It seemed another day had passed, the sun already high in the sky. Inside Jhoel's residence, the situation became tenser and tenser the more Pathos continued to talk until Jhoel exclaimed:
«Jhoel» So it was you who broke the barrier!?
The voice of a concerned Jhoel filled the room; Pathos was barely even conscious due to his morning ritual being interrupted by none other than Jhoel himself. It was yet another morning, and Pathos was still in his pajamas.
«Pathos» I might have…But i didn't do it willingly
Pathos stared deeply into Jhoel's eyes as he mentioned the broken barrier. He kept rubbing his fingers together, unable to keep his hands still.
«Jhoel» For a moment I thought about it but. How did you even?
Jhoel's gaze fixated on the kindled eyes, processing. But before the question could go answered, he had already understood the cause of the problem. His eyes slowly shifted upwards to look at Pathos's eyes. The boy shared a look of determination as if he had already played countless scenarios in his mind for this very occasion.
«Jhoel» The Prometeo. Right.
Jhoel sighed, but jokingly commented:
«Jhoel» How can something so little be this powerful?
He placed his hands on Pathos's shoulder, trying to understand more of this situation.
«Jhoel» At least tell me nobody saw your face.
«Pathos» Some might have but not here at least. Yesterday, with Ruem, we asked around and came to the conclusion that in this fraction nobody knows who caused the damage.
«Jhoel» Good, that's very good.
Jhoel nodded his head in relief after being reassured.
«Pathos» I didn't do it intentionally, I acted out of fear and I almost destroyed the city.
Pathos grasped the fabric around where his heart would be, aware of the damage he caused.
«Pathos» But at least now, thanks to Ruem's training, I can say I'm somewhat capable of controlling it.
«Jhoel» That's not the point, Pathos. That barrier is directly connected to who's in charge of the city. If even the slightest damage is done to that barrier…
Jhoel stopped cold, choosing his words with care. Pathos had endured more than enough; knowing what the barrier meant for him might break him.
«Jhoel» I don't want you to leave this place, ok?
«Pathos» Jhoel…
Jhoel's hand left Pathos's shoulder as he began walking back and forth, trying to come up with a plan. The house felt too small when Jhoel started pacing, his steps echoing off the walls.
«Jhoel» I need you to stay hidden as much as possible.
«Pathos» Jhoel…!
«Jhoel» If they ever discover who you a—
Pathos exclaimed Jhoel's name firmly.
«Pathos» JHOEL…!
Jhoel stopped. Pathos tugged onto Jhoel's sleeve, searching for his attention. Both of them exchanged glances before Pathos spoke:
«Pathos» I know how much of a problem this truly is, but I need to take responsibility for this damage. At least now, I want to fix my every mistake, so please. Don't try hiding the truth from me. If there is a chance that I can fix this, I'll find it. I want you to believe me.
His voice was firm despite the fear trembling beneath it. Especially a problem that could damage Jhoel.
He hated seeing Jhoel like this — tense, worried, pacing instead of smiling.
For a moment, Jhoel hesitated to answer, fearing for Pathos's well-being. But the spark of determination in Pathos's eyes made his doubts vanish into thin air.
«Jhoel» Alright. I trust you.
Pathos slowly let go.
«Jhoel» But this "Prometeo" shit is something I would never understand.
«Pathos» I don't blame you, it confuses even me.
He replied with a smile around his face.
«Jhoel» I'll admit. Being capable of breaking a barrier like that is an insane accomplishment, but it's nothing to be proud of.
«Pathos» Especially with how it went down. I don't think "I did it unintentionally" can be believable even when it's the truth.
«Jhoel» What did Ruem say about this?
«Pathos» He said not to worry and to keep my identity a secret. And possibly hide the eyes.
«Jhoel» How fitting. Did he even tell you if it's fixable?
«Pathos» No…
«Jhoel» God damn it.
Jhoel rubbed his forehead; his knowledge of the Prometeo was little to nothing. He never dared to study something he didn't believe in, and the Prometeo was one of those. To this day almost everyone could achieve it, despite it being something deserving of "worth." Good, evil, it didn't matter, the Prometeo would still choose you indefinitely. This was the only thing he knew.
«Jhoel» I'll try asking around to my customers. But I don't know how much I can gather without raising suspicions.
«Pathos» Are you sure about this?
«Jhoel» That's the only idea I can think of.
«Pathos» Hopefully, if he comes, we could still ask Simon.
«Jhoel» Mmm. That is if he does show up this time. It's strange that he didn't come yesterday.
«Pathos» You can't expect a man to come to a clothing shop every day.
«Jhoel» He came to my shop 3 weeks in a row. So yeah, I'm actually quite shaken.
«Pathos» Afraid he found someone else?
Jhoel chuckled and jokingly answered Pathos.
«Jhoel» Oh, fuck off.
«Pathos» By the way, have you seen Ruem this morning? I didn't see him anywhere.
«Jhoel» No. I didn't see him. Perhaps he actually listened to me and went to another place to live.
«Pathos» I think he is just hiding so he doesn't have to come to the library with me.
«Jhoel» That fucker is afraid of a library?
«Pathos» Afraid isn't the word, but he does find them quite annoying.
As if he heard the entire conversation, one of Ruem's wormholes opened up just above the table. Ruem swung his leg out of the wormhole as if it were a door he used every day, placing it directly onto the table as he slowly made his way through the wormhole. Immediately, Pathos' eyes darted toward the wormhole, approaching it with joy.
«Pathos» Ruem!
«Ruem» I'm baaaack. Wait, isn't this…?
Before he could fully go through the wormhole, Jhoel shouted:
«Jhoel» Get the fuck off my table, you un-literature dumbass!
Ruem heard every single word, yet he acted as if he heard none and still put both his shoes on Jhoel's table, closing the wormhole behind him once through.
«Ruem» Jeez, old man, what a warm welcome. You really appreciate my company that much?
«Jhoel» I didn't miss your sorry ass even for a minute.
His gaze moved to Pathos, who was already welcoming him with a confused look on his face.
«Ruem» Hey, Pathos.
«Pathos» Ruem. Ehm. Did you? have to appear right on top of the table?
«Ruem» Ehhh. No, actually I originally wanted to throw myself on the couch but i guess It's no biggie. Besides, my shoes aren't that filthy so no damage is done.
He said as he pointed at Jhoel's pissed-off face, before jumping down. Pathos, however, got quite upset by this childlike behaviour coming from Ruem and quickly confronted him about it.
«Pathos» I didn't say anything at first, but you need to be more respectful toward Jhoel, you know. Not only has he allowed you to stay here.
To which Jhoel commented coldly
«Jhoel» I didn't
Hearing Jhoel's words, Pathos made a quick sigh before abruptly continuing his sentence.
«Pathos» But he gave you food and decided to give you something you stole. That's why at least you should respect him for what he does.
Ruem rolled his eyes, but glanced at Pathos as if checking whether he was really upset, which he was.
«Ruem» Fine, fine. If it's you saying it, I guess I can't challenge it.
«Pathos» Good. Now apologize to him. And be grateful for the things he does.
«Ruem» You're pulling my arm here.
Pathos quickly placed his hand on Ruem's back, slapping it as if trying to encourage him to apologize. Both of them stood side by side.
«Pathos» Come on, say it with me. I'm soooo—
But as Pathos began speaking, Ruem remained firm on his words. At the same time, Pathos understood that Ruem was going to continue acting like this, so he quickly sent a spark through him, revealing his annoyance toward him.
As the electricity traveled through Ruem's body, he jumped in pain, feeling a burning sensation around his back. He screamed for a second before rubbing his back.
«Ruem» AH!? What the.
Ruem turned, trying to avoid any further contact with Pathos's hand.
«Pathos» I'm sooo—
«Ruem» Are you electrocuting me into submission?
«Pathos» Yep, are you going to apologize?
Ruem put up his hand, keeping his distance as if Pathos were a dinosaur.
«Ruem» Hold on a second, we don't have to be so violent about it.
But before he could think of a way out, Jhoel quickly put him in a headlock with the intention of keeping him still.
As if the two were connected by brain, with an exchange of glances both Jhoel and Pathos understood each other while Ruem began to panic.
«Ruem» Jhoel. Please, I'm sorry, I won't do it again! I promise!
«Jhoel» He is not being sincere. Shock him!
Pathos slowly approached, his hand raised towards Ruem's chest, resonating with electricity. Ruem desperately struggled against Jhoel's grip.
«Ruem» Pathos, please, we are friends.
Pathos's hand, however, continued to approach him, unwavering of Ruem's desperate words. Before Ruem could say a word, Pathos's hand was already on his chest. And seconds later Ruem screamed! His tone was so high that it even drew the attention of some surrounding passengers.
Jhoel finally let Ruem go as his body fell on top of Pathos, who caught him with ease, and to the surprise of Jhoel he even managed to toss him over his shoulder without even struggling.
«Jhoel» Impressive.
Pathos froze for a moment, trying to understand what he meant by that. Only to realize he was carrying a man on his shoulders.
«Pathos» I know, right? Now thanks to the Prometeo my physical strength has increased a lot. I didn't expect it to be this soon though.
Jhoel pointed his finger at Ruem.
«Jhoel» Is he dead?
«Pathos» Nah, he is strong enough to handle it. But I did get carried away for a second there, I wanted to zap him, not knock him out cold.
Pathos said, scratching his cheek. He was still underestimating his powers just like he did before, he was still aware that he had poor control over the Prometeo. And this little incident made him more aware than ever. But how could he? With such a bad mentor and his little knowledge over it, how was he supposed to learn this power all by himself?
Pathos sighed, not blaming Ruem for the mistake, but at the same time he was desperate to control it as soon as possible.
«Jhoel» Somewhat capable of controlling it? Yeah. My ass. Try not to use that in my house again ok?
Jhoel said jokingly, to which Pathos replied by sticking his tongue out and closing his eyes.
«Jhoel» At least this time you just settled on someone and not a city. Put him on the couch and I will grab some water to wake him up. In the meantime, why don't you go on and try on the new clothes I got for you. They are in the closet in the room next to the kitchen.
Pathos slowly walked around the table, gently laying Ruem on the couch.
«Pathos» You made me something?
«Jhoel» I guessed your size thanks to your beat-up clothes. So if it doesn't fit let me know.
«Pathos» I'll try them on then.
Both of them made their way around the table, one going towards the couch and the other to try on his new pair of fresh clothes.
The thought of having some fresh new clothes made Pathos smile, wondering just what outfits Jhoel might have prepared for him. As he began contemplating what type of design they might have, he had already made his way into the intended room. It was Jhoel's workplace.
The room was completely dark if not for a small lantern aimed at a desk where countless pages with numerous outfits rested.
Pathos grabbed the lantern, admiring Jhoel's work for a bit before he began searching for the closet. Surprisingly it wasn't as far as he first thought. It was actually right next to the door where he came in. As he opened the closet doors he didn't just find an outfit but at least five different outfits.
«Pathos» One, two, three… Five!? How long did it take him to make this many clothes!? Really Jhoel you didn't have to go this far for me…
His gaze went from side to side inspecting each outfit laid in front of him. Two of them shared similar qualities; one had a white shirt with tight sleeves. The other had the same shirt but with wide sleeves. The tight one had a green, almost emeraldish coat to accompany the shirt. And the other had a brown sleeveless tunic. Both of the two outfits shared the same grayish pants.
The remaining three consisted of a black, brownish, and beige shirt, all of them sharing the same jacket but with different colors that could match the shirt's color, and pants that followed that very same principle.
As he contemplated on what outfit he could pick, he started wondering which of them could match the cloak he had. As that thought crossed his mind, he surprised himself with how much he had grown attached to that specific cloak. Could it be that Petra's intervention had saved that cloak's life? Or was it him that carried that cloak as a way to remind himself of what he went through? "Nah," he muttered, Petra had definitely saved its life.
If it was up to Pathos, he would have already burned it by now or thrown it into the dirt.
After a bit more consideration, he settled on the outfit with a white shirt and wide sleeves.
«Pathos» I'll go with this one then.
In the meantime at the lounge, Ruem woke up and, out of instinct, he rubbed his chest right where Pathos had electrified him. He dragged himself up as if this action alone was too challenging to him.
«Jhoel» Oh? You managed to get to your senses already? I would have guessed you would take more time to even get up from that couch.
Jhoel spoke in a tone both mocking and serious. Ruem stretched his arms as if he didn't just get left unconscious on a couch.
«Ruem» Mmm. Yeah, it was very challenging to say the least.
Ruem's gaze shifted to look at Jhoel, who had a bottle filled with water in his hand.
«Ruem» Were you going to splash me in the face again!?
«Jhoel» That seems to be my only option when it comes to waking you up.
«Ruem» Seriously, Jhoel?
«Jhoel» Don't I look serious to you? What did you expect when your ass put dirty boots on my table? Ah?
«Ruem» …they weren't even that dirty…
Ruem pouted. His face resembled more that of a child who had been told off. Jhoel gazed at him with suspicion before walking back to place back the bottle. But as he walked back, he spoke once more, his tone firm.
«Jhoel» You know. I don't believe in the Prometeo.
«Ruem» You don't believe in it?
The sudden sentence from Jhoel confused Ruem. How could he not believe in it when two Exorcists resided in his own house?
«Ruem» It's not a matter of believing it or not…
«Jhoel» That's not what I mean. What I'm saying is that it's because of people like you that I don't believe in it. From my knowledge of war, the Prometeo is something given to those who will put their body and soul into protecting this world. So how did you manage to achieve such power?
«Ruem» I don't know. I have no recollection of when it first appeared.
He chuckled to himself while Jhoel was not content with such an answer.
«Jhoel» is that because you refuse to remember? Or to put it more bluntly you are hiding something
Ruem got up from the couch, staring deeply into Jhoel's eyes, who was standing at the other side of the table. Ruem felt challenged like that same kid was blamed for something he had done yet denying every truth.
«Ruem» I'm not trying to hide anything here, what you know about me is what I know about myself. There is nothing more to me.
His tone shifted to his usual laidback. He talked more composed.
«Jhoel» Yet I feel like I saw your face before.
«Ruem» Of course you remember this face, it's the face of the criminal that stole from you.
«Jhoel» No.
Jhoel's tone shifted as his eyes closed, trying to recall where he had seen him in the past.
«Jhoel» I know I saw you sometime before our incident, and that troubles me because I never tend to forget a man's face once I've seen it.
Before their discussion could go any further, the door where Pathos was creaked.
Jhoel quietly mumbled to Ruem.
«Jhoel» I will find whoever you truly are, Ruem. But for now that has to wait. Pathos's wellbeing is more important to me now.
Ruem gritted his teeth as his face contorted with anxiety and indignation. But as he too heard the door opening, his expression shifted to a more relaxed one..
Pathos made his way towards the corridor connecting the kitchen and the living room as his boots declared his arrival.
«Pathos» I think the outfit is great, Jhoel, thank you very much!
His light warming smile and tone completely lifted the tension undergoing beforehand, as if the sun had just shone into the darkness.
Jhoel turned around, leaning his back towards the table, holding himself up by his elbows.
«Jhoel» I'm glad… Is the size ok?
«Pathos» Yeah, but seriously, Jhoel, you didn't have to do all this for me, you know? I already bothered you by staying here and now this? You're making my debt towards you larger with each day.
«Jhoel» It's ok, you don't have to owe anything.
«Pathos» No but seriously, five different sets of clothes? How much did it take you to make them?
«Jhoel» They were clothes I had already made to sell. But since I never displayed them, I figured I'd give them to you. But if even those five were not to your liking, I would have made one just for you.
Jhoel gave Pathos a warm smile, reassuring him that he could fully rely on Jhoel's craftsmanship and knowledge to help him out.
Pathos checked himself with his new clothes on.Despite its appearance, the fabric was really soft and light, giving him complete freedom of movement. He gazed back at Jhoel, his eyes spoke before him.
«Pathos» Thank you once more, Jhoel. I'm sorry for being such a nuisance.
Jhoel pushed himself off the table.
«Jhoel» Oh quit it, if I didn't want to make you something I wouldn't have bothered.
Jhoel pointed at the door.
«Jhoel» Now skedaddle. I need to make this house look new for a meeting.
«Pathos» Could I… also put on the cloak with this outfit?
«Jhoel» Ah? Oh. Sure, I'll bring it to you in a sec.
Both Ruem and Pathos waited outside as Jhoel finally brought the cloak back to Pathos, and to his surprise, the emblem of Arieste was gone. He quickly double-checked if he was just imagining things, but Jhoel anticipated him.
«Jhoel» I took the emblem off so it wouldn't be a bother to you, I hope I did the right thing.
«Pathos» Jhoel…
Pathos was annoyed that Jhoel once more did more than he should have. But despite his slight annoyance, he appreciated the modifications. Immediately after scolding him, he quickly put it on, lifting the hood over his head to hide his face.
«Jhoel» Buddy, just go along. He could be here in a couple of minutes, so move your asses.
Jhoel closed the door accompanied by its creaks.
Pathos was the one holding the map this time, but instead of opening it, he decided to trust his own memory. Before he could tell Ruem to start moving, he noticed his eyes staring blankly toward the door. "Does a library have this effect on him?" he thought before slapping his shoulder to gain his attention.
«Pathos» You don't have to come if you don't want to.
Ruem gazed around troubledly as if he forgot where he was, until it settled towards Pathos, who had softly asked him a question.
«Ruem» No, it's not that. I was just lost in my thoughts. We can go now.
«Pathos» Oh, alright then. This way.
Pathos quickly led the way, the map curled around his hand as he marched forward towards the library once more. Ruem followed as he began once more to stare blankly.
Both of them continued their path. Unlike other times, Pathos wasn't wasting his time looking around for every detail that the city had to share. He had already grown accustomed to this new home, yet the more time he spent, the more he learned.
In the sky, the barrier remained broken, the hole circled by cracks as the damage seemed to neither worsen nor better.
About halfway there, as both Pathos and Ruem reached a corner, they witnessed the head of a man flying past them as it splattered on the wall of a house.
Ruem gazed towards the house where the head splattered, tainting the wall with blood, while Pathos was left immobilized for a second, his body frozen out of fear, and the image of that head passing by terrified him.
«Ruem» Oh wow.
Pathos slowly looked around the corner to see the body of an armored soldier spraying blood out of its neck.
The man sitting in front of the body had his fist raised towards the direction the head flew, as if he had just cut the head off with a punch.
Ruem rushed around the corner, spotting the stranger with his fist covered in blood.
«Soldier 1» Michael!!!
Another soldier screamed at his dying friend as the body fell dead on the floor. Those were the same soldiers Pathos met the first time he encountered Ruem.
Pathos stared in horror at this figure towering over both the remaining two soldiers, who out of fear had their swords already drawn. One was shaking yet staring into the stranger's eyes while the second one couldn't stir his gaze from the dead body lying in front of him.
Who is this monster? Pathos thought, as the figure began lowering his arm and proceeded to do nothing. But that nothingness was enough to worry someone else.
«Ruem» Go ahead, ok?
«Pathos» Ah?
Pathos could barely even hear Ruem through his own shock. But Ruem asked once more, this time more calmly.
«Ruem» Get to the library and wait for me home, ok? I don't want you wasting time here to fight.
Pathos quickly turned to face Ruem, who never even dared to shift his gaze from that stranger.
«Pathos» What? Why?
«Ruem» This guy probably just got his own powers and thinks he can do anything. I want to set that mindset straight.
One of the soldiers began sprinting towards the stranger, swinging his sword aimlessly.
«Ruem» Come on!
Before even receiving an answer, Ruem dashed forward, cracking the floor where he was previously standing. The soldier slashed towards the stranger, but before his blade could even touch the stranger's skin, Ruem pushed him away, making both of them crash into a wall.
Pathos, who witnessed everything, stepped forward once. He wanted to help, yet he couldn't muster the strength to even walk. He wanted to fight, but his will got shattered once he saw the stranger chopping off the soldier's arm, the same soldier Ruem had attempted to save. Could he even do something? No. He couldn't. His Prometeo was still under training, and his poor control over it was causing more and more problems.
He went back a few steps, rethinking over Ruem's words. He wanted to. Yet he didn't have the force necessary to help. Ultimately, he decided to believe Ruem's words. But instead of going to the library, he would search for someone who could help.
«Pathos» I'll come back with someone else. So please be safe until then!
Pathos began running along the street, his pace becoming more and more quick.
His gaze went side to side searching for someone, even a royal force that could aid Ruem against that man. But as his eyes shifted to forward he watched as the barrier surrounding Serras was covered in purple flames, molding it like melted glass.
He needed to find someone and fast!
Until suddenly, he became slower and slower and slower and slower.
His pace halted completely, frozen in place.
Was it fear of leaving someone behind? Or the fact that he was unable to fight that troubled him? but no. None of those were the answer. Yet, he began to hyperventilate. As if something had deeply traumatized him.
From Pathos's nose, blood began pouring down. His eyes shook in fear as the Kindled-eyes opened, the eyes sharing the same golden concentric circles as the one he saw in his dreams. He couldn't feel, he couldn't see, he couldn't even hear, as if his mind was processing thought after thought
His head was spinning, he could hear voices of people he did and never heard from. His eyes lived memories he never experienced. He could feel every touch of things he never touched. He could witness time pass yet he remained in the present.
Each moment felt like hours, even a day. But only seconds had passed.
His body crumbled to the ground as his consciousness faded to black, blood continued to pour down his nose, bathing him in a pool made out of his own blood.
While the Kindled-eyes closed, their mission, complete.
And as they closed, Pathos opened his own eyes gasping for air as if his very consciousness had been drowned in countless memories. Until his eyes gazed once more at the burning barrier.
«Pathos» I'm still....here?