Jason strolled through the streets of Eden, his mind a whirl of thoughts as he tried to shake off the anxious hum that always seemed to hover at the edge of his consciousness. The city, as usual, was a marvel to behold. Eden's streets, meticulously crafted and planned, were lined with sleek, modern buildings that seemed to touch the sky. The artificial lights that dotted the roadways and buildings glowed in a soft, amber hue, designed to mimic the golden hour of the day, giving everything a warm, ethereal quality. It was hard to imagine that a place like this had even been possible, especially for someone like Jason who had come from Qarth—a city beautiful on the surface but rotten beneath.
Here in Eden, everything felt… perfect. The streets were wide and clean, free of the grime and stench that Jason remembered from his time in the slums of Qarth. There were green spaces, beautifully manicured gardens where flowers bloomed in a riot of colors. Trees stood tall, their leaves rustling softly in the evening breeze, while small fountains bubbled in the corners, their water crystal clear and illuminated from beneath. Eden was a city of the future, where everything seemed to work in harmony, where technology and nature had somehow found a balance.
As Jason walked, he passed by families enjoying their evening strolls. Children laughed and chased one another through the parks, their carefree joy a stark contrast to the haunted look that often lingered in Jason's own eyes. Couples strolled hand in hand, exchanging soft words of affection as they moved through the lamplit streets. Eden's citizens were happy, content, and safe. There was a palpable sense of peace that permeated the air, one that Jason had never known before. It made him feel like a stranger in his own life—like an outsider in a paradise that he wasn't quite sure he deserved.
In the distance, he could hear the soft strains of music drifting from the nightlife district, where the younger crowd gathered for drinks, dancing, and entertainment. The nightclubs and bars of Eden were known for their extravagance, with holographic lights and cutting-edge sound systems that made every night out feel like an otherworldly experience. But Jason rarely ventured there. The clubs felt too much like a world he didn't belong to—filled with people who seemed so at ease with the life they had found here, while he was still struggling to find his place.
His thoughts returned to tonight's event: dinner with Marco and a few others at one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. Jason still found it hard to believe that he had been invited to such a place. The restaurant had been making waves in the news ever since its opening, not just because of its luxurious menu and impeccable service, but because the Supreme Leader himself, Mark Lantrun, had attended the grand opening. The thought of it made Jason's stomach twist with anxiety. He didn't exactly feel at home in fancy places like that, but Marco had insisted.
Jason paused for a moment, looking up at one of the massive buildings that lined the street. The structures in Eden were unlike anything he had ever seen. They seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, made from glass and metal that gleamed in the soft city lights. Every building was a masterpiece of modern architecture, with smooth, curved lines and sharp angles that made them look almost organic—like they had grown from the ground rather than being built by human hands. The second ring, where Jason lived, was no exception. It was one of the newer additions to the city, a colossal circular structure designed to house the influx of new citizens, refugees like him, who had come to Eden seeking a fresh start.
The Supreme Leader had designed the city with such care, ensuring that even the newest citizens were treated with dignity. Inside the second ring, every apartment was spacious, clean, and filled with modern amenities. Jason's own apartment had a view of the inner gardens, where artificial streams ran through a park filled with trees and flowers. It was beautiful, far beyond anything he had ever dreamed of living in back in Qarth. And yet, every time he stepped inside, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. As if he didn't belong in a place like this. As if he hadn't earned it.
He sighed, pushing those thoughts aside. He checked his watch again. It was almost 10 PM. The dinner was set to begin soon. Jason quickened his pace, his shoes clicking softly against the pavement as he made his way toward the restaurant.
When he arrived, the restaurant's grand facade was illuminated in a soft, inviting glow. Its modern, minimalist design stood out even among the opulence of Eden. Large glass windows revealed the elegant interior—sleek, white tables set with fine china, and chandeliers that sparkled overhead like clusters of stars. A uniformed host greeted him at the entrance, his smile warm and welcoming, as he guided Jason to the private dining area.
Jason could feel his nerves rising again as they approached the table. He was the last to arrive, and as soon as he stepped into the room, he was greeted with cheers and laughter from his friends.
"Jason! You made it!" Marco's voice boomed across the room as he stood to greet him. Marco had always been larger than life, and tonight was no different. He was clearly reveling in his new promotion, and Jason could hardly blame him. Marco was now the head of the department in charge of trade surveys, a position that carried significant weight in Eden's burgeoning commercial sector. Jason was proud of him, even if the promotion made Marco his superior now.
"Sorry I'm late," Jason said with a sheepish smile as he took his seat. "Got caught up admiring the city."
"You're never late when you bring good company," Marco teased, raising his glass. "To new beginnings and better times!"
The others echoed the toast, and Jason raised his glass along with them, though his heart wasn't quite in it. He listened as they chatted about work, gossiping about the old boss who had been notoriously demanding, and speculating about what new changes Marco would bring now that he was in charge.
As they ate, Jason found himself easing into the conversation, though a part of him still felt distant. The food was exquisite, each dish an intricate blend of flavors and textures that Jason had never experienced before. He should have been enjoying it more, he thought. This was a far cry from the slop he had been forced to eat as a slave. And yet, the luxury of it all still made him uncomfortable, like he was playing a part in someone else's life.
As the meal progressed, the band that had been playing soft background music announced a special performance. The lights dimmed, and a group of performers stepped onto the stage. Jason's stomach churned as he noticed their attire—tattered rags and slave collars around their necks. The performers began to dance, their movements fluid and elegant, but all Jason could see were the collars, gleaming under the soft lights.
His chest tightened. The world around him began to blur, the voices of his friends fading into the background as the panic set in. Those collars—those damned collars—dragged him back to his past. Back to the chains. Back to the beatings. Back to the helplessness.
Jason couldn't breathe.
Without thinking, he stood up, nearly knocking over his chair in his rush to get out. His friends barely noticed as he stumbled through the crowded room, his heart pounding in his chest. He pushed through the heavy doors and out into the cool night air, gasping for breath as he staggered down the street.
He hailed a cab, his hands trembling as he climbed inside. The driver turned to ask where he wanted to go, but Jason couldn't form the words. He reached for his phone, dialing Dr. Remis's number with shaking hands.
"Jason?" Dr. Remis's voice came through the line, calm and steady. "Are you alright?"
"I—no," Jason stammered, his voice cracking. "I had a panic attack. I couldn't—"
"Okay, just breathe," she said softly. "You're safe. Focus on your breathing, in through your nose, out through your mouth. Slowly."
Jason did as she instructed, forcing himself to take slow, deep breaths. Gradually, the tightness in his chest began to ease.
"Where are you now?" she asked.
"In a cab," Jason replied, his voice still shaky. "I had to leave. I couldn't stay there."
"That's alright. Do you want to come to my office?"
"Yeah. Please."
As the cab sped through the quiet streets of Eden, Jason leaned back against the seat, still shaken but beginning to feel more in control. The lights of the city blurred past, the beauty of Eden dimmed by the weight of his memories.
By the time he arrived at Dr. Remis's office, the panic had mostly subsided, but the shame and exhaustion lingered. She greeted him with a reassuring smile as she led him inside, and Jason sank into the familiar couch, feeling like he had just run a marathon.
After talking through the attack, Dr. Remis handed him a small prescription for Souma. "Take one of these whenever you feel a panic attack coming on. It will help."
Jason nodded, clutching the prescription like a lifeline. "Thanks, Doc."
As he left her office, the streets of Eden seemed quieter now, more subdued. The city was still as beautiful as ever, but tonight, it felt distant. Jason walked home, his heart heavy with the weight of the past, wondering if he would ever truly feel like he belonged in this perfect city.