before him floated a being he didn't personally recognize, but the energy they exuded was unmistakable. A Spawn of Malevolence. Frowning, he demanded via thought-speech, "Who are you? What do you want?"

"I am called Infinite," the being answered. It was entirely too calm for Shei's liking. "I am here on your grandfather's behalf."

Grandfa-? Oh, hell no. Shei stood up and crossed his arms. "I'm not interested. Leave my sight."

"This will take but a moment. Be still or I will force you." Simultaneously, they moved. Infinite started toward him and Shei dodged backward. Energy coiled around Shei and slammed him into the trunk of the tree where it then pinned him. "I warned you." Again, Infinite approached. It held a hand out and concentrated energy on the seal contained within Shei. "I suggest you brace yourself. This will be swift, but I will show you no gentility."

All at once, the seal shattered in its entirety. Shei felt it as an agonizing snap deep within himself. He was rendered unable to move, speak, or think because of the pain. As such, he couldn't catch himself when he was dropped. He hit branch after branch on his way down, and each one withered and melted on contact. It didn't matter that they were touched through his clothes. Unlike usual, that barrier was far from enough.

He hit the ground eventually. By then, Infinite had vanished. Shei groaned and pushed himself up on an arm, his fists tightly clenched just like his teeth were behind his mask. By the gods that had hurt. It still did. Only the fact that he was rapidly regaining control over his now fully freed powers could be deemed "good news". The more he accomplished this, the more everything he'd touched ceased to die, rot, and melt.

Once he was sure he even could, he worked himself up onto his feet. Agony still laced through his every nerve ending, but it was dying down. With any luck, it would be over in its entirety before much longer. Bastard. I'll figure out how to deal with the whole lot of you later.

Moments later Aniko appeared near him, dangling off the side of a tree with obvious concern in her eyes. "What the hell just happened over here?"

Shei straightened and turned to face her. His anger dissipated almost entirely in her presence. "A Spawn of Malevolence showed up," he admitted after a moment.

"Ah, fuck," Aniko muttered, dropping down onto the ground and kneeling down beside him. "You okay?"

"...It claimed it was removing what was left of the seal," Shei further admitted. "That's certainly what it felt like it was doing. I'm alright other than that, but…"

"Try to relax," Aniko said softly, offering a hand to him. "Nothing good will come of you not being relaxed with powers you don't understand."

"I'm as calm as I feel I can be right now," Shei assured. Though tempted, he hesitated to take her hand. He decided to touch the nearest plant with his gloved finger to make sure it wouldn't melt instantly. When it didn't, he went ahead and took her hand into his own.

Aniko nodded a little and pulled him to her. "I can only assume that you are feeling somewhat rough, though."

"The process was agonizing," Shei mentally sighed. "I feel like every nerve in my body was tortured simultaneously."

"Let us return home so you can take a seat," Aniko said gently, teleporting them both to their home. Shei immediately walked with her to the table and sat on one of the cushions. He was quite grateful to have something soft to sit on. Aniko took a seat beside him and wrapped her hands around his. "Are you feeling okay physically? Are you in any lingering pain?"

"Aside from feeling a bit raw, for lack of a better word, I think I'm alright," Shei answered truthfully. "I promise I would tell you if that was not the case."

"I am aware, but the thought may have not immediately crossed your mind," Aniko pointed out. "Pain clouds the mind."

"That it does," Shei had to agree. He tugged her a bit closer so that he could hug her. "Enough about me. Are you doing alright? I apologize for leaving you alone for as long as I did."

Aniko held him firmly and let out a gentle sigh. "It's okay. I was simply concerned for you."

"Are you alright beyond that?" he pressed.

"I am," Aniko replied. "I have had time to relax."

"Good. And what of Espio and Armaris?" Shei paused, then added, "And your father, if you have felt comfortable enough to keep an eye on him."

Aniko glanced away for a moment. "Ryuji… as far as I am aware, he is fine. Espio is well, but Armaris was recently attacked by some cat. He apparently was looking for her father. The man nearly killed her as well."

Shei didn't like that at all. "What is her condition? I assume Espio is caring for her."

"It was bad," Aniko admitted. "One of her legs was blasted with some sort of magic that tore up the skin, a number of cuts over her body, and two large stab wounds to her chest. I do not know how she survived it, though. I presume it may have something to do with her heritage."

Espio must have told her what happened. Or maybe she saw for herself. Either way, it was irrelevant how she knew. Shei focused on what actually mattered here. "That may be the case, yes. Even if it's not, the important thing is that she indeed lived."

"Correct. From what Espio told me, however, she must have fought quite hard," Aniko added. "I dare to say she may have fought well."

"Knowing her, she certainly did," Shei smiled. "That is how she is."

Aniko shrugged. "I certainly hope so."

"We can ask her if we are so inclined, once she is better. In the meantime, I'm making lunch." Shei gave her a small squeeze and pulled away. "For the record, if you don't like my cooking then you are on your own."

The woman huffed and kissed his forehead, gently nudging him away after. "Go ahead. It will be nice to not feed myself." Amused, Shei nodded and headed off to get things ready. He had every intention of making one of her favorites. It was the least he could do to apologize for his absence.

~保護者~

Tianak could only sigh where he was sitting within the mostly reconstructed citadel. This was a massive fucking mess. What in the hell would these four be able to do if someone like Cyril came back? None of them could truly face magic, and it was less helpful since they were all mortals as far as he could tell. The God of Demons was highly displeased with his current position, but he was given little choice. Someone would come, it was only a matter of who and when.

He was also still recovering from Malevolence's attack. That had left him behind in getting anything meaningful done. He pressed his thumb and index finger against his forehead and groaned, standing up and idly kicking away debris with enough force to send it crashing through the wall. Fucking hell. That goddamn God of Magic... He ruined everything.

He briefly debated the idea of trying to get revenge, but something about that sounded… wrong. More like dangerous, actually. He didn't like the idea of actively seeking out the bird for one reason or another. Perhaps it was how things just went perfectly in the other god's favor, or maybe it was how strong the man had wound up being... or maybe it was just how incredibly vulnerable Tianak was to magic.

What if I just fix that? The idea lingered and took hold. Spurred into action, Tianak teleported away and expanded out his senses. The moment he found someone with magic, he appeared beside them on their random home world and corrupted them. Then, he forced them to give him that power before simply killing them. That made him feel a little less vulnerable. It was the best chance he had of surviving Cyril in a fight, and it would prevent some of the other heroes from being a problem for him. Now, he needed a plan. The best idea he had was to go out of his way to reach out to Kalek.

"Go to Mobius and raise hell," he mentally instructed the demon. "Kill whoever you can. I will intervene if anyone attempts to interrupt you." He knew it was a gamble to go for this guy, considering the demon plainly did not like him. It was possible it might backfire, but perhaps the potential to just get to attack and kill people would be enough to entice Kalek into listening. It was Tianak's best shot for now.

"Yeah, sure. Whatever. I'll go crack some skulls, set shit on fire, and do what I do best."

Tianak managed a small smirk and moved on. He created a clone of himself and sent it on to Mobius, hovering out in space so he could simply observe the planet. He would need to be watching for when the murder spree began.

~保護者~

Now seemed like as good a time as any. Wave had intended to do as Steam had told her when he'd visited earlier. He'd told her to call Cyril, but she'd wound up holding off. Briefly monitoring Sein had been the priority. Then, once Steam had stabilized the man's emotions to some degree, tending to the dead had taken precedence. And then there was the matter of Alana, but… Wave had no way of helping with that right now. Casting a glance at Yareis and the others, she walked to the far side of the large room they were all in and placed a call to Cyril. Please answer. Even if you're busy, please just answer.

There was barely a few second's wait. The finch answered almost immediately. "Hey, Wave. Whatcha need?"

Wave fought against the sudden urge to sniffle. Her eyes were getting misty all over again. "Hey," she almost whispered. "It's… Cyril… it's awful. It's so awful. Nareish went on a killing spree. At least nine or ten people are dead. Steam thought I should call you."

"You okay?" Cyril asked. "All of it got you shaken up?"

"That's one way of putting it," Wave said.

"Give me a second, and I'll get over to you. Okay?"

"Okay." Wave went ahead and hung up.

Cyril arrived seconds later through a portal, taking a seat beside her immediately. "Heya."

"Hey," Wave greeted in return. She forced a small smile, which was already a little easier to do now that he was here. It soon faded. Her gaze drifted to the floor. "I'm sorry for always asking you to do things or come to me out of the blue like this. It isn't fair to you."

"Don't sweat it," Cyril said, gently waving her off. "If it bothered me, I wouldn't be here. What's up?"

"Just… everything I told you in the call," Wave said. "People died. It's just… awful."

Cyril winced a little at that and set a hand on her shoulder. "Yeah…" Wasn't just here. "I'm sorry."

"It isn't something you have to apologize for. I just feel terrible that I couldn't do anything, you know?" Wave gave him a sideways hug with one arm. "I'm really glad you and most other people I care a lot about weren't hurt, but other people I also care about didn't make it. Makes for a lot of rough emotions to process."

Cyril squeezed her other shoulder with a hand, returning the hug. "Oh, yeah. I get that. It's just a lot… I can't say it's the same, but I kinda get it. Happened with my parents. They passed on, but I knew people like you were alive."

Wave felt a twinge of guilt. "I'm so sorry… I didn't know they were gone…"

He shrugged a little. "They passed peacefully, knowing I was healthy and well. That's what mattered to me."

"Okay." Wave wiped at her eyes. "Jeez… I'm a mess right now, huh? I always get all apologetic when I'm sad."

Cyril nudged her a tiny bit and smiled. "Yeah, just a little. It happens, though. Best you can do is let yourself feel it all, ya know?"

"You weren't supposed to agree with me," Wave pretended to grumble.

"Not like me to lie," Cyril replied. "All I got is the truth."

"And somewhat reality-bending magic."

"Well, uh, the reality-bending isn't my magic," Cyril replied. "Something else."

"What is it, then?" Wave asked. In spite of the grief clouding her mind, she was curious.

Cyril shrugged. "Some sort of luck power."

She blinked, then frowned. "Luck power?"

"Wish I knew more about it," Cyril chuckled. "I was told something about it from Jet. A power from the Faein?"

"You mean a gift? That's… definitely possible." Wave frowned in thought. And if Jet's the one who suggested the possibility, he probably sees something in Cyril's apparent luck that the rest of us don't. Maybe, anyway.

Cyril smiled brightly. "Yeah, something like that."

"Hm." Wave was quiet for a time before shaking her head. "Well, I'll have to try and ask him about it… …Sometime, that is. He isn't really… here right now."

The man nodded a little and gently patted her back. "Don't worry too much about it. We'll figure it out some other time."

"Yeah." Wave decided to let that thread of conversation drop. "Hey, so… I'm not asking you to fix this, and I'm not trying to stress you out, but something else happened today aside from the murders. You… You've gotten to know Jet's parents a bit, right? Not just Kath?"

"Little bit here and there," Cyril replied, tilting his head a bit. "Sein and Alana. They're really nice people. What happened?"

"We aren't entirely sure," Wave admitted. "All of a sudden, Alana's emotions just… left her. Even she didn't seem to realize it until it was pointed out to her that she was acting differently." She gestured across the large room to where Yareis, Alana, Sein, Kath, Laralei, and T'alo all were. "That's why everyone's over there talking right now. Trying to come up with a solution and all that. We're all pretty sure there isn't one that doesn't involve confronting Nareish, though."

Cyril rubbed at his chin before frowning a bit. "Well, that's not a good thing in the slightest. I don't really understand how in the world someone's emotions would be taken from that, but I'm sure it's not good for her."

"It's not great for her, but I'm more worried about Sein," Wave said. "He was already a bit wrecked emotionally, and this discovery just sent his stress levels into orbit all over again."

The man let out a soft sigh and shook his head a bit. "That's awful. I hate that for him. He's such a good guy…"

"He really is," Wave murmured. "He tries to be strong for everyone, but he's really been hurting lately. I feel bad for him."

"I'll see if I can help with either of those situations," Cyril said gently. "See if I can get some headway done on those situations."

"You don't need to worry yourself over it," Wave said with a shake of her head. "You've got a lot on your own plate as it is, I'm sure. I'll keep you updated, but I don't want you to feel like you have to drop everything to help here."

"I won't drop everything, I promise," Cyril replied. "I'll figure out something."

"Alright. I guess I can't argue that." Wave glanced at him. "On that note… if you have things to get back to, you can. I'm feeling better now. So, thank you."

"You sure you're feeling better?" Cyril asked. "I'll never be too busy to make sure you're doing okay. You're my friend."

"And you're my friend," Wave said with a small smile. "And yeah, I'm sure. It's not fully better or anything, but it's better enough for now. Talking with my goofball friend always helps out, as it happens."

"Good to hear," Cyril replied, giving her another hug gently. "I'll get some stuff done here shortly."

Wave returned his hug. "Alright. I'll come check up on you, for once, in a bit. Deal?"

Cyril gave a wave to her. "Absolutely. Looking forward to it. Shoot me a message whenever."

"Same to you." Wave stood up and helped him do the same by tugging on his hand. "See you Soon, Cyril."

The finch smiled and his body seemed to blur before a second Cyril appeared next to him. "Bye!" Simultaneously, both teleported away.

In spite of herself, Wave managed a small laugh. A clone… How did I not realize? You're getting better, Cyril. Much, much better. Shaking her head, she went to join the others.

~保護者~

What a strange woman you are, Eila.

This thought was in Saran's mind while he laid on his recently-created bed in his equally new home. It was thanks to her that he had these accommodations. However, that wasn't what he was focusing on. It was the matter of her behavior and personality that held his attention. Such darkness does not normally exist within beings of Light, but it isn't as though it never happens. I walked down plenty of my own blackened pathways in my youth. What steered you into that life, Eila?

He had no answers, nor did he intend to seek any. It wasn't his place to ask. Eila's past was her own. Such a thing was far from his business. Still, that didn't stop him from wondering about her. For one thing, why had she been so casual about the idea of committing genocide? He supposed he may have come across as being the same way. Expressing his emotions wasn't always something he intuitively did. Perhaps that was just the result of being raised by a father like his. Who really knew?

In truth, he'd been concerned as soon as she'd brought it up. But once she'd mentioned the Nocturne Clan… Well that had certainly changed some things. It's not for nothing that a war was waged against them once already. Or… perhaps it was more than once by now. Depending on how long they've been back, there could well have been a multitude of additional conflicts by now. He didn't like to think about that. It was an unpleasant notion.

Turning over on his side, Saran decided to try and return to sleep. He hadn't gotten enough rest quite yet. A couple more hours were probably needed, if not a little more. His eyes drifted shut. Their lids felt heavy. Sleep would claim him soon, but before it could one last thought drifted through his mind. One last puzzling, carefully concealed thought.

What does Nareish want with me?

~保護者~

Back in the Highlands now, Haru walked over to Ryuji's house. Jumping onto the porch, he took in the substantial structural damage left behind from him being launched through the walls. "Okay," he told Ryuji, "now you have to fix this damn shack. Keep ignoring the roof all you want, but the whole thing's going to collapse if you don't repair the walls."

Ryuji was lying on the floor with his arms spread to his sides, blinking slowly. "Mm."

Haru walked over to him with a huff and sat down. "What are you doing?"

"Debating on choices," Ryuji said quietly, shifting his eyes to look at Haru.

"What are you talking about?" Haru asked.

"What to do now that the bitch is dead," Ryuji answered. "I hadn't deeply thought about what life might be like without her while simply standing aside and waiting for her to return to abuse me."

"But that's not what happened. You actually stood up for yourself." Haru crossed his legs and leaned back in his hands. "Gotta say, you went a little wild back there. But I suppose it was justified. She had it coming. As far as I'm concerned, you had every right. And now you're free to live a better life."

Ryuji blinked, staring into the sky. "I do not plan to act in such a way ever again. I wanted her to suffer at my hands for what she did to me."

"I'm not criticizing you. As far as I'm concerned, you were justified. Abuse isn't tolerated amongst our people for a reason, you know." Haru soon was also looking into the sky. For once, it was relatively clear. Large patches of blue could be seen within the typical cloud cover. He supposed it was sort of peaceful.

A sigh escaped from Ryuji and he stood up, rubbing a hand across his face. His actions had left him tired, and he had little desire to do anything at the moment. "Does this place even matter?"

"It's your home, isn't it?" Haru returned. "That would make it important, don't you think?'

"It's hardly my home. I have merely chosen here since it is better than sleeping in a tree."

"You can make it your home if you so desire. You're not a borderline-exiled wanderer anymore, because now you're not with her. You can have a home again." Haru left off looking at the sky to instead look at Ryuji. "Besides, I'm pretty sure you won't like getting soaked through the holes in the walls and roof next time it rains."

Ryuji snapped his fingers and created a barrier of Darkness around the house, covering all of the holes effectively. "I suppose the time for collecting materials has come."

"I'd say so. Have fun with that, by the way. I'm under stricter orders than before not to strain myself." Haru almost smirked, but refrained. "Not that the girl can actually stop me from doing shit, but still."

Ryuji huffed a little. "I'd assume that you may not want to test that theory. She seems to be as stubborn as you are. The little fucking bastard."

"And how would you know how stubborn I am?" Haru huffed right back. "We've barely gotten to know one another so far."

"I've listened to you," Ryuji muttered. "Enough to know you do not like to back off."

Haru grinned at him a little. "I am my mother's child," he chuckled. "And my grandfather's descendent. That one in particular should tell you enough."

Ryuji rolled his eyes. "Silence. I need no explanation for you being an ass."

"Says the quintessential asshole."

"Go back to your cat friend if you wish to be a dick. I am tired and have no desire to put up with you."

"Oi, we aren't friends. She's interesting and has so far chosen to be helpful. That's as far as it goes."

Ryuji raised an eyebrow. "I doubt that. You should make sure she sees it that way."

Haru returned the expression. "The hell are you getting at?"

"She seemed quite pleased to be in your presence when she came back before," Ryuji pointed out. "I had to listen to you bastards chatting."

"We spoke for barely ten minutes, if that. It isn't as though you endured it for hours."

"It was long enough to know that she is an irritating piece of shit," Ryuji muttered, crossing his arms. "And that she does not guard her aura well."

That much was true, Haru had to admit. Her aura was quite easy to sense. "If it bothers you that much, I'll tell her to stop coming to your place," Haru said. "If she really feels the need to check on me, it can be done elsewhere. If you're gonna take the steps to make this building your home, then you have the right to decide who you do and don't want around."

"I never said as such," Ryuji replied, waving him off. "But what of you? Do you plan to get your own place or will you continue using my home for yourself?"

"You're the one who wanted me to stay here for two days," Haru reminded, looking away. "By my count, it's been one. If you're not going to prevent me from taking off, then I will. But if you're as determined as you were initially to make me stay, it isn't as though I can fight my way past you right now."

Ryuji blinked. "You didn't answer my question."

"I did," Haru said. "This is your place, not mine. When you're ready to let me leave, I'll figure something else out."

No, you didn't. "I am asking if you want to live here or not, asshole."

"That isn't what you said." Haru's previously amused demeanor faded, leaving his off-and-on cautiousness in its place. He looked at Ryuji out of the corner of his eye. "...Why would you want me to live here?" That doesn't make sense.

"I am merely offering the choice," Ryuji replied. "You do not have to agree."

"Now you didn't answer my question."

Yes I did. Ryuji pinched the bridge of his nose. "I have no inclination one way or another."

Haru finally just shrugged and looked away. "I don't know," he said. But it would probably be better if I didn't, given my lifestyle. I struggle with my Darkness in ways he doesn't. He doesn't need to be burdened by the mess that is my life.

Ryuji shrugged. "Alright." He walked out the door of his home. Soon, he'd disappeared into the forest surrounding it.

Shaking his head, Haru immediately teleported into his usual tree and sat down. He suddenly had an inkling as to what was happening, and he wasn't sure that he liked it. Friendship was something he'd always been careful to avoid. How had he started to fall into it so easily here? I should quit while I'm ahead... shouldn't I? Troubled, he laid back to gaze into the sky and think. He had a lot to consider.

~保護者~

It was clear that Calypso really wasn't aware of where Saethrim had taken her. Her tear-filled eyes were unfocused and almost vacant. She hadn't said a word, hadn't even tried to, since saying Trekk's name earlier. All she'd done was silently cry from where she was cradled in Saethrim's arms, her body constantly trembling and shivering all the while. Every so often, her teeth even chattered.

By this point, she'd ceased standing on her own as well. He was having to hold her up, because her body just had no strength left in it. She just lingered in whatever position he'd put her in, her head turned to the side and resting on his chest under his chin. In truth, she didn't seem to be aware of that, either. Although she was physically present, it was like the rest of her just wasn't there anymore.

Saethrim took this chance (now that she was calmer) to shift her a little closer, pressing his chin to forehead before warping away with the woman in tow. Now that she had physically settled down, he could begin searching for her sister. She was the only person he could think of that might know what the hell was going on. What he found, though, was that he had no fucking clue where she was. For a woman with simple tastes, she was nowhere that she'd ever be normally found.

At first there was a distinct concern in his mind that she was dead, then the thought passed when his nose caught onto something. Blood… in space. Yeah, that's her scent. Guess I can follow it. Saethrim set about moving in the direction that scent went until it abruptly vanished. A teleport… Focus for a second. After taking the time to analyze the smell, he warped to where the scent began again. The God's forge? What the hell is she doing here?

His presence was noted rather quickly. Sothan soon opened the door leading into the forge. Seeing Saethrim, he initially felt happiness. This was an old ally, after all, and one he hadn't known was still alive. But seeing the state of the woman in his arms… Sothan knew something was wrong. He immediately moved out of the way. "Come in," he invited. Then, suspecting he knew who Saethrim might be looking for, he added, "A woman calling herself Tempest is asleep on the couch."

Saethrim went inside without a word. He walked over to Tempest and none-too-gently shoved her entire body with a foot, rousing the woman from her slumber almost as if she'd just been softly prodded. "What do you want?" she moaned, rolling so her face was buried in the cushions.

"I need you to check on your sister. Something happened and I don't know why in particular she's so out of sorts." Saethrim's voice demanded her attention, Tempest rolling over to see the state Calypso was in. She frowned a little to herself and stood from the couch, taking her unresponsive sister into her arms.

"I believe it was some form of torture she was forced to endure," Tempest explained. "This appears to be some form of trauma response."

Saethrim blinked at this and flexed his fingers, feeling that familiar rage rising within him. "What?"

"She was tortured when her magic was taken from her," Tempest explained plainly. "That's what's going on. I know torture when I see it." The woman watched Saethrim, taking note of how he shifted. "Don't you dare leave yet. We're not done talking, and you're about to get yourself killed."

Saethrim frowned at her. "How do you know that?"

"It's precisely what you'd say to me."

He supposed there was some merit to that statement, but it still annoyed him. "I'll be straightforward about this. I have no idea what to do in a situation like this. I'm not equipped to help her, no matter how much I want to."

Tempest shrugged and set her sister down on the couch. "You go do whatever it is that you're thinking about doing. I will watch over her."

Saethrim ultimately just nodded. He knew that Tempest would take care of her, so he didn't feel bad about leaving her here for the time being. "Just make sure she's okay," he said, warping away.

~保護者~

Most everyone seemed to know by now what had happened. Sonic couldn't be sure if his parents or any of the deities knew, however, or even if Locke did. That thought pained him greatly. God… he lost his son again, and his grandson, in one fell swoop. And now Tara's missing, too… and so are Amy and Blaze. He couldn't bear the thought that those three were in danger, but he knew they had to be. And Kym and Ava died... right in front of us. That was a horrific memory which was determined to linger in his mind. But at the same time, he knew he couldn't let himself give in to fear and grief just yet. As things were, he was one of the only people in the house still holding it together right now. He had to keep doing just that.

Come to think of… I haven't from Jet or Wave about any of this. Do they know? Alana is the one who texted me about Storm and the others. Were Jet and Wave not there when it happened? Concerned anew and now with something to focus on other than his pain, Sonic shifted his hold on his crying son so that he could reach his communicator. He texted Jet and waited. And waited. And waited. Nothing. That's not like him.

Sonic's worry was building slowly but surely, brick by little brick. When he continued to not get a response, the bricks grew larger and the speed at which they were being placed increased. Okay, something's not right. Why aren't you answering me, Jet? He decided to try again and resumed waiting. The longer he sat there waiting for a message it didn't seem like he was going to get, the more he found himself debating breaching his friend's privacy just a bit. I know you hate being tracked, but at this point you've brought it on yourself. Sorry in advance.

He connected to Jet's communicator and bypassed the hawk's settings with practiced ease. In doing so, he was able to turn the tracking feature on. His eyes were locked on his screen, examining the data being transmitted onto it. Looks like A'latria. Something's not right, though. The communicator isn't moving at all. He's never that still unless he's asleep, and no way is he asleep right now. Even if he didn't know right away what happened, Sein or Alana or someone would have reached out to him about his kids by now.

…Which… means he's going to be angry. So, so, so angry, same as I would be in his shoes. Fuck, he must have taken off and left his communicator behind. He probably knew one of us would try finding him eventually. To say Sonic was alarmed would have been an understatement. Since he had few better options, he typed out an urgent message to Wave. "Where the hell is Jet?"

Much to his dismay, he didn't initially get an answer from her, either. However, he received a message before he could come to a firm conclusion about whether or not she might have taken off as well. "I don't know," she told him. "He sensed it the moment his kids died, Sonic, and he went straight to them. Sein tore off after him, but came back alone. Guy just broke down crying. I don't know exactly what went down. Haven't asked. But… you and I both know what this must mean."

Shit. Shit. This is bad. This is fucked. Sonic took in a breath to try to steady himself before Silver could pick up on his emotions. "Okay, stay with his parents or whoever you're with right now. Do not do what Sein did. If this is what we think this is, I don't think even you'd be safe around him.

"I know. Jet's recklessness may rub off on me sometimes, but I'm not an idiot. We'll stay put."

"Good." Wasting no further time, Sonic pulled up a separate contact. For the first time ever, he was going to text Eila. "Hey, I'm sorry to ask this of you, but even if you're busy I need your help. Wave and I think Jet's in a situation right now, and we have no idea where he is. We've gotta find him ASAP. I know you both would rather 100% avoid each other, and I get why, but there's no one else I can even ask. Silver's in no condition, and even pretending he was able to pull himself together reaching one's mind out far and wide to sense people is much more your forte than his."

The answer came mentally, the cat not bothering to waste time texting. "I… do not like the idea of it, but I will certainly attempt. I would not ask Silver to try and mentally collect himself at this time."

"I hate to say it, but you may need him and maybe even Cream to lend you some strength to do this, depending on how far away Jet is," Sonic thought back to her. "You'll have to come here for that, though. Lending strength is one thing, but I don't think they have it in them to extend themselves to you right now."

Eila appeared beside Sonic and shifted a little within her cloak. "I suppose you are correct about that. I haven't noticed him just yet, so he may well be beyond my normal senses."

Crap. I was hoping to be wrong about that. Really, really hoping. "Think you can manage it with help from these two?" Sonic asked her.

"If they are well enough to help, yes," Eila said. "Do tell Silver not to strain himself. With him and Cream, there should be very few places I will not be able to sense him."

With that in mind, Sonic nudged his grief-stricken son. "Hey… Silver?" he asked softly. As predicted, Silver didn't answer him with words. Just a tear-filled glance. "Think you can lend Eila your strength mentally for a few minutes? I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important." Sniffling, Silver looked away and did as requested without a word. Cream must have noticed the conversation from where she was, for he soon lent her strength as well.

Eila stared for several seconds before walking over and kneeling down. Her arms awkwardly wrapped around him as she tried to offer some form of comfort. "Thank you, very much." Silver could only nod, trying unsuccessfully to choke back his sobs as both Sonic and Eila held him.

Deciding it was better to just work toward the goal than to bother Silver, the woman's head leaned on Silver's as she focused everything into finding Jet. As Sonic had suspected, Jet was far beyond Eila's normal ability to reach. However, with Silver and Cream's help she was able to just barely make contact with him - and in a way that was undetectable to her target, which was no doubt for the best.

Eila put a hand to her head and focused, attempting to listen in on his thoughts as discreetly as possible.. Before long, she was able to hear an entire mental conversation taking place between her quarry and another. A voice whispered in Jet's mind. It was the same presence Astra had once sensed within Jet while she'd been controlling his mind. That this was the Void went without saying. "You Immortals defy the concept of 'extinction' just by your very existence… yet even you can cease to exist, given the proper circumstances. ...Care to test my little theory? Nareish would make for the perfect victim in due time."

Even in his thoughts, Jet's tone was cold and dark. "Eventually. Not now. She needs to suffer first… and we need to grow stronger." Other thoughts flitted through his mind, none involving words. Each was an idea of how he could force suffering upon Nareish. Much of it involved the very same hells he had once endured. At the same time, much of it was even worse. He could picture vividly how much agony he wanted to cause her and he did nothing to banish even one of the thoughts. Instead, he allowed them to linger.

"And so we will," his unseen companion agreed. "Decimating these soldiers of hers makes for good training… though it is only mildly entertaining." There was a short pause, then the Void's tone grew equally dark - though it was with amusement instead of anger. "Continuing on this path leaves me certain. Before you lies nothing short of victory. Behind you… nothing short of conquest. But what will you do if your allies approach you again? You have not yet turned your hatred on them as I suggested you do. You showed your father mercy."

Jet's response was chilling. "I do not hate him… but I will end him if he stands in my way again."

"That is something we agree on."

"Then shut up about it. You're irritating."

A chuckle echoed through Jet's mind. It wasn't his own. "When I entered this existence, I soon found myself wondering, 'What are feelings other than weakness and distraction?' But now that I have experienced through you what hatred and anger feel like, I have been forced to change my stance. Feelings like those have a place in the emptiness that I wish to bring about… as does the fear of those we erase."

"I told you to shut up."

"And I have told you many times to listen."

For a time, the conversation inexplicably died off. Jet's focus shifted entirely away from the Void and back onto the battle they were apparently undertaking. As he thought, his mind wandered backward through the ages, almost idly trying to recall what had first transpired between him and the Void. Why it had reached out to him, why he had reached back, why he had let it in… But no answers came. He supposed it had something - maybe even everything - to do with the life that he had lived. There was just now way of him knowing that right now. Not when he had purged his own memories of the event so long ago. Still, he wondered about it. I can never find the beginning, the place where the path forked and led to this conclusion. Every time I locate the thread, it slips through my fingers…

That thought drifted away. The Void spoke up after a while. "More of her allies will come," it warned him quietly. "Time to take our leave. Nareish grows tired of our presence, it seems."

"I'm aware." Jet immediately teleported. Where he went was unknown. He was again out of Eila's reach, despite the help she was receiving.

Eila tore herself away from reaching out to find Jet and anyone in the room, covering her face with her hands as she gasped in sharply. Fuck, calm down. Don't panic. Relax. Stop.

"What happened?" Sonic was immediately asking, his voice laced with concern.

"It's my fucking fault," Eila muttered, reaching up to grip her hair tightly. "God fucking damn it."

"Whoa, take it easy," Sonic responded. He was quite plainly growing alarmed by her behavior. "What's your fault?"

Eila looked at him, eyes glowing purple with her magic. "It's my fucking fault that Jet is bonded with the Void."

"Wh- Huh?" Sonic asked, scowling. "How is that in any way your fault?"

The woman walked away immediately, throwing open the door to her room and bringing some sort of item into her hand. "What happened to him all those fucking years ago. The torture he received. It was me, Sonic."

"...Astra, but yeah. I heard about that," Sonic said, eyeing whatever it was she was holding.

Eila began walking toward the front door, glancing back to Sonic. The item was almost entirely obscured in her enclosed hand, but it was certainly metallic. "I'm gonna begin working on a fix for this. I… I can't sit aside and let it go."

"What kind of fix?" Sonic pressed her. "I need to know what it is you're going to try to do."

"Just something," Eila answered, teleporting away immediately. Mentally, she pushed the information of where she had sensed Jet last to Sonic's mind before her presence vanished entirely.

Sonic had very little time to process this turn of events. Silver tugged away from him, mumbling something about checking on Kohaku again, and Sonic let him go. Not two full minutes later, there was a hard knock on the door. Who the hell?

Just as he started to stand up, he heard through the front door, "Hey! Sonic!" He stiffened in surprise. When no answer came within the next couple seconds, Zareil knocked again a little louder.

Oh, right- Gotta answer the- Too frazzled to finish his own thoughts, Sonic dashed to the door and pulled it open. Confirming via sight that Zareil was indeed there was pretty surprising, he couldn't lie. But what truly stunned him was seeing Kaden standing by her side. He looked anxious and like he was ready to bolt, but he didn't. Thank god he didn't, because Sonic's first instinct was one that he obeyed without question. For the first time in far too long, he rushed forward and hugged his father.

~保護者~

7,733 words this time. Many thanks as always to Blazing Winds for all of his help and support, and I hope you enjoyed. Posted (at about 10:55 p.m.) 11-16-22.