Ethan sat in silence as he watched Octavia leave the room, the muffled click of the door locking in to place echoed around the room.

Now alone, he couldn’t but internally kick himself for how this situation played out. He was more frustrated at himself rather than her, no he wasn’t upset Octavia at all. It was as if a new persona had taken over Ethan’s mind and made him agree to join her cause. But, why? Why didn’t he put up a fight? Why was he so open to this sudden revelation that he just talked to an ancient being who had so much power that she gave him a chance to live a normal life and he chose against that? This was all so new to him…but at the same time it was also familiar.

His eyes fell to his hands, that were bare from the glowing markings before. But it wasn’t the markings he was focused on, it was the absent shaking of his hands that he has grown used to after so many years of anxiety and PTSD from his time serving. He hasn’t been this docile since he was younger. When he was bright, friendly, and…open. That word seemed foreign to him. After so many of being closed off from society, being open…felt rejuvenating.

“Heh, never thought I could feel like this again.” He muttered to himself as he slipped out from his bed and walked to the window.

The scenery wasn’t what he was expecting, but it made his jaw drop as to how beautiful it was. It was as if he wandered into some sort of underground civilization that chose to hide in a cavern, unbeknownst to the city above. Towering structures sprouted from the ground, reaching the ceiling in various areas. Since he was able to see these towers at an equal level meant he must be in one too. Multiple landscapes scattered the floor of the city, differentiating from grass fields and barren wastelands. And at the center of it all was a large plaza where a statue of a woman stood tall.

As he took in the view, he did notice that almost everywhere was littered with multiple glowing crystals that emitted an assortment of colors. Some were even sprouting out of the sides of the ancient buildings that continued up. Following their trial, Ethan had noticed that the further he looked up, the larger and greater amount of crystals appeared until they reached a center crystal cluster that was just pure white.

As Ethan took in the bright crystal and its strange aura that somehow resonated with the energy flowing in his hands, he had failed to notice the dark-haired figure who had entered the room and lingered in the doorway, waiting to be noticed. But Ethan was still enamored by the view that the stranger grew impatient and spoke up.

“If you’re done sightseeing, change into these and follow me.” A deep and harsh voice came from the stranger, startling Ethan enough to make in turn around, only to be blinded by a set of clothes thrown at his face.

“Thank yo-…” His thanks were left on deaf ears as the door was violently shut, leaving Ethan slightly shocked.

But he could sense that this stranger did not want to waste time in escorting him home, so he quickly spread out the clothes given to him on the bed, seeing what he was supposed to wear. A white robe littered with small decals and sewing, a steel-gray undershirt, a lighter gray shirt that exposed the sides and top of the upper chest, a set of long trousers that would be tucked into the grey boots that were set near the foot of his bed. A strange ensemble of clothes what could he expect from an ancient race who doesn’t carry human clothes underground. At least they seemed comfortable enough.

It didn’t take long before he believed he had put everything on the correct way and opened the door, not wanting to let the person who would escort him home wait any longer. But it seemed that he had so say in the matter, as he finally meets the stranger face to face, recognizing those piercing red eyes from a few days ago.

It was the same man he had seen at the meeting at the city hall, who was talking with Octavia and Eris, then walking past him but not before eyeing Ethan aggressively then leaving. And here he was, doing the same thing, leaning against the wall of the hallway and glaring at Ethan with a burning passion that would rival his mother if they would somehow meet. 

Even his appearance was on par with that of the grim reaper, with an obsidian black robe was haphazardly thrown over his shoulders, revealing the gray and silver armor that gave this stranger an even more powerful aura since there were noticeable dents and scratch marks that Ethan knew were from the monsters he was told about.

Ethan was at a lost for words on what he should say or act and before he could take the chance, the stranger pushed off the wall and walk down the hallway but not before stopping a few feet away and sharply turn to him.

“ARE YOU GOING TO STAND THERE OR ARE YOU GOING TO WALK?!”

Terror couldn’t even describe the tone of voice that this man had as he shouts towards Ethan. All he could do was dash forward to catch up.

“S-sorry! I didn’t mean to make you wa-,”

“Quit apologizing and keep walking.” The man cut him off aggressively.

Ethan begrudgingly did so and followed at a safe distance to avoid the wrath of this stranger. He did catch the muttered words coming from the man as they walked

"She owes me for this..." 

'She? He must be talking about Octavia, right? She did say she would send for someone. Didn't think it would be this kind of person.'

"Um, you are the person escorting me home, right?" He had no choice but to clarify, even if he would be met a fierce glare, he still wanted to ease his worry.

"Yes." A short reply was enough to tell Ethan he should speak any further since this man was one who preferred to communicate by body language rather than words. 

And it remained quiet for a long amount of time and they both continued walking down the quiet hallway. Until it was shattered by the shrill beeping sound coming from Chase's flashing wristband. 

Lifting up his arm and tapping the flashing square twice, as if to answer a call, Octavia's voice came through.

"Chase? Are you on your way with Ethan? Father and I are waiting by the lift."

'Father? So the superior that Octavia went to see is her father? And she's related to dark and brooding here?' Ethan thought, not understand how someone bright and kind would have a brother who is the direct opposite.

"We are on our way, quit worrying." Chase quipped back, only getting a playful laugh from his sister, making him even more annoyed.

"Ok, and remember what I said before..." Octavia chastised as if reminding Chase about something he had done before.

This earned an annoyed growl from Chase, making him end the call and increase his pace, too frustrated to care if Ethan was left behind to catch up and shouting to wait, leaving burnt footsteps behind him. 

Finally, they had reached a set of double steel doors. Ethan was out of breath from practically sprinting to match Chase's pace. When he was finally in control of his breathing, he looked over to Chase, who was watching him intently with his blood-red eyes.

Red eyes...no...it can't be! Why didn't he realize sooner! It was that obvious but he never thought it would be something to consider a possibility...He had to ask...

"...You're the father of Lily and Ruby, right?"

He immediately regrets his question as he's harshly grabbed by his throat and thrown into the wall. Pain shot through his back as he gasped air, but it was difficult since Chase's hand still had a tight hold across Ethan's neck. 

Ethan's eyes shot up toward Chase, only to be met with a glowing red. If was then that Ethan remembered what he was dealing with. It was no human that he could easily reason with. This was a powerful being that had the power to end him in a flash. And if that wasn't enough, Ethan now stared in shock as Chase's hair was flickering violently in the air, the ends emitting a bright blue blaze as if it was...fire.

That's when he felt it, a creeping feeling of heat was starting to arise from where Chase's hand was, and following that was a growing burn, waiting to be unleashed. 

"If you EVER mention their names again, I will end you..." 

Ethan had no choice but to nod, in an effort to appease Chase, as he was gasping for air and had no way to speak.

Then he fell to the floor, coughing harshly and rubbing his throat as Chase heads back to the double doors meanwhile wiping his hand that held Ethan's neck as if he was offended by touching him. 

But, rather than anger him further, Ethan stood tall and regained his calm posture, pushing past his frustration for the assault and matched Chase's fierce gaze to show that he wasn't going to submit to fear and waited as Chase opened the door to wear Octavia and her father would be waiting.