In the aftermath of July 22nd, everyone took a while to truly reconvene, not at the Remnant World or that abandoned warehouse, but none other than the forgotten Hawk's Nest, neatly placed onto a corner with spread wings inviting them inside.
"This place brings back memories…" June whispered as she gawked at the torn-apart interior, gliding around with open arms into the kitchen.
"Looks like some rioters caught wind this was Katie's base and wrecked it after we abandoned them."
Natalia examined the board, remembering everything from the way Katie presented the situation. A fickle fate, where Ace would newly appear with snowy tips at the edge of his crimson edges. A certain intensity was what he carried on his shoulders, something she hadn't expected for the way she spoke about him… then again, she never could've expected the truth about such a man. The Almighty Scarlet King who single-handedly overthrew the order of the Evolutionary Capital, to think he'd be the same individual hanging his head.
"He hasn't even bothered to wash his face…" June commented with crossed arms.
It was like everyone's instinct to turn away, but they couldn't control the urge, as he dragged his feet up the stairs; he'd vanish around the corner. For the rest of the foreseeable night, he wouldn't come out, leaving everyone else downstairs. That is, until Azazel came downstairs from the second floor, scratching at his nape.
"So?"
The trio of Jefferson, Mei and Ed seated on the couch turned their heads at the sound of June's questioning voice. Eventually, Natalia would appear to the side of the emerald-eyed Wilder sister.
"Rivers and Summers are cooperative to a fault. Ace is… on the roof. I'm checking out for the night; if you want anything, go bother Madi instead of me."
Azazel returned up the stairs, luckily, his deception worked, they'd went to bother Madi in the kitchen, while he approached Ace.
The Ginger's legs dangling over the edge threatened the essence of his form, the shilling breeze of twilight soothed him to ease, and with that breeze, there came the flowing movement of his edges moving… with the summer's irregularly chilly winds. The iridescent glean from the lowering sun enlightened his shadowed face until the darkness reigned, and from those exorbitant shadows, there exited the Crow.
"Karlo, I'm strong, right?"
"You have to ask?" Azazel replied with pocketed hands, and so, as the duo continued to watch the sunset… Ace Wilder came to a realization.
"I guess not. But… it looks like just me being strong isn't enough. I can only save those who are prepared to be saved."
That lost soul drowning in hate had tipped he balance, for it to overflow and leak into the outside world, though most of them were innocent, soon, they would come to fear the wrath of Death's scythe. That girl he saved half a year ago… how unlucky that she would be the cause of such a debacle. And so, the silence reigned with the iron fist of a tyrant, no one could cease it no matter how hard they rebelled against the system; it was simply something they had to get used to.
Not the lessening of words, but a sense of melancholy as the day took its toll on it's unfortunate victims. All orchestrated by their captive who stared out the window with tears in his eyes wiped away by her delicate fingers, body straddling his lap, as their bodies touched… the curtains would be shut, and a new day would begin.
With that, this chapter of their lives would end. Thanks to one fateful day, the future of their world had changed- forever.
Chaos Center Arc - Fin.