(Back to the present)
The air in the Library was tense, Jinhsi's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Scar, you are now under arrest for committing multiple felonies in Huanglong. Do you have anything to say?"
Scar leaned back, crossing his arms lazily. His eyes glittered with mockery. "What do I want to say, huh? While I'd love to spin another story… I doubt that's what you want to hear." His grin sharpened. "So let's cut to the chase, 'Madam Magistrate.' I'm getting bored already."
Jinhsi's jaw tightened. "Very well. You will answer only our questions from now on."
Rover and I stepped forward together, boots scraping against the floor. I could feel her presence at my side steady, yet coiled with tension. Her fingers twitched near her weapon, eyes locked on Scar.
Scar's gaze slid lazily to us, lips curling. "Sure, why not. What do you want to know?"
Jinhsi's 's voice was sharp, unyielding. "Why did you kidnap Jué?"
Scar tilted his head, as if amused by a child's question. "A Sentinel Oracle Engine such as Jué can predict and… let's say 'correct' future events. That meddles with our vision. We merely wanted to topple the future built on lies, and take control of our own destiny."
My stomach turned. These lunatics weren't just dangerous, they were convinced themselves their twisted fucking worldview is the right one. "Why are you obsessed with reviving the Threnodian?" I shot back, fists clenched.
Scar's smirk deepened. "The Threnodians hold the key to our ideal. With them, we'll welcome the promised 'true Lament.' Death, destruction, Reverberations… call it what you want. To us, it's salvation. The only path to a new lifeform, a new civilization."
I bit back a curse. This guy's brain is fried. Fractsidus might be crazy, but this? A genocide on a massive scale an extinction level event. This takes the cake.
Rover's expression hardened. "Why were you following us?"
Scar leaned forward, eyes narrowing with unsettling amusement. "Our goal has always been the same. We want you both. We need you to join us."
I barked a bitter laugh. "That's a bold-faced lie." he almost killed me back there.
Rover stepped closer, her voice trembling with controlled fury. "Why us?"
Scar chuckled low, his grin predatory. "Forces battle over both of you, and yet you remain blind to your worth. Are you naïve, or just dense? No matter. Our interest isn't affected by such trivialities."
My blood boiled. "And if we fucking say no?"
The smile that split Scar's face was cruel, feral. "Too bad. Then we'll kill you by any means necessary. But I'm sure…" he leaned back, eyes glinting, "…you'll come willingly. When the time arrives."
Rover's hand brushed against mine, steady and protective. Her voice was like steel. "We're done with him."
Jinhsi's tone cut across the tension. "You kidnapped Jué. You revived the Threnodian, hastening the next Lament. This alone proves you are the enemy of Jinzhou and of all humanity. Stop dreaming you can force Rover and Jeff to join you. They are our honored guests, and I will not allow any harm to come their way."
Scar's laughter echoed off the ruined walls, sharp and mocking. "Confident words, Magistrate. But as the Threnodian rises, Jinzhou is barely holding together. How much longer before your facade crumbles?"
Jinhsi met his gaze, unwavering. "We've crushed your schemes once, and we will do it again. But tell me—abducting Jué, stalking Rover, ambushing Qichi Village… you couldn't have managed that alone. Unless…"
Scar's grin turned wicked. "Unless I'm not the only Overseer in Jinzhou? Hahaha… You catch on quick."
The atmosphere shifted. I felt Rover stiffen beside me, her eyes narrowing.
That must be Phrolova or Cristoforo, maybe even both of them. Jeff thought
Scar spread his arms as if welcoming the chaos he'd conjured. "I've answered all your questions with full honesty. And I don't mind you knowing. It won't make a damn difference. You can fight us with everything you've got but it's too late to stop history."
He tilted his head, voice dropping to something venomous. "Now, I've got a question for you."
Jinhsi's eyes sharpened. "About Jué. What else do you know?"
Scar's smirk widened, teeth flashing in the dim light. "Come closer and I'll tell you, Madam Magistrate… A secret, just for your ears."
Sanhua's voice cracked with tension, fierce and protective. "How dare you! Madam Magistrate, I—"
Handcuff clinked as Scar shifted, his posture almost leisurely despite the cuffs weighing down his wrists. He looked nothing like a prisoner more like a man humoring his captors.
Jinhsi's gaze was steady as she stepped closer, her robes whispering across the floor. She nodded to Sanhua, who tensed like a drawn bow, ready to intercept. Then she leaned in, just close enough for Scar's lips to curl into a conspiratorial grin.
His words were low, carried on a whisper that no one else caught.
Jinhsi froze. Her eyes widened a fraction. "No… it can't be—"
She staggered back, the composure she always carried cracking just slightly.
Scar's laughter slithered through the silence. "Shocked, aren't you? But there's more…" His voice rose, filling the chamber. "What if I told you your Sentinel made this prophecy a long, long time ago?"
The word prophecy hit like a blade drawn in slow motion. Rover stiffened beside me; I could see her tremble slightly at the word.
Scar's grin spread wider, madness flashing in his eyes. "Your all-seeing Sentinel abandons you now, of all times. Need I say more? We're merely adding a touch of fuel to the fire that will soon consume everything."
He shifted, his gaze cutting toward us. "Rover. Jeff. Care for a wager?"
My skin prickled. Here it comes.
"I know you've been searching for answers about your past," Scar drawled, his tone dripping with poison. "And I've got news for you—"
In a sudden flick of his wrist, a shimmer sparked between his fingers. A card materialized out of nothing, sharp as steel, glinting with tacet energy.
"Watch out!" Sanhua shouted. Ice spiked from the floor, jagged walls of frost shooting up in defense.
The card sliced through them like paper.
Time slowed. My heart slammed against my ribs as the card whistled through the narrow gap, spinning like a blade.
It landed with a sharp thunk at Rover's feet, quivering as it embedded deep into the stone.
I instinctively stepped closer to her, one arm half-raised, ready to pull her back. She didn't flinch her eyes never left Scar, though I caught the small twitch in her jaw.
Scar's voice was low, venomous. "You are one of us. The black lambs. Chosen to usher in the new world. Once you discover what you truly are, you'll come to us without hesitation. The Fractsidus awaits you with open arms."
He threw his head back, laughter tearing through the chamber. "Heheheheh… AHAHAHAHAHA!"
The sound chilled my blood. Crazy bastard.
The silence afterward was suffocating. Jinhsi stood with her back to us, shoulders rigid, her hands clasped too tightly at her waist.
Rover broke it first. Her voice was steady, but I heard the undercurrent of demand. "What did Scar tell you?"
Jinhsi turned slowly. Her face was pale, but her eyes… They carried a weight I hadn't seen before. "…I'm sorry, Rover. What he mentioned about our Sentinel is highly sensitive. I can't disclose it—not yet. Not before I confirm it with Jué myself."
Scar must have told her about Jué's condition on Mt. Firmament. I thought.
Rover's brow furrowed. "Is it a ploy? To sow distrust?"
"Or truth," Jinhsi admitted, lowering her gaze. "I must find Jué to uncover which."
I crossed my arms. "How important is Jué to Jinzhou, really?"
Jinhsi met my eyes, a flicker of vulnerability showing through her usual composure. "Jué is Jinzhou's Guardian Sentinel. It assists in administration, advises in judgment. While the final decision is mine, without Jué… I can't guarantee every choice I make is for the best."
I shrugged slightly, offering what comfort I could. "Seems to me you've been doing pretty damn well on your own."
Her lips parted in surprise, a faint flush touching her cheeks before she straightened. "T-Thank you, Jeff. I am… glad you think so."
But I wasn't done. "Why are you so sure Jué is always right?"
Jinhsi's expression hardened into certainty. "Because every prophecy it's given has proven true. Justice may not be universal, but Jué's decisions have always served the best interests of Huanglong."
I tilted my head, thoughtful. "Or maybe… it left to set Jinzhou's future right. To let you make your own choices without leaning on it."
That gave her pause. Her gaze drifted, and for the first time, doubt softened her features. "…Perhaps. We'll only know once we speak to it directly."
She drew a breath, then faced both Rover and me squarely. "But there is one more matter. Jué left a message for you both."
Her voice lowered, as if reciting something sacred. "'To the Awakened One: When raindrops fall upstream, head to the Norfall Barrens and seek General Jiyan of the Midnight Rangers.'"
Rover blinked. "So… we'll need to go to the Norfall Barrens?"
"And find this General Jiyan?" I added.
Jinhsi nodded. "Yes. He is currently fighting a Tacet Discord outbreak there. The Barrens are dangerous… a frontline against the Threnodian itself. But the prophecy says you're not meant to go yet not until the raindrops fall upstream."
Rover crossed her arms. "And in the meantime?"
Jinhsi's eyes flickered with hesitation before she continued. "In the meantime, I should tell you about the Black Shores."
The name itself carried a weight. Shorekeeper images flash in my mind. She may have the answers I'm searching for.
"They are secretive, their members hidden. But upon your awakening, one of them contacted me directly. They aren't extremists like the Fractsidus they've built a system to predict Laments, partnering with nations worldwide."
That must be the Tethy's System working overtime. I thought.
She reached into her sleeve, pulling out a small token etched with a black blossom. "This Black Bloom is their symbol. They wear it discreetly, but openly enough to mark their allegiance."
I frowned. "Wouldn't that make them easy to spot?"
Jinhsi allowed herself a small, rueful smile. "Yes. But those who wear it possess skills enough to remain anonymous when they choose. Extraordinary people, hidden in plain sight."
She pressed the token into Rover's hand. "This photo is yours to keep. I will find Jué soon… but until then, the Black Shores may hold answers worth seeking."
Then visions of the past suddenly assaulted us when she gave us the photo. Giving me quite the headache. Rover stood at my side, worry etched across her face, her fingers brushing against my wrist for the briefest moment, grounding me in silence.
"Rover! Jeff! Are you all right?" Jinhsi hurried forward, her robes flowing like rushing water. Her usually steady gaze flickered, searching us for what was wrong.
I forced a breath through my lungs, feeling the weight of what we'd seen pressing against my ribs. "We saw something… I was wearing the fucking same Blake Bloom." The words tasted strange leaving my mouth, heavy with implication.
Her eyes widened, just for a heartbeat, before composure slipped back into place. "I see… The Black Shores must have a deep connection to your past." Her tone softened, but her voice carried that practiced steadiness only leaders have. "Since you are likely being closely monitored by Fractsidus now… I suggest keeping an eye out for the Black Shore members. They could prove to be valuable allies."
Rover's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes darting to me worry, again, written plain across her features. I gave her a small nod, trying to ease her fears.
Jinhsi straightened the magistrate in her returning. "I'll do my best to find Jué, and tell you everything I've learned once I return. This is my promise."
"We're counting on you," I said, and meant it. My voice came steadier than I felt.
Her answer was a firm nod, but behind her eyes there was something else. Fear? Resolve? Maybe both.
Later, as Rover and I stepped out into the evening light, I caught her stealing glances at me. Her fingers flexed like she wanted to reach out but didn't. Finally, she sighed and whispered, "You push yourself too much, Jeff… I can see it."
I gave a weak grin, rubbing at the back of my neck. "Can't have this beautiful lady of mine doing all the worrying, can I? Let's just get some well deserved rest and I'll be fine"
Her lips tugged into a faint smile, but the crease in her brow didn't fade. She lingered close as we walked, her shoulder brushing mine an unspoken vow that she wasn't letting me slip away into my own head.
Meanwhile, behind us, Jinhsi's figure lingered in the shadows of the magistrate hall. Her turning to Sanhua, the soft glow of light catching the edge of her sleeve.
"I will be going on temporary leave," she said firmly, though the faint tremor in her hands betrayed the storm brewing inside her.
Sanhua's blade tapped lightly against the floor as she bowed. "Understood. My lady, no matter what happens, my sword is always yours."
The room felt colder after Sanhua left. Her footsteps had barely faded down the stone corridor when Jinhsi's terminal lit up with a low, insistent chime. She hesitated, the glow washing over her face, highlighting the faint tension around her eyes. Then, with a steadying breath, she answered.
"Both the interrogation and my appointed meeting with Rover and Jeff have already finished," she reported, her voice calm, though her fingers tightened slightly around the device.
On the other end, a low, amused voice hummed. "Scar only needed the three of you as his audience. We already knew what he wanted, and we let him have as much."
Jinhsi's lips pressed into a thin line. "They decrypted every message we intended to convey. It's only proper you meet them in person, as the one who crafted those puzzles."
The voice chuckled, smooth as silk. "Such intricate puzzles… I suppose only Rover and Jeff have the patience to solve them all. No detail is too small. They'll understand. And besides…" a pause, sharp as a knife's edge, "…not seeing the opponent heightens the thrill of the game."
Her gaze dropped briefly to her desk, as though the weight of the words pressed down on her shoulders.
"If everything goes according to the prophecies of Jué," the voice continued, "I will meet them in person eventually. So… what did our captive from the Fractsidus tell you about Jué?"
Jinhsi inhaled through her nose, steady but quiet. "…That Jué predicted I will have to fight it one day. A fight that will shape Jinzhou's future."
The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the faint static of the call. Then the voice answered, thoughtful. "Well, that is… unexpected. But you don't seem all that surprised, do you?"
Her shoulders rose, then fell. "Can't say I am. I had suspected as much from our previous conversations, and the message it left me… his words only confirmed it."
"Where was it when you last sensed its presence?"
Her eyes flicked to the window, to the distant silhouette of mountains against the night sky. "It was… in Mt. Firmament. Unlike Jinzhou City, that mountain is still resting in stillness."
"The place where the first people of Jinzhou lived, and where Jué first manifested before us humans…" A thoughtful pause. "I see."
Jinhsi's jaw set. "I'll find Jué and bring it back as soon as possible."
"Or you'll walk into a trap," the voice countered smoothly. "We have a bigger goal to focus on, remember?"
"I understand." Her voice gained steel, though her hand curled into a fist at her side. "I will not let anything or anyone disrupt the peace in Jinzhou."
"Would you let what you heard from Scar sway your determination?"
Her eyes hardened, the light in them sharp as tempered glass. "No. He cannot turn me against Jué. If anything, his words only confirmed my theory. I am the Magistrate of Jinzhou, appointed by the Sentinel itself. The prophecy speaks of a decisive incident for Jinzhou's future, where I will be a key player. The fight between me and Jué is only a precursor. My job remains unchanged. I will fulfill my duty with my own judgment."
"…And that's your final answer?"
Her lips curved in the faintest smile, humorless and fierce. "A single strand's neglect births mountainous upheaval. You taught me that, remember? The safest option is for me to go in person."
A silence stretched before the voice returned less a superior now, more an equal. "…Very well. Since we are already mid-game, I will let you decide our next move. This time, I shall be a pawn in your hand."
The timbre softened, carrying weight like a vow. "Remember I will always stand by your side, in this crisis or any other."
The call ended with a soft click, leaving Jinhsi alone with her reflection in the terminal's darkened screen.
Her shoulders slumped, the steel momentarily giving way to exhaustion. "…Am I a player or a mere pawn?" she whispered into the stillness, eyes searching the empty room for an answer. "I suppose there is no difference at this point."
A final breath steadied her spine once more. She turned toward the window, the faint light of lanterns below painting her in gold.
"No matter what," she murmured, her voice almost a prayer. "I will do what I must."
Author's note:
That concludes the first arc of this story. The next arc will be Yinlin's. I hope you leave your collections, powers, comments, and reviews. That's all, and thank you for reading this little fanfic of mine. I hope you have a good day.