Chapter 16: Who Are You?

Chapter 16: Who Are You?

“Everyone is shocked by the events just today. Alvarez City is experiencing a snowfall in the middle of summer and no one knows what exactly the reason is. People are afraid, confused how their normal summer getaway became a winter wonderland in one night. In regards to this crisis, experts in the fields and politicians are gathered here in the Gomery Palace and called an urgent meeting to discuss this so-called mysterious and strange phenomenon that is happening for the first time in the history of our city. With this strange event that happened, the big question is, “What is the reason behind all of this?” This has been Lexi reporting live-”

Noctis switched off the television, slumping on the sofa then looked up at the ceiling as if he was searching for something, “Well at least we know what the reason is.” He whispered softly then released a sigh.

“Rather who it was,” Edward added nonchalantly, standing on the other corner of the house while looking through the window, staring at the snow slowly falling from the cirrus clouds. Noctis didn’t let out a word and slowly closed his eyes. The rest are gathered around a tiny, circular table while waiting patiently for someone, no one has the guts to start a conversation; they can only hear their own breathing… Except for Yujin who is drumming his own fingers involuntarily on the wooden table. Pearl, who was sleeping with her head in her arms on the desk got disturbed. Obviously not in the mood, she lifted her head up and aggressively faced the red-head and glared at him.

Yujin only raised a brow while still tapping his fingers.

“Cut it out,” Pearl said with a slight irritation but the red-head didn’t mind it. “I said cut it out,” she repeated herself with the same tone.

“Why?” Yujin asked.

“It’s annoying,” instead of stopping, Yujin only continued to tap his fingers, this time intensifying the noise, Pearl immediately stood up and tried to pull the red-head’s hair. Yujin simply tilted his head and managed to dodge Pearl’s attempt.

“Stop it, both of you,” Noctis ordered. It doesn’t sound so enthusiastic yet it’s enough to make the two stiffen and stop. Yujin sticks out his tongue and grins at the caramel head girl, teasing. Pearl made a sour face before glancing at Yujin and glare at him before retreating back to her seat.

There came Glory who was carrying a silver metallic tray with a tea pot and cups. She carefully placed it on the table where Yujin and Pearl were sitting. “Whenever you two are together, there’s no doubt that every little thing is a fuss.” She commented.

That made Pearl raise her face and looked up at her friend. “Don’t lump me with him.” She answered and rolled her eyes at the red-head. Yujin didn’t reply and was staring at the table with a bored face. That made Glory let out a defeated sigh.

“You all look depressed,” She blurted out but then everyone just stared at her and that made her feel that she said something wrong. “A-Anyway help yourselves with this.” She placed the teacup on the table and carefully poured out the topaz color liquid from the teapot. The white smoke rose from the cup then she handed it to Pearl.

“Thank you,” Pearl said softly. Glory nodded and turned to Yujin giving him a serve too. Then she went to Noctis and gave him the same tea, she walked around the sofa to reach Edward. The brown head gently reached out the teacup filled with hot liquid with a smile.

"This cup. It's a beautiful pale blue." Edward tilts the tea cup a little. His white fingertips gently stroked the gentle color curve.

"Oh, that... Wedgwood Blue, wasn't it?" Glory asked and Edward nodded lightly as he gathered up his shallow knowledge and returned his words.

"I've been shy away from it until now, but Lily is also surprisingly good."

"Lily?" Glory raised her brow. Edward laughed a little when he saw Glory echoing the unfamiliar words. She looks like she doesn't even know that.

"It's a type of earthenware. It's characterized by a matte texture with no luster, and it's synonymous with Wedgwood.” Edward casually explained then sipped his tea, still eyes on Glory. The soft honey head girl asked herself, ‘Is he interested in this kind of thing?’ Then she just realized how the lad’s eyes are similar to the color of the teacup.

"I think it's beautiful, but I'm not very interested in it ..." Edward said in a flat tone which made Glory a little bit confused.

“Eh? Even though you know so many things about it?” She asked.

""No, I don't have anything in particular. I just have enough knowledge. All such tableware is my mother's hobby because she liked collecting tea cups and decorative plates. Especially the birth year plate of the whole family. There are many tea sets and earthen plates collected by my mother.” Edward faced the window while sharing a little history of his family, hinting a smile on his lips. With all the years they were with them, it was the first time Glory heard Edward talking about his family.

“I-I barely knew the name of the brand, and unlike you I didn't know the details but there is one thing we had in common,” Edward raised his brow and looked thoroughly at the girl.

“Our mother’s love to collect earthenware,” A smile touched the corners of her mouth as well as Edward. “Actually that was a gift from my father to my mom on their wedding anniversary, I was a kid back then but I couldn’t forget the smile on their faces during that day.” She reminisced with a bright face.

“I guess he’s a good man,” Noctis’ agreeable voice cut into Glory’s thoughts, which made her turn her head vigorously. Her cheeks get hot with embarrassment as she casts a quick glance at the ravenette who has a grin on his face. “The manner of giving is worth more than the gift, they say.”

“Were you listening?!” She asked, raising her voice, still feeling embarrassed.

“We couldn’t help it, it’s so quiet that we can even hear it,” Yujin answered, then sipped his tea.

“Oh shush Yujin,” Pearl demanded, scowling.

All eyes were on the door from the right corner of the room, when they heard a knock. The door slowly opened and it revealed Janine. “It’s freezing cold!” She exclaimed as soon as she entered the house, her breath was visible. “Sorry to keep you guys waiting, we got stuck. The snow outside is thick, so I decided to walk,” She said hurrying and closed the door then rubbed her hands altogether then brushed off the snow on her shoulder.

“Where’s Harvey?” The brown-head immediately asked, walking towards Janine and brought up a chair, “Here, warm yourself and have a seat first.”

“Thank you,” Janine smiled and carefully sat down. “I insisted on asking him to come with me but he said that he needed to find a way to let the car get out of the snow first, Harvey said that he would fix it himself."

“Well, that’s Harvey for you,” Edward only commented with a faint smile.

“Here,” Glory came with a white mug and placed it on the table, she carefully poured the tea on it and handed it over to her friend.

“Oh,” she accepted the cup and sipped on the hot liquid. “It is good,” she lifted her head and gazed into the earthen eyes of Glory complimenting her, then her emerald eyes widened. “Before I forgot! Look at this,” She picked up something from her coat pocket then dropped off some folded newspapers on the table. “I’ve received a lot of this on my way here. The television newscasts and morning newspapers are filled with details of today’s weather.”

Pearl picked up the newspaper Janine had set out. “We’re just watching the news not long ago,” She answered and eyed the newspaper with brows knitted together while reading the headlines. “What just happened last night? Do you have any idea?” There was absolute silence and no one could answer her question.

“I-It’s not D-Daniel right?” Pearl asked herself with her voice shaking, Glory looked at her with such concern in her eyes while Edward gazed at her sympathetically.

“Come on, don’t cry!” Yujin exclaimed, making Pearl blink.

“How could I? Our friends are disappearing one by one, first is Andrew and now Jade? How will we be able to find them? We don’t even know who is the man behind this!” She cried out, wiping her sleeves against her cheek.

“It’s not Daniel,” Noctis answered gently. Pearl blinked a few times and winced, wiping off the salty hot tears that was about to come from her eyes before peering up at the ravenette. Noctis sipped the hot tea and lowered the cup, staring down into the topaz-like liquid and looked at Pearl. “The boy we met last night is unfamiliar, it was our first time meeting that guy.”

“Tsk. We searched all night and we got nowhere,” Yujin added with his deep voice stating seriousness.

“Furthermore, we couldn’t sense Jade’s mana anywhere,” Edward said then looked at the glass window as if he was looking somewhere far away. “If we could only sense her mana, then we can pinpoint her location.”

Glory was just standing still looking down at the floor and her eyes widened when she seemed to remember something. “Was there a possibility that someone cast a Nemossagi?” Everyone looked at her as if she hit the missing piece of a puzzle.

“Nemossagi, the Ganlon that erases the presence of whoever is inside of it. It could be a possibility, however…” Noctis mumbled to himself with a troubled face.

“However, what?” Pearl asked with a focused gaze to the ravenette.

Noctis stayed in silence for a moment then gazed back at Pearl before answering her question. “There was something odd about that boy we sensed last night. Edward, Yuu, don't you feel something weird about that guy? His mana doesn't feel so right."

"Doesn’t feel so right, what do you mean by that?" Janine asked.

Edward nodded lightly then put down the cup he was holding. "I think I understand what Noctis is trying to say." He added, focusing on Janine. "You see, every being has their own distinct characteristics of their mana. By sensing the mana, we can identify if you're a human, an animal, or other biotic things. For instance, when Daniel came, no one other than the three of us possessed such a specific mana, so when he entered the scene, we immediately noticed that something was not right."

Janine’s brows met each other and put her finger under her chin. "Now, the way I understand it, mana serves as an ID, is that right? Then what Noctis is trying to imply is…"

"Yes, the one who kidnapped Jade probably is not the same as us." The ravenette answered.

"Then what is he?" Pearl questioned.

"That's the question I've been trying to figure out."Noctis said unsettled and leaned back against the sofa.

"Anyway, I'm still worried.” Edward spoke and turned to Noctis’ direction. “We still don’t know where that guy came from. There is still the possibility that he was sent to chase us back to our planet… Such effort just for four traitors." There was a slight annoyance on the brown head’s face succumbing to his own thoughts.

"Who cares,” Yujin stood up and slammed the table with his huge palm. “If I see him, I’m going to kick his ass.” One hand formed a fist while the other gripped on his knuckles tightly.

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Noctis smirked back at the red-head. The spirit of everyone got fired up by that thought and they seemed to find hope to get their friend back amidst the incapability of their situation.

They were still on the sofa together and were thinking of many plans on how to pinpoint Jade when suddenly their attention was shuttered by the ringing of the telephone.

“For a moment,” Glory whispered to everyone and rushed to answer the telephone which was placed on a mustard colored single tray table. She lifted up the phone and placed it near her earlobe. “Deveraux’s residence, how can I help you?”

“Hello! Can you hear me?” An innocent voice of a young boy passed right through Glory’s ear. That made her smile, thinking ‘Why would a young boy call?’

“Loud and clear, how can I assist you dear?” Glory replied with a soft sweet tone.

The young boy from the other line giggled. “Well, you see. I’ve got your friend, she’s with me now.” The boy’s voice was low, but it was clearly audible to everyone who was in the room. Glory stiffened, she unwillingly made a step back, nervousness started to rise up into her chest, making it tight. She snapped her head back and forth to look at everyone indicating something’s happening. When they noticed, Noctis and the others slowly stood up and walked near Glory, crowding her. The soft and calm atmosphere earlier suddenly became tense.

“W-Who are you?” The soft-honey haired girl called out in a quiet, nervous voice, then she looked back at everyone gesturing her hand to listen carefully. There was an intense and worried look in Pearl and Janine’s eyes while the boy’s expressions were dead serious.

“Hmm… What should I do? Should I tell you?” The voice from the other line mischievously giggled as if it was also grinning.

Yujin suddenly grabbed the telephone from Glory. “Who are you?! Why’d you kidnapped Jade?! What is your intention?!” His voice comes out screaming, he is dazzled by anger.

“Now now, you don’t want to even look more pathetic the way you are,” the playful mocking voice from the other line made Yujin more furious but his attention turned to Edward who grabbed his shoulder and quietly said ‘Calm down.’ Yujin swallowed his saliva and took a deep breath, relaxing himself. The voice continued, “Look at you crowding like a slug-slimed sack of rat guts, you should be in school now right? Cutting classes will get you nowhere.”

“Did he just insult us?! Also, are we being watched?!” Pearl’s mouth dropped open in disbelief then she folded her arms, raising one of her brows. Noctis immediately checked the windows, flipping over the thin peach colored curtain, his obsidian orbs looked throughout everywhere but there’s no sign of anyone, just plain cold white heaps of snow. He sighed in defeat, turning back to everyone, then shook his head giving the sign that they’re not being watched.

“Hey I’ve got a good question! Do you want to see your friend?” The voice from the other line proposed with a beam on his face.

For a moment, Yujin stared at the phone before his eyes flared with renewed fury. “Damn you! Of course we want to see her! Bring her back!” His voice echoed angrily. A smile hinted on the pearly white teeth of the boy from the other end.

There was an awful at the same time, awkward silence. “I see, I see, then what would you think if we play a game?”

“Game?” Everyone spoke in unison.

The boy giggled. “Yes, like a treasure hunt, in this case your friend will be the prize, if you win then your friend is all yours, unharmed.” The boy said casually as if he was a tv host from a late night show.

With enough frustration and concentrated anger, Yujin’s perfectly shaped jaws clenched, his face contorted with rage and his veins are standing out on his temple. He screamed, “Fuck you! You think you’re funny huh?!”

“You don’t want to? Then I might have just killed her. It would be great to cut her beautiful skin while having the pleasure of feeling what’s beneath her legs…” It was a threat, but it sounded more like a devil’s whisper through the red-head’s ear.

Yujin’s ruby red orbs burned, his teeth gritted to each other as he slammed his hands down on the single tray table. Janine and Pearl were shocked by the sight in front of them. “If you lay a single hand on her, I fucking swear I’m going to cut your head off!”

“Yujin calm down, don’t let him get you,” Edward

Edward grabbed the phone from the red-head and calmly talked to the boy in the line. “You have the nerve to play games with us. Fine’ we’ll do it. But let me warn you, you have chosen the wrong people to begin with.” His sharp turquoise eyes brimmed hatefully.

“Woo… I’m scared. Anyway if you’re into the game then come to this location.”

A ring from Pearl’s coat buzzed out and she quickly picked it up. She scanned it and checked what it was. She tapped the screen of her phone exposing her pink polished nails, while gazing at the message. She lifted her brows, “Clarence?” She blurted out curiously.

The caller speaks out. “You need to go to that place within ten minutes. If you’re even one second late, who knows what will happen to your friend. I hope I’m clear, well then see you there!”

“H-Hey wait!” Yujin blurted out but the line was already cut off, he looked at the phone then dropped his hands, he closed his eyes, baring his teeth, steaming out all the frustration rising up inside him. The image of Jade smiling suddenly appeared in his mind. Her voice echoed, it reminds him of her sweet smile whenever she laughs when he’s acting funny. A person who is sincerely nice to him. He’d swear an oath to himself that he will protect her when the day comes that she will be in trouble, and now he is challenged. He clenched his fist then he took a deep breath, when he opened his eyes, his pair of ruby orbs signified determination, he fixed his mind. He will save Jade at all costs.

“Yujin…” Glory whispered, eyes on the red head expressing concern.

“I’m fine, we should not waste time, we only have ten minutes. Where is this Clarence?” Yujin shifted his gaze.

“It’s a tiny old bookstore near Nogus Street, it’s just in the right corner before the famous restaurant DingDang, normally you’ll be there within ten minutes but with the pile of snow outside I’m afraid it would be impossible.” Janine explained looking at the red head.

“Got it,” Yujin answered while fixing his scarf, he knelt a bit to wear his snowshoes, lacing it up.

“Are you even listening?” Pearl joined the conversation. “I-It could be a trap, no one knows what awaits us there.” She managed to say.

Yujin didn’t budge to look back at Pearl. “I know, I don’t care. At least we have a lead where Jade is. We have no choice, it’s the only way to find out. We have to go there.” He said firmly, tying up his shoelace then he stood up. Pearl couldn’t reply, she just only stared at the back of the red-head, in her mind she thought, ‘there’s no way anyone could stop Yujin now.’

“Pearl,” Noctis called. She turned her gaze back to the ravenette. She just stared at his obsidian orbs, as if they were talking through it, she ended up nodding slowly.

“Let’s go, we shouldn’t waste more time, two minutes have already gone.” Edward said.

“I’ll go with you,” Janine volunteered, raising up her hand.

“No, you stay here. It’s too dangerous,” Edward replied back quickly, grabbing Janine’s shoulders while staring at her intently.

“Then what is the purpose of us having gone all through that training? Wasn’t it for this kind of situation?” She focused her gaze at him, Edward looked away for a moment before turning back to her eyes. He let out a sigh in his heart and expressed himself, he pressed his warm hands onto the girl’s shoulders. “Fine, but I’ll ask you to stay back if things gone uncontrolled, understand?” Janine smiled and nodded.

“Then let’s go! Time is running!” Yujin commanded. Everyone followed him except Glory who called out Pearl.

“Pearl, wait!” she screamed, Pearl froze from her position and looked back to her friend with a question mark, blinking her eyes.

“I need your help.”

*****

Pearl is standing beside Glory and pouting, “Why am I here? I should be with Noctis my love,” mumbling to herself, looking sideways. Glory only made a grin, she was clicking some buttons on the telephone.

“You need to go to that place within ten minutes. If you’re even one second late, who knows what will happen to your friend. I hope I’m clear, well then see you there!”

Pearl’s eyes widened after hearing it from the telephone, glancing at her friend. “Did you record it?” She asked.

Glory nodded, giving out a quick smile, “I just remembered earlier that this telephone can trace calls and with the help of this voice analyzer maybe we can pinpoint Jade’s location.”

“That’s amazing, considering how old that telephone looks,” Pearl cast a glance at the phone, “Wait, aren’t only the police able to do this kind of stuff?” She turned to her friend.

“Yes, but this is not advanced like the police has, furthermore this belongs to my father. My mom told me this was a gift from an acquaintance.” There was quick silence around them, “It’s wonderful how these things can still be useful even as time passes.” She said gently. Pearl quietly looked at her friend then she looked down at the floor, talking about her father. She knew that the death anniversary of Glory’s father was days ahead. It is the time that she always saw her like this, a different kind of gloom.

“I don’t know about you,” Pearl responded. “But I’m still mad about not being with Noctis this time!” She pouted again and that made the soft honey head girl cover her mouth, giggling a bit.

“You will have your bonding time with him, this time I need you.”

“It’s an inconvenience for me, next time I will sue you for compensation,” Pearl replied with a joke, their laugh echoed in the room but that instantly stopped when Glory saw nothing on the gray screen machine below the telephone.

“Is there a problem?” Pearl carefully asked, leaning herself toward the machine.

“There is no voice print?!” Glory exclaimed. She hastily checked on the wires behind the single tray table by moving it around carelessly and looking under, into it if it’s not attached properly.

“What is a voice print?” Pearl curiously asked and kneel down in front of the tiny table to check the machine.

“It has the same function as a fingerprint. It identifies a person’s identity,” She explained and pointed out the gray screen. “A voice frequency should be appearing while the record is being played, but there is none… C-Could it be broken? No, the machine seems fine and properly working...” She looked at Pearl worrying. Then she attempted again to play the recorded call earlier.

“You need to go to that place within ten minutes. If you’re even one second late, who knows what will happen to your friend. I hope I’m clear, well then see you there!”

They were listening whilst staring at the screen intently, anticipating what would happen. “S-Same results,” Glory’s voice was shaking. Pearl just got chills as if the cold wind from the outside made its way through the window in front of them. She gulped, then the two only exchanged curious stares as they made a conclusion.

“The boy’s speculation earlier was accurate,” Glory made a statement while hugging herself.

“Then, the one we’re facing is not a human and neither like them?” Pearl said, turning her head trembling from the confirmation they just had. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

“As much as I wanted for everything to be just a figment of my imagination, I’m afraid it is,” Glory succumbed to herself, she just felt nervous and sick, it made her cringe.

*****

Snow crunched under Yujin’s footsteps leaving some trail behind as they were running with all they might facing the cold wind without seeing anything else. They turned right, reflecting their image in a glass wall in front of a clothing line shop, then turned left passing the highway, then another right moving forcefully to the crowd of people along the way, traffic lights were like staring at them as if it was a watcher.

“Excuse me, excuse me,” Yujin kept repeating himself as he passed by, his fist clenched as he felt the pressure he was under. He looked at his wristwatch which indicated there were only three minutes left. His heartbeat rising, his heavily breathing to force himself to run more. He’s sweating bullets even though the entirety of the place is covered in white winter. Still with all that, doubled his pace; creating giant leaps to make it in time. ‘Jade please be safe’ he desperately thought.

“Right there!” Janine pointed out her finger screaming from the back, they saw a family style restaurant, made out of olive, tan and brown stone bricks. On its walls are paintings of different kinds of cactuses placed outside to add aesthetic, above it is a glowing yellow-red signage, The DingDang. Right next to it is the old-fashioned bookstore they were looking for, a faded shade of solid brown color caught their sight with the name Clarence above it in an old English font. They hurried over and stopped at the front of it.

They were all breathing heavily, their visible breath coming out from their mouth indicating exhaustion.

“Is it closed?” Yujin unbelievably said, panting heavily.

“Considering the weather today, it should be,” Noctis answered, steadying himself with his hands on his knees, panting hard.

Edward looked at his watch, his eyes sharpened, they were three minutes late. He slightly turned his head and looked around, “There’s no one here,” He murmured.

“Damn it!” Yujin slammed the walls of the bookstore, “We’re just being played!” he cursed with eyes closed, his brows met each other suppressing how frustrated he was. “Jade… Where are you? What should we do? What should we do?”

Janine fell silent and couldn’t find the words to say, she didn’t want to add anything negative considering how depressing their situation is. She looked around the place when they suddenly heard a ringing sound, the ambience was so tense that they were surprised. The sound is coming from the nearest payphone booth under a lighted lamp post.

“Who would that be?” Janine spoke. They all exchanged stares, hinting up with the same idea. Yujin didn’t bother thinking and quickly made a run for it. He entered the tight space of the booth and answered the phone.

“Hello?!”

“You failed the first challenge!” The unwanted hearing of that prankish voice made the red head gritted his teeth.

“First challenge? What are you talking about?! Bring Jade back!” he screamed loud, holding tightly to the phone. His angry voice can be even heard outside of the booth. Edward joined in the tight space and grabbed Yujin’s shoulder. The red-head made eye contact with his friend, reminding him what it means. He focused back on the call.

The voice giggled on the other end, with a puckish tone. “That’s not what we agreed earlier.” He paused. “Too bad for you, you didn’t make it in time. I guess your precious friend is going to die.”

Yujin didn’t hear anything more from the other line. He looked at the phone rigidly checking it as there was a long silence. “Hey? Hey? Hello? Hey, answer me!”

There was a clicking sound before he heard the voice of the caller. “Just kidding! I just mute the phone! You’re really funny huh? Pulling jokes on you made my day!”

“Damn you… Making us fools…” Yujin drawled in irritation.

“Well aren’t you one?” The voice from the other end replied, as if he was smirking cockily.

“What?!” The red-head snarled almost animalistic.

“Yujin, don’t lose your cool, he’s just toying with you,” Edward voiced out behind him.

“Hey, listen to me. Since I’m kind enough, why don’t we continue our game? However you will need patience this time. Consider this as your last chance to get your friend back.” Yujin looked back at Edward and he nodded to him sternly. There is a sudden beep from Janine’s phone and she immediately picks it up.

“I sent the instructions, failing to do this will only result in much grief. So I humbly suggest at least accomplish it, if you want to have your friend back, that is.”

“Screw you! Hey at least let me hear Jade’s voice!” Yujin scoffed rudely, as if he was preparing to punch the caller on his face.

“No way, that will spoil the fun. I’ll let you hear her voice when you accomplish your final task! Well then, see you later!” Then the rude voice that seemed mysterious vanished again as the call ended. The red-head dropped the phone.

Yujin and Edward went back to Noctis and Janine who were patiently waiting. Their telephone conversation concluded another challenge that they need to do.

“Whoever that bastard is, he wanted us to go to our school, in our own classroom,” Noctis handed in Janine’s phone and let the two read it.

“Nine o’ clock?” Edward asked uneasily, exhaling, his breath visible because of the freezing weather. He shot a serious look at everyone. “Will we be able to go there at night? It’s trespassing.”

“No problem,” Noctis answered. “Remember the entrance that used to be the school’s main gate? It’s connected to our dormitory, we can use it.” He suggests.

Yujin responded with a nod. “Let’s do this,” he said, frowning as he looked up towards everyone.

*****

The night air smelled different kinds of berries infused altogether in a liquid, Janine inhaled the sweet fragrance wafting around and casually took a sip from the sweet pinkish red tea. She formed a faint smile on her lips then looked at her surroundings. “Never thought Noctis would be fond of this,” she said referring to the tea. “It’s also enthralling to see how neat his room is, so this is how a boy’s dormitory looked like,” she commented, eyes glanced at Edward who was having a sweet time eating some of Noctis’ favorite strawberry flavored pocky.

“Is this your first time?” He simply replied, having a bite.

Janine nodded. “Well it’s a boy’s dormitory after all. It’s off limits to us.” They both looked at each other and winced as they gazed at the red-head who slumped himself on the ravenette’s twin size bed looking up at the ceiling.

“We’ll get through this Yuu. We’ll get Jade back,” Edward stood up and looked down at his friend, a faint smile appeared crossing his lips.

Janine gave a reassuring nod. “He’s right, there’s no way we could lose her.”

Yujin looked back at them and sighed, reaching up to brush his red wine hair back as he studied his friends. “I know,” he whispered, brows cross-stitched. “Still I just can’t stop myself from worrying for her sake. It’s damn frustrating that I just can’t do anything! Is she alright at this time? What if that bastard did terrible things to her? I will not forgive myself if she got hurt,” his tongue clicked and shifted uncomfortably, pausing to look in front of his friends.

“Then it’s more of a reason to stop whining and get over it,” The three of them caught unguarded and looked at where the voice came from.

“Noctis,” Janine whispered. An uncomfortable gaze came from the ravenette, pausing to see the red-head on his bed with his shoes, he just closed his eyes in defeat before shrugging.

“We’re all clear, let’s move out,” he continued, heading to his window and peeking out at the darkest night, lights from the lamp posts, medium height buildings and shadows of several trees can be seen from the distance. “There are three people guarding the school, two at the main gate…”

“And the other one?” Edward shifted his gaze to the ravenette. Noctis looked back and answered.

“I put him to sleep.” Janine blinked several times, she couldn’t comprehend it at first, making her stare at the ravenette for the longest time.

“Wicked,” Edward responded with a grin.

“I couldn’t help it. It should be wise, no one shouldn’t be involved with this, they might get hurt. Furthermore, we don’t know what’s waiting for us,” Noctis explained before looking at the rounded wall clock of his room. “Anyway let’s go… I’m afraid you need to stay here, keep the door lock,” he glanced at Janine.

Janine nodded “There’s no use in arguing. I already informed Glory and Pearl about this. Just please be careful, okay?”

“We will, come on,” Noctis gestured his head to follow him, Yujin stood up and went straight to the window, peering out the outside, “And Yuu,”

“What?” The red-head blinked.

“Wear off your shoes before going to my bed,” Noctis seriously demanded.

“What? Worried for your sheets to get dirt? As if you’re the one who’s doing the laundry…” Yujin scoffed and turned away as he stretched his arms forwards.

“Well because I am the one who’s doing the laundry!” Noctis got irritated and he pushed the red-head, causing the other one to fall from the window. Janine stood up in surprise, her eyes widened and gasped as she ran to the window.

“Did you just push him?” She unbelievably turned to the ravenette and looked down. She covered her mouth in surprise, as she saw the red-head standing, all safe with his own feet as if he didn’t fall from the fourth floor of the dormitory.

“Damn you Noctis! That’s dirty!” Yujin screamed from below.

“He’s really not using his brain, what if someone heard him,” Noctis muttered and he jumped off straight from the window as well. Janine just shook her head in disbelief, first time seeing the boys acting in discourtesy.

“Off we go,” Edward said, smiling at her. “Take care okay?” Then just like the other two, he jumped off from the window. Just like a cat, he safely landed on the snowy ground and looked up at Janine who was peeking down from the window.

“You know you can use the door,” her voice echoed from above. Edward just raised his hand and waved at her. She can’t do anything at this point so she just let out a defeated sigh and watched the three run towards the old gate.

The three continued to run as if they were in a marathon. Even the snow from the ground was a challenge, it doesn’t mean anything to them. With a fierce determination to save Jade, Yujin accelerates his speed and hurries over, breathing for more air. It was a good thing they were familiar with the landscape, they went to the building where their classroom is. Finally, after ten minutes of running they’ve reached the classroom, silence has filled the air letting only their hard united panting to be heard. The moon above them showed itself as the clouds got thinner, letting the dim light to pass on.

The three of them waited patiently in front of the door. Yujin fixed his ruby eyes on his watch, indicating the time exactly nine in the night. He shifted his gaze at the door, waiting for something to happen.

“Damn it! Hey we’re here already! Show yourself!” Yujin shouted but only his echoes replied to him. “Are we being played again?” He continued asking himself, pissed off. He was about to slam the door when Noctis instantly put a finger on the redhead’s lips preventing him from something.

“Do you hear something?” The ravenette asked, looking around. There was a faint powdery sound almost like sand echoing from the hallway.

“What is that?” Edward questioned curiously, averting his eyes at the other two.

“It’s not me!” Yujin protested immediately waving his hands but then his face turned back to being serious as they noticed the sound getting louder and closer. Noctis on the other hand just rolled his eyes then he peered into the darkness of the hallway, he felt something was coming but the moonlit wasn’t enough to let him see what passed the darkness, he touched the wall and felt an aggressive vibration. He tried again to look past the darkness, his pupil focusing in one direction, his expression grew solemn. Then in just a moment his eyes widened, his nervousness turned into terror!

“Look out!” Everyone was in surprise when a pile of snow appeared from the darkness in a blurring speed, the three of them tried to avoid it but they were too slow, they were shoved by the humongous pile of snow and was thrown out in the air, falling fast like a bird who got hit by a stone. Edward who was facing the cold air rushing all through his body forcibly pulled out his right arm out of the intense speed falling, he chanted-

“Holy strings that bind together, come forth and protect! I freed my fears! I progress the twentieth second Ganlon! Sur Porte!” He screamed and a blinding light came off from his hand, it was directed to the snowy ground below them and was transformed into an imitation of a spider web. With the help of Edward’s quick judgement, the three of them landed off to the giant spider web like string of light and bounced off.

“What is that?!” Yujin exclaimed angrily, shaking his head from the impact.

“Yuu!” Noctis shouted but it was too hard for the red-head to move on with sticky string of light as if he was glued on it, he kept on trying to pull his arms but it was too sticky and was preventing him to move his arms and legs, he turned back only to see the early pile of snow rushing to his direction, he ended up being hit with it, so hard of the impact that he flew off and was careening into the nearby tree. His body flew so fast it left a small crater on the thick wood.

Noctis and Edward’s eyes widened and screamed Yujin’s name as they saw no movements from him, they tried to hurry over but their body was also stuck on the Ganlon. The pile of snow was floating in the air as if it was looking at the unconscious red-head. With only a matter of second it circled around like a tornado and slowly revealed a young boy with a white hair.

“It’s him!” Edwared voiced out, eyes locked up to the familiar persona who still wears the same bluish-white cloth. His golden inhuman tube shaped eyes are glowing bright, landing to the red-head as if he is a prey vulnerable to any attack.

There was no movement from the boy and was only floating in the air but in a split second, the boy whizzed as if a comet falling down, the other two was surprised and was desperately trying to move to at least help their friend but it was too late as the boy punched Yujin on his stomach, and repeatedly doing it, rapidly making a heavy thud, the red-head didn’t have any response and was continued being beating off like a sack of rice. The boy in the white cloth continued to make a series of jabs and mach punches all over Yujin’s body, his shoulder, and his chest.

The boy stopped and prepared his fist, this time it glowed in a blue light and covered his entire fist in some sort of a glowing glove. Knowing that it will be a strong attack, Edward screamed Yujin’s name, the boy shoved his fist and was about to hit the red-head’s face but suddenly Yujin’s eyes opened and he caught the fist with his before landing it on his face.

“No you’re not going to punch my face…” His voice is dry from all of the impacts of punches he got but still he let out a mocking smile, his red eyes sharpened. With all of the surprise, the boy’s eyes widened and quickly withdrew, giving off enough distance between him and the red-head. He returned to the sky, floating.

Yujin slowly got up to his knees and touched his own shoulders, he forcibly stretched his neck and produced a cracking sound. He inhaled deeply and exhaled, then looked up at the sky, making eye contact with the boy.

“Now that was a nice punch you got there,” he said, almost mocking him. “I am really frustrated today. You know what I mean right? With all of the games and shit? It’s actually a good thing you showed up,” Yujin pulled off his gloves and threw it, he spit blood then wiped his lips with his hand then smiled mischievously at the boy. Inside of his head seems to burn.

“You really pushed my patience, you know? You destroyed our summer, you toyed us, and above all, you kidnapped Jade.” He paused while staring sharply at the boy. “To think I would resort to the only thing I considered a curse.” He said something like a blatant warning.

Edward and Noctis were just listening and that made the brown-head think, “Curse? Is he going to use it?”

“It’s good that Jade is not here, I don’t want her to see me using this anyway.”

Yujin’s red eyes gleamed. One hand of his formed a fist while the other gripped on his knuckles. A red flame beautifully grew like licorice, slowly engulfing his palms and spreading through his hand. The boy’s mouth was in a gap, mesmerized by the brilliant red flame that was coming off Yujin's fist.

“Now I’m pissed off…” Yujin warned.

*****

Jade woke up when she felt the breeze of the cold night’s wind. She blinked her eyes and rose up slowly, she immediately looked to the candle which had melted all its way half of its original height, giving the only light in the dark room. She laid there confused for a moment as she let everything around her sink in. She looked around and noticed that she was in a cabin… No, an old room perhaps, empty, some of like was never used in years. Even so, she felt comfortable and cozy and looked at the silky soft sheets that covered her body. Her brows crossed considering the fabric is not old, she turned back to see soft fluffy pillows covered in a ruffle sheet.

She was just staring blankly as the memories kicked back causing her eyes to snap wide open!

“Where am I?” She asked herself, nervousness rising into her chest and making her breathe heavily.

“You’re still in Alvarez,” a voice from the distance announced.

‘That voice’ she thought. “Asher is that you?” She couldn’t see clearly because of the darkness and her blurred sight, that is when she realized she was not wearing her glasses.

“About time you woke up,” The silver-haired guy walked towards her, the dim light from the candle was enough to let Jade freeze as she saw his handsome face. His golden eyes narrowed for a moment.

Jade’s eyes widened as she realized something, “Wait, what are you doing here? W-What am I doing here? Are you the one who kidnapped me?” Her eyes looked through the pair of glasses the albino wore. She waited but she got no response from him. “Answer me!” She managed despite how nervous she was.

“Just what in the world is happening?” She asked almost whispering to herself without letting her gaze out to the albino.

Asher only gave her a stern look.