Chapter 13: Traverse

"Ezio?!" Sebastian squinted his eyes to get a good close look. Ezio seeing Sebastian's big reaction just grinned in return. Something was different; Ezio before was younger and had a short tied brown hair ponytail now he's maturely older and most peculiar was his hair now silvery white and longer similar to Francis.

"Is it really you?"

"Of course it's me, Ezio crossed his arms. "You looked like as if you have just seen a ghost."

"What in the world happened to you?" Delsin stepped forth. "Don't tell me Francis disguised you as him just to surprise us? Speaking about that, where is he? Isn't he with you?"

"He was but no longer now," Ezio looked away. Ren immediately understood that the figure he encountered was a….

"So Mr Francis really was…" Ren spoke softly.

Delsin and Sebastian stood dumbfounded by what they just heard; Francis was dead along?! Then how do they explained about the past few days event? Francis brewing medicines, even chat and went out with them like he's alive.

Delsin went ahead to pinch himself to check if he's dreaming since he hung out with both Ezio and Francis longer than the others. But how can this be possible? Francis was so real; he even taught Delsin some basic herbal medicines knowledge. Now Ezio revealed that Francis was a ghost manifestation along.

"Let's head back to William's house first," Ezio knew he owe them an explanation. "It's best not to stay out in the cold night for too long."

"Ok," Delsin rustled his hair as he removed his beanie. "Is there something you're not telling us, pal? I'm sorry but all this weird shit happenings is getting out of hands. Firstly you and Francis suddenly vanished into thin air back at the underwater museum then out of a sudden you brought us the boy whom you met in your dream, Francis was a manifestation you created during your comatose period and lastly my meeting with you both seems to be way off…" He pressed his fingers on his forehead. "How should I put it? You mentioned Francis died a year back. You were taken by Abstergo shortly after his passing and been in a comatose state for the past six months so during this period of time, who was I actually travelling with?"

"Manifested Francis and myself," Ezio answered Delsin's question without hesitation.

Delsin narrowed his eyes, "W...what?"

"Delsin," Ezio calms his friend down. "I know things are complicated. I just want you to know that you aren't going crazy since I had the ability to manifest another me and infused it with my consciousness. I did it without knowing as I refused to accept reality however it was Francis who jolted me out of it."

He sighed. "He helped me recalled my past, enabling me to return to my true body which was being held at Abstergo to reunite with Noctis. With my awakening and escape, they are on the move now as we speak."

Sebastian sat on his bed while listening attentively. He tends to hear them out before questioning.

"If you say they're on the move does that mean we're all in danger now?" Ren pointed out.

"As a matter of fact, we all are," Ezio sat next to Sebastian. "You don't mind joining us? I think it will be safer if we stick together."

"They are after me too?" Sebastian pointed to himself.

"I'm not sure but I need to let you know that the Mobius Organization is in alliance with Abstergo due to their projects involving human brains, memories, DNA all sorts. The Templars might learnt about you if they DID tell."

Sebastian thought for a second. "All right. I'll tag along."

"I will like to introduce," Ezio patted Noctis on the back. "This is Noctis. He's the boy I previously told you guys about."

Noctis was jumpy. He quickly lowered his head down; dared not to make eye contact with everyone. Both his hands clutched his long black coat and stutter a very soft, "H-hi…n-nice to m-meet y-you all."

Ezio chuckled, "He's tends to get very shy though he was eager to meet every one of you."

"Nice to meet you," Sebastian smiled which causes Noctis to blush a little.

"Pleasure to meet you," Delsin grinned while Ren just did a small polite wave gesture.

"So what's our next move?" The Conduit asked.

"We'll set off the next thing in the afternoon," Ezio directed. "We can't get Mr William involve in this organisation conspiracy we're dealing with. You both do know about the danger you're facing."

"Yeah I know," Delsin bit his lower lip.

"I fear for my life every day," Ren sighed.

"What do you guys mean?" Sebastian looked up to them both.

"You saw it with your own eyes," Delsin said. "Those bastards want us both dead. Conduits and Edeners are considered a threat to them due to our immunity to the Eden Wave. They even mislead the public into believing we were the ones responsible for the outbreak."

"And I had no idea why they give this stupid codename 'Edeners' to us," grumbled Ren. "Sounds so straight out of an anime."

"What outbreak?" Sebastian realized he wasn't up to date on the recent news but he swore he never read any outbreak related articles. Since Ezio told him that Mobius was in alliance with Abstergo, there's no doubt those madmen were involved.

"Don't mind me asking," Sebastian probed. "But what this outbreak you're discussing about?"

"Hybrida Virus," Noctis sat on the chair. "The Satellite in which Abstergo launches three years back was actually the main cause. The Wave itself contains a certain rare genetic code which can rewrite human's cells and DNA. Once both of these organisms mutates, that Virus will trigger. No one will know when or where they will be infected by it, it just comes."

"Is it airborne or by transmission?"

"Unknown," Noctis shrugged. "But you can get infected if one bites you."

"You know… like those zombie video games you played," Delsin give a better understanding of it.

"So far the only infected places I knew are New York City, Seattle, Japan and Italy but I'm not sure if it had been spread to other regions," Ren showed them a map in which he marked the infected places with a red circle. "They're currently on heavy quarantine blockade."

"And what are the symptoms?"

"On the first day of infection, a small spot of dark veins like patterns will appear on the victim's skin. It will then spread slowly throughout the body and victim will be struck by a sudden high fever on the second. Lastly the third day will decide whether they get to live or become violently deranged," Ezio explained.

Sebastian was startled about the abnormal symptoms of this strange unheard virus which he's getting basic knowledge on.

"It actually depends on the victim's luck; if his or her body can't adapt to the mutation, they will become an insane zombified human. BUT if they're lucky, they entered the stage of advanced evolution that is becoming a hybrid with unique DNA…." Ezio trailed off. "However being one isn't actually a good thing too."

"Why?" Sebastian stared at him. "At least they survived right? Instead of going psychosis."

"It's different," Ezio disagreeing. "Their lives will never be the same again."

"Well… at least none of us here were infected," Delsin sounds confident.

Ezio and Noctis exchanged looks. "Actually you are seeing two now."

Sebastian, Delsin and Ren jumped.

"You can't be serious…" Ren backed away.

"I'm actually a pure Hybrid to begin with for you all to know however Noctis isn't. He was infected yet survived."

"I don't want to relive about it," Noctis shook his head. "It was the worst day of my live."

A stillness roused among them. Sebastian had no words to say, neither do Ezio nor others. In just within a day, so many unexpected things happened; the truth about Francis, meeting Ren, encountering the Doctor and Mobius agents as well as the Hybrida Virus existence. So much to absorb…

"I think we should stop and get some rest," Ren suggested. "I'm sure everyone must be worn out."

"Yeah. We should. See you in the morning."

"Ezio you sure do surprise me with your new looks," William remarked. "So yesterday you went off to get your hair dye?"

"Yeah you can say that," Ezio helped to clean the cups. "Kinda cool isn't it?"

"Sure it does," William guffawed. "I was like you when I was around your age. By the way where's Francis that pretty boy? Sebastian told me you were with him."

Ezio paused for moment before forcing a smile. "He… got a call from a relative that something happened back at his home that he departed hastily. But he did ask me to give his gratitude to you for your kind hospitality for the days you let us stay at your place."

"Oh hush," William waved off. "Don't stand on ceremony. I should be the one to show gratitude for what you all have done for us both. If it wouldn't for you all, Sebastian wouldn't be here," he lifted his head up to look out of the kitchen window to see his nephew chatting with Delsin, Ren and Noctis at the garden. Sebastian seems cheerful when Ren took photos of him.

"It's been awhile since I last saw Seb smile," William commented softly. "He's been smiling a lot since he met you guys." He noticed Noctis waving at them.

"I didn't know you had little brother," William turned to Ezio. "This morning his sudden greeting really shocked me."

"I'm sincerely sorry for not notifying you about his arrival. It happened at the last minute. I wanted to tell you but you're already sound asleep."

"No worries. A small matter. Don't feel bad about it."

Ezio smiled again as he resumes cleaning the cups.

(I still feel bad about it considering what I am going to do next… You will soon forget about us, Mr William.)

"Ezio," Ren ran over to him. "There's something I want to show you."

He led Ezio to a grass spot near the gate where they parked the jeep. Ezio watches closely as Ren gently pushing the grasses aside revealing an oddly hand drawn circle with strange symbols on the ground.

"I was taking some scenery photographs when a strong presence in this area caught my attention and led me to it. I thought you might know what this is. I never seen such drawings before."

Ezio took a closer view and was stunned for a second. He recognized it; an extremely powerful arcane spell circle usually draw by Salem warlords to keep evil entities away. Once engraved on a certain spot, it can't never be erased, forever safeguarding the residents or person within its range.

And the only one who can performed such spell was none other than Francis himself.

(Even as just a manifestation, your will to protect others still remains intact. You drew this to protect us. Francis I thank you.)

"Ezio?"

"Oh it's just an arcane spell to ward off bad things. It's harmless. There's no need to fret," he replied.

"I see. From the way you observed, it must be from Francis," Ren said.

"It was."

"I know you missed him dearly nevertheless the days he spent with you was a great gift to him. I'm sure what he wants right now is you to move forth rather than entrapping in the past."

Ezio let out a soft laugh. "He probably will haunt me in my dreams if he sees me depressed. But now we all have a bigger problems to settle."

"You planned on going to Krimson City?"

"Yeah. I need to dig out more information regarding on that particular organisation. When I woke up from my coma, all my repressed memories resurfaced and the word 'Mobius' becomes clear in my mind. That's why I recalled that both are in league with each other."

"It won't be easy dealing with them," Ren frowned. "After what they did."

"I know. It won't be long before they start spreading their domination to worldwide."

"You think there will be others like us out there rebelling against them?"

"Definitely there is. Sadly both organization were on the winning side since they got more supporters, sponsors as well as advanced technologies."

Ren seems to recall something. "By the way, do you happened to know of a man named Idola during your captivity?"

"Idola? Not really. Never heard about him since majority of the top staffs are top classified confidential. They won't let a captive like me to know so much," there was a brief pause. "Wait…maybe Noctis might know."

"You don't mind if I ask him? I hope I'm not asking too much."

"How do you get to know about this guy?"

"I did my own research during my refugee days. I was forced to flee from my homeland, Japan during the Hybrida outbreak period."

"What about your family?"

"I don't know what happened to them," Ren tucked his hands into his pant pocket. "I…I don't really have a close relationship with my family. I lost with contact them during the getaway. But I'm rather close to my distant cousin. I'm hope he's ok."

"I'm sorry that I ask," Ezio apologised. "I didn't mean for you to recall that event."

"It's ok. All I can do is pray their safety and do my best to survive till we're reunited…if they're still alive."

"Idola?" Noctis looked up to them from his seat as he played with his cell phone. "Why did you ask me about that man?"

"Well I thought you gave us some in-depth," Ren said.

Noctis sighed. "I actually do know him. A sly shrewd snake. You mentioning him all of a sudden really jumps me.

"What's connection you have with him?" Ezio queried.

Noctis leaned back on the seat. "Regarding what connection we had, I don't want to talk about it. Anyway all I can tell he's currently is in charge of keeping the cities in strict order. His lapdogs were the ones responsible for setting checkpoints and quarantine blockades in the outbreak cities. To sum it all up, their main duty is to eradicate those who stand against the Queen."

"The Queen again…" Ren mumbled. "I keep hearing about her but she never ever once showed herself to public nor media."

"That's because she can't," Ezio replied.

"Why is that?"

"Maybe she prefers to be low profile," Noctis rubbed his chin.

"Have you both seen her before?"

"No," Noctis shook his head. Ezio wanted to admit that he did still he thought it is not the right time to do so he chose to remain discreet about it. He looked at the clock on the wall to see that it's already 5pm in the evening. It is time for them to leave as planned.

"You got everything ready, Sebastian?" Delsin stood by the doorway with both hands tucked in his denim jacket pockets.

"I got nothing to bring with me since I lost both my backpack and passport back at the train. I just need to bring myself," Sebastian reminded him in a joking way.

"Oh yeah," Delsin stuck his tongue out in a playful manner.

"You both ready to go?" Ezio called out.

"Yup."

They headed down the stairs and saw William already standing by the main door waiting.

"Returning back to Krimson?" He asked his nephew.

Sebastian nodded. "I still have works to settle Uncle. I'm sorry I can't stay for very long. But I honestly had a great time here and feeling a lot better now."

"I was hoping you will move out of that place and live here with me," William gave a sad look. "I know Krimson City is nonetheless the place where you belong but the memories there are unendurable."

"I get what you mean but I got things to resolve."

"When will you be back again?"

"I don't know. Probably next winter," Sebastian was unsure if he can ever returned here. William gave his nephew a warm hug.

"You can return here anytime you want. Do remember to take your medication daily ok?"

"I will."

"And…" he turned his gaze to Ezio and the others. "They too can come here for holiday as well. You all are welcomed here. Do send my regards to Francis."

"I will," Ezio bowed. He immediately looked towards Delsin's direction and signalled by tilting his head. The Conduit without a word, led Sebastian away.

Ren stood still, pondering what's going on and why the air around them grew so tense. He watched in silence as Ezio suddenly raised his hand right in front of William's confused face while Delsin held Sebastian's arm.

"W…what are you doing?"

"Trust him," Delsin whispered. Sebastian with his own eyes, saw Ezio hypnotizing his uncle. He was transfixed by the strange glowing tattoos appearing on Ezio's face, hands and both his golden eyes glowed as he put a trance on William. In split seconds, he fell unconscious on Ezio's arms.

Sebastian pushed Delsin aside, ran to his uncle's side and glared at Ezio angrily. "What the hell did you do?!"

"He's only asleep, I just erased his memories on us. When he regained consciousness, he will no longer remember us except you Sebastian."

"Why?" Sebastian demanded. "Why are you doing this?"

"I did it to protect him. It's best this way," Ezio explained. "Please understand."

"But…"

"We often do this," Delsin cut in. "It's better that they don't know us since you knew clearly that we're wanted fugitives." He turned to Ren, "I'm sure you can understand it too."

"Yeah I do."

"I know still…" Sebastian kind of hesitated.

"We could comprehend what you're trying to say Sebastian," Noctis tugged Sebastian's sleeve. "Yet it's all for his own good."

Ezio carefully laid William on the sofa before tucking a warm blanket on him. "I'm sorry Mr William. Sleep well."

"Let's go then."

"You sure you all want me to come along?" Ren followed Delsin closely.

"Yeah the doctor knows you're with us. It will be safer with five of us travelling together," Delsin toured around the train station with curiosity at the same time taking down some quick sketches. "Guessed I got some inspiration for my graffiti."

He happily showed his sketches while Ren admires it with awe. In exchange he showed Delsin his photographs collection album.

Meanwhile Ezio and Noctis were stocking up stuffs from the stalls when Sebastian tapped Ezio's back, "Hey."

"Yeah?"

"You sure you want to go to Krimson City?"

"Yup," Ezio was determined. "I need to check something there. Since Mobius is working together is Abstergo, there's a chance I might find an Eden piece."

"Eden?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow.

"I will tell you about it later," Ezio gave him a thumbs up. "Maybe you can be our tour guide once we get there."

Sebastian was wondering whether this is a good idea to bring everyone to Krimson City since he was nearly abducted by Mobius agents including Guillermo. Speaking of that cursed doctor, Sebastian found himself now standing outside the station where the train he previously boarded should have stopped. The people who in the same train with him were still reported missing by the news though Sebastian clearly knows they were already been massacred.

With him being the sole survivor and he telling the media the whole truth about what happened will only raise more questions and suspicions. No one will believe his story. They will definitely called him a lunatic; who in the world will believe a story where a twisted minded doctor actually devoured a whole lot people in just one night. They will surely listed Sebastian the main suspect.

Sebastian somehow felt even if he returns, it will be advisable not to return to the precinct for the time being.

He watches as people strolled back and forth. He swallowed hard; dreaded that the same incident will repeated itself all over again; everyone around him will always ended up in tragedy.

He turned back seeing Ezio and the others storing the stuffs they gathered onto the jeep. He was worried for them especially Delsin and Ren since the three of them were close now. Delsin saved him from Guillermo while Ren taught him photography but he was unsure of the event lies ahead.

Nevertheless he couldn't bear the thoughts of losing anyone dear to him.

"The drive from Hill Lake Point to Krimson is going to be long. A day and a half the longest if we didn't get stuck or anything," Ezio started the jeep and they drove off.

Sebastian was quiet the entire time. Never spoken a word as he just stared outside of the car window towards the sceneries as the jeep drove by. Delsin sat next to him, busy sketching on his sketchbook while both Ren and Noctis slept peacefully.

Ezio drove without striking a conversation. He did occasionally observed Sebastian through the rear view mirror. He wanted to have a chat yet seeing the way how Sebastian is now dealing with the current situation, he felt talking won't do much help.

It wasn't long the sun sets and night welcomes them. Ezio drove them to a diner to grab a bite before resuming on their journey. Sebastian later got a text message from his uncle asking if he's doing fine and whether he had reached Krimson, he notices William didn't mention Ezio and the others at all in his messages.

(Guessed Ezio really altered his memories.) Sebastian thought to then something icy cold touched his cheek snapping him out of his thoughts. He saw Delsin holding two soda cans, offering one to Sebastian before settling down beside him.

"Thinking about your uncle?"

"Yeah," Sebastian drank the cold soda. "You said you all had been doing this all the time. Erasing away people's memories. Won't it be lonely? I mean your existence don't exist in everyone's minds."

Delsin took a sip of his soda drink. "We are used to it. Been doing that when Francis was still around."

"Wonder how it will be like if he's still alive rather than a manifestation?" Sebastian played with his drink can.

"He's still Francis," Delsin tossed the can into a nearby trash bin. It wasn't long Ren came to join them.

"It's rather cold outside," he said to them. "But I had to admit you can't deny the view here."

The trio gazed up to the nightly light casted by the full moon and around it were tiny glittering lights. Sebastian quietly reminisced the days where he and Joseph will lied down on a big grassy field with a telescope viewing the night sky for long hours. It was one of the good old memories he had. Sebastian clutches his shirt; he highly hopes that his best friend is still alive wherever he was right now.

He recalled back in STEM, he witnessed Kidman shot Joseph and accused her of killing his partner yet when he regained conscious back in the real world; Joseph was already gone. Only him, the deceased Connelly and Jimenez were left behind.

When the SWATS came to their rescue, Sebastian strongly requested that they searched for his missing partner. They did the search but only bad news came to his ears;

"We're sorry Detective Castellanos. We had already scouted the entire asylum and nearby areas thoroughly per your request, he's nowhere to be found. I highly suggested you report this to the Chief."

"It's been already a month and there's still no updates on Oda's whereabouts. He disappeared just the others. We're still on-going the investigation so please Sebastian, get some proper rest and leave the case to us."

"How do you expect me to take a long term break when my partner's still missing?! I already lost my daughter and my wife's still missing! I can't afford to lose Joseph! He's the only friend I got!"

"I understand your ordeal right now however you're straining your health to the limit. Since the incident, you haven't had been resting properly and your condition's getting worse."

"I don't give a fucking damn about my illness. Finding my partner is now my top priority!" Sebastian headed for the exit, he suddenly lost his balance and hit the wall railing hard.

"Sebastian!" The chief quickly helped him up. "Are you alright?"

"Argh….." Sebastian rubbed his head temple and felt a wet sticky feeling on his hand. He stared down just to see his hand stained with blood. His head was bleeding due to the fall. He fell unconscious. That's was the reason he got hospitalized for two whole weeks…

(I wondered when I will ever get better.) He closed his eyes.

"Ren to Sebastian… hello…"

Sebastian opened his eyes again. For a momentarily, he thought he saw Joseph. He blinked his eyes and realized it wasn't his dear friend instead it was just Ren staring down at him.

"You drift off again," Ren poked him on the forehead. "I had been calling out to you so many times."

"You did?" Sebastian scratched his head. "Sorry."

"Geez…you really should stop stuffing your brain with never-ending troubles thoughts or else your hair going to turn white," Delsin joked.

Sebastian just laughed. He then took a quick glance at Ren, noticed some of his face features and actions resembled Joseph. Looking at him is like looking at a younger Joseph.

"Is there something on my face?" Ren noticed the stare Sebastian was giving him.

"Nothing…"

They soon boarded the jeep and went on their journey.

"You should get some sleep," Ezio spoke while he watches Sebastian reading a book as he drove. Sebastian rubbed his eyes as he stuffed the book back into the glove compartment and yawned slightly.

"I can't…" He turned behind to check on Noctis, Delsin and Ren who were now sound asleep on the back passenger seat.

"Aren't you tired?" Sebastian asked Ezio. "If you are, we can swap place."

"I'm doing fine here. I don't get tired easily," Ezio eyed at Sebastian with concern. "It's you who should rest. I don't want your frail body to fail you again."

"Relax," Sebastian reassured Ezio. "I will be fine as long as I take my medication."

"I know but how long can your medication helps?"

Sebastian immediately went silent. It seems Ezio got a point since his medication supplies are limited. Sooner or later, he had to return to the Krimson hospital to replenish the stock. He let out a frustrated grunt when he remembers the collection date was drawing near. Seeing the hospital sight only makes him shrink away from it and it takes a lot of persuasion just to get Sebastian to step inside the building.

He had to think of a way to heal himself of this illness. He really can't go on living like this and swallowing disgusting medicine pills all the time. He felt so revolted by the taste every time he put them in his mouth. There were even times he refuses to take them until his Chief, colleagues or annoying doctors and nurses pleaded him to do so.

Sebastian rested his head against the passenger seat head rest and closed his eyes.

"Ezio?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think I will be rid of my illness if I acknowledge the gift within me?"

"You mean your psychic power?" Ezio said.

"Yes…Do you think I will get better?" Sebastian looked at him. Inside his heart, he was hoping that Ezio will shed some light into his doubts.

"It's hard to say," Ezio honestly answered his question. "Your body condition, mind and psychic actually depends on your will power. But whether your illness will be completely heal if you decide to accept, I can't guarantee."

There was brief pause before Ezio continued. "It might take some time…perhaps."

Sebastian felt his hope was being balanced on a thin thread which can be snapped anytime. Even Ezio, a pure hybrid was unable to give him the answer he sought.

Sensing the discontent coming from Sebastian, Ezio tried to cheer him up.

"Hey come on. Don't take it so seriously on what I just said. Maybe you will get better, you just got to think positive."

Sebastian gave a small smirk. "Thank you. I will try to be optimistic."

The car lights suddenly flickers and dies off. It happened so fast that Ezio quickly stepped on the brake bringing the car to a screeching halt to avoid any accidents. The three behind were all stirred awake by the shock.

"What…what happened?" Delsin baffled. Noctis was still feeling somnolent while Ren adjusted his glasses as usual.

"The jeep lights died off out of a sudden," Ezio alighted. "I go check."

He didn't find anything wrong with it. He headed back inside and restarted the engine, to his relief the car lights were back again. He was about to step on the accelerator when Noctis spoke," What's with the fog?"

"Fog?" Ezio looked out and saw fog were slowly forming around the jeep.

"Was there fog before that?" Delsin asked Ezio.

"No there wasn't any," Ezio felt something wasn't right. He couldn't sense any incoming threat yet his leg were ready on the accelerator pedal, one hand on the wheels while the other gripping the gear. He was ready to drive on full speed if anything happens.

He hoped it was just a false alarm…

Ren looked outside and saw a badly burnt hand on the side window then a pale face slowly appeared, staring right at him with cold eyes. Ren was frightened by the unsettling sight of the slender pale man that he began to panic.

"Drive the jeep now," he pleaded.

"Huh?"

"Just do it!"

Ezio changed the gear to 'drive' mode, stepped hard on the pedal and sped off. Noctis, Delsin, Ren and Sebastian bumped back on their seats due to the rapid speed.

"What's going on?!" Noctis yelled.

"Is it the doctor?" Delsin asked Ren. "You sense him?"

Ren wanted to say it wasn't…

"No…" Sebastian shook his head in terror. "No…not him…not him…!"

"Sebastian?" Ren sensed an unknown energy around the detective.

"Is it Guillermo?! Sebastian!" Anxiety was taking over Delsin. "Sebastian!"

Sebastian cringed. He could hear the loud static sound. That very same dreaded sound he heard before and now it's back to haunt him. He immediately shut his eyes tight and covered his ears with both hands.

"Stop the sound! Someone stop the sound! Make it stop!" he cried out. The sound was unbearable. The throbbing excruciating pain inside his head was a torture to him. The horrors of STEM is back to plague him into those nightmares.

"There's no sound," Ezio turned to him then focused back to the road. "Get a grip on yourself!"

"Sebastian!" Noctis began to fret. "What sound are you talking about? There's none at all…"

"Sebastian! Please!" Delsin grabbed hold of Sebastian's hand. "Get a hold of yourself!"

Ren realized what he had to do, quickly leaned forth and placed both his hands on Sebastian's head.

"Keep calm," he whispered softly. Sebastian soon felt a flow of calming warmth energy channelling from Ren's hands to him. He could feel it; he could feel the static sounds growing distant and slowly fades away. Ren let go and Sebastian opened his eyes. Cold sweats were streaming down his face as he gasped.

Ren was able to banish the sounds away and purified the negative energy surrounding Sebastian. Sebastian felt serene right after Ren performed his healing on him. But he recalls the progress will exhausted Ren greatly.

Sebastian looked behind to see his young friend panting.

"Ren…"

Ren looked up to the windshield and caught sight of the same pale figure standing in the middle of the road.

"LOOK OUT!" he shouted. Ezio alarmed by the unforeseen warning that he steered the wheel to the right hard, avoiding the figure that he ended up losing control of the wheels. The jeep skidded across the road, followed by a loud crashing sound and Ezio knows no more as darkness seeps in.

End of chapter 13