He awoke with another’s forehead pressed against his, nearly letting out a scream; the figure looming over him was reminiscent of a childhood nightmare.

His new companion stepped back with a smile. “Good morning, sleeping beauty. You were out cold. Lucky for you, I’m not your enemy, you know? I could’ve taken you out while you slept.” Tossing the covers aside, she brushed her hair from her face. A smile adorned her lips.

Jaycee felt the urge to argue, yet she wasn’t wrong. Indeed, had he been back home, it’s more than likely he would have met an unexpected demise. Incarceration had dulled his sharpness and fostered negligence. Nevertheless, he somewhat resented her pointing out such a fact.

“Not much of a talker, are you? Anyway, we have to go. I’ve found some clothes for you.” Her slender fingers gestured towards the black pants and grey shirt at the bed’s edge. Despite appearing scattered, she was quite meticulous. She carefully folded the clothes, making sure they were free of any creases.

He required a moment to gather himself before leaping up, his mind foggy and eyes still unfocused.

“Don’t worry, I won’t look.”

“That’s not the issue,” he responded, exasperated. His words didn’t reach her, however, as she started humming with her head facing the other way.

The outfit fit him better than he had expected. Although the act of stealing unsettled him slightly, he couldn’t argue with the price of free clothing. With hardly a coin to his name, brooding over the details was futile.

Once dressed, they stepped outside. The sharp, yellow rays lit up the previously desolate landscape. Jaycee squinted against the brightness to protect his eyes. The city, formerly lifeless, was now teeming with energy. The streets were filled with people, both adults and children alike.

“Here,” the girl said, tossing a cloak to him. “By now, word of your escape has likely spread. We must remain as inconspicuous as possible. Put this on and follow me. There’s someone I need you to meet.”

He thought about asking her who it was, but her silhouette was already retreating into the distance. He knew that soon enough, the answer would become clear.

She guided him through the narrow spaces between buildings, weaving through crowds of people. Around them, merchants shouted to attract customers, proclaiming their bargains, as children darted about, engaged in games of tag. Suddenly, a strong wind swept up, swirling dust into the air. Jaycee tugged his hood lower over his forehead.

He attempted to remain inconspicuous, yet occasionally his gaze would drift. The flowers throughout the city were plentiful, showcasing a spectrum of hues, their splendor unparalleled in any other location. Fioma, a city graced with a breathtaking beauty that was the envy of the world, had become a land accessible only to the affluent who could afford life in the world above.

Shortly thereafter, they reached a clearly neglected building. The rusted sign pinned into the ground was barely discernible, yet the inscription ‘weapon shop’ could still be made out.

His companion dashed toward a man who was leaning against the building’s side.

“Hey! Leon!”

The man’s stare swept over them. He wore a standard military outfit adorned with various badges bound to the front. A warning echoed in Jaycee’s mind, and he understood there was a reason he could so easily escape his confinement. It should have been obvious they had insiders. How else could they have orchestrated his jailbreak with such ease?

“You’re late, Kyla,” he remarked. Leon’s gaze remained fixed past her shoulder on Jaycee. “The plans have changed. I’ll be accompanying you.”

“What? Why? I can manage this on my own. You’ll just be in the way.”

Jaycee felt like an outsider, even though they were the ones helping with his escape. What a disaster.

“Whatever.” The brat, who was now called Kyla, sulked with her arms crossed and eyebrows knitted together.

“It was his decision. No arguing.” Leon finally turned to acknowledge Jaycee. “And you, Sicarii. Come on, let’s go.”

The sound of that nickname struck him like a blow to the stomach. It was clear they knew his true identity. Why had he thought it would be different? Perhaps it was just wishful thinking. After all, one cannot escape their past.

“Finally, time to sneak on an airship. World below, here we come!” Kyla grinned with excitement.

Jaycee could only nod and follow, his stomach rolling with anxiety. He was uncertain which was more daunting: the prospect of a prolonged prison stay or confronting his inner demons.