Chapter 29: Dominion of Law
|Farawell|20:10 pm|
The disastrous encounter with Nihane Kronos in Farawell Cathedral had shaken the group a lot. Yet they had to go on. There was no point in putting it off any further.
"We're finally going back." Amara said, once everyone had arrived. "How do you think the others are coping?"
"In Priscilla's case, not very well. That poor woman... The others, I don't know. Even so, it's about time we learned what happened after the Divine Spark appeared." Nathan said.
"What have you guys been doing since we last met, anyway? I saw Nathan in Caramathia the other day, but Priscilla was there, so we couldn't really talk much." Serena said. "Me and Kyle have just been watching TV or playing games. He'll be in France soon though, so it'll be really boring till he gets back."
"Oh. Hope he has a good time. Last Friday I was out with the girls at work. Yet, things got way out of hand. Especially after Karen had one too many." Amara said. "But then some guy came to help us get her home. Roger Martin - her long lost love."
"Rreally? I kind of know Roger, actually. He used to go to my high school!" Blaine said. "That's how I got the job, actually."
"That's surprising... I didn't think the owner of that place would be from Kanaloa. Well done to him." Nathan said. Blaine frowned, and muttered a a swear under his breath. "I'm kidding, Blaine. What about you?"
"Heheh. Guess which handsome stud went out with a beautiful woman yesterday?" Blaine said, grinning slyly.
"Let me think. Me and Kyle didn't go out yesterday, so -"
"Me, silly! Me and Lucy!" Blaine said. He looked pretty proud of himself as he spoke, Amara noticed.
"Ah, I remember that now. Sounds like it went well." Amara said. Blaine was her comrade, so she had to try and be pleased for him. Yet if this meant spending more time with Lucy, then the date going well wasn't so great after all.
"Hell yeah it did! Just talking with her was awesome. Man, I've missed out on dating for too long. Lucy's actually a sweet girl. How come you and her don't hang out too much?" Blaine asked.
"Huh? It's just...I find it hard to talk to her, really. Besides, I get on better with Stella, Sheila and Colette." Amara said.
"I take it you're going to see Lucy again?" Nathan asked.
"Definitely. Sure, she screamed a lot when I gave her a ride home, but I think they were fun screams, not 'please stop hurting me' screams. Not that I'm an expert at telling screams apart. But...I'd love to see her again." Blaine said, excited.
"That's great!" Serena said. Amara thought back to Zao's quadruple date suggestion. Perhaps they could pull it off one night, and have some fun. "We should meet her sometime."
"Oh, I'll introduce you to her soon enough. Anyway, let's get moving. Some Shadows are gonna get an ass kicking tonight." Blaine said, cracking his knuckles.
|Secret Base|20:16 pm|
The basement seemed much like before. Kyle was back at his computer, loudly typing keys. The girls were sitting at a table, in awkward silence. Cups of coffee were in front of them, but they weren't interested.
"Oh! You finally came back!" Kyle's face was filled with joy at the sight of Serena. "Good to see all of you. I was started to worry you wouldn't return, but looks like Aimee was right all along."
"Of course I was! Hehe. It's good to see you again. Things are still a bit tense, but we're trying to make an effort. Dan gave us a big talking to last night." Aimee said. Priscilla stared at the table, saying nothing. Despite what happened, stopping now is pointless."
Seraphina got up from her chair, looking serious. "Ultimately, we share a common goal to dismantle Aeternus. So we must cope with our losses and fight with all our strength. Unfortunately, there has been no news from Aeternus - they blame the Cathedral's destruction on a mere gas leak." she said.
"Those bastards! Eight people died and no one knows what really went down." Blaine said, angry. Priscilla looked like she was about to cry, and Nathan opened his mouth to speak. Yet, he couldn't find the words. "Guess I shouldn't be surprised. Where's Dan?"
"He's at The Mole again. He likes to listen to this pianist lady, even if she doesn't pay attention to him. I suppose it's nice to relax and listen to some music, especially in this situation." Kyle said. "There's nothing exciting going on, so -"
"I wouldn't be so sure of that."
In front of everyone, the cloaked man appeared.
What the hell? He shows up after all this time? Amara clenched her fists. If this man had never appeared, she wouldn't have to deal with Shadows at all.
"During yesterday evening, you unearthed files that mentioned something under the name of Aeshma. It is unlikely you've come to any conclusions regarding the data. However, I know exactly what Aeshma is. Allow me."
The cloaked man moved over to Kyle's computer, shoving Kyle aside.
"Hey! What are you doing, mister?!" Kyle shouted. The cloaked man ignored him. After a fair amount of typing, a program appeared. It seemed to be one for video playback, and this one could play live streams of footage. There was a lot of static and white noise, but a picture was slowly coming into view.
"This is a live broadcast of sorts, to be watched by the civilians of this city on their televisions. Watch carefully. This is part of their plan to bring forth the Eternal Road." The cloaked man said.
"And they're doing that via a podcast? How's that gonna help?" Serena asked. Again, the cloaked man didn't answer the question. He tapped the monitor, and finally the picture was clear.
The location was a simple, plain church, on a much smaller scale than the Farawell Cathedral. Two people were standing by the altar - a tall brunette woman, with a black shirt, skirt and boots and a bronze tiara. Amara noticed how pointed her nose was - and something about her face gave her the creeps. The other was another brunette woman, with her hair in a curly ponytail. She was wearing a long white fur-lined jacket with a blue vest, black skirt and blue shoes, and she had a white sword by her side.
"Greetings, loyal viewers. My name is Josephine Johnson, one of the Ater Vox. It is with...severe regret that I have to make this announcement. To our unparalled dismay, the Holy Cross and the Commander of the Ornatu Legion are no longer part of our ranks. Yet, do not fear, beloved citizens of New Motus City. The end of your troubles nears. Today, I shall bring forth the holy champion. Her divine power of Persona shines bright, and will smite the evil Shadows that plague our once glorious nation!" Josephine said.
"The hell is this shit?" Blaine asked. "Holy champion? What's she tryin' to pull?"
"I don't know, but who's that woman by her side?" Serena asked. "She looks petrified!"
"She looks that way because she is. A vulnerable woman stands before you. Naturally, the vulnerable are easily exploited. Josephine being Josephine, she intends to use her for the next Divine Spark." the cloaked man said.
"No! It can't be her!" Amara couldn't believe it. She didn't recognise her at first, but the woman was...
"Karen Marshall, ladies and gentlemen! She was chosen by God and the angels to wield the glorious power of Aeshma. Before that miraculous day, poor Karen was lost without our guidance. Yet, thanks to divine intervention, Karen lives to see this day! Karen, the first of a brand new order of the Ornatu Legion - the Last Soldiers! This is the dawn of a glorious epoch!" Josephine said.
"Last Soldiers? What kind of disgusting moniker is that?" Nathan said, looking at the screen with incredulity.
"Naturally, we intend to find more Persona users like Karen. More blessed warriors shall purge the city of darkness, and lay down an eternal road of peace." Amara felt sick - she had to be deliberately taunting her enemies. Josephine's false show of compassion was so transparent to everyone with sense. "Tell me Karen, how did you awaken to Aeshma's holy power?" Josephine asked, with a fake smile.
"I was alone, in a church, and I was scared. There was someone I wanted to see, more than anything else. Yet, in that moment, I realised I would never see him again. Then, those evil Shadows came, and in my final moments I prayed to God. Then Aeshma came out of my body. God saved me." Karen said.
"It is just as I said. You were chosen by God himself to one day aid us. Viewers! You can count on Karen, as God's holy warrior, to save you! As for now, an entire regiment of the Ornatu Legion shall become her holy vanguard. The Shadows that taunt us and bring us suffering shall see the light of judgment!" Josephine bellowed, to thunderous applause. The camera's angle didn't show anyone else in the church - and juding by the way Kyle rolled his eyes, the applause was a soundbyte. Then the transmission ended.
"Karen..." Amara said. "That's really my boss?"
"So it would seem. Karen was already tormented to begin with, yet she still managed to gain a Persona. Only those with strong hearts can obtain them, yet she is taken in by falsehoods. Therefore, you must save her. Her power is not one given by any God, but one born of her own heart. Only once she realises that, will her true power shine." the cloaked man said.
"Cool story bro. But how are we supposed to help Karen?" Blaine asked.
"Take this code, young man. You'll need it to encounter Karen tonight. Whether or not you save her tonight or later is uncertain, but you cannot wait until the next Divine Spark appears." After giving Blaine a scrap of paper, he vanished.
"Uh..." Kyle said. "I guess we're back in action, then?"
"Looks like it. Amara, do you know this Karen woman?" Aimee asked.
"Yeah. She's my boss in our world. And I think I know what she meant by a man she wanted to see. Her first love, Roger Martin! The owner of the mall!" Amara said.
"So she got crazy after he disappeared, and turned to God? What a crazy bitch!" Blaine said.
"Don't say that! I'm sure Karen just needs someone to talk some sense into her. I can just tell that Josephine is only using her! That horrid old crone!" Aimee said. "Amara, it'll be alright! Let's go!"
"We're going to trust that cloaked guy?" Kyle said, bewildered. "Come on, guys!"
"He showed us what was going on with Karen, and I think he's a good guy. It's nice to have a spirit guide!" Serena said. "Let's go!"
"Priscilla, are you coming?" Nathan asked. Looking up, her face went pale, and she shook her head.
"Well, I'll stay here, then." Aimee said. "I'll tell Dan what's happening, but knowing him, he'll be too busy drinking or getting into fights to do anything useful!"
"That's my Dan!" Blaine said, proud. "C'mon, let's go!" And so, they went through the NDD, with no idea where it would lead.
|The Mole|20:25 pm|
Once more, the bar was filled with rowdy patrons, leering at the blue haired beauty playing the piano. She was the only person in the bar with a hint of grace. She looked young, but her talent was like a maestro who had trained for decades. Dan used to just come in here for a cheap drink, but ever since he saw her play for the first time, he kept hoping to see her again. She was here tonight, and thus Dan had something else to focus on.
"Hey, lady! Why don't you stop playing that crap and come with me?" one of the uncouth men said, but the lady said nothing. "Hey, I'm talking to you! Don't ignore me, you little-"
Before he could finish, a blindingly fast fist hit him across the face.
"What the fuck - argh!"
"You wanted something with her?" Dan asked, fist still clenched.
"Dan?! I...never mind! I'm getting the hell out of here!" He ran away as fast as he could, before Dan could hit him again. She continued playing, without a flicker of emotion in her face. Once she was finished with her song, she stood up, about to leave.
"Um, excuse me!" Dan said, She turned to look at him, but didn't say a word. "I'm Daniel. I just wanted to say how amazing you are. How did you learn to play like that?"
"I play for a friend." The lady said. Dan stared at her for a little while longer, and she sighed. "What?"
"Nothin'! It's just nice to hear you play. And, well, I hope you don't mind me sayin' it, but you're one pretty lady."
"Oh." The woman said. "It doesn't matter. There's only one person that I want to hear my music, and it's not you." With that, she got up left.
"You're not very good at making a first impression, are you?" Kaman said, pouring some drinks.
"I guess not." Dan said, finishing his drink. Even though she wasn't interested in him at all, he wanted to see her again. That beautiful music, and her beautiful face made his heart beat a little bit faster. In a world like this, he needed something to take his mind away from the fighting. And that was her.
|Aeternus HQ - Archibald's Office|20:30 pm|
"Napaea, Bilwis, Kobold, Pele..."
Archibald was occupied by his daily examination of the Ornatu Legion Persona Records. The bizarre interpretations of mythological beings flashed before him. The task was to ensure each one matched a particular skill level. Napaea, a Greek fairy of dells, was better suited to the inexperienced. Pele, a Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, was for those who had managed some combat experience. As he was examining Saki Mitama, he noticed two people standing outside his door - Carlos and Pierre. An irritating interruption to be sure, but he had a hunch he knew what they wanted. So, he pressed the door, and the door opened.
"You two look like you've been waiting for a while. Tell me, what do you need?"
"Archie, did you see that live broadcast?! Josephine's trying to make out that Karen woman to be the Messiah!" Pierre said. "All so she can look better than you!"
"Pierre. Do you seriously believe I have time to worry about a popularity contest? Josephine only cares about her looks, and beating someone with actual skill. I'm the one that taught her everything she knows." Archibald said.
"Even so, aren't you going to do anything? Like, demonstrate your hero's potential?" Carlos said.
"There's no need to cater to the needs of the public. They're ignorant masses, who can't see the potential of the new era when it's right in front of them. Unlike Josephine, I'm not using my new Persona user for personal glory. Let her do as she please! I'll calculate the results of her plight from afar, as ever." Archibald said, nonchalant. Pierre and Carlos left, dissatisfied.
"I say...this Badb Catha looks interesting."
|Wrecked Hotel|20:34 pm|
The lobby of the hotel had been abandoned for a long time. The wallpaper was torn, the clocks had stopped, most of the windows were boarded up, and there was graffiti on the wall reading 'NEMISSA RULES HITOMI SUX'.
"Eew!" Amara said, as she sniffed around. "What's up with this place? It smells horrible."
"Why would Karen be here?" Nathan asked. "For an almighty warrior chosen by God, this is hardly an appropriate place -"
"Quiet! Someone's coming! Hide under the reception desk!" Seraphina said. Everyone quickly dashed under the desk, Kyle just barely hidden.
"...this hotel was once a den of sin, my dear Karen. Now, it shall become a grand beacon of hope! You shall lead the Ornatu Legion members I shall leave under your care,and they will become noble warriors. This place is to be your base of operations!" Josephine said.
"That would be wonderful. I can't wait. With you helping me, I finally have the courage to fight. Praise be to God, that you found me and took me in. Will it take long to renovate this hotel?" Karen asked.
"Oh, that depends." Josephine said.
"Hmm? Depends on what?" Karen said, looking worried.
"On the number of squatters." Josephine said.
Suddenly, something rapidly struck the desk, slashing it to pieces. Oh god.
"Seraphina, didn't you see this coming?" Amara asked.
"Not entirely..." Seraphina said. "Curses! My gift failed me!" Everyone got up, and looked upon a taunting Josephine and a meek Karen.
"Ah, so it's you! My dashing Nathan! How thoughtful of you to wait here, just for me. There's no need to hide your handsome face anymore."
"Josephine, do you know these ghastly people?!" Karen asked, frightened. "Don't tell me they're fighting against God!"
"Oh, my poor Karen. It is a shame, but they are indeed sinful sons of man. Yet Nathan was supposed to have perished in the Cathedral fiasco. So why is there a Nathan here, hmm?" Josephine asked, with a smug look.
"We're not telling you anything, witch! I have to save Karen!" Amara shouted.
"Oh, do you know her in the other world?"
Everyone gasped, except for Karen, who was still scared. "That's right. Nihane told me. Four of you are indeed from an alternate dimension. How else would that disgusting rogue Blaine be there, without any scars on his face?"
"Wait, she prefers Nathan to me? This chick's got no taste!" Blaine said, pouting.
"Hey!" Nathan said. "Blaine, focus! Josephine, you murdered my father...why did you do that?! He was innocent!"
"Is that so, handsome? If he was such a innocent man, why did he not tell his wife about our little trysts? Hmm?" Josephine said, pure evil radiating from every word. Karen wasn't listening, and she backed away. Trysts...her and Nathan's dad...an affair?!
"You bitch! You take that back! Now!" Nathan screamed. "You and him did no such thing!"
"Oh, but we did. It wasn't a one off, either. Nor was it merely physical - although that was certainly a bonus. Alas, your precious father and I were in love. A far deeper, stronger love than between him and that spineless cow he married. Then I realised - I could use this power to remain beautiful forever!" Josephine said. "With this power, I could easily replace dear old Reginald for a younger model. Unfortunately, the Nathan here is dead. And even if he was alive, he'd still be with that silly Priscilla slut!"
"Don't you dare call her that!" Nathan, unable to contain himself, called upon Setanta, and sent piercing winds at Josephine. Her Persona, Cybele, emerged again, and struck him with a Magnara spell. "Ugh...damn you!"
"Oh, did I touch a nerve? Your father died because I didn't want to see him get old! His handsome looks were fading, so I merely ended his decline early. Of course, framing the Commander sweetened the pot. Making you fools angry is something we do rather well." Josephine goaded.
"Josephine...these people are terrifying!" Karen said, shaking. "Why won't they leave us alone?!"
"It's alright, dear Karen. You can face them. Allow me to toy with them for a while." Josephine said, grinning. "Show them the power of Aeshma!"
"Yes Madam. Oh glorious power of God! The one who bears his power, aid me! Guide me to peace and safety, away from all that is evil! Descend from the heavens! Save me, Aeshma!" Karen shouted. With a blue aura explosion, a female Persona emerged. Her eyes were solid green, and her blonde hair was incredibly long and thick. She wore a black dress with gold patterns, green shoulder armour, black gloves and golden heels, and she carried a jewel encrusted mirror.
"Wonderful, Karen. Allow me to aid you. Behold, the earth mother Cybele!" Josephine shouted, calling forth her Persona - a powerful female wielding twin swords.
"This is the first time I've ever fought an Ater Vox member... I've been looking forward to this! Bring it on!" Kyle shouted, summoning Hephaestus. "Time to test this out, too!" Kyle said, fastening a strange device to his hand - which quickly generated a radiant laser blade.
"Did you make that yourself, boy? Fantastic. In such an era, even children are capable of creating weapons of such magnitude. Perhaps you'll proove worthy of my attention! Withstand this pain! Mamagnara!" Sharp massive rocks struck the entire team, fiercely hurting Nathan. However, Kyle was unfazed.
"Nathan!" Serena shouted. "Take this! Aques!" A blast of water hit Josephine, but despite taking the hit, she just laughed.
"Yeah, that's right, laugh before we rip you apart! Zionga!" Blaine yelled, striking Josephine with her spell. "Tlaloc, c'mon!" Tlaloc leaped into the air, and sent forth a powerful wave of energy from his hammer, knocking Josephine back.
"Urgh! Karen, why are you just standing there?! You can't expect mercy on the battlefield! Especially not from these savages! Attack, now!" Josephine yelled.
"Yes, Josephine. Tundra Flair!" Aeshma, seductively twirling her mirror and her hair wildly moving as if it were prehensile, struck Amara and Seraphina with a huge cluster of ice crystals.
"Argh!" Amara fell to her knees, in pain. "Why can't I deal with Ice?!"
"Amara, it's okay. You're just not a winter person. Here." Serena said, quickly healing with Diarama. Soon, she started hitting Karen with her whip as many times as she could, the latter being unable to avoid most of the attacks. "Try this! Aques!"
Karen shrieked as she was hit by the roaring waters. Yet, she was not weak to Water spells. Rather, she was just unused to battle.
"Listen to me, Karen! These are our enemies! You have to support me in this battle, otherwise they'll bring the world to ash and ruin." Josephine said. "Enough! Die!" Taking out her pistols, she began firing all around. The sheer speed of her bullets meant no one managed to escape.
"No, I'm not letting you do that. Take this!" Kyle, using his special wheelchair, flew over to Josephine and began slashing her with his new weapon. "Alright! Amara, it's time to fight fire with fire!"
"But if we're combining our attacks, then that doesn't really fit-"
"Whatever! Let's just do this!" Kyle said. Hephaestus and Hathor rose into the air, back to back. Raising their weapons, they conjured a terrifying blaze of fire in the shape of a dragon. "Scarlet Dragon!"
"Interesting." Josephine said, after the flames had subsided. The lobby was getting completely wrecked, with no piece of furniture unharmed.
Everyone! Josephine can't be hurt with Earth magic at all, so Kyle, no Magna spells. But I think Wind will work, so Nathan, use Garula or Air Brake!
"Everyone, you know what to do. Be blasted by the almighty! Megido!" Seraphina, using Hecate's power, struck Josephine with her trademark spell. Josephine sniggering, and dashed forward, shooting her many times. "No...it hurts..."
"Your body is frail, lowly seer. Perhaps it'd fare better if I gave it some extra holes." Josephine said, Cybele brandishing both her swords. "Succumb to me!" Josephine soon unleashed a fast flurry of bullets, whilst Cybele struck Seraphina many times with violent slashes.
"My dearest apologies..." Seraphina collapsed, unable to take anymore.
"You wretch! After all that you've done, I will not let you survive! Air Brake!" Nathan cried. Setanta sent forth blades of air, hitting Josephine with great velocity. The minute she was hurt, her look was of absolute irritation.
"No! Not that pathetic spell again?!" Josephine. "I never thought I'd see again...not after Richard got lucky during that one training session. I will not be afflicted by this spell again! Karen, use that spell I told you about!"
"Yes, Josephine! Dekunda!" Karen cried. Aeshma, twirling her mirror again, cast a strange spell that seemed to remove Josephine's Sukunda affect.
"Marvellous - argh!" Amara rushed at Josephine, and struck her a number of times with her blade.
"You bitch! I won't let you have Karen! Agilao!" Enraged, Amara commanded Hathor's flames to hit Josephine - yet she did not have time to dodge Karen's powerful slash.
"Don't hurt my friend! God has chosen us!" Karen said. "Mudo!"
"Mudo? Wait, isn't that a Dark spell? That's not really a holy thing-" Blaine asked, not noticing the curse spell emerging beneath him. "Oh shit." It took affect, and he fell over.
"Dropping like flies, you are! Yet you're performing so well." Josephine said, breathing heavily as Blaine shot her several times. "Here we go once more! Blade of Fury!" Cybele darted all over the area, slashing everyone with her blade.
"She just won't stop! Everyone, please don't give up yet. Mediarama!" Serena sent her healing power to everyone, and Kyle, invigorated, looked up at Hephaestus.
"Josephine! You'll never stop us! Behold, the Searing Sequence!" Hephaestus sheathed his sword, and he gathered incredible fire power in his sword-bearing hand.
"What?!" Josephine shouted, but it was too late - Hephaestus swiftly slashed her and Karen many times with his now fiery blade of retribution. By this point, the lobby was completely torn apart, riddled with bullet holes and other damage.
"Well done, Kyle!" Serena said. She then cast Recarm to awaken Blaine and Seraphina. "So, is that it?"
"Josephine, I can't fight much more..." Karen said, kneeling on the ground. Amara tried to walk over, but Josephine shot at her multiple times.
"Ow! Urgh, you!" Amara cried.
"Enough. Karen, you fought very well. With training, you will be able to eliminate the sinful ones one day." Josephine said. "You're powerful as well, you insolent children. Yes, your natural Personas are growing so much. Is it hatred of me that fuels them? Or some notion of justice?"
"Shut up! it's because we have to see this through to the end! We're not letting the Eternal Road happen!" Amara said, trying to numb the pain.
"Oh, I understand now. Are you afraid of the unknown? Truth is, I don't know what's going to happen exactly. Yet, it is something we must strive for, no matter what. Face us with that same determination! See how far it gets you! Karen, we leave for now. Nathan, you will be mine someday!" Josephine, moving next to Karen, teleported them both away.
"Damn, I couldn't save her! Karen, I..." Amara said. "I'm no good. I can't help her in either world!"
"Lady Amara, that isn't true. You really are Karen's friend, yes? Not just her peon. Please, don't give in to your self-doubt. It is not too late to save either Karen. Tomorrow…you must talk to her. Convince her to reunite with the one she still loves, even if anger clouds that love!" Seraphina said.
"Okay, 'Lady' Seraphina, thanks for that. Can we go now?" Blaine said.
"Sure. I want to see how Priscilla's doing." Nathan said. He didn't look so well - not just from fighting, but what Josephine said really got to him. Amara didn't know what to say, so she just left with the others in silence.
|Secret Base|21:00 pm|
"So you actually fought one of the Ater Vox?!" Aimee shouted. "I can't believe it! It's a miracle you survived!"
"I have a feeling she was testing us." Kyle said. "Karen was fighting at her full strength, however. She's already more capable than either of the Holy Cross, yet she seems unable to think of anything but God."
"We'll save her soon. It's my duty. I couldn't save the other me, but I'll save the other Karen for sure!" Amara said.
"Alright! We need a leader to get our spirits up." Serena said, smiling. "I'll help too. We won't let her go the same way as the others!" Priscilla ran into her room, sobbing, and Seraphina sighed, sitting down.
"Lady Priscilla is a broken bird. Her wings remain unclipped, yet the heart that once yearned to fly has faltered. Do not fear. We will wait for her to regain her fighting spirit, no matter how long that takes." Seraphina said.
"Please look after her. Well, we'd better be going home. We'll probably be back tomorrow." Nathan said, but his voice lacked his usual confidence. "Father..." Blaine looked at him like he wanted to say something, but kept quiet.
Poor Nathan. If Amara's father had cheated, she didn't know what she would do. Her father had never remarried after her mother's death, so she assumed he could never love anyone else as much. Love. Would she love someone that much one day? She did like Zao a lot, but she once felt the same way about Karl. That relationship ended badly, so she knew it didn't always turn out the way she wanted. Still, all she wanted to do now was talk to Zao, so she could forget about tonight's ordeal.
|Farawell|9:30 pm|
"Looks like it's time for us to go home." Amara said.
"Yeah." Serena said. "See you later, guys."
The two of them left, whilst Nathan and Blaine stood there. An uncomfortable couple of minutes passed, and neither man knew what to say. Nathan thought about asking Blaine what he should do. But why would Blaine give his advice? Nathan hadn't been too civil towards Blaine, and the latter enjoyed teasing the former quite a bit.
Forget it. I'll just go home and have a nap. He's probably tired too. I don't know why he's still here, though.
"I'm going home now, Blaine. But we should return tomorrow evening. Goodnight." Nathan said, starting to walk away.
"Hold up, man. What are you gonna do about what Josephine told ya?" Blaine asked. Nathan turned around, and saw Blaine frowning at him.
"Huh? Nothing. It's...just a heartless lie. I can't trust someone in the Ater Vox." Nathan said. Yet he couldn't help but sound doubtful.
"You sound more like you're trying to convince yourself. What if it's true? This is a pretty big fucking deal. And you're not just gonna forget about it tomorrow morning." Blaine said. Now, his frown had become a severe glare.
"I...um...What's it got to do with you, anyway?!" Nathan shouted.
Blaine was no longer glaring. Instead, he had a look of utter disappointment. This solemn expressiong brought a twinge of guilt to Nathan's face. "Well, Nathan, I just figured we were friends by now. Remember when you called me at home after we found out my other self was the guy who blew up Kanaloa? When you tried to cheer me up, it felt like you actually gave a damn. Guess not."
"Hold on a second! I did, really! I just...I don't know what to do!" Nathan said, distraught. "All my life, my father was my hero. He loved my mother, always encouraged me. When I went away to university, he kept sending me letters. And coming to visit me! I can't ask if he was unfaithful to my mother!"
"Nathan. I'm gonna tell you something I haven't told anyone except Dan. That means you don't tell the girls, either." Blaine said. Now he sounded serious. Nathan nodded, and prepared to listen. "My dad died when I was ten. He wanted to support us, and he had been laid off. So he tied to rob a bank. Stupid plan, right? He was desperate. Really desperate. But he wasn't cut out to be a crook. So he got put in jail. I never got to visit him. He was too ashamed to let me. He must have thought he let me down. But even so...he was still my hero."
"Blaine..."
"I figured he'd get out of jail and we'd go back to normal. He never did." Blaine said, looking at the night sky. Nathan thought he saw Blaine's eyes watering, but kept quiet. "My dad killed himself the day before he was to be released. When I heard the news, I cried for weeks. Months, actually. It took me years to get my head around it. I'm thirty now, but you know something? My dad is still my hero, and I still miss him like crazy."
"That's...I didn't have any idea you were harbouring something so tragic. But why are you telling me this?"
"Talking about it helps. That, and your old man's still alive and kicking, isn't he? So it's not too late with him. I don't know how, but find it if it's true. Do it while you still can. I can't do ask my dad what he was thinking, but you've still got that chance. " Blaine said, gazing intently into Nathan's eyes.
"Alright, I will. Blaine, I won't forget this, guv'nor. You're a top bloke!" Nathan said.
"'Bloke'? Come on, we're not in England!" Blaine said, laughing.
"I know. But I get a kick out of putting on an accent. But this gives me an idea. You and I should go out to England some day, and just get hammered. Pub crawls there can get really wild." Nathan said, managing a smile.
"C'mon, Nathan. I'm a Kanaloa boy. I can handle any night out. Okay, I gotta go. See you next time!" Blaine said, walking off.
Nathan started heading back, weary from all the fighting. Somehow, he'd need to have a reason to accuse his father of having an affair. He needed to research Josephine Johnson, somehow. Perhaps if he searched her name, he could find out if she'd had any involvement with his father.
Nathan was scared, but he knew he had to do it. If he did nothing, he'd never know the truth. He could not rely on Josephine's words alone. He needed to hear it from the man he looked up to. The man who was the best leader of the Albion Corporation in the history of it's existence, who one day would pass on that role to Nathan. Yet, despite his fears, he knew now he wasn't alone. Blaine, despite being rather unrefined and unkempt, truly meant well. To think Blaine would confide such a personal story with him…he couldn't let him down.