Jax's mind was still reeling from the events that had transpired.

They were currently on the Skyranger and en route back to the Avenger. Mordenna was leaned back in his chair, eye closed, a line of his nanos coming up from his neck and connecting to form a temporary eye patch over his left eye socket. Jax had taken his weapons and Fal-Mai had thrown a weak version of her cloak over him like a blanket, leaving him to hopefully relax a bit before they touched down again. The relative silence of the ride left Jax to consider his thoughts.

Almost too much had transpired on that mission to process. He'd been training Pattie and Benald recently in using their powers, yes, but it was somewhat new to him to see them actually taking on the forms of the elements they had once simply imitated. Still, it was clear they were unused to doing that-the two of them were also reclined in their chairs, undoubtedly still nursing headaches from their stunt. Jax would make sure they could spend some time in Maria's capable hands and her Solace of Healing to soothe their pains.

Then there was the matter of the event. When Odin's Revenant emerged from the portal, Jax had been forced to stop, utterly frozen in fear. His psionics had dissipated from around Mordenna's waist, and he could only watch as one of the Elders abused their child once more. The thought made him grimace, and he went onto considering what he was concerned about in that area. He'd... broken free, somehow. What Odin had done had enraged him so much that, well, it took over the fear. Couldn't stand there and do nothing if he was too busy trying to punch an Ethereal's lights out, he supposed, but... there was the far greater matter at hand that he had overpowered an Ethereal's hold on him. Jax had broken through it and sent Odin into a retreat, had lashed out at something that he'd admit he had considered untouchable.

Jax opened his gauntlet, letting his powers run through it. He wasn't blind. He knew how oddly-tinged his psionics were. After that outburst, they were more reddish than ever, with the purples and reds being evenly mixed. Was it such a massive channeling of his powers that was breaking the seal on that Revenant he supposedly had? Perhaps he needed to look into further training himself if he was to reclaim that which was taken from him. Stronger than an Ethereal... or at least, one that hadn't been paying full attention to him. The reason for sealing his Revenant was starting to become clearer, even if Jax would have settled for it being another mark of Cronus's pride.

Still, there were other things to be focused on. Jax looked over to Mordenna once more. He seemed to sense his brother's eyes on him, as he opened his and looked to Jax. His voice was quiet, but it was clear he was trying for a bit of humor even despite what had happened. "-something on my face?"

Jax's heart went out to Mordenna. He knew his brother wanted some space after all of the reassurance on the field, but he definitely wanted to go over and hug him again. "Nothing I can see," he muttered in response. "I am simply still concerned, as always-but you need your space."

Mordenna nodded, looking away. His lack of reply spoke of his exhaustion.

Well, thankfully, rest was just around the corner. The Skyranger shuddered as it touched down, and the back opened, allowing fresh air to stream in. Sherry was the first to unclip her harness and make her way out, with Benald and Pattie reluctantly following her. The sounds of thudding outside must've been the Archons making their landings off of the rails of the Skyranger. Only the Chosen remained in the Skyranger as it began to lower into the Avenger proper.

They had to get out eventually, though, a fact Fal-Mai acted upon. She undid her own harness, getting up and looking to the both of them. "-shall we head to the Studio?"

"Tell you the truth..." Mordenna sighed deeply. "I... I just wanna hang around Liz. Nothing wrong with you guys, but..."

The implication was clear, and Jax didn't begrudge it. Love-romantic love-was a hard thing to fight. He nodded, getting up himself, making sure he had a good handle on Mordenna's weapons. "There is no shame in it, but just know you will always have a spot open for you in the Studio."

"Appreciate it." As Mordenna got up from his seat, Fal-Mai's cloak dissipated off of him, and he grabbed his guns from Jax, holstering them. The Skyranger's platform was inside of the Avenger now, and Mordenna went to dismount-just for Vix to crash into his front, wrapping her arms around him tightly. Whatever she was trying to say, it sounded like she was saying three things at once, all overlaid over each other with quite a bit of sobbing in between. Mordenna didn't hesitate in hugging her back, running his hand over her head. "Hey. Hey, girl, breathe. I'm right here, I'm ok."

She gave an electronic hiccup. "But you-if I had come-there could have been-"

"Shhh." Mordenna reached down to hold her properly, clutching her close to him as he stepped off of the Skyranger. "Get your grief out, it's ok. Don't try to speak just yet." Mordenna himself was putting on a strong face, Jax knew that. Poor Vix...

Jax himself walked out of the Skyranger as the platform fully docked, the roof above them closing. Bradford, Samhien, and Eliza were all there to greet them, with Samhien coming forward and halting as Sherry stopped him. "Not now," she murmured in French, "I patched up his eye the best I could. He'll be fine. Just... needs a moment."

Doing his best not to dwell, Jax joined the ragged line Menace had formed in front of Bradford and Eliza. Eliza herself looked harrowed even past her professional persona, arms behind her back and shoulders tight. "-Menace," she began, voice soft, "you did your best out there. The Gate's been secured-" Indeed, it was near the side of the Skyranger. "-and there were..." She closed her mouth for a second, thinking. "The injuries sustained were not minimal, but nobody here can honestly be blamed for them happening. You all clearly need your rest, and you are more than free to go after I get my addresses out of the way." Firstly, she looked to the Archons, gathered around Rodin at the end of the line. "Rodin. You've obviously proven your aptitude in leading your men on the field. Honestly, I'd be interested in looking into opportunities for you to lead your men on your own missions, but that can come later. You're dismissed."

Rodin nodded, gesturing for his Archons to follow him. They began to file out, and she looked to Sherry, still near Samhien. "Sherry, your skills on the field continue to impress, and I don't really have anything further to ask of you. Go get some rest, you've earned it." She nodded, and she and Samhien left-though not without the latter looking back at Mordenna with clear concern. Still, he didn't pursue his worries, leaving without incident.

Benald and Pattie tried to straighten up as the Commander addressed them, bless their hearts. "Pattie, Benald. I do ask for the two of you to measure out how you use your powers on the field-that was an impressive display but it effectively left the two of you out of the action afterwards. I ask that you continue to train with Jax before you pull that off again, as impressive as it was."

"Got it, Chief," Benald replied. "Won't happen again."

They made to leave, but Jax had his own words for them. "Benald, Pattie." They turned towards him. "Please seek out Maria, as you always have for when you have overexerted yourselves in training. I will be there to accompany the both of you soon."

They nodded, continuing to leave. Eliza laid her eyes on the Chosen. Mordenna was still holding Vix, rubbing her back and occasionally whispering a few comforting words to her. Fal-Mai was markedly reserved, arms crossed and looking down, tired. Jax himself... well, he was exhausted, a rarity. Turned out he could carry the Gate, though he ended up asking the Archons to assist him for balance reasons as he got it into a location where the Skyranger could retrieve it. So much had happened today and he just wanted to rest.

That came through loud and clear. Instead of Eliza, Bradford took up the address. "Chosen... a lot happened today. Normally I'd like to discuss a thing or two we just saw happen, but that can wait for right now. If the Commander allows it, I think the three of you can go take five."

Mordenna nodded. "That's the plan... though, Eliza? Will you be free after this?"

Eliza nodded, her shoulders slumping now that the rest of Menace wasn't in the room. "Yes. About the only things on the agenda today... can wait."

"Just do not forget to take care of yourself in all of this," Fal-Mai said in response.

"I'll try not to forget myself," Eliza muttered, "but you have to excuse me if there seem to be more pressing matters at hand."

"Your health is a pretty pressing matter," Mordenna shot back. He seemed to notice the mild heat in his voice, as he took a deep breath, sighed it out, and then shook his head. "Sorry. I'm just... reasonably worried for you, Liz. You're kind of the head of this whole operation. You and I..." He patted his daughter's back. "... and Vix can take it easy later."

"The three of you could very well take a break now," Jax went on to say, "providing Eliza nor Bradford have any further need out of Fal-Mai or I."

"We'll get the Gate carted somewhere for storage for the time being." Bradford gestured to it. "And I can always ask for some help from people who don't need rest at the moment. I don't have anything for the three of you and Eliza could use her rest as well. That means you, Mordenna."

How cooperative for Bradford to essentially sic Mordenna on Eliza-or was it perhaps the other way around, in some aspects? Whatever the case was, Jax relaxed slightly. Eliza was a wonderful woman, and would assuredly help Mordenna to calm down. He loved him like a brother, but Eliza was the person who got them to where they were now-or at least started them down that path. She would know better than anyone else how to help Mordenna come out of his bitter mood.

Mordenna nodded, walking over to Eliza. Vix herself had largely quieted, just clinging to him now with the white cloud coming off of the back of her head drooping. "Don't gotta tell me twice. Lead the way, Commander."

Eliza turned and walked out, with Mordenna following behind her. Fal-Mai was the first to speak after they left, wringing her hands together. "-I feel like there was something more I could have done."

"You heard our brother," Jax gently reminded. "Dwelling on ifs would be going against his wishes. In the future, we shall include one member of our team that cannot be affected by the mental aspect of psionics should there ever be a nonzero chance of encountering one of the Elders."

"Good thinking. And..." Bradford sighed. "I know I just said that you guys should be taking a break instead of me interrogating you, but do you mind me asking at least one question?"

Jax had the feeling that he knew what Bradford was about to ask. Still, he nodded. "I would not mind a round of questioning-some things should be answered."

"Well, here I thought the Elders were about as psionically powerful as it got. From the looks of things up here, you... overpowered that one down there. That was Mordenna's old man, wasn't it?"

Jax nodded. "Elder Odin, creator of the Hunter, and undeserving of any love that Mordenna may have ever had for him. With what I know of the Elders and what afflicts them, I am not quite sure how he was able to project his Revenant out." More concerningly was the fact that it was strong enough for everyone to see. "He would have had to have been close by in order for that... but I digress." He knew what Bradford was really asking. "Truthfully, I don't know how I was able to overpower his hold on me. I simply felt such rage at what he was doing to Mordenna that... it overrode the fear he was forcing me to endure, I suppose."

"The Elders are fantastically powerful," Fal-Mai muttered, "and they know of your power as well. Odin would have been concentrating a fair bit of his power on you to keep you still-and I would not hesitate to say most of it was going to you." She crossed her arms, and from her shoulder, Rosetta formed, nuzzling her chin. She sighed gently, petting the drone. "It is hard to shake off the notion that I could have broken out as you had, even knowing the power I was attempting to struggle against." She meaningfully looked to Bradford. "But I know dwelling is not the answer. Mordenna does not want it, and it will blind me to the trials ahead, is that not right?"

"You're learning fast, at least," Bradford replied, nodding. "Trust me... it's natural to want to brood on it. But that isn't servicing anything but your own pity. Now, being upset about it is something different, I want to say. That's natural and shouldn't be hushed up. Always needs to be time to grieve before you acknowledge that you can't change what happened and move on after having learned from it."

Fal-Mai opened her mouth to say something, then looked to Jax. "... I think I might have a conversation with Bradford in private, if you are fine with that. I know I said I would accompany you to the Studio."

He held up a hand in a gesture for her to stop. "Please, Fal-Mai, you hardly need to seek my approval. It is your own decision. If you want, you may still appear at the Studio afterwards."

"I think that's what I'll do." She turned to Bradford. "You wouldn't know of a more private location, would you?"

"Just about every single one on the ship," he responded. He turned around and gestured for Fal-Mai to follow him. As they both left, he looked back at Jax. "Get some rest, Warlock. You deserve it."

"I will," he quietly replied, watching them leave. That left him as the only person in the Armory. Save Firebrand, perhaps, but she hadn't come out of the Skyranger yet by the sounds of it. He sighed, mentally commanding his helmet to disengage, taking it off. Without anyone to put on a face for, the exhaustion was setting in with full force. As he went over to change out of his armor, he went deeper into his thoughts. As much as he wanted to pursue the chance that he could reclaim his Revenant through training immediately... he just wanted to rest. He was exhausted enough that the idea of sleeping sounded like a viable prospect. It had been a while since he'd fallen asleep—having no nightlight didn't help that matter, but Mordenna had thoughtfully snuck him one on the down low.

Later. He needed to touch base with his followers before he entertained that matter. Jax finished changing out of his armor and into his casual clothes, mentally composing himself before walking out of the Armory.

He thought he would've gone a while without interruptions-but sure enough, as the door opened, he caught sight of people beyond. Iris was there, along with a few of her fellow Mystics behind her. Jeanne and Odette were in attendance, and a few of Jax's other Skirmisher-type followers were there as well. Iris clasped her hands together. "Holy Father, please forgive me for my bluntness-but you look exhausted."

So it was that obvious. Jax heaved a deep sigh, running a hand through his hair in an attempt to fix it up. "You will have to forgive me if..." Hm. Not the best way to start that sentence. He shook his head. "Allow me to go about that a better way. Yes, I am tired. I would like to see you all in the Studio before I retire to my room for the evening."

Jeanne nodded. "It's only right. You and the other Chosen have been through much today. May we escort you back?"

"I can hardly say no," he said, smiling gently. "I appreciate the concern you are expressing for me. Today has simply been... trying, in a word." He had plenty of other words for the events of that day, but he hardly felt like speaking them.

Jeanne moved to invite Jax to step past her. "Then by all means, my Warlock. We shall see that nobody interrupts you in your passage."

"Please. If it is for a good reason, I shall entertain them, even if I do not wish to." With that said, Jax began to walk, his followers naturally gathering around him and keeping pace with him. The Mystics were experienced in doing so even despite his strides, and the rest of them had slowly fallen into his walking pace during their time with him. He pretty much had his own escort as he moved through the Avenger's halls. They didn't try to have a conversation with him, which he appreciated. He wasn't much for words at the moment, even if his natural eloquence never escaped him.

Everyone else on the Avenger seemed to be largely keeping out of the halls, however-the only other people that Jax saw were some of the soldiers, and they weren't taking the same paths as he was. Taking a small amount of gratitude in the phenomenon, he made it to the Studio shortly, walking in.

The atmosphere was far more reserved than it usually was. It was mostly Jax's usual followers present in the room, though clearly nobody was in a creative mood-none of the supplies were out and the art area was thoroughly clean. Benald and Pattie were at the far end of the room, sharing a bean bag near Maria, who had her psionics fanned out. He was glad they had stuck to his advice-psionic headaches were usually longer-lasting than regular ones. Marlene herself was also in attendance, and they all looked up as Jax entered. Sensing the need, he composed himself further, drawing himself up to a more proper height. "Benald, Pattie. Maria. Would it be too much trouble to join you all?"

"Not at all," Maria replied, gesturing to one of the Chosen-sized bean bags. "In fact, I implore you to come over here. You need your rest most of all."

"I appreciate it." His escort parted around him and he made his way over to one of the bean bags, dragging it closer to Maria and sitting down. He entered the range of her concentrated Solace as he did, and he relaxed in his seat. Maria's Solace was one of the more comforting things he'd ever known, the way it enveloped him softly, but utterly, easing his pains of exhaustion. It couldn't do much for his mental tiredness, but the minor psionic headache he'd been harboring thanks to his extreme use of powers was abating.

That reminded him... for such a fantastic use of his powers, he hadn't felt as much strain as he would've expected to. Perhaps the further release of his powers was also increasing his tolerance for using them? That would be convenient if it was the truth. Still, underneath all of that, Jax wondered what his Revenant was like. The only ones he'd seen thus far was a shade of Cronus's and Marlene's own Oracle. What shape would it take on? It was a somewhat silly thought, but if it was sapient like Marlene's seemed to be... would it like him? That is a very silly question. Perhaps, but the fear was there all the same.

"—Jax?"

Ah. Maria was calling his name. He turned his head towards her, nodding. "Apologies, Maria. I was lost to my thoughts."

"More than fine, considering..." She cleared her throat. "Marlene has been trying to speak to you."

"It isn't too important," the Seer protested, looking away. "He should have his rest if he requires it."

"I may as well hear what you want to speak about," Jax countered, "considering you are our Seer."

That just seemed to make Marlene more tense, but she ended up shaking her head. "I can only assume now wouldn't be the time to discuss what I heard of your Revenant emerging..."

Well... there would certainly be a time for it, as that was an important matter to discuss. But was now that time? Jax was weary and needed his rest, and probably wasn't going to stay in the Studio for too much longer after he confirmed that the rest of his followers were ok. He pressed a hand to his cheek. "... perhaps now isn't the time. It is definitely a topic we need to go into, but for now, I just desire rest, and may very well retire to my room shortly."

"As you should," she muttered, twiddling her thumbs. "I will hold my questions and suggestions for later."

Hm. Jax let his hand fall. "Suggestions?"

"I can entail the details later—"

"Give me a shortened version now. I will have some time to think over it as I rest." He wasn't about to tell the verified oracle of the Avenger to save whatever she had to say for later.

Marlene was silent for a few seconds, but eventually she seemed to have gathered her words. "... I think you should go to our holy temple. It is clear your Revenant is close to emerging. I believe some training with the Prophet may be what you need."

"Believe, or know?"

"Believe." The Oracle curled around her shoulders comfortingly, whispering assurances. "... I had a vision today, but it was one I could not act upon."

Oh. The warning meant for Mordenna. Wordlessly, Jax reached over and rested his hand on her shoulder. He really didn't have any words for that-he certainly didn't blame her for being unable to act, or for not having at least attempted to deliver the warning. But he was too exhausted to offer comforting words. He hoped his gesture would be enough.

Thankfully, it seemed to be. She slumped back into her chair, and the Oracle wrapped a tentacle around his hand softly. The Studio lapsed into silence then, with naught but the humming engines of the ship to fill the air. Perhaps only one person had been injured on the mission that day... but the rest of them could feel the pain just as well. Jax mourned for his brother and how he must be feeling to lose an aspect of him so important. Once Jax himself was less tired and Mordenna was done speaking to Eliza, he knew he needed to see to him. He needed whatever support could be offered-without being smothering about it, of course.

It was a while before Jax remembered what had been asked of him, but he figured that the room could've used the temporary break from affairs. But, speaking of breaks, he needed one. Jax gently withdrew his hand from Marlene's shoulder, standing up slowly. "-Maria, please pass on to the Commander that I would like her to land at the Templars' temple whenever possible, as per Marlene's wishes. For now I shall be retiring to my room."

Maria nodded, and Benald did a friendly point at him. "Take it easy, boss. I know we will."

"I would hope so. We all have earned it." With that, Jax turned to leave, exiting the Studio as he felt the eyes of his followers on him.

It was a quiet walk without interruptions back to his room. He unlocked the door with his code and stepped in. He'd been doing his part to make it a little bit of home-a painting or two done by the Mystics dedicated to but not depicting him hung from the wall, and he had a table for the small, sculpture-like pieces. He wasn't sure how, but a mattress big enough to house him comfortably had been procured, with a simple frame to house it built by the engineers. The nightlight that Mordenna had made him was attached to the wall magnetically, and could be repositioned as he desired. His wardrobe was also something Lily had made during her downtime, complete with a mirror at the back.

It was comfortable. Not grand, but it was what he needed. Jax began to shed his clothes, folding them up even as he put them in the clothes basket. As he disrobed, he wondered about the future. A UFO was imminently upon them, Jane Kelly was due to be rescued, and his own Revenant seemed keen on escaping. He hummed gently to himself, moving into putting on more comfortable clothes for sleeping. Truth be told, he was a bit nervous about approaching it all. But that was what he had his family for, right? Maria, his followers, his siblings...

Eliza.

Eliza continued to be this comforting, yet nerve-wracking figure. He loved her, he did-but he held romantic love towards her as well. He couldn't help but pine as he watched her, listened to her talk of her interests, helped her train her psionics. But... he could not bring himself to confess. Not with how he'd hurt her, not with the war going on... not with what he'd done in the past. He was far from being free of sin, and he was reminded every day of what crimes he used to commit under the Elders.

Jax grew silent. She couldn't love someone like him, right...? Perhaps not romantically. The blood on his hands was too great, the things he had done too gruesome. He deeply and slowly sighed. Yet he continued to long, continued to hold out hope that he could one day truly belong to her. He looked to his bed. Large, but too large for just him. Jax had never considered himself as one longing for physical affection, but he supposed he had been proven wrong about himself in many ways. To hold her—no, to be held by her. To be held by her, share a bed with her warmth in it, wake up to her in the morning...?

His exhaustion seeped into his longing and he turned out the lights, crawling into bed and clutching his body pillow. The bed was cold with nobody else in it. His own warmth would be enough eventually... but it didn't make it hurt any less. Jax pressed his forehead against his pillow, closing his eyes. He just needed to rest. Even if he so badly wanted to cry...

It was a long process. The bed had to be warm, he had to be comfortable, and he eventually had to breathe out all of his sadness-or at least, enough to sleep. But eventually his grogginess fully caught up to him and he dropped off.

He couldn't hope to have normal dreams, of course.

The pressure on him was immense. Something pressed against his body on all sides, and it was hard to move his limbs through. It was exceedingly dark, to the point that blinking didn't bring much of a change in sight. Immensely deep rumbling and groaning emanated around him, a sound he felt more than heard. Jax just couldn't seem to catch his breath-or even draw it, for that matter. The darkness made him shake, the fear of the unknown heightening his anxiety. Where was he? Why must he be plagued by nightmares at a time like this...?

Gently, a light bloomed at his feet. It expanded, closing around him like a bubble, bringing light to his vision. The feeling around him vanished as the light grew, and suddenly he could breathe, collapsing back against the boundary of the sphere. It held fast, illuminating his surroundings. He was underwater, that much was certain. The rock underneath was smooth-far too smooth. It was as if it was more glass than stone, and it curved and twisted in spiralling patterns.

Two more lights appeared on either side of him, and he angled to look at them. To his right, he recognized the form of the Oracle, looking and twisting around. They seemed to catch sight of Jax, as they pressed against their own bubble, mouths moving silently. Jax shook his head, then looked to his left.

To his left was a rather refined figure, one he'd quickly compare to an Archon. It lacked the distinctive wings, however, and those were replaced with wings of a different kind-more aquatic-looking even if they remained like bat's wings, with bioluminescence on the undersides, glowing in lined patterns. A skirt of tentacles framed its hips and a single, longer one trailed off of its head, with glowing nodes dangling off of that. It had three eyes, two in the normal places and one positioned vertically in the middle of its forehead. It was standing at attention, looking resolutely ahead. Following its lead, he looked ahead, wondering what could be there.

Jax didn't have to wonder for long. A deep, purple light that seemed to be more in his mind than in his vision glowed ahead, and a voice that seemed to take on a hundred qualities at once spoke into his mind. "My children. Soon comes the time when you all meet. Soon comes the time when your bearers reconcile. Soon comes the time the sealing the Unascended enacted breaks."

Children? Bearers? Marlene had mentioned he might have the third "child of Earth." With the Oracle here, and knowing that Geist had the second Revenant belonging to the "Earth..." Was what he was speaking with now that? He tried to stand-but it felt like he wasn't trying to stand, too, and he tripped over himself. It felt like there was something else, someone else in his body, also trying to give it commands. He opened his mouth to ask who the light in front of him really was, to ask what was going on. Once again, nothing happened as intended, and he could hear his own voice and then another trying to talk at the same time. He was unified in clapping a hand over his mouth, mildly horrified at the whole experience that had been happening thus far.

He could almost feel the attention of the light shift to him. "-Jax-Rai Tessura, false child of the Unascended. There was no intention to bring you as well, as there was one to bring my child. I beseech you to allow them to speak and puppet you. When the address is finished, you shall be sent back with as pleasant dreams as can be managed."

This seemed to be almost some sort of cosmic meeting that Jax had been apparently unintentionally pulled into. More disquieting still was that he recognized the voice of the Void in front of him-he'd heard it when he was far younger, when the Ascension process first began. Perhaps even before that, but it was hard to pull from the more traumatizing memories. He shuddered. He'd go along with what was being asked of him, if only to speed things along so he could get back to better dreams. So he imagined himself completely relaxing, being a willing vessel.

Amazingly, he didn't slump over. From his seat at the bottom of the bubble, he could feel himself rising, stumbling over and planting his hands on the front boundary of the bubble. There was a disjointed feeling to all of his movements, the distinct feeling that his body was moving of its own accord but someone in his mind was sending out the orders. He looked towards the light, bringing up one of his hands to feel his mouth. He almost felt unused to having it. After a hesitant moment, a voice rang out, originating from his own mind. It almost sounded like a shade of his own, but deeper and more distorted, sounding like it was echoing in on itself. "Mother?"

"My first, my star. The things they have done to you defy anger. The work of your bearer has brought you to me, and thankfulness abounds for such."

Sadness welled up from deep within Jax, and he averted his eyes. "I... tried to escape. They put up walls, bars, chains, and every time I touched them..." Jax suddenly remembered, with distressing clarity, the bursts of raw, agonizing power he'd experienced back when ADVENT had gotten ahold of him. Of his own accord, he squeezed his eyes shut, trying to push out the memories. "Sorry, sorry, I-I didn't mean to..."

"It's ok," Jax muttered weakly, the words that could only belong to his Revenant echoing in his memories. "I know you didn't mean it." Words he wished he could have heard.

He allowed his Revenant full control again, who then opened his eyes. "But... they look weaker. For just a moment, I got some of my power out of them." Jax thought that fist looked a bit more red than his psionics were now. "Am I really going to be free?"

"Jax-Rai will maintain his course. He wishes to see you free. He will assemble into a session with the Prophet and the Seer, and the Warlock will have you by his side as the others do."

Relief swept over Jax, and he felt like he was regarding himself. Was his Revenant considering him? Regardless, another voice spoke up, drawing both Jax and his Revenant's attention to his left. "Mother." That was the voice of the other Revenant, likely the one that belonged to Geist. "You would not strain all three of our bearers so lightly. What is the true purpose of calling us here?"

The light grew in brightness slightly. "The Overmind. His attention turns to Earth. He wants to find the child that was pulled from the Void and placed within the Commander."

Wait. What? Jax couldn't help but intrude on his Revenant's control of his body. "-excuse me? What did you do to Eliza?"

"Every planet bears an Ascended," the Void Mother explained, "the circumstances to their manifestations are numerous. The Collective approached Earth, my place of sleep, so there was urgency to my action in taking the child and implanting him. He sleeps, unaware of his surroundings but aware of the Commander's memories." The light flickered, and the bubble around Jax became slightly less firm. "Cannot explain long, lucidity evades me. His name is Asaru. Continue to train her." The glow dimmed before going back to its normal luminosity. "Regardless. The Overmind advances the Avatar Project. Time runs short for the humans. Action must be taken soon, and the Traitor drawn out. Oracle, Aspect, your charges are to free your sibling. My star, your charge is to free Asaru. And Warlock... advise the Commander to speed along the Skulljack, regardless of the risks. They run short on time."

Jax assumed "they" in this circumstance referred to humanity. He nodded, in sync with his Revenant. The latter was the one to speak next, though. "Anything else we should know...?"

The light began to dim, and this time there were no signs of it brightening again. "Stay strong. My love be with you all..."

The bubble around him began to dissolve, and Jax felt himself getting progressively more and more sleepy. His container rocked backwards, and Jax was delivered into his dreams.


When Jax next awoke, it was to knocking on his door.

Waking up from sleep was such a rarity to him now that the type of grogginess he felt was so foreign. He just wanted to go back to sleep, honestly, and he communicated that into a groan as he curled back up, stuffing his head under the sheets and clutching his pillow harder as he entirely forgot what he might have wanted to be awake for.

Thankfully, his brother was on the case for that. "Jax. My dude. I'm sure you'd love to sleep in but you kind of asked for us to drop here, right?"

Oh, right. The temple. Jax really didn't want to get out of bed on account of him finally warming it up under the sheets, but this was something he had to be present for. He sighed, peeling off the blanket. "Don't come in," he said, his mindfulness still catching up to him, "I'm not dressed."

"Wasn't planning to." Mordenna didn't sound nearly as jovial as he usually did. Despite him getting over the worst of it, it seemed the events of what was likely yesterday at this point were still weighing on him. "You good, or?"

Jax sat up in bed, rubbing at his face. He had a whole hygienics routine he wanted to go through, but he felt as if holding them up any longer here would be rude. Brushing his hair and washing his face would have to do. Still, there was the small matter of Mordenna. "... I'll be good. What about you?"

The other side of the door was quiet for a second, Jax taking the chance to fully get up and begin to select his clothes for the temple. "-we'll. We'll see about that. I'm sure you can tell I'm not as happy of a camper as I usually am, but you can pretty much cotton on to why that's the case. I don't wanna be snippy with anyone, but..." He sighed. "I can barely stand myself at the moment."

"If you want," Jax softly replied, getting back in tune with his vocabulary as he got dressed, "we may meet after I am finished with my business with the Templars. I do not want you to suffer alone."

"Trust me," Mordenna sourly responded, "you and the rest of the Avenger. It's getting to the point where I just want a moment of damn peace. I appreciate the complete outpouring of support, I really do-but is it too much for a man to ask for some distance without being suspected of a suicide attempt in the making?" He paused. "Yeah I know I have no room to talk, but I hardly have any reason to off myself now. Vix needs me."

"I am glad you remember that." Jax pinned the brooch holding the sash over his shoulders in place while he still had his gauntlets off. "I believe you should inform those who care about you about your limits. If you raise no objections until you explode, how were they supposed to glean that you were unhappy with proceedings? Not every social cue can be picked up."

"That's..." Mordenna sighed again. "That's something I need to get into my thick skull. Eventually, it'll stick. I'll see what I can do about communicating that a little bit more." There was a stretch of silence as Jax fully suited up in his outfit for the day, slotting on his horns and slipping on his gauntlets. He moved onto brushing his hair, and Mordenna spoke back up. "-hey, uh. You alright? Me and Fal-Mai, we... we had the strangest sensation last night."

Jax cocked an eyebrow, still sorting out his hair. Right, the... was that a dream? Was it a vision? He'd be willing to believe he was moved somewhere else entirely for that long. "I experienced a very strange dream, if that illuminates matters. Perhaps it would be more apt to call it a vision?"

"Huh. Thought you didn't get those anymore, from what I heard?"

"They were more akin to whispers in the past." Still, Mordenna was somewhat accurate. He hadn't had any visions or whispers of events to come since he was... He shook his head. "I will try to recount it the best I can, if you would like."

"Well, if you're getting your same visions of the future as Marlene, it might be worth it."

Jax nodded, using his hands and psionics to braid his hair. "I was somewhere far, far underwater. Two others were down there with me-the Oracle and a Revenant I can only assume was Geist's." He opened his wardrobe and peered into the mirror at the back, checking his appearance. "A light, the Thing That Sleeps Beneath that Marlene described, spoke to all of us. It hadn't meant to bring me, but it seemed like it was left with little choice. My own Revenant is very real, and apparently confined to my body. If that light is to be believed..." Something in Jax seemed to suggest he should be using female pronouns to refer to the Mother. Wait, the Mother? He pressed his lips together before speaking again. "My Revenant will emerge today. And there was a message I was to pass along to Eliza."

"That being...?"

"'Speed along the Skulljack, regardless of the risks.' And..." Oh Void, how to approach what else he was told. Jax could scarcely believe it. It was clearly some form of Ethereal that the Mother had been referring to that she had placed into Eliza, but how did that come about? How would Jax approach Eliza and tell her she was harboring an Ethereal? He couldn't imagine that ending well. He would just proceed and see to it himself, discern if it was real. He'd seen some four-armed specter behind Eliza before, but... "-there was some 'they' that she described was running short on time. I believe that might be humans."

"Sounds like. And as batshit as it sounds to just throw the Skulljack production into high gear..." Mordenna heaved yet another sigh. "My schedule got freed up a lot anyhow. No reason to make armor for myself anytime soon. And I think I'm fucking done discounting anything that comes from Marlene." Marlene's own fear came back to him and Jax felt a twinge of sympathy. The poor girl...

Jax closed his wardrobe, stepping towards the door. "Is there anything I can do for you, brother?"

There was a sound like Mordenna was moving away from the door. "Well. Maybe. Can you..." A pause. "No. Nevermind."

"Don't you 'nevermind' me," Jax said with mock heat to his voice. He opened the door, greeted by the sight of a Mordenna who was still in his full armor. "What can I assist with?"

Mordenna was just full of sighs today, as he did another. "You're sure as hell dressed up," he muttered, dodging the question. When Jax continued to stare him down, he relented. "Fine. God. Can you... um. Could you... hug me?"

Without hesitation, Jax came forward and brought Mordenna into his arms, hugging him tightly. Mordenna himself was quick to wrap his own around Jax, squeezing him. Jax was happy to do just about anything Mordenna asked, especially if it would have a good chance of making his brother feel better. Mordenna needed all the support he could get at the moment, but he understood if the Hunter felt somewhat smothered by it. Jax wanted to make sure he was extending his own support without annoying his brother-a fine line to toe, yes, but one Jax was determined to.

Mordenna eventually slipped out of the hug, but he looked far better than he did before. "-thanks, Jax. For everything."

"You deserve no less," Jax softly replied. "And though I wish not to bother you, please know that I am always open if you need a listening ear."

"Same to you," Mordenna nodded, "even... even if I'm not feeling the best. We can mutually suffer together, it'll be fun."

Jax gave a slight chuckle. "Misery loves company."

"Doesn't it?" Mordenna smiled for just a second, but it was long enough for Jax. "Alright. I'm gonna head off to the Workshop and get moving on the Skulljack. Probably drop Liz a message to that effect. You go handle your Revenant at the temple-and be sure to bring it by me. I'd like to see it."

Something in Jax-likely his Revenant-felt a bit of joy at that notion. "I will," he affirmed.

Mordenna nodded, turning and walking away down the hall. Jax watched his retreating back, trying to gauge if he was truly alright for the moment. When Mordenna turned the corner and Jax couldn't discern anything else amiss, he went the other way through the ship. Maybe he'd skip the facewash. Truthfully, he didn't need to do it, but it made him feel better. Still, best not to keep everyone waiting. Marlene was likely to be in the Studio.

He eventually made his way through the ship, opening the door to his usual haunt. The atmosphere seemed to be one of the early morning, telling Jax he'd slept for quite a while. It was mostly his own congregation present, with even some of them absent, likely still in the Barracks. But sure enough, Marlene was there, with Kalight by her side. Kalight looked up at Jax, arms crossed. "You're a little late."

"Apologies," Jax muttered, stepping further in and saying a soft "good morning" to his followers as he did. "I did not exactly have the best initial dream, if you can call it that."

The Oracle was fixated on him as he said that, and Marlene fidgeted. "He has a good reason to be late, Kalight," she began. "He was witness to the same vision as the Prophet and I were. I understand if he would need to catch up on his sleep after such a lengthy one."

Hm. Didn't Marlene seize whenever she had a vision? Jax didn't remember anything like that happening to him. It just felt like he'd been dreaming. Dismissing the thought, he extended a hand to Marlene. "Still, we have kept Geist waiting long enough, and I trust you remember enough of the vision to know why I am eager to proceed. We should depart."

Marlene nodded, taking his offered hand and standing up. Kalight rose on his own. "Be on your best behavior, Warlock," he warned. "The Temple has no place for those with contempt towards us."

"I have long dropped my grievances." Jax began to walk out, followed by the two Templars. "I only wish now to make amends for what I did while bewitched by the Elders. I do not intend to cause any trouble willingly."

"Let's hope your intent carries through." Jax didn't begrudge Kalight's slight bitterness-after all, he had given him every reason to be that way. He simply held his tongue as he made his way through the Avenger.

It wasn't long before they hit the Workshop, and with that, the open ramp of the Avenger. A cold breeze was blowing through, and it seemed Lily had responded appropriately by swapping into a worn, but well-loved jacket. It had clearly been stitched back together in a few places, and Jax had seen enough stitchwork to know the job was ameteur, but serviceable. How cute, if Lily was the one maintaining it. Mordenna himself was leaned back against his bench, Vix snuggled against his side. He and Jax exchanged a nod as he passed-though he ended up stopping up. Marlene had ceased walking behind them, just barely past Mordenna. Her fists were clenched and the Oracle leaned down, whispering something into her ear.

Upon her continuing to stand there and a loaded, silent moment passing, Mordenna sighed. "It's not your fault. I was the one who decided not to take it seriously. Now get a move on. I'm not in the mood for any sort of back-and-forth regarding you being able to do more or whatever. Don't keep my brother waiting."

Lily chided him with a soft "Mordenna," but Jax could understand his lack of patience. Marlene just nodded, speeding up to join the rest of them. Jax continued to walk, eager to see the day through.

They seemed to have parked quite close to the Temple. Jax was mildly taken aback by how little psionics he sensed in the air-as he got closer he got more and more hints, but it truly wasn't a volume he'd expect for a building that hosted the Templars. They had to be pulling off some psi-nullification trick. It would at least explain why he was having the hardest time locating them while he was still at ADVENT. In a few ways, he was glad he hadn't succeeded...

No time for musing on it, however. From the Temple doors, Geist emerged, followed by another Templar. They looked a little more... regal than the rest of them, clad in robes of dark yellow and a helmet with a mask-like design on the front that completely covered their face. They weren't showing a single inch of skin, leading Jax to believe some Templars weren't taking the cold weather as well as some of the others. There was something about their presence that set Jax mildly on edge-and it seemed like he wasn't the only one. Marlene stopped behind him once more and wouldn't come out of his shadow, and Kalight assumed a tense stance. "High Inquisitor. To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you outside of the Temple?"

"You may owe my presence now to that wretch our dear Seer chooses to hide behind." Ah. Well, not every Templar would welcome him with open arms. But... was Marlene afraid of this man?

"My Prophet," Kalight said, turning to Geist, "surely the High Inquisitor would be better served inside the Temple? I can only imagine he would not prefer the harsh weather out here-or the allies the Commander chooses to keep on the Avenger."

"I advised him as such," Geist replied. It sounded like he wasn't a fan of the situation either. Just what sort of person was this High Inquisitor? "But he believes that if I am to venture out of the Temple, I should have a guard."

Jax was pretty swiftly picking up on the details of the situation, even if he was somewhat surprised they weren't going in the Temple. Change of plans, perhaps. He turned his own eye upon the Inquisitor. "I assure you, High Inquisitor, other such important individuals are housed on the Avenger and see no active danger to be had from me, nor my siblings."

"Silence." Seemed he wasn't having any of it. "I have utterly no reason to believe anything of which you say, Warlock. For all I know, you are luring our Prophet onto that cursed ship to rob him of his life."

"Please," Jax muttered dismissively, "if I wished Geist dead, he would be. He's within sight range of my brother, after all."

"As... much as I hate to do so," Geist replied, "I agree with the sentiment. I appreciate your concern, but I can go unaccompanied. If anything, I trust Paladin Kalight and Seer Marlene to protect me well enough. Their skills are not unfounded."

Speaking of Marlene, she'd moved up to straight up cowering behind him. The High Inquisitor's psionics were edging closer to her-and with the proximity, Jax was beginning to get a feel for them. They were certainly the ones producing the on-edge feeling, a little too uncomfortably close to how Odin's psionics had felt. Perhaps that was their aim. Psionics of fear, perhaps? Regardless, Jax supposed he had the full picture. This High Inquisitor was just coming along to either antagonize Jax... or prey on Marlene. Perhaps both.

A protective instinct rose in Jax, and he minorly channeled his psionics, just enough to get a short-range Solace of Power going. The Inquisitor's psionics shied away from his, and Jax crossed his arms. "I think you shall find Geist within good hands, Inquisitor. Unless you would like to decry the skills of one of your best Paladins and your Oracle? Or are you thinking I am too powerful for your leader...?"

He almost hissed in response. "Do not twist my words, heathen. You seek to corrupt them all-just look at how our Seer clings to you!"

"If a Templar is clinging to me," Jax replied, voice lowering, "then I think that speaks more to the person in front of me. Why would your Seer, ostensibly your ally, cling to me, a Chosen? Have you given her reason to fear you? I cannot imagine it would have anything to do with those psionics of yours..."

"Enough." Geist's voice had heat, but it felt more directed at the Inquisitor than him. "High Inquisitor, inside. If I see harm from this excursion, you have full rights to accompany me on all future outings. For now, I need someone to watch the Temple in my absence. You may concern yourself with that."

The High Inquisitor stood his ground for a moment, then relented. "Fine. I can see when I am not wanted. It is no longer on my hands if a terrible fate befalls you, Prophet."

He retreated back towards the Temple. Once he was a fair distance away, Jax sighed, letting his Solace drop. "I apologize," he muttered, just loud enough to be heard by Geist and the others. "It isn't my place to be meddling with what seems like internal affairs of the Templars. But... I refer to my earlier statement."

Kalight dropped his stance, relaxing. "No. You're fine, just this once. Forgive my speaking, Holy Father, but the Inquisitor—"

"You needn't say more." Geist began to walk into the Avenger. "I know the problems he presents. We may discuss more of it later-for now, the Seer and I have a charge to undertake."

Right, the dream. That really must've been Geist's Revenant, though he seemed to be hiding it for now. Jax turned, but kept Marlene in front of him. He nodded to her. "Go. I will bring up the back, just in case."

She bobbed her head furiously, quickly getting back inside of the Avenger. That Inquisitor certainly shook her up, if she was still feeling like that after the bolstering effect of his Solace. "Yes, yes, we-we have a duty. Do you have a preferred room, Warlock?"

The Studio was his first answer, but... if his Revenant was sapient, like the meeting suggested, perhaps best he didn't overwhelm it by unleashing it around a crowd. Coupled with the strong psionics that were likely to be at work, he had two destinations in mind-and one of them would be too cramped for all of them. "The Psi Lab. It is well-fortified against psionic energy, from what I have heard."

They entered the ramp, with Mordenna not seemingly having moved much-but his Darkclaw was on the table when it hadn't been before. Perhaps he had been eavesdropping. He quirked an eyebrow. "You all coming in? Can't say I blame you, but I thought you'd be doing that inside that temple. Unless I'm to gather that the High Inquisitor ain't the best guy..."

Geist ignored him, moving on. Knowing of his brother's mood, Jax elected to respond. "It would seem so. As you heard, we will be in the Psi Lab if you need us."

"Eliza might wanna come and talk to you guys, then." Mordenna leaned back against his table. "She's on one of her usual visits to the Rulers, but I'm sure she'd want to be party to what's about to happen."

"Feel free to send her over," Jax replied, keeping up with the rest of the group.

They moved out of the Workshop, into the rest of the Avenger. A little while after, as they were making a beeline for the Psi Lab, Kalight half-turned. "-I wouldn't have taken you to shelter Marlene as you did."

"Clearly your High Inquisitor is not to be trusted," Jax replied, "and I was not about to let an honorary member of my congregation go unprotected. Even if she wasn't one of my fold, it would take one more cruel than me to leave her to his machinations."

"Forgive me if I think you to meet that description."

"You would not have been wrong at one point," Jax conceded, "but I would ask you to give me room to prove my past actions unjust. I am not that Chosen anymore, he is not me. I intend to move on, though I would still like to retain accountability for my past actions."

"A noble mindset." Geist rounded a corner like he knew the place. Judging by the swift, occasional psionic exchange between him and Kalight, he was probably being told. "Though deeds speak louder than anything you might say."

"Thus I shelter Marlene. Thus I call out your Inquisitor. Thus I reconcile with my siblings and work with XCOM. I know better than anyone else how words are offset by deeds. After all, the Elders-my 'father' claimed to love me." He quelled the voice that shrieked "and He still does" easily. "I now know that to be the lie that it was. I fully intend to atone for what I have done."

That inspired silence in his Templar companions. He hadn't meant to come off blunt or annoyed, honestly. He wanted both of them to know that he was honestly working towards being a better person-something hard to establish if they kept disbelieving them, but Jax always knew they had reason. Still had to get the message out.

The door to the Psi Lab came into view, and Geist invited them all in. Jax consciously ducked under the door, regarding the room. Two well-furnished chambers to house anyone still looking to psionically train themselves, though Jax supposed it had gone without use for a while. To think that Tygan could understand psionics to a degree that he could grant them onto those without the Gift was fascinating. Though Jax didn't have any propensity towards the more scientific aspects of psionics, that was a conversation he had to field with the doctor at some point.

Still, not the time for thinking on that. Jax walked forward, taking a seat in the middle of the open floor. The other Templars followed, and he eyed them. "So. How shall we be about this?"

"A fairly good question." Geist settled into kneeling on the floor. "The Earth did not shed light onto such, though I can imagine we can figure it out ourselves."

"Sufficient usage of my powers seemed to do the trick," Jax replied, "though I'm unsure if that was from the danger of the situation. I'd hardly like to go around replicating such."

"Such is true." Marlene clasped her hands together, her Revenant extending a tentacle towards Jax. "I remember seeing barriers in the Warlock's mind. Perhaps a joint effort on all of our parts would crumble them?"

Kalight, despite his helmet, seemed a little unsure of himself. "I'm not sure how much help I'll be there. I never could quite perform more mental aspects like you, my Seer."

Speaking of help... Jax rubbed his chin. "Perhaps we should wait for Eliza to show? I am loathe to bring her anywhere close to danger, but..." There was that one matter the Mother mentioned. Jax still didn't want to out and out tell her about it, but surely Geist and Marlene would understand.

That they did. Geist nodded. "I share your thinking. Perhaps we could also work to free that which the Earth asked of us."

Jax half-wondered for a second why he didn't just say "Asaru" but then he remembered Kalight was likely being kept out of the loop. This was a very confidential matter. Wouldn't be confidential for much longer if they kept him around while they freed him, however. "We will give her time, then." Jax closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Eliza's signature was recognizable even though the haze of other psionics, of course thanks to her color. She was advancing towards them at a fair rate. He opened his eyes, breathing out calmly. "She is already on her way. Her gauntlets and amp should work in tandem to safeguard her."

Geist raised an eyebrow. "-gauntlets? While I do think it is a wise move, where would she have procured those?"

Oops. Jax rubbed at his mouth. "There. There was inspiration. Largely from my own gauntlets... somewhat from your order's...?"

Geist looked like he wanted to say something rather disapproving for a moment, but then he closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. "... if it is for the Commander," he said gently, "I can overlook it. I just wish I would have been informed about this in advance so I could impart my wisdom on how the gauntlets should be constructed for her needs."

Best Jax didn't say what the new devices on his own gauntlets were, then. Still, he nodded. "I would normally implore you to drop by my brother and impart your wisdom, but..." There was no telling with Mordenna's mood at the moment. Jax didn't want to set Geist on him just to somehow find out that he'd made parts of the gauntlets for Jax, too, or anything else that could go wrong.

"I saw the eyepatch." Geist's expression was mildly grim. "I supposed he would not want to hear much from me at the moment."

Well, Geist was discerning, even if it had completely looked like he'd blown off Mordenna in that instance. "I appreciate your discretion. I would not wish any ill upon my brother, so please forgive my asking that you do not bother him at the moment."

"Such is a far cry from the Warlock I knew." Geist moved to cross his legs, steepling his fingers together. "Where did the Mindbutcher go? Where did he, in his distaste for his siblings and his fervor for ADVENT, end up?"

Jax thought for a moment on that. If he really did want to pin the moment the shift began... where would he start? Would it be the fateful day Mordenna was taken, and his advice to his sister led to her being punished as well, and the twinges of guilt that followed? What of the day Fal-Mai was taken, and Argus was the only thing standing between him and total oblivion, the trauma that event induced? The recruitment of Jeanne's squad? Fal-Mai's words to him at her Ascension facility? The bomb collar...?

Jax closed his eyes. "The Elders had nurtured him for so long," he began slowly, "that he believed them to be his salvation. His only hope. But when the first glimmer shone in, when my brother was whisked into a far better situation... they began to slowly kill him. They struck, they abused, they maimed him. Eventually, one day, he could no longer stand the assault, and perished. I am the one who took his broken body and led it towards healing. I am the one left after the Elders broke his spirit." He opened his eyes, focused on the floor. "I am the one who came first, before they planted the choking weeds around me and twisted who I was. Even then, I cannot be who I was, ever again. Such is the loss of innocence, the scars I bear from the Elders' treatment of me."

Silence dominated the room. Jax neglected to look at anyone, taking calm breaths to stave off the memories. Jax was who he was. Not quite Jax-Rai, no longer the Mindbutcher, and he could never be that boy the Elders took twenty years ago ever again. He would never recognize that name if spoken to him. He couldn't even claim to retain any memories of before ADVENT. So with nothing of his past... Jax figured he could only look to the future. He couldn't do anything about the Elders, what they did to him and his siblings. What mattered was what he did now. He had lingered before, yes, but as Mordenna said? It wasn't doing him any good.

The silence was broken by the sound of the door opening. Sure enough, Eliza was on the other side, and she stepped in. "Hey, everyone!" She caught the mood of the room and pressed her lips together. "... I catch you guys at a bad moment?"

Slowly, Geist shook his head. "The moment has passed, and I have heard what I wanted from Jax." Not "the Warlock." Not any other name. Just Jax. "Still, speaking of such, we are about to undertake the task of releasing his Revenant, as I believe it is termed."

"I've... vaguely heard about those. Think Mordenna briefed me at some point." Eliza settled onto the floor herself, looking to Jax. "Those arms you summoned on the mission related to it, or were those more psi constructs?"

Hard to say, but Jax was leaning into it being a mix of both. "We will call it related. Are you somewhat behind on the knowledge of Revenants, Eliza?"

"Largely. Sounds like a new-ish term. Care to break it down for me?"

Marlene nodded. "Revenants, as far as we have seen, are symbiotic beings living in tandem with their host. Other hosts of Revenants can see each other's, or everyone can if the host is strong enough. Even then, my view of the sampling pool is too narrow to make such broad statements, as all I know truly are the ones the Earth has issued."

"So the Codices that came out of the portal...?"

Jax leaned forward. "Odin's Revenant. I believe I may have spotted Cronus's at some point-some sort of Berserker...?"

"Hm. You think they'd be their own thing, but considering Marlene said she can't really say for certain..."

"Indeed." Geist rolled his hand. "There is too little information to say anything for certain, and then there is also the extenuating circumstances of our own Revenants... but I digress." He nodded to Kalight. "Paladin Kalight, stand watch at the door."

"Of course, Holy Father." Kalight stood up, exiting the room.

Once he was out, Geist turned back to Jax. "This... I will not lie. I am mostly completely unsure of how to go about this."

"Your honesty is refreshing," Jax muttered. Still he couldn't begrudge it. "As far as I know, there are certain barriers that Cronus has constructed in my mind." Primally, that felt correct. "I may incur some pain from it, but I believe a strong blast of power might overwhelm it, if previous events are anything to go by." Not just something he could do on his own, he figured, considering he had resisted the power of an Ethereal and it had only weakened the seal. "I would just need some assistance."

"'Some' pain?" Eliza's mouth set in a line. "Should we get Maria in here?"

"I would prefer knowledge of these Revenants to be restricted to as little outsiders as possible," Geist replied. "After we are done, successful or not, then he may seek out Maria."

"Besides, I have always suffered worse." Still didn't mean it wouldn't hurt, but regardless. "If I guide you all to the threshold of it in my mind, on a combined signal, we could channel as much of our powers as we could into as short a time as possible."

Eliza nodded, but she still looked concerned. "Glad we have a plan, but... it really doesn't sound concrete. I'm worried about hurting you, Jax. I know we don't have much room for a better plan, but, you know me."

Jax's gaze softened as he considered Eliza, settling a hand on her shoulder. "I am touched by your concern, Eliza. But some things cannot come without pain, and it is as you said-we don't have much else offered to us. I have confidence that we can break that which was placed upon me."

Eliza's own expression got a little better, with a smile to match. "Alright. Probably best to believe wholeheartedly in a thing like this, right?"

Probably, yeah. Jax nodded, letting his hand fall. "Assuredly." He looked to Marlene and Geist. The Oracle was twisting somewhat uncertainly, but it seemed to be paying Jax full attention. "... I am prepared if you all are."

"Allow me a moment, then." Geist took a deep breath. The next moment, his form shone, and from his back emerged the Revenant that Jax had seen in his vision. The Aspect, if he remembered correctly. It locked eyes with him, and it was now that Jax somewhat bemusedly noted Eliza's confused expression out of the corner of his eye. Right, she couldn't see it. Geist gently let the breath go, sidling closer to Jax. "Very well, Jax. Guide us."

Well, now was the moment of truth. He offered his hands to Geist and Eliza-even manifesting another set to offer to Marlene. As they took his hands, he extended his signature, meshing with their own. He hadn't been party to a four-person merge like this since... well, best not to think of it with an audience. Geist, Marlene, and Eliza were linked with him, their psionics shining brightly in his mind's eye. They were waiting for his guidance, to him to lead them to where they needed to go.

But indeed, where was that place? Jax closed his eyes and focused inwards. Where would he begin...? Well, maybe the vision was a good place to start. Mentally, Jax pictured himself trying to move back into his own subconsciousness. Somewhere deep in there had to be his Revenant-and something in his mind, a specific part of his mind, told him that was the right line of thinking. Right, towards that then. Just be careful. The bars... they'll hurt if you touch them.

Hm. The same voice as in the vision. Yes. It's me, it responded. You're close. Just a bit closer. He'd trust that. Jax searched deeper, feeling his companions follow behind him. His mind's eye was starting to become bathed in red, and there was this... hesitance, about drawing closer. Like he knew he would be hurt if he tread without caution-which was probably related to the "bars."

A little bit farther, and his Revenant spoke. Stop. That's about as close as you can get. Jax... could somewhat see it. It was hazy, but there were shining motes of purple in his mind, standing before an area positively swimming in crimson. There was something else behind them, something hard to get a good visual of. It's me. Are... are you sure you want to do this, Jax? It will hurt. He was sure. He wanted to take back what Cronus had stolen from him. He wanted to be whole, and if this Revenant was a part of him, he would accept it just as well. ... Thank you. On your cue, I'll also strain against the bars. Another pair of helping hands would probably make this go smoother. Make that three. Jax didn't quite understand that, but all in due time, he supposed.

He mentally turned his attention to his companions, still waiting up behind him. "This is as far as we may go," he imparted. "On my count of three, we will all channel our powers towards these purple motes. Agreed?"

He could feel their agreement. Two purple lights and a light blue one assembled next to him, and he looked towards the motes again. If touching those caused those migraines back in the day... this was going to be one to remember. He braced himself, feeling his powers thrum as he readied them. "One." He could feel the others bringing their powers to bear. "Two." Geist and the Aspect. Marlene and the Oracle. Eliza... and that figure behind her...

"Three."

One moment, Jax could feel the surge of power like a nuclear detonation in his mind. Psionics swelled, channeled in an instant, crashing through and against him. The next moment, he could feel the back of his head hitting the floor, the pain screaming through his mind, making him feel like his eyes were going to burst. That pain was about the only thing he could process as he curled up, pressing his hands against his eyes. He couldn't even think about anything else for what seemed like an eternity.

The first thing he registered when the agony began to subside was how hot his eyes had gotten. Then, the fact that his mouth was dry... and that it felt like he was making noise, judging by how his throat felt. Maybe some sobbing was expected off of this sort of pain, granted. He closed his mouth, though he still sucked breaths through his teeth. Maria. He needed Maria. He needed some sort of salvation from this head-splitting migraine.

There were hands on his arms, but how many or who they belonged to was lost on him. He was slowly regaining his senses, but this was all too much to deal with. Painful memories were surging back, of dark, reinforced rooms, long hours spent crying and trying to remember who he was. Strange adults constantly pushing him from room to room. The distinct feeling that he'd done something wrong-surely that had been the only reason he'd been taken. But no matter how much he apologized, no matter how much he asked what he did, no matter how much he pleaded to the adults...

Jax. What was his name? Jax. That wasn't his name. Jax! No. His name was...

"Jax!"

There was someone talking to him mentally, and it took him a moment to figure out it was his Revenant. He curled up tighter. I'm not Jax. My... my name is... He didn't know. He didn't remember. Why weren't any of the adults using his name? Did they even know who he was?

"Your name now is Jax. Didn't you say, yourself, that there was no going back...?"

Did he? Did he say that? He'd said so much, but none of it made anybody listen. Just... just his powers. Just making things toss around the room. Just making the adults slump over. Was that what he had to do to make his Revenant listen?

"No, please. I'm listening. Please don't give up. Ask for help one more time."

What good would it do him? He hurt the adults. They hurt him. Going along with what they wanted was the only thing that made him not hurt. But... maybe one more time... he could try. But then, never again. Help. Please. It hurts...

The agony began to subside. He felt like a blanket was being draped over him and he was taken into someone's arms. He... he wasn't back there. That place was long in the past, and he would never return. That child was long in the past. It was just him, now. Him and the future, and whatever it would hold.

Slowly, Jax gained more clarity. He had been taken into someone's arms, though no blanket was to be felt. Eliza's psionics were unmistakable, and they were completely surrounding him. He buried his signature into them without thinking, his chest heaving. More thoughts were coming back, the first was sheer relief that he wasn't alone. Eliza was here for him.

Jax dragged his hands away from his eyes, blinking hard. He was certainly still crying, but no longer out of terror-mostly just pain. His head was pressed against Eliza's chest, and suffice to say he'd cried a patch into her uniform. Jax was lucid enough to process mild embarrassment, at least, knowing that Marlene and Geist were likely party to the scene. He took in deep breaths, trying to stave off the migraine. By the Void, he wondered how his siblings felt.

"Jax?"

Yes, that was his name. He looked up to Eliza-whose eyes widened when his met hers. She regained composure quickly. "Jax, are-are you ok?"

That was a question if he'd ever heard one. Jax wrapped his arms around Eliza with his newfound lucidity, easing his head against her chest. "... I'm..." Wow, his voice was hoarse. "... I'm o-out of it. Is-is Maria—?"

"I've sent for her," Eliza assured, running her hand over his hair. "Your siblings are probably gonna come running, too. Just take deep breaths for right now. I don't want you focusing on anything else."

That he could do. Jax took steady breaths in and out, trying to manage this migraine. He wasn't going to trouble himself with so much thinking while it felt like someone was taking a sledgehammer to his head repeatedly.

It was a while, but Jax registered the sound of a door opening. Footsteps came towards him, and the aura that Eliza's psionics were giving off meshed with another. Jax's migraine reduced substantially, and he gave a shuddering breath as it did. Maria was here. "-thank the Void for you, Maria," he muttered immediately.

"My Chosen, what... what happened?"

Well... that really wasn't a question he could answer on his own. He took his head away from Eliza's chest to look at her-an action that made Maria gasp. He looked to his Matriarch, rubbing his head with a hand. "Why the surprise...?"

"Y-your eyes-your psionics." Maria gestured at his hand. "They're... they are completely red."

Wait, his hand? Jax took it away from his face, finally realizing he'd never released his hold on Eliza. He stared at the replica of his own hand made from his psionics-and true to Maria's words, there was no longer any purple choking his signature. The phantom gauntlet was crimson, vermilion, whatever other combination of reds he could bring to mind. Probably more concerning was the way he'd done it so subconsciously. It faded as he gawked at it, and he looked to Eliza. "Is there-do we have any mirrors?"

Eliza made for the datapad on her hip, Jax pulling back from her as he did. As she fumbled with it, he could see Geist and Marlene together, away from the group. Their Revenants were out and eyeing him, as if expecting something. Jax didn't get to look long, as Eliza passed him her deactivated datapad. He took it, angling to see his reflection in the darkened surface.

They were right. Even in the suboptimal reflection of the device's screen, Jax witnessed brilliant red eyes staring back at him. They'd done it. His psionics were fully unbound. He looked to Eliza-and immediately, his thoughts were of her health. Was she alright? Such a channeling of power couldn't have been good for her. He handed her datapad back to her. "Eliza..." He turned his head, considering Geist and Marlene. "Geist. Marlene. Are the three of you alright?"

Geist and Marlene seemed alright, but Marlene was the first to speak. "It... was a great deal of power needed to overcome those bonds. The Holy Father and I will recover in time."

Jax set his mouth in a line. "Then I extend my hospitality," he said, beckoning. His own migraine-more of a headache now, really-wouldn't stop him from offering what kindnesses he could. "I shall not let you two suffer without recompense."

The Prophet and his Seer didn't budge for a moment, the former eyeing Jax. But when Eliza turned to look at him, Geist relented, sighing and getting up. He and Marlene sat down closer, and at this distance Jax could see some stress leaving Geist's face. "I suppose it would be churlish of me to deny such an offer," he replied gently.

"I'd think so." Eliza gently rubbed one of her temples. "I'm surprised I don't have more of a headache. Put that down to the gauntlets, I suppose—"

Eliza would've spoken further, assuredly, but the door opened once more. Mordenna was on the scene, effortlessly dodging Kalight and weaving through everyone to sit down at Jax's side. "Ain't no goddamn way in hell I'm not sitting in this Solace," he grumbled, but he wasn't grumpy for long. His concern quickly bled through his expression as he focused on Jax. "That... that was a hell of a headache back there, Jax, are you doing alright? You're looking redder than usual. Psionics-wise, at least."

He nodded. "I am fine now." His hoarse voice almost made it seem otherwise, but with Maria and Eliza's combined Solaces... the effect was phenomenal. He didn't want to leave it either. "... I hope Fal-Mai is alright."

"I am."

Jax mildly jumped as Fal-Mai appeared on his other side, looking to Jax. He rubbed his mouth, easing his surprise. "Good to know. I... I'm sorry I inflicted that on the two of you."

"Mm, whatever." Mordenna leaned on Jax, practically slumping against him. "I figure it's a one-time deal, yeah? Speaking of... where's that Revenant of yours?"

That was a fairly good question. Jax vaguely remembered hearing it during the height of his pain. Was it...?

"I'm here." Yeah, it was still there. "... hm. Could you use 'he?'" That Jax could do. Better yet, did he have a name? "... I can let you decide. If you're fine with me emerging in front of all of them, considering..."

It shouldn't be a problem, right? The only people who would see him would be Geist, Marlene, and Mordenna. The former two were looking to see him, the latter was Jax's brother. Assuredly, he'd be fine with it. "If... if you insist."

It felt like a presence left Jax's mind, and emerged behind him. Members of the group that weren't the two Templars looked up and jumped, scooting away from Jax in surprise. Jax himself twisted around, eyes widening.

He... he was certainly there. Jax's Revenant was cloaked in a monochrome of red, colors ever so slightly shifting. He had a multitude of eyes, three pairs to be exact, and no mouth to be seen. Twisting ram's horns formed from his head, with tentacles sprouting from his head and going to the same length as Jax's hair. He had six, chiseled arms, his build mirroring Jax's own, with said arms covered in chains. His legs were satyr-like, covered in deeply dark red fur and capped with hooves. Wings sprouted from his back, but it was clear they had been damaged at some point, as feathers were moulting off of them, some stuck in the chains that spread to them. A tail curled around from behind him, furless and long.

This... this was quite the sight. Judging by everyone else's reactions, it was one they shared. A heavy silence stretched between them as Jax's Revenant came to stand instead of float, his multitude of eyes darting to the side. Jax could feel the awkward pause beginning to give his Revenant anxiety, so he stood up, properly facing him. It... was pretty clear, the symbolism. Six eyes, six arms, goat's hooves and ram's horns. Coupled with the chains and wings... a name sprung to mind, and he ran it by his Revenant and got clearance for before uttering it. "Lucifer."

Lucifer nodded, looking back to Jax. His eyes wandered over those behind him before moving to the floor. "So you say, so it shall be." His voice felt a little more... projected, than normal. He was likely speaking to the others as well. "I am sorry if I'm not what you expected..."

Jax wasn't expecting anything other than his Revenant, truth be told. There seemed to be no default appearance for them, even if the ones gifted by the Mother shared a few traits. By the sounds of it, everyone behind him had stood up. Well, no use in letting them get a bad impression. They'd best know where he stood. "You are a part of me," Jax started with, "a reflection of myself, yes?" Lucifer nodded. "Of course I accept you. I hold only the expectation that you will work with me as I would like to work with you. There... is much time to be made up for."

Lucifer lidded his eyes. "Twenty years and a few more." I was your favorite imaginary friend, he added mentally. Back when... I didn't look like this.

Jax smiled a little somberly, turning to everyone behind him. They looked... generally apprehensive, but it seemed things were easing up. Mordenna let go of a breath he'd been holding, crossing his arms and looking to Jax. Fal-Mai was still looking at Lucifer, clearly taking him in. Maria was back to being calm, giving Jax a reassuring nod. Eliza herself was looking between the two of them, more contemplative at this point. Marlene and Geist seemed the least rattled, and their Revenants more so. "Well? I would consider this a success." He did level his gaze at Fal-Mai, who clearly was seeing Lucifer. "... and judging by some of you, he is visible to all?"

"I'd, uh, I'd say." Eliza gestured to him. "Pretty visible. Didn't Marlene say we could only see them if the host was strong?"

"And the only other people we've seen pull that off are the Elders," Mordenna muttered, rubbing at his mouth.

Strong as an Elder. Maybe even stronger, now. Jax regarded his Revenant once more, who was looking and feeling less nervous about proceedings. "-then I suppose we have much to learn," he concluded. Jax looked to Geist. "Is there anything else we should speak of?"

Geist shook his head. "We have freed your Revenant. With that, my time grows short. My Templars will be understandably worried about my extended absence from the Temple." He turned to address Eliza. "Eliza, if you require anything more from me, I shall be within the Temple. Jax has a message for you, whenever he gets the chance to impart it." With that, Geist left, with his two Templars trailing behind him.

Eliza gave a soft goodbye as he did, turning to look at Jax. "A message, hm?"

Right, that. As his Revenant drew closer to float behind him, Jax gave them a basic recap of his vision, decidedly leaving out the part about Asaru. That could be dealt with on its own time, and it certainly wasn't now. If it was Lucifer's charge to see Asaru free, then they both could oversee when that would happen. Agreed. Eliza can be impartial about Ethereals, but hard to say how she would react to one bonded with her.

He wrapped it up, with Eliza going "huh." "I guess we're running on a slightly shorter schedule than I'd like. Ideally I don't want to make any huge moves before we get that UFO situation cleared, but..."

She looked to Mordenna, silently asking for his opinion. He shrugged. "I'm done not listening to the oracles on the crew," he said bluntly. "I can focus resources into upgrading it to tap into a Codex, and all the fail-safes we'd need with that."

Eliza nodded. "Then we'll focus on that." She turned her attention to Lucifer, smiling at him gently. "It's nice to meet you, Lucifer. You probably know who we all are thanks to Jax, right?"

"I do," he responded. "It's nice to meet you all as well."

"You're pretty much an extension of my brother," Mordenna replied, "so you can't be too bad. Just be nice to him or we'll have issues."

"I wouldn't dream of harming him purposefully."

"Accidents happen, so that's good by me."

"If that is all cleared..." Jax sat back down. Eliza and Maria hadn't been focusing on their Solaces as much with Lucifer's appearance, and he was really starting to feel it now. "Could we re-establish our psionic triage area?"

"Oh, right!" Maria sat back down with him, putting power back into her Solace. Soon enough, everyone was situated on the floor again, relaxing. Mordenna was leaning against him again, Fal-Mai was right next to him, and Maria and Eliza were completing the tight circle of people. Jax feared that Lucifer perhaps wouldn't feel too included, until said Revenant leaned against his back and slung one of his pairs of arms over his shoulders, pressing his head into Jax's hair. Was he comfortable? Very. It's... reassuring to feel things again. And your hair is very soft.

Jax chuckled gently, basking both in the Solace and the feeling of being whole, again. His friends and family surrounded him, and the remnants of Cronus's hold on him had been shattered. Nothing to handle but the future, now.