Ch 28: Dear Cecilia.

Today, Ace woke up with a spring in his step. After all, today, or at least somewhere near it, was a very special day.

Perched, leaning on the windowsill in the lounge with a cigarette in hand, he watched the quiet street below. It was early, so the cyber crows had already begun their chirping, singing their hopeful start to the day. While Snow seemed somewhat airheaded, always blankly staring out the window, enjoying this blissful yet ordinary perspective, Ace felt a soothing calm accompanied by a childlike wonder.

People passed by, every single one living a different version of today. Some were dressed fancily, strolling with frilly layers fluttering in the wind, while others hobbled wearing heavy rune-etched armour, offering just a glimpse into a story of their own. A bald merchant slowly wheeled his wooden cart brimming with fruit, while children laughed, running after each other without a care in the world.

Ace had once heard that if tomorrow weren’t guaranteed, today would suddenly become precious. He thought he understood. But only now, having woken up with all ten of his fingers and his head on his shoulders, did he really take each day as it came.

Having finished all his errands and still having a day before Hellia’s grand return, he could finally catch a break, and he chose to spend it being lost in the beauty of the ordinary.

Dear Cecilia,

Today I finally had a chance to reflect. I’ve decided to write a journal to keep track of every day as it comes (though I might miss out some of the more disturbing details). I know how much you hate missing out, so this way, when I find you again, it will be like you never left!

Now, where do I even start?

I went into this crazy place called the Forgotten Library. It was like an ancient archive with gold gates and lavish staircases. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many books in one place. I know you would’ve loved it there, but it wasn't all nice. The rooms shifted and moved when you weren’t looking. Not to mention the scary monsters lurking around, there were so many times I thought I was dead!

Shortly after, I was recruited into the Phoenix Syndicate, and that’s where I am now, settling into the Phoenix Cradle, this deep crater next to this massive Volcano. It’s so tall it even reaches above the clouds! There’s a stunning lake as well, surrounded by large purple and yellow flowers. Hiro told me that at night, it’s filled with gold fireflies that reflect on the water's surface, but I haven’t checked it out just yet.

I've made some new friends here, too! They’re an…interesting bunch.

The big guy, Oden, is a gentle giant with a kind soul. He’s been looking after me and Hiro, going out of his way to make us feel welcome and a part of the group.

There's this little boy who's no older than Dan, and he's got blonde hair like him, too! He’s kind of cheeky, so I think they'd get along. But guess what? He’s the powerful team captain! Isn't that crazy? To be fighting at such a young age. Your brother wouldn't last a day in his shoes!

Right now, the seasons are changing. It should be spring even though leaves are falling, The Scourge is what they call it—this unyielding force that keeps spreading, decaying the world in its stride.

But don’t worry, I didn’t forget.

Ace pulled out the small synthetic ring from his pocket, rotating it as he watched the sunlight on its glassy surface.

I know I said I’d get you a beautiful diamond ring, but this tungsten one will do for now. They had a crystal one that glowed light blue, your favourite colour, but I can’t afford it. Not right now.

Ace flipped the ring in the air before catching it in a firm grasp.

Honestly, I think the past few weeks have been the hardest in my life. There are some things I’d never thought I’d ever see or experience that stay with me like a shadow I can't shake. Sometimes it’s hard to sleep at night. There’s even this weird voice that speaks in my dreams and gives me foreboding warnings. Tomorrow, Hellia, the Queen of the Phoenix Syndicate, is going to return, and honestly, after everything I’ve heard, she seems like quite the scary person.

The future’s uncertain, but I’ve made it too far to give up now.

I swear...I swear I'll find you, Cecilia. I won't stop till I do.

Nearing the end of his cigarette, Ace blew one last slow exhale as he stubbed it out the end in an ashtray.

Footsteps. Ace slipped the notebook back into his cloak.

“Is that your second pack this week? You’re gonna catch up to me soon!”

“Oh, it's you. Strange seeing you up so early.”

Hiro looked into Ace's brown eyes; they were the same colour they had always been, yet something was…off. Aged. Battered but unbroken. Like a seed had been planted, but something about his stare was inhuman.

“You seem like…you’ve changed?”

“Huh?”

“I know!” Hiro slapped Ace square on his back with a wide grin and light cackle, “You’ve finally grown some balls!”

That contagious smile without a care in the world. That’s the Hiro I know.

“Ah, maybe I did.” For the first time around, Ace didn’t brush off his childish humour; instead, Ace returned a smile just as wide, and a slap twice as hard, causing Hiro to flinch. “And maybe it's about time you tell me about the thing you have going on with Mira.”

“Mira? I swear there’s nothing there.” Hiro’s tone suddenly lost all its whimsy.

“I see all those times you sneak out…You're chatting with her by the lake again, aren’t you? It's ok, she's so pretty, I doubt she'd like you back anyway. I mean, have you seen the disgusted looks she has whenever she sees you pull out a cig?”

Taking a Bocari Sweet from the fridge, Hiro took a sip—a feint. Ace ducked, but he was too slow; the flying droplets had splashed right onto his face.

“NOOOO the Bocari Sweet!”

“We literally have an unlimited supply.”

Seeing the usual grin on Hiro’s face, Ace finally felt like he’d settled in, and the Phoenix Cradle had become home.

“Thanks,” Ace said as he reached into the fridge, his sudden polite tone catching Hiro off guard.

“Huh, for what?

“For nothing!” Ace opened the can, leaping towards Hiro, who retreated into the hallway. Ace saw the opening; he crushed the can in his palm, spilling the liquid forward. Hiro ducked.

SPLASH!

Drip. Drip. Drip.

A blank stare, teeth bared.

Ace and Hiro looked in horror as the liquid dripped down from Mira’s hair.

“You did not just…”

“RUN!”

Mira charged a rune circle as the two laughed, their sneers bouncing off the walls as they bolted down the hallway.

And time, once again, moved forward.