Chapter 14

Jason stared at Biji in wonder for a moment. ‘Even after all that, she's here? Why is she here…?’ he questioned bitterly to himself. Standing up on wobbly legs, Jason gripped his hammer tightly, looking towards the electrified raksha briefly.

“I must be like 4 miles from base. What, were you following me?” he said wearily. “Don’t flatter yourself; I’m just that fast. Besides, I had a little help.” The strap from Biji’s jacket started to tingle on Jason’s hand, causing him to wince. “I take good care of my things.”

“We’re gonna talk about that later, but for now,” Jason spun his hammer rapidly before slamming the weight into the chest of one of the three remaining Scorched. “Let's just take these things out,” he began to putter around to himself before losing his fight focus. ‘I won't kill them… I can't kill more of these people and come back from that.’

“But they’re trying to kill you.” An unfamiliar voice spoke back to him. “And if you don't kill them, you'll die. So choose.”

‘But I don't want to.’

“Cling to your morals, and nothing is waiting for you but death. Choose yourself. Fight for yourself. Or die.”

A voice came from the outside world, taking Jason out of the conversation in his head.

“Jason!” Biji tackled Jason out of the way as his concentration gave way to the situation at hand. “You need to focus! Get your head in the game, or you’re gonna die!”

She said, slapping his back hard enough to ring out through the warehouse, causing him to freeze. Getting up from him quickly, Biji began to circle the warehouse with a speed that made her almost vanish from vision.

Suddenly, she reappeared as she jumped through the head of one of the Scorched; black blood flew onto Jason’s face and clothes as its head blew into chunks from the force.

“You know just as well as I do, you won't let her kill for you. That would make you weak. If there is one thing you would hate more than to die, it is to be weak.” The voice in his head grew louder, causing Jason to grab his head in pain.

“So fight, Jason.”

…

As Biji flew through the head of the Scorched, she caught herself on a wall, preparing to deal the final blow to the others, her body glowing hotter and hotter. She noticed Jason out of the corner of her eye; the aura of Ukali’s energy had returned as he stood up, putting his hammer back into his pocket, causing her to falter.

“What’s he doing? That’s his only defense against these things? Is he giving up?” She mumbled, “Jason, what did I just say about getting your head in the game—” Biji and Chisako’s eyes went agape as Jason flew through the air before grabbing the largest Scorched’s head before tearing it straight off. Black blood covered his face before quickly disintegrating in a steam from his skin.

“That jump must have been at least eight feet…” Chisako said to herself, freezing in awe at Jason’s feat. “My theory must have been correct… Whatever he is, there's no way he's human. Even in a place like this, that's just nonsense.”

“My speed is back; I can barely read his movements, even with my crest fully active. What is this…?”

‘I feel like every cell in my body is working at once, my brain is moving faster than it ever has, and my body feels great. It's like I’m having a great run on the court, like being in the zone, but… more, somehow.

‘I like this. This power… feels good. You were right; I won't let her kill for me. But not for the reason you said.’

In the matter of a few moments, Jason flew from Scorched to Scorched, tearing off limbs. Using the moment, Chisako attempted to capitalize on the Scorched’s seeming confusion and damage, throwing a punch at one of the fallen’s heads.

'It's because I don't want her to be in pain over me. Plain and simple.’

“These are mine; lay off.” Jason grabbed Chisako’s arm midair. “Just go sit and wait on the bench, alright? You had your turn,” he said lightly as he bounced on his feet. “Do you genuinely think I'm going to let you tell me what to do? Just because you’ve finally woken up doesn’t mean—”

Jason stared down at her, his face becoming serious.

After a few moments, the light of the cosmos in Jason’s eye, Chisako relented, dropping her arm. The second she did, Jason moved once more, dragging the body of the Scorched into the corner of the room before continuing his rampage. “Most interesting. Did you expect this, Nikolai?” Ayn said, eyes wide with a smile on her face.

“Not in the slightest; he’s far exceeded my expectations, let alone my own level of strength. Forgive me, Eclipse,” he turned to the masked man, “I will be needing to lean on you a bit more than expected in my recruitment tactics.”

Ayn turned to face Eclipse as well, her face turning from amused to confused. “Say, not to accuse you, friend, but did you have something to do with his sudden awakening of strength?’

Eclipse’s voice was low and monotone. “I gave him a small push.”

“You’re a curious one, but very well, we’ll stick to your word; it's not as if we can say no to you regardless.” Nikolai smiled a wry smile.

…

The group of Scorched that had been released from underground sat on the ground in the warehouse as their blood pooled on the floor. Jason dragged the last body to its place, the one that Biji had decapitated.

“Biji, whatever ritual you use to send their souls back to Earth, do it,” he nodded towards her as she looked at him, seemingly unsure of his state. He then smiled softly towards her, the icy expression melting off of his face.
“Please.” Her crescent smile returning, Biji nodded before putting her hand out in front of the bodies.

“Return to the world beyond the stars.” The bodies began to rapidly convulse; the ones that retained their heads screeched wildly before going silent. Blue light began to pour from their chests, flying upwards and through the roof before disappearing. The bodies, after they stopped glowing, turned to ash, dissolving into a warm wind, leaving only the two decapitated corpses lying on the ground.

Jason walked over to her, putting his hand on Biji’s shoulder as the aura around him faded. “Thanks. Let's get out of here,” he said softly, before turning to the door. “Wait, Jason!” Nikolai yelled down jovially, “You did wonderful! Are you sure you wouldn't like to work with us?” he said, an uncertain tone in his voice clear even from the ground.”

“Nah, and if I see you again, after what you just put me and her through,” he pointed to Chisako, who had fallen from exhaustion, despite continuing to glare at Jason, “if I catch you guys around, it’s on sight.”

“We look forward to it.” The voice reappeared in Jason’s head. In a moment, Eclipse was in front of him, and before he could react, he was sent flying into the back wall of the warehouse. Biji quickly ran over to where he had fallen, throwing him over her shoulder as he heaved in pain, before quickly running out of the warehouse.

Underneath the mask, Eclipse was smiling.

…

After running far enough to ensure they weren't being followed, Biji softly lowered Jason to the ground before deactivating her crest. “Hah… hah… I need to put a bell on you or something.” They had arrived on a hill, overlooking the common district. To Jason’s surprise, the area was paved as a snowy hill looked down at the urban lights.

“You came looking for me.” Jason said, remaining on the ground, staring up at the sky. “I… couldn't leave you. I needed to say what I wanted to say at the house earlier, but I just couldn't bring myself to,” she said, joining him.

“A long time ago, when I was still living down in the common district, I was able to make friends with a human who had fallen from the sky. His name was Gael. He was young and very small.” She began, her voice shaking as she stared at the ground. “When I found him down here, he was all alone. He was scared as all hell initially, but eventually he warmed up to me and even started following me around.” She went quiet for a moment. Jason didn't speak, just looked at her softly as she sat beside him, staring at the stars.

“Eventually, after a long enough time, he grew up and began helping me defend the common district from criminals and the like in the neighborhood. He was really good, always smiling. And he always did his best to help out around the district, even when he wasn't with me. He was steadfast, no matter what.” She began to be unable to hide the hurt on her face.

“Then, when the Scorched fell here, a task force composed of members from all the realms was created by the leaders of the domains in order to send their souls back to Manusya. Some Raksha who were a part of that group, along with others from other realms on the order of Yama, killed him in cold blood while I was away helping some higher-up in the upper district, leaving him to die in the street. He didn't like that we were helping the common people. He likes watching us all suffer.”

She didn't speak for a moment.

“I joined their group under false pretenses, then assassinated most of them. The remaining members either scattered, joining groups like the Soldier's Hand, or becoming mercenaries. The only remaining members who’ve stayed are the four back at base.” Jason’s eyes widened at Biji’s words.

‘For a long time, I planned to kill them as well, but I wasn't sure I'd be able to beat them all at once on my own. Eventually, I realized they aren't that bad, despite working under his orders. So until I get my shot at Yama, I'll bide my time,” she said. After a moment, her face suddenly went from its usual blue hue to a purple as her face reddened as she realized Jason had been staring at her intently.

“... When I found you, I was in shock at finding another human, but after talking to you, watching the way you jump into things… I guess it reminded me of my life before Yama basically took it all from me.” Her voice took a softer tone.

“When I had something else to live for.” She then went quiet. Letting the wind just blow around the two. “... Thanks, Biji.” Jason softly placed his hand on her back. “You could have told me, you know.”

Biji scoffed, swatting Jason’s hand away good-naturedly. “It’s embarrassing! Plus, it's an entirely different situation anyway. He was a good, reliable kid… And you’re a helpless adult who gets his ass kicked every time I look away. Nothing alike.”

Jason laughed despite the jab. “Ha, I guess I deserve that. You don't need to feel like you need to save me though; I can't be worth all that much trouble.”

“Suit yourself, but before you arrived, if I ever found myself with those guys and all those Scorched, I would have just blown myself up. I even considered it for a sec after blowing through the head of that first guy, ending it quick and easy.”

She sighed before smiling to herself. “I couldn't do it this time though. Didn't want to risk you getting caught in the crossfire.” Jason quickly flicked her head. “Hey! That was a compliment; why did you hit me?!”

“Don’t treat your life so flippantly. You need to live for more than just getting your get-back; you have way more to offer this place.” he said, turning away from her. “... I wish I was half as cool as you.” Instead of taking the compliment, Biji flicked him back, causing him to cough. “What the hell!”

“You also need to give yourself some credit. You jumped in and helped strangers just a little while ago without knowing who they were, you saved Uddi’s life even though it damaged your hand, and even after all that, you tried to save the same girl who did it to you to begin with. You’ve done more good in the little bit of time you’ve been here than I have managed in a really long time.” Quickly standing up, she reached her hand down to Jason.

“I'm sick of this. Let's go home. I want to sleep; today has been way too much for me.”

“... Yeah. Let's head back.” Jason took her hand, rising to his feet. “But Biji…”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t blow yourself up, no matter what happens. You got it?” he said, averting his gaze. “Fine, I'll try. No promises though; if I ever step foot in front of Yama, then it's fair game.” Chuckling, the two then walked back to the headquarters, the air not feeling quite as cold as it did when Jason had left.