Kai wasn't an Exile so records would be easy to find. Getting to the documents is the hard part. He decided he'd start by shadowing him from a far. Watch what he does with his days. Sage needed to play his cards right, and hope for luck. He has to go back to the Forsaken's base to find him. He covered his face with his hands and sighed. He wanted to shout and scream. This was practically death, the members of the Forsaken have identified me as a traitor and to capture or kill me on sight. He looked at his phone, it was noon now. Sage decided to make another risky move and go back home to his apartment. He had to have a base of operation of his own if he had any hope of figuring this out. He had to go across town again. Walking down the streets he noticed lots of EWM, and almost forgot about them. They may be known for brutality but they just didn't seem like much of a threat anymore. It took about an hour but made it to his door. It had been just under two months since this all started. Besides almost dying and getting injured, well he hadn't found out too much. Tomorrow, it was time to sleep for the time being.
The morning sun shined through the window and he woke up feeling the burns. It felt like they were still burning his flesh. He groaned as he reached for the bottle of painkillers on the nightstand. After popping a couple he laid there to think things through. What had he learned in his time away. First and foremost, there are two main places for Exiles to go. The Forsaken, a group about getting their name and purpose out through riots and fighting. Then The Shadows, a group that is quiet but helps lone Exiles and shows love. Shows the value and hope of an equal society through subtle messages to humans. Next on the list of importance is Kai, the leaders of the Forsaken. Someone who had it out for me and the Shadows even before I was an Exile. A man who most certainly is hiding something. Have to look closer than with just the bare eye. Last but certainly not least, who I am. I learned my name was Sorren, I was an ambassador of sorts between the two groups. As well as one of the few humans who helped Exiles even though it was frowned upon and could get you into trouble. Sage got out of his head and looked out the window. "I guess I didn't do too bad, not the outcome I was expecting but it'll work out. Hopefully." He stood up, the painkillers in effect now. He cleared his bulletin board of all the info he found out about the Forsaken and Exile groups. He then stuck a piece of paper up to start it all. It read one word, Kai, that was his focus now.
Sage turned to the clock that read 9:24 am. That meant there was a chance he could trail Kai before he left the Forsaken base. He tied his shoes and threw on his duster and made his way towards the base. Sage wouldn't have to go too far. The Forsaken's base was on this side of town, probably the reason why he was put there in the first place. On his way down he passed another Exile. The guy gestured that he lived on the fourth floor, two doors down and to the right. He was a Shadow, no doubt. Exiles outside of groups are against each other. Must've seen the emblem on my duster, subtlety at it's finest. After that he walked out of the building and walked to the forgotten storage facility. He waited in an alley checking his phone for the time, 10 am, about this time is when most humans begin their jobs and other actions. This town worked longer into the night for more time to sleep. Some places are exceptions of course. The rusted doors open and talking could be heard. "Too far, damn." Sage mumbled to himself. Kai emerged from the base with the goon that survived. Kai was on the phone with someone. Sage took his chances and trailed them from afar. They walked into the one building I would never expect him to. He was even in a completely different outfit. Kai had entered the EWM. The goon stayed outside there was no way Sage was getting in. He decided he got what he needed for the day. It had already been taking too many risks, he had to play smart if he had any hope of winning this war.
Sage went to the fourth floor and followed the Exiles directions. Taking a deep breath he looked around and knocked on the door a couple of times. The man smiled and welcomed him in. He also looked around before closing the door. Sage stood in the room and waved with a nervous smile. The man looked Sage up and down. From his unkempt hair, his stubbled face that needed to be shaved, his dirty clothes covered in dirt and ash, his jeans had holes, his shoes were falling apart. Of course then the bandages over his arms from burns and cuts. He shook his head and laughed. "You look like shit friend. What the hell have you gotten yourself into Sorren?" he asked carelessly with a hint of concern. Sage scratched his head and let out a small chuckle. "You said my old name? I used to know you then?" he asked, trying to put it lightly. The man nodded and rocked on his heels. "Yeah, I go by Quin. I was the spy, I still am actually. We would trade information among other things. They probably think I'm dead or a traitor by now. Kai's plan is almost ready, which means I can leave without being noticed." he explained. Sage raised a brow and looked at Quin. "Wait, you know what he's planning? Please help me out, I gotta stop him." he pleaded. Quin shook his head. "Info still comes at a price, old friend. What are the Shadows up to, they've gone quiet." he questioned Sage crossing his arms. Sage sighed and thought back. "I came back into the picture and Kai found us. He burned the place down and they had to abandon the place. That's probably why. I've cut ties with them for the time being before we kick start this." Quin nodded and sighed walking to his desk. "That bastard doesn't care about anything but himself. This is my last one but here, you'll need a few things to get in." he stated. Sage walked over to Quin confused on what he was going on about. "What do you mean?" Quin was quick to respond. "I mean I'm not gonna tell you, someone is always listening in. This isn't something that should be talked about outside of the 'need to know list'." He handed Sage a EWM uniform and ID, codes and passwords and some kind of skin textured and colored square. "What the hell is this?" he asked, looking at it closely. It felt like actual skin. "That my friend is your own creation. You called it a Skin Patch, still hate the name by the way. Anyway, you peel off the plastic on the smooth side so it sticks over your mark. With a little foundation you look just like a human." Quin seemed to really know a lot about me. Could be helpful in the future. "Now go shave you bum, gotta match the ID." he joked with a smirk. Sage laughed a bit and walked into the bathroom.
Half an hour later he came out clean shaven and had showered. "You said I work the night shift correct?" Sage asked. "Yes sir, fewer people work it so you'll be able to get Kai's file easy. If you can, might try grabbing what's left of your own." he suggested and walked him to the door. "I'll be in your apartment when you get back." Quin flicked a coin towards Sage. "That might come in handy as well, I want it back when you're done though." He then closed the door quickly. Sage stood there for a minute. Why did he seem so rushed? He could say with ease that Quin was a wildcard. Walking out of the building he rubbed the skin patch. It felt natural yet intrusive. It didn't make sense, but it did let him fit in. Sage looked at the coin seeing the crow and smiled. Proof he was Shadow. The sun was setting now. Looking at the EWM Department building gave him chills. Entering a few others looked at him. "Been awhile Jake, heard you working elsewhere. Decide to come back?" Sage scanned his ID and leaned on the counter. "Nah, just coming in tonight to check in. Need a little more cash you know?" They shared a laugh. "Heh, alright we got you checking downtown tonight. That sound good enough for you?" Sage cursed to himself. He had to get access to the file room to keep the heat off him. "Actually I thought I could just sort some files tonight, I know you aren't going to." he joked, he was playing a dangerous game. Looking around the room there were four others besides himself. The EWM worker scratched his beard. "Well you think you can do both? We really need someone else downtown when we start tonight." Sage smiled, it was swaying in his direction. "Sure I'll stay late tonight, I can close up when I'm done." He nodded and the rest seemed ok with it. The guy then stood up and clasped his hands together. "Alright boys, let's get this show on the road. Jake you'll be with Bill tonight." Sage gave a nod. An awful sight came into view. It was Kais goon. The two stared at each other with hatred. "You all know the rules, and you know which regulations can be broken. Good luck to you all." Bill got in one of the cars and Sage followed. When the EWM building was out of view he began speaking. "You know I know who you are right?" Sage looked over at him, his hand near his holstered weapon. "Yep, and I have a suspension one of us isn't going back." The car stopped and they got out now that they were downtown. Sage hadn't been here, at least not as an Exile.
The night was still and the streets silent. The two began their watch and no more words were being thrown around. Both of them thought it was going to be an uneventful night with how these patrols normally go. In the night whispering and snickering could be heard from one of the alleyways. The two met back up and looked down seeing nothing but the darkness that consumed the passage. Bill shook his head and grabbed the gun from his hip. Without word he walked down and it looked like he had disappeared into the night as well. The goon's voice rang out as he yelled and got even farther from Sage. "Aye you little shit get back here!" Sage raised a brow and ran in after him. Sage caught up to Bill who stood face to face with two kids. He couldn't help but laugh causing the three to look back at him. "You really got shown up by a couple kids? No wonder you couldn't catch me." Sage walked up and patted Bill's shoulder. The kids seemed confused but knew they wouldn't be able to outrun them. The older one was an Exile and the other not much younger was human. Sage collected himself and cleared his throat. "Alright you two, we'll let you off with a warning as long as you return my friends things." he spoke firmly. The Exile handed Bill what appeared to be his wallet. Right after the two ran off in different directions. If Bill didn't want Sage dead enough already he did now.
Bill pushed Sage up against the fence by his uniform. "Give me one reason not to kill you right here, right here right now?" he snarled and tightened his grip. "Paperwork? Though I wouldn't take me out of this race just yet." Sage spoke confidently with a smug smile. Bill grit his teeth and reached for his pistol. He pressed the gun unnder Sage's chin and chuckled. "I'll blow your brains out all over this fence right now." he shouted. His finger itching to pull the trigger. Sage reached for his deagle feeling it's rough grip in the palm of his hand. Before he could fire a shot into Bill the gun was knocked out of his hand hitting the ground. Sage had lost his window to win this fight. Right when he was ready to fold the radios when off. It was Kai's voice. "Everyone come to sector five west of Wandering. This is a Code Red and this is mandatory." the radio turned off and Bill cursed. "You're off the hook for now, but in exchange you can walk. Don't forget to sort documents and clock out." he laughed and walked back to the car. Sage hit the ground on his hands and knees and grabbed his gun. He stared at the goon as he walked away into the black alleyway. Sage sat back against the fence taking a deep breath. After a couple of minutes had passed he stood up and began back to the EWM department. He needed those files, even if he had to walk all night.
The moon's soft glow lit up the path for Sage to walk. He could hear the police sirens in the distance. His neck had begun to bruise by the time he finally reached the EWM department. The skin patch on his neck was beginning to irritate his skin. Walking into the building Bill stood there. It had been three hours since he last saw the bastard. The goon popped his knuckles and smirked. "Well look at what the cat dragged in. I was wondering if you'd actually show. Time for the fi-" Bill stopped in an instant. A gunshot rang out as blood ran down Bill's face. Sage ran a hand through his hair. "Not in the mood for more diagloue from you, dumb fuck." Sage cursed as he walked back to the file room. The room accepted his ID as he looked back at the fresh corpse. He frowned and entered. Looking at the file room it was a mess. It had a file on every single person in the bubble without one bit of organization. They even had files on Exiles that were causing trouble all over the bubble. Sage grabbed the chair and started going through files. Two out of what appeared to be over two thousand. Hours. Caffeine. Nothing. It was almost morning and he hadn't found anything. He had to be missing something. Sage rubbed the bags under his eyes. The skin patch felt like it was a parasite eating away at his skin. One more stack. He got up before slipping on one of the loose files and hitting the ground with a thud. Under the drawer there was another small seam. Sage tugged at it revealing a drawer with four files. He had done it. He grabbed the four and darted out of the building, kicking Bill's head once before continuing out to his apartment.
Upon reaching his room he tore the patch off and opened his door. The guy from before, what was his name? Quil? No, Quin, yeah that was it. "Hey Quin, I got the files. I have Blair's, Kai's, Myself and some fourth person." Sage spoke running completely on coffee. Quin turned around from whatever he was tinkering giving a look Sage couldn't identify. "A fourth person? Let me see it." his voice was shaking. He practically snatched the file out of his hands. Quin shook his head and looked back to Sage. "Thank you for this, I'll take this as my payment for the modifications I made to your room while you were on your shift." Quin said now smiling. Sage obviously confused as nothing looked different. Quin picked up on this and pressed a button under Sage's desk. A new compartment became visible along with a new more teched out research board. "It's not much but it should help avoid prying eyes. I should get going, let's work together again in the future. You're still great at keeping your end of the deal, even if it is a struggle. Always admired that about you. Cya 'round." he laughed and closed the door leaving the room. Sage sat down at his new desk and looked over the files. No more secrets.
Those words didn't last long as he fell asleep before he could start reading the first file. It was the late afternoon when Sage woke up to his phone buzzing at him. He forced his head up and looked at his phone, it was a call. No one even knew his number but nonetheless he didn't answer. He looked at the desk and rubbed his eyes. "Let's try this again. Sage opened Blair's file, her only big offense was protesting and dealing with humans. That was probably of my own work. Though it did spark a memory, before he was an Exile. Some of the buildings in the bubble were still being built at the time and the weather was cold. The bubbles fake snow showered the earth he stood on, crunching under his boots. Sorren had on a backpack half the size of himself and a duffle bag in one of his hands. He could see his labored breaths in the freezing air. He still wore a smile on his face. He arrived at a different base than the one that was burned. With his free hand Sorren knocked on the door his hands in sizable gloves. Blair opened the door and frowned at the site of him. "What have I told you about bringing supplies during the winter? You're gonna catch a cold, get in here." Sorren just laughed and walked in. "Sorry mom but I gotta make sure everyone here is healthy and fed." he joked and set the bags down. Many of the Shadows cheered and greeted him. One was a kid who tugged at his black coat. "Uncle Sorren." his voice was shy and quiet. Sorren knelt down and looked at him with a smile. "Whatcha got kiddo?" The kid smiled before looking down. "Will you stay for the night and tell us stories again?" Sorren looked up and everyone seemed happy with the idea. He picked the kid up and set him over his shoulders. "Why not! It's supposed to storm bad tonight." his enthusiasm was contagious. Even Blair, who was worried and upset smiled. That night they feasted and laughed and played games. Everything was great, they partied the night away enjoying the presence of Sorren.
Sage smiled softly coming out of the flashback. He was sad knowing he would never be Sorren or live up to the name. Then again, the Exiles don't need a human. They need proof that even an Exile can win. He would have to start the domino effect. Enough of the happy moment, back to the mission. He set Blair's file down and picked up Kai's. Opening it Sage's eyes skimmed the file. It was unbelievable. He wasn't some Exile leader, he was Chief of the Exile Watchmen. He was in charge of everything. He can get away with anything because he's top of the chain. Kai's plan began to come back to him. Another flashback, being dragged back into the eyes of Sorren.
It was spring, and the city had been complete for about a year. Businesses were opening and cars finally had places to go. Kai was on the phone with someone, the door muffled his voice. Sorren had eyes all over him, the Forsaken never had much trust when it came to him. He locked eyes with one person. The two made gestures and Sorren looked down at the table by the door. A file marked as 'Top Secret' and upon opening it had the title Plan X. It was a plan to turn all of the Forsaken's followers into slaves of the EWM. Any who opposed the idea was to be terminated. Only started by order of the Council. Kai stopped talking, leading Sorren to put the file back on the table. Kai opened the door and Sorren entered. The memory began to get foggy. Sage sat there and closed the file. "Shit, I have to stop him." Sage put the files in the compartment seeing his file. He hesitated but pressed the button hiding the files away from the bare eye. Sage looked at the EWM uniform and felt disgusted. He needed to change back into his own attire if he was going to go out.
Sage changed back into his own clothes, he looked at his charcoal duster. Thinking back to his old memories he was still wearing the same coat. What made it so special? He knew it wasn't likely to learn why, from his original research he learned that memories could only come back on very special circumstances. He puts the duster on and stares out the window over the city. "He can't get away with this, I have to finish what Sorren started. They can't wipe my memories again." he said reassuring himself that he could do this. Sage had the information but he needed the power. Kai already had the upper hand. He has an army of EWM officers and a people that hate him. If he wanted the upper hand he'd have to draw Kai out. The man already had plenty of one on one encounters so that part shouldn't be hard. Today however he wanted to try and locate Blair and the other Shadow's with Quin's skilled scouting. Sage hopped in the elevator and went down to the fourth floor. Sage knocked on the door softly looking around. Quin looked through the peephole and opened the door waving him in. "Heya Sorren, to what do I owe the pleasure?" he asked with the usual smile on his face. Sage closed the door and sat in a chair. "Well as I told you, the Shadow's have moved. I want you to locate them." Quien gestured to what was in it for him. "In exchange, I want your help with Kai." Quin nodded and gave a thumbs up. "Works for me, I'll get to work and ask around. If I were you I'd keep watching the Forsaken. I'm unaccounted for as I got myself marked as dead. Though Plan X is fully prepared. The Council is likely to execute it any day now." he spoke losing his smile. Even if the two groups rivalled they were still one in the same. Sage and Quin walked in the elevator making small talk. They waved goodbye and on with the plan.
Sage rested his hands in the depths of his dusters pockets. The Forsaken stronghold in sight. He took a deep breath snuck in. He slipped into a closet of some sort that wasn't in use. Looking through the vent he assumed Kai was away. The population was very low compared to the norm; it was just a couple of people. Presumably guards. He needed to go further in. When the Exiles left to go to the cafeteria Sage snuck out and went through a door he didn't use last time. Upon entry he was met with an opening with a sign that gave directions. There, a holding area. He looked back and walked through a hallway and a few more sets of doors. It was void of sound and eerie. The next door needed identification. Sage tried his EWM card. It accepted it with beep. Forcing the door open he looked around. Quin lucked out, every Exile that wasn't a guard was chained up and put here. They looked as if they had been getting starved. Kai was forcing them into submission so they'd be willing. Some looked at him, others couldn't be bothered. He walked to one of the cells and put his hands on the bars. "Where's the key? I'll let you all out." he asked looking back to make sure no one followed him. An old man looked up at him, his eyes weak. "Only Kai has the key, he left laughing. Said he had something personal to take care of." his voice was raspy and aged. Sage nodded. "I'll find him and help you all, stay strong." The man didn't respond, nobody did. Sage walked out and exited to the outside. Personal business, what's that bastard planning? He sighed and walked to a store to grab a soda. He couldn't believe what he saw. Kai never cared about any of them, he was just waiting to use them. He drank the soda feeling the carbonation. He had a lot of weight on his shoulders, guess he knew why Sorren was such a respected figure now.
A few hours had gone by. Kai was nowhere to be seen and Sage didn't want to wait for him. He cleared his board and put Kai, Plan X and the Council up now. Things were starting to get complicated, Sage was now putting the peak of the society on the board. It makes sense with how the system of power is set up. The Council was obvious on top with their godlike status. The EWM was next on the chain. Unlike the Council the EWM works as leaders of discipline and eyes for the Council. This put Kai near the top of the chain. Under those it goes by the peoples class and Exiles on the bottom. Sage being on the bottom had to go for the top. Like a rabbit trying to kill a lion. Sage rubbed the bit of stubble that had grown back. He thought back to the files and looked back at his file sitting on top. He grabbed it but just before he could open it Quin practically broke the door down. "Sorren I fucking found them!" his smile spread across his face and his excitement radiated like a beacon of light. Sage chuckled and smiled. "Awesome, you didn't get close did you?" he asked, raising a brow. Quin shook his head and looked out the window. "Nah, I was tempted but I know we shouldn't. What'd you find? And does it involve a new plan?" his voice now intrigued. Sage nodded and leaned against the wall after putting the file away. "I found that Plan X is likely getting started. The Forsaken are being starved, Kai has the only key. We can't send the Shadows, that'd cause a scene." Quin pocketed his hands. "Soooo?" Sage continued. "So, we need to contact Blair so that these Exiles have a place to go. While she sets that up we need to confront Kai and end his reign of terror for good." Quin scratched his neck. "I like it but we need to talk to Blair first." The two sighed and chuckled. "We'll meet tomorrow by the old hideout. Then we'll go to the new one." Sage nodded and said his goodbyes. Sage pressed the button to hide his work and laid in bed. He hadn't had a good night's sleep in awhile. It was hard with everything happening so fast.
Sage's alarm yelled at him to get up. He sat up turning it off and stretched. He stood up changing his shirt and throwing on his duster and shoes. His phone showed 9am. Leaving the building he walked to the meet up spot. EWM officers were at large today. You could barely spot them in the crowd normally but today you didn't have to look hard to see that black and purple uniform. Quin was on a roof waiting for his arrival. "Ready?" He shouted down before sliding down and plopping onto the ground. "Yeah let's get going. Lots of EWM so we already don't want to be seen together." Sage added. Quin nodded and began walking. "I imagine this is part of Plan X. I mean these guys are in every sector of this ward." Sage looked at Quin with disbelief. "Then we need to definitely make sure we're not followed. They've dealt with more than enough in the last while." Quin laughed at that. "Cause everyone and their mom wants a piece of you. You're 'vulnerable' now, even though you seem to be doing better as an Exile." Sage chuckled and nodded. He wasn't wrong. Through their conversations they didn't notice the EWM officer in front of them. She stopped the two and frowned. "State your residents and show me some ID." she said professionally. Quin crossed his arms and frowned. "Why? We've done nothing wrong. Last I checked it's not illegal to walk down the street." his tone was sharp. The officer narrowed her eyes. "We are currently on the lookout for an Exile who broke into our file room and took private information." Quin submitted and pulled out two IDs one of which was a reprint of Sage's. "We're roommates before you ask why we're traveling together." She took the IDs and everything checked out but she did have a couple more questions. "Why were you carrying Mr. Topaz's ID?" Quin looked at Sage. "His wallet tore open the other day so I'm carrying his stuff right now. We were actually on our way to the store in Sector 7." he explained carefully. She nodded and waved them off. They both smiled. "That was genius." Quin laughed and started their stroll. "I try to stay prepared, roommates are the only excuse we can get away with to travel together. Unless you're tryna date me!" He joked and they shared a laugh.
The rest of the way they were unbothered. Making sure nobody could have been following them they entered the new base. Upon entering Quin shouted out without hesitation smiling wide. "Did ya miss me Ma!" Blair at the time was caring to Amber. The two girls couldn't believe their eyes. Blair hugged Quin almost in tears. "I thought you were dead." Quin chuckled and hugged her back. "I thought I was dead as well, Kai certainly isn't good to his Exiles." The two shared a laugh and separated. "I'm glad you're ok." she cleared her throat and spoke firmly. He nodded. Sage at this point was hugging Amber, it was a happy moment in a time of darkness. After the small reunion was over the four sat at a table in Blair's office. "So, I know you two wouldn't just come for a visit. At least not with the current dangers going around in the bubble." Quin gestured to let Sage take the lead. "Unfortunately you'd be correct. I'm beginning to get flashes and pieces of my memory. That led me to remember Quin and I's findings on Plan X. I assume you know about it?" he stopped to make sure she was up to speed. Blair gave a nod. "I went to investigate the Forsaken's base and I found that Plan X is already in motion." he explained. Blair leaned on the table rubbing her brows. "I see, how can we help?" she asked. Quin took the lead from here. "Well Sorren and myself are going for Kai. Someone needs to help the Exiles." he paused seeing Blair's hate. "Look I'm not saying you have to do anymore than let them out. Send them to the streets for all I care, but we can't just leave them there. They're still our people!" there was pain in his tone. He had lived with them for years after all. Blair mumbled to herself and narrowed her eyes. "Fine I'll help them, but this makes us even. Actually no, you owe me after this." she growled. Quin smiled and nodded. "You two better come back. We all need you, both of you." she opened the door to let them out. Before leaving Sage smiled looking down at Amber. "After this I'll be able to stay here with you. I promise you this'll all be over soon." Sage smiled warmly and gave her one last hug. Amber pouted and hugged him back. "Ok, come back safe ok." Sage nodded and waved goodbye. Any Shadow that could wave to them did and the two went out to hold their end of the plan.
The two stepped back out seeing the chaos. They shared a look and both looked concerned. Quin looked at the EWM officers that plagued the streets. "Are you ready to really start planning now? I mean, it's not a simple assassination. Kai likes to stay two steps ahead." Sage nodded and responded quietly. "Not sure, but it's now or never. We're on the clock now, if we fail then it's basically game over." Quin sighed and began walking. "Let's get a drink, we won't have anything good if we're down in the dumps." Sage laughed but approved, taking the rest of the day easy would help.