L E G Λ C Y

MADHOUSE RENEGADES ➤ SECOND IN COMMAND

“—The time for subtlety is passing. Now is the time for change.”

.

xo doesn’t hear them until they’re literally behind her, keeping her from toppling over.  ‘ jin, ’  she sighs in relief. she’s glad to know the possibility of the renegades being close by, whether it meant fighting the hunters and sentinels head on or playing a line of defense it was reassuring that for this moment here, she wasn’t the only one trying to do their part to save the night monster. 

‘ it’ll — it’ll be some time to get back, ’  she rushes out thinking. someone’s life is on the line, possibly others and who knows how long it might take for her to get back to her lonesome abode and boot everything up. xiomara’s gaze flickers around.  ‘ i could do it here. ’  her lips press into a thin line. 

‘ if you know where i can find a computer that’s connected to the internet i can hack into the cams and comms through back channels. ’  she looks back at them,  ‘ i assume you’re not above breaking and entering ? ’ 

Xo’s request sends Jin’s clockwork mind into overdrive, eyes searching and scanning for any possible alternatives that might work for them on short notice. Anything can be hacked, they know that. So their only problem is ensuring Xo has enough time and privacy to do what she does best. 

“The library is a few blocks away. You’ll be able to find a room to use there but the cybercafé is nearer. It’ll be most likely be stuffed with custo—”  They stop listing off locations in their head even as they swim against the wave of people, leading their friend toward a less crowded alleyway beside a parking space for motorcycles.

Jin can be devious when they want to be and right now, they have all the reasons they need to justify employing not-so-honest means because when they settle on a goal, they’ll do whatever it takes to get it done. Eyes flashing paired with the grin on their face, Xo will have to have been blind to not see the idea forming behind Jin’s hazel hues. They are going to steal a bike. 

I G A R A S H I JIN ➤ t a s m a n i a n devil

Astrid had victoriously thought she scored by her selection of hiding places. She had wholly believed that nobody would ever bother checking the toilets at a time like this. She had double checked that nobody else was present before deciding to settle down in the space. She knew there was also a small window, a perfect alternative route to escaping if necessary. But for now, she was content keeping her head low where she did. 

Who knew squatting in a toilet stall could get so boring? At first she had twiddled her thumbs, telling herself it would be better not to check the news. But it wasn’t long before the silence of her own mind was starting to drive her insane and so she caved. She was in the midst of scrolling, admiring the newest racing suit - hell, it was discounted too. Just as she was about to press the purchase button, the stall was rudely open. 

Her eyes met the stranger and rather than being embarrassed, all that she returned was a scowl. “What do you mean ‘what the actual fuck?’ Didn’t anyone ever teach you to knock. If you were here a moment sooner I would’ve been pissing and that would have been awkward,” a smooth lie that fell from her tongue. This wasn’t the first time Astrid had to pull a stint like this. Rather, this reminded her of the time when she was being chased by a gaggle of fans and had no choice but to hide within the bathroom until her manager showed up to the rescue. 

“If you need to take a leak, the other stalls are available last I checked,” she said nonchalantly standing up, stretching her limbs as she looked at her phone once more. “Say, black or white?” She couldn’t decide between the models, maybe the stranger could be of help. 

Jin takes a second to process the situation they had gravely misjudged. God, this is not the monster the sentinels are looking for since already half the country knew of her fall from grace and how she fucked up so royally in public. They had wondered what happened to her once the tabloids and even Xian’s pieces about the illustrious Astrid V. Kuo had ceased. Turns out she’s just living her best life—given the circumstances. 

“You’re lucky it’s me and not a sentinel. The district is crawling with them. You know they won’t differentiate which monsters they catch tonight, right? And don’t lie to me... I know you weren’t pissing.” Jin doesn’t bother explaining to her how they would know because that would make things awkward. Instead they turn around, allowing the celebrity has-been the space she needs to to exit the stall.

What do they do now? The other person occupying the room with them is definitely gifted, at least according to the gossip surrounding her sudden plummet from stardom. In any case, it would be wrong of them to just leave her here and not at least help her to safety in some way. But— “What?” So lost in their thoughts, they didn’t catch what Astrid had said but the sight of her holding up her phone to them is clue enough. There are no words to express just how...greatly surprised they are at their own rotten luck tonight that they go along with the racer if only to gain a moment’s respite. “Err...black.” 

It’s not like we ever meet. They were right - it’s been five years since they’ve last met; and they were both equally to blame for the distance. He wanted to respond to the light jab, to the cynicism lacing those words, but he didn’t really know what to say, without appearing like he’s just running around in circles - it would do nothing to get them even by a smidgen close to, perhaps, mending their bond; if it still could be mended.

He watched them chuckle, the sound ebbing away to something which sounded a lot like bitterness; he understood that. Perhaps they, too, had remembered fragments of their shared past, their connection, which still haunted him whenever he’d say a phrase or do a mindless little chore that would remind him of them - he’d remembered all of their soft, goodhearted jabs, teasing words and loud laughs; but that had been decades ago, when they’ve both been pure and innocent to the world around them. Ten years ago things started to shift for the worse, but they’ve still been close and had that unbreakable sibling bond… but, five years later proved that even the bonds of steel could break, if they’ve been frozen by rage and resentment. He could only hope ( at this point going beyond hope ) that it wasn’t too shattered to be completely immune to any attempt at mending it.

Their words caught Xian’s attention, shaking him from the memories which threatened to pull him way too deep in his bitterness and regret. He frowned, something akin to confusion taking over his expression ( he dared not to hope. dared not to giddy up when they could’ve uttered those words without thinking, without really considering what those words meant. ). But, rather than staying silent, he tapped into the, almost barren, reservoir of his bravery and asked; “Does that mean you won’t oppose to seeing me again, Jin? Have another drink with me, one of these days?” A short pause, before he cast another careful gaze behind both their backs, to assure himself that no one is watching them - or listening in. But, Jin clinked their glass against his and he found himself returning the gesture on an instinct he only possessed around them, uttering a soft ‘cheers’ in return.

Xian took a sip of the drink and setting the glass down, his gaze returned to his friend’s. “Jin, don’t get my caution wrong. It’s not… I’m not refusing anything. But, I am not accepting it either. Not here. You – “ he paused, taking a moment to collect himself, collect his thoughts and take a bracing breath; “These years have been… difficult. Extremely. Not just for me. But, I don’t want to talk about it here. You never know who might be listening and there are way too many things at stake for me to be careless. And I’m sure it’s not easy for you either.”

“Never say never, right?” While there still remains an envelope of bitter indignation over their heart, they will not deny Xian a second time. They will not be so quick as to declare him dead again in their eyes with even so little still left to be mended ( because it is worth mending, isn’t it? ). They think of Ryo’s altruistic nature and how he would have wanted them to reconcile, or at least try to, and Jin can almost see a happier future as a result of that. But happiness in Ilbern is short-lived and sometimes ill-fated because to have something worth keeping means there is always a price to pay. The city gives and the city claims its dues. A difficult lesson learnt once is always learnt a thousand folds over.

After a long sip, Jin puts down their glass diagonally across Xian’s own gin and listens to him as he starts to make some things clear. They are hard to take in considering the fact that with each word, Jin feels like Xian is slipping away again, turning to the easy way out. They can’t blame him for wanting to because sometimes staying safe is the smart thing to do, but how smart is it to sell your soul to the devil? 

They start to shake their head as they feel a rejoinder coming on. “It’s been difficult for all of us. So, I don’t expect an answer now. Or actually, even at all. At least not with words—” for all they’re worth coming from you, they want to add but didn’t knowing it would be an unnecessary hit below the belt. Being civil isn’t lost on them despite the distance half a decade has forced between them and their old friend.

date : November 13th, Friday, 2180.

time : evening, an hour after the siren

location : streets surrounding sinner’s district

tagging: @therencgade​

Where is everyone?

Charles assumed the question had gone mostly unanswered when it was posed again and he put in his location. Jin deserved respect, but he understood the fear of the others— no one wanted to be caught by the sentinel, no one was really looking for a fight tonight. He paced in the shadows near the store that he’d said he would wait, feeling irate by the distance that was being put between him in his chase as he stayed static. Part of him was thankful that Jin would be by his side soon, his abilities made the hunt difficult— he had no tracking skills, no training or assistance, save for the charm that Kaz had made him. Jin would be able to find them, the night monster, perhaps that would be enough. He liked the voracity from their second in the command and saw traits in them that he missed in those he’d buried back home. If anything, he was glad that they had accepted him into the heart of the Renegades.

He saw Jin before they saw him, and he lifted a hand, palm up to beckon them closer. When in earshot, he finally spoke. “Long commute? Took you a while to get up here.” His half quirked grin indicated that he was just kidding— “Did you hear from anyone else? Did they catch it yet?”

~

"It was like walking through Wasp’s lab coming up here.” Jin greets them with a grin and a short account of their trek up from farther south of the district. Their ears are alert in case they need to make a quick escape but having Charles at their side alleviates some of their worries for the moment. “The only updates I’ve gotten from HQ is that all movement seem to be headed toward the center of the district. Not sure how much we should bet on that since there hasn’t been any sighting of the Night Monster on any of our cameras.” Jin had been banking on Xo to infiltrate all the security footage in the district but she’s taking longer than expected. Fears start creeping in but they keep it from shining through their eyes. "From what I can tell, bots are stationed every other avenue, so if we’re lucky, we’ll be able to miss them altogether when we move.”

“But they’ve brought out the flying patrols, too. The bad ones.” As proof, Jin pulls out the phone in their pocket and shows Charles the picture they had snapped earlier of the worst kind of sentinels—the ones with the metal tentacles for hooking onto their scans. If looks could kill, right? “If the task force isn’t playing games, then neither should we. Roya’s on the way. She said she’d make it.” They knew she wouldn’t have if Jin hadn’t insisted she come or that she’d have a lower chance of living through this alone. Luck has gotten her very far, but even her talismans can’t help if a sentinel did catch her. Can it?

The veil of her hood had obscured her vision, fingers pulling it down as the voice of a friend trilled through her ears. “Jin.” A small pang of guilt touched her heart as if she had just been caught passing notes in a classroom. Sukja had been far too occupied with curiosity to receive the text from the person that stood beside her, but she could predict their intent without it. Save the monster, and while the maggot’s end would be the same, the means differed greatly. She slithered through the streets tonight as neither knight nor noble, but rather a purely selfish hunter. While they were on a more righteous path. This is what caused the subtle strife within her. After all, Jin had given Sukja a means to an end years ago when she had stumbled from royal gardens into the gruesome realities of the world. Join the Madhouse Renegade, see the Emperor fall. 

If that had been the extent of their relationship, perhaps Sukja could face them with the same mock professionalism she paid the other renegades. Actuality, on the other hand, combated her instincts. Tangled together in bedsheets rather than just war strategies, Sukja had developed a reservoir of emotions that felt impossible to psychoanalyze. Of course, that fondness and respect sprouted overdue. Blinded by egocentric experimentation, she had destroyed any semblance of a foundation with manipulation and lies; and exposed her own distasteful nature when her trials had given her the results she sought. Some may describe this as plain immaturity, but that would imply Sukja had evolved from this behavior. 

 It was months later that she realized something had flowed over from the controlled, like a tiny red thread tying them together. No longer goal-orientated, she could see Jin as they were. Strong. Powerful. Their human nature shining through the dark underbelly of Ilbern. The maggot felt no remorse for what she had done, but a thought tickled in the back of her mind during those months. Maybe if she did have the opportunity, she would have changed things. She wasn’t incapable of love, or embellish something close to it, but putting anyone other than herself first was next to nearly impossible. 

Still, the years had only refined her respect for Jin. To her, the elegance of leadership radiated naturally from the other, and suddenly, she felt grateful for their encounter. Though swift, Sukja was far from a frontline warrior and their presence made her feel much better about avoiding the sentinel’s detection.  “I was hoping you’d have that answer.” She whispered still backed further into the darkness as they had instructed. “Have you not heard anything from the higher-ups? Surveillance footage?”

~

There was a time in their life where some semblance of peace was found in her arms. When everything else was too loud for them to focus on anything at all, Sukja had been an invisible anchor to Jin for moments when they felt far too light for the world they lived in, with death and destruction becoming denser each time they turned around. It had been her laughter that had them disregarding the shake in their voice, that had them settling in with something warm blooming in their chest matching the mood from the glow of flashing neon filtering through the curtains into a darkened room. 

Jin never had any expectations going into it. Their advances had been impulsive at best, foolish at worse. But what had started out as friendly conversations had deepened with each meeting, and Jin had allowed each of her responses to wash over them, had felt the weight of her words sink into their skin under her fingertips and the pressing of her lips at their neck. It had been pure imagination to think that she had the power to melt them from the inside out and would ultimately choose not to. But once they had felt the fitfulness of their dependency on her growing far too steadily even for their own liking, even heard it echoing in their hellos and goodbyes, they had quietly wondered if she had known it too, that if that had been the moment she had decided to push them away with the truth. 

And under the weight of her deception, their infatuation cracked. 

Perhaps that been the key to clearing the haze from their eye because even though they had never held it against her—why would they when they were both still so young and curious?—it had stung. “Well, it was fun while it lasted.” The affection they had held for her, however, did not wane but instead turned into something even Jin did not expect—a kind of quiet approval. She had known exactly what she wanted and went for it. Though, as they had voiced to her, they wished it had at least not been at their expense. But...it was a insignificant bump far smaller than the ones they’ve already overcome in life. 

It was difficult - extremely difficult - poking at old wounds, poking resentments and dragging out the memories to the surface; memories that still haunted him. In the past four years, he would often remember it, wishing he could’ve chosen a different path - but, where Jin and their family had been proud of their roots and carnage that followed it, he… he didn’t like any sort of violence and he found it uncivilised and unnecessary. People could get more things done by talking and listening to each other - but he had long since stopped being so idealistic, so naive. People rarely talked or listened - they ordered and they threatened, and in such a world, having a choice was a luxury - and an illusion. He had found that self-preservation was the safest way to go through life, keeping his head down as much as he could given the circumstances.·

His attention was diverted back to his friend, when they spoke again, and his features marred with a soft frown. So, they came looking for him, but they didn’t see his parents. Perhaps that was for the best - he wondered if his parents would put up a front, pretend everything was just fine, which would in turn further spark their fury, or if they would relent and let Jin know just how… bad everything was. He didn’t really know which option he preferred, so he didn’t feel like he should comment on it.

Yes, things were complicated, and yes, they will always be complicated. He got himself, his family, tangled in a mess he couldn’t really see a way out of. It was… terrifying, to be fair. And it was a horrible way to live - always looking behind his shoulder, always double checking everything and everyone in his immediate presence. He was tired of it, tired of never having just one goddamn minute to rest, to relax. He doesn’t believe he will ever again have a chance to take it easy. Their muttered “I’m sorry“ barely did anything to reassure him - coaxing nothing more than a soft frown on his face.

Yet, when Jin spoke again, he felt himself freeze. A dreadfully familiar sense of deja vu washed over him, and for a moment he was propelled five years back into the past; two friends - no, two siblings - spraying each other with enough venom to melt down the world. If he was starting to relax a little ( something that had always come so naturally in Jin’s presence ), now he felt his muscles tensing up again. “Must we do this now, Jin? Here?” His voice was a quiet whisper, his dark gaze careful as it slid from his friend’s face and into the crowd behind them, around them - any one of them could be his spy, any one of them could be listening in. But, he’d already decided - he’d decided almost a year ago that enough was enough, that things aren’t going to get any better, and that everything can only get progressively more worse.

He was looking for a way out - and maybe this was it.

“Must we do this now, Jin? Here?” Already they feel their small moment for sentimentality diminishing, replaced by the acute reality of present circumstances. “Why? It’s not like we ever meet.” Their syllables are laced with a cynical kind of humour punctuated by a dull chuckle rarely ever expressed in his company.

When Jin used to tease or joke around with Xian, it would be accompanied by a brand of cheer and taunting that only people as close as siblings could dispense. He along with Jin’s youngest brother, Ryo, would promptly always be on the receiving end of their goading which would normally result in Jin having to teach Ryo the meaning of watching his six in rough, boisterous plays. While Xian had looked on, they would tumble in faux fist fights and Jin, being the eldest and still the strongest of them all, would come out victorious. They had known that one day, their brothers and likely even Xian, would come into their own and be able to get the better of them. And Jin would have been proud to have them at their side when they themself stepped into their own power at Madhouse. But that day would never come.

Jin’s joyless chuckle ebbs at the memory. Regretfully, play fighting had turned into real fighting in the blink of an eye.

Under the cover of darkness, Jin is the image of a Madhouse Renegade on the hunt for blood. But the truth is far from the devious portrait of dangerous rebel. In Jin’s eyes, they were doing good for the people, fighting for what’s right and for the amendments to the state that the government must implement. And one of those things on the top of their list of ameliorations to the human condition is the right to live, both humans and night monsters. 

It is with that thought that Jin stalks even the laneways of Sinner’s District using their keen sense of hearing to lead them on or hide when necessary. They look at the time and see that hours have passed and sunrise is just that much closer. They cannot—will not relent, especially not now as they catch sight of a broken light pole. An indication that the stray night monster is close, they hope against all hope.

But there is no other trail they can follow at the feet of the pole. Still, just as they decide to move on, they hear a dissonant sound coming from the restrooms nearby, a brassy noise like someone hitting a door. Jin’s eyes light at the thought of finally finding them, finally calling the race as they enter the small structure. “Hello?” they call out, hastily opening each stall until they hit one with a woman squatting over a toilet scrolling through her phone. “What the actual fuck?!”

He didn’t think they could fathom just how much he’s changed - just like he had wondered about all the changes and hardships they’ve been through in the past five years. He always knew why they turned to resenting him - but, how does he begin to explain that choice was a luxury given to him only once; and that he thought he could keep those he loves safe if he follows the rivers, rather than swims against the current. He thought everyone he cared about would be unharmed and that they could all live out their lives as… undisturbed as they all could. He was an idiot. He realised that way too late - but still sooner than he should have ( if he continued to be a fool, if he had only been less dedicated to details and layers, then maybe there wouldn’t be a price on his family’s head. maybe he’d really be true to his words in keeping them all safe - but, that had never really been an option, had it? they were never honest, their smiles never true or real - he fell headfirst into the Emperor’s trap, doing exactly what his family tried all their lives to avoid - but, once they came and asked, did he really have a choice to say no? do you think they’d let him off with an :·“aw, pity. good day” never to return again, or would that night have had a more sinister· ending? ). “We have.” He found his voice after a moment, their words shaking him from the mud his mind dragged him into.

Xian watched them down one shot after another, and a soft frown settled between his brows - he almost asked them to slow down, so naturally and easily falling into the big brother role he used to occupy, despite being younger than them. But, his jaw clicked shut, muscles strained by the effort to keep his mouth shut - yet, there was something akin to concern taking over his features, the soft frown remaining firmly on his face. Jin spoke again and his frown deepened. They were right - to an extent. The Emperor already knew the connection between them; he would’ve hardly been surprised if they kept seeing each other. Maybe the falling out was better - that way the Emperor didn’t feel like he needed to threaten Jin’s life to keep him nicely reined in. “It’s not mine, either.” He quietly added, his finger tracing the rim of the glass, before he took a hefty sip from it - the gin burned, but it was a pleasant sort of fire, the one he grew far too accustomed to lately.

Jin paused, but he felt like they were far from being done talking - so he kept quiet, dark gaze fixed upon the person he called sibling his entire life. He never really stopped thinking of them that way - not even in the last five years; he’d often think of them, to be fair. He wondered where and how they were, if they’re happy and safe. But, when they spoke again, it wasn’t something he expected to ever hear from them - and his heart lept in his throat. It took Xian a moment to swallow it down again and find his words. “You - didn’t my parents tell you where I live?” His frown deepened, but then he found himself adding; “I wanted to look for you, too. But, things have been… complicated.” Xian sighed, his gaze lingering on his friend’s face, before he relented, his voice barely louder than a whisper. “You were right.”

It had been months after their final argument when Jin resolved to making a trip to their friend’s house, remorse gnawing at their heels.

Before that, it had been ugly—Jin had yelled through angry, heavy drops of tears and Xian... They’d seen the same anguish reflected in his eyes but it hadn’t been enough to stop him from doing what he had to. It’s complicated, they remember him saying but it was something they did not want to hear. So, in retaliation and desperation Jin had replied in earnest what they now have come to regret and know will forever leave a stain on their friendship. If you join them, you’re dead to me. 

And indeed he had been dead to Jin for half a decade, only to face Xian’s ghost in the form of printed words in fine, black strokes. The reality of seeing Xian’s name printed under the articles in any way or form commending propaganda against the poor and oppressed had always left a numbing sort of aftertaste in their mouth. No matter... They had long since stopped reading his column.

As they lift their gaze back up to Xian’s frowning face, they recall with a shake of their head. “No, I didn’t talk to them.” They had figured if he wanted them to know, he’d have left some sort of message. But it had been a fool’s hope in retrospect. Their paths diverged so strikingly that no small gestures would have been enough to stop them in their respective missions. Jin had been 28 then, already primed to be a commander of the Madhouse Renegades. They couldn’t let down the cause nor the people who depended on them. As a result, they had decided to let sleeping dogs lie.

“It’s complicated, Xian. It will always be complicated.” Jin says it almost through gritted teeth. Angry at his friend, angry at the state of the empire—just...angry. But hearing Xian’s tell-tale sigh, something in Jin crumbles. You were right. Jin never wanted to be right when right meant the worse possible outcome. It was too late for anything else to be done. If they could, they’d turn back time and try harder. Do better. But they can’t.

location/time: million’s square, minutes after the announcement status: open

sirens never sounded louder than in the night. the warning echoes in the streets, bouncing off the walls and vibrating within the trails of people spending the evening out. as the patrons in the bar fall silent with the announcement, xiomara among them, she thinks deeply about what it really means. the sentinels are on the hunt and a monster — a person — is in danger. 

once the recording fades, the bar keep motions to lock the doors but not before xo springs up and shoves out into the street. the bar keep yells after her but doesn’t pull her back to safety. she doesn’t offer much of an explanation, only focused on making it across the district and back into the tunnels so she could go monitor the security cameras. the renegades need to get the the night monster first. 

luckily she’s not the only one scrambling in the square, many trying to rush into various buildings for shelter and bumping into one another. she stops at an intersection as a sentinel passes overhead and tries to map out a way to get home without getting caught. a force pushes her forward to get past and causes her to slam against someone else in the process.  ‘ fuck, ’  she gasps,  ‘ sorry, are you alright ? ’ 

As luck would have it, just as Jin exits the pub they were in, they catch sight of one of their own on their way out to the streets across the lane. In the face of the klaxons’ harsh sound still intermittently ringing overhead and the babel of voices, Jin calls out to her. “Xo!” But it’s obvious she doesn’t hear them. There’s no use trying to get her attention from where they stand, so they push through the throng of people towards the hacker.

But before they could even catch her attention, she slams into them hard. At least, that was one way to get her to notice them. “Xo,” they say again, putting their hands on either side of her as a means to steady both herself and them. “I’m fine, I’m fine. But I need you to get back to the station and get eyes on them.” There is no question in who Jin is referring to and their voice carries the weigh of this duty as one would imagine. Time is of the essence and it’s a race to the clock on who gets there first.

So, they were still pissed.

He wasn’t really surprised, but he had to admit that it… stung a little. Frowning, Xian moved his hand from the papers, nervously intertwining his fingers in front of him -· a nervous habit he’s had since he was a child; he didn’t doubt they’d notice it. Their words were quiet, but he had a vague idea of what they intended to say and he found himself tensing up again. If only they knew how the pretty words were far from his. “It’s nothing personal, Jin. A habit I’ve developed in the last four years.” The habit you wouldn’t know of, since you were never here - he nearly added, but he didn’t feel like pouring oil to the fire, and that’s exactly what would’ve happened had he commented upon it.

The bartender takes their order and a heavy silence falls between the two friends - it seemed a like a lifetime ago, when things were simpler. When he was young, and naive, and idealistic… innocent. Now, he reckoned he was one more threat away from letting in the rot to consume him. Maybe it was cowardice, maybe it was fear and the desire to protect those he loved the most - and once he counted Jin in, without blinking. But, four years is a very long time when your parents’ ( and your own ) heads are on the line. How much did they change? And how much did he?

The bartender returned with their drinks, setting them in front of Xian and Jin, and promptly moved. When they spoke again, Xian couldn’t stop a bitter laugh from escaping his lips. “I’m not the only one to blame for this distance between us. You’ve kept yours as well.” He reasoned, though he knew well enough there’s never any reason when anger and resentment are in the play - and he didn’t doubt they’ve had a lot of those for him. “Didn’t think you ever wanted to see me again after our last conversation.”

When it comes down to the two of them, for some reason everything seems personal to Jin. They had treated Xian like family for more than a decade and when their own siblings were killed, they had leaned even more on him. They never could have taken a case against the Emperor for the murders, even Saint Reaper had claimed his hands were tied. But Jin knew in their gut that all of it had to have been the work of Asahide. And when Xian agreed to write for the papers in the empire’s favour… It had felt like a sucker punch to their entire being. So, no... None of it is water under the bridge.

Still, some faint familial tie prevents Jin from spilling vitriol that would no doubt erase any attachment or friendship they yet have. The situation remains tense, however, despite the small, almost humourless smile creeping over their features. “How we’ve changed then, Xian,” they drawl and quieten. There was more to be said, wasn’t there? More of how have you been, and I still remember when we used to... But those inquiries fail to fall off their woe laden tongue. Because now when they take in the frame and contours of the other’s face, they realise just how much of a difference the past five years have made. Xian looks like a person who Jin no longer recognizes but at the same time, seeing him brings on a surreal sense of nostalgia, a feeling saturated by the designs of youth. But they’re both far from being kids now. 

When the drinks arrive, Jin reaches out for a shot glass of amber liquid and knocks it back without ceremony. The burn down their throat is a welcome start to their pissing contest over who got to be more hurt. “Well, you know my predicament. Our affiliations have nicely prevented me from visiting you at your apartment for tea. Perhaps for the best. Tea hasn’t been my drink of choice for a while.” With that, Jin holds up the second shot glass in salute and tosses off in one quick swallow. Maybe a bad decision, but whatever.

There is some truth in what Xian said, though. For a time, Jin had wanted nothing to do with him. They had been abandoned for the one thing that had caused them so much grief and that’s something Jin had never quite forgotten the taste of. But regret had laid a poignant hand on them and by the time they returned to salvage what little they could, Xian had moved away into a realm that Jin had wanted no part of. Fear had held them back more than ego ever could. 

“Neither did I.” And for the second time that night, Jin falls quiet. This time not out of any awkwardness in the air but from the confession they feel ready to leap off their lips. “You know—” they start hesitantly. “I went back...” their hazel eyes dip down to the empty glass, almost glazed over as if conjuring up an image of the past. “To your house, I mean. But you had already gone.”

001 Chase;; Open

date: 2180.13.11 Friday

location: dark corner of Million’s Square

time: 37 mins after the sirens

with: open to all

Blood drenched her hands but as the sirens rang loudly, her heart sunk. Not out of fear, or surprise but out of rage. These rituals, so few and far between were what brought a sliver of joy to an otherwise boring and monogamous guise within the church. Her hands soaked in the blood of whatever they had sacrificed that week, stealing its life source only to allow it to drain into the metal technology hovering above a soon to be a high priestess. The source meant to give power to decay as sludge and crimson dripped slowly onto the belly of a girl. This was the induction, the rise in ranks, but the sirens interrupted just as Sukja set her hands in to soak.

The siren had clearly startled her followers but Sukja ripped her hands away from the bowl of liquid and wiped them clean on her white cloak. Anger hissed through her lips. “Clean up. Now. Then go open the doors, let anyone seeking sanctuary in. Those daft robots act as if everyone has a place to call home.” She shed her cloak; her hands now only slightly stained. “Ring the church bells, let the people know we are a safe place for them. The Black Sun will protect.” She looked at the stunned faces, this hadn’t happened before, but one of her followers had luckily seen the issue possibly arising and they had made a contingency plan. “I said go.”

They hurried, they scuttled. The doors opened and lowlifes came in. Sukja on the other hand adorned a darker cloak and spun into the streets. Was she running towards danger or a thrill of excitement? No, that was too simple. The sirens were clear. A monster was on the loose. A toy to play with in front of the church, an ally to collude against the emperor. Whatever the outcome, she wanted to witness it.

Sukja easily swayed through the darkest alleys of Million’s Square. They had become so familiar to her, even more so than the gardens and courts of her childhood manor. Any scared face she passed; she rested a light hand on their shoulder. “The Black Sun. You’ll be safe there for now.”

She dared not get too close to a Sentinel, this wasn’t worth an accidental scan, but she pulled at shirt collars of citizens who headed straight into their path. Offense was never her strong suit, and her powers were no use in a quick attack. She hid in the darkness behind a gambling house as a Sentinel flew overhead, only reappearing when it was clear. She felt as if their heavy presence meant the monster had been heading in this direction.

The urge to find it grew stronger. The visions of its power danced in her head, this was her simple game of cat and mouse. The anger of interrupting her ritual had long since stifled. She faded past another street corner, her back slamming against the wall near a pile of junk just as another robot flitted through the streets. She turned to whatever soul was nearby, accessing whether or not they were a friend or foe with their face hidden in the dark. Words are chosen carefully as to not enact danger onto her followers already stowed away in the church. “The Black Sun is looking for its patrons, those who seek shelter from the monsters that roam the streets. Go.” 

~

When the sirens blared the first time, Jin had been with Xian at the pub still deep in their conversation going nowhere. But as soon as they were given the warnings, they had made up their mind about what to do next. They were going to try and locate the escaped Night Monster and rescue them if they can—no, they must. Because if not them, if not the Madhouse Renegades, then who? Within minutes of the hunt commencing, Jin had sent out a text to their circle; Minimize damage. Save them if you can. Kill only if you must. And they left Xian and the security of the bar with only a backward glance and a nod imbued with one farewell—stay safe. And that was that.

Outside, Jin moved against the flow of pedestrians hoping it would better lead them to their target. At first, each turn and alley was saturated with whimpers and cries for help, people clamoring to get into the nearest open store or unit they could to avoid suffering the fury of the Emperor’s sentinels. But after a while, the tumult dulled down to the occasional sounds of people darting across street corners to find their own shelters for the night. Within a half hour, it suddenly felt as if the whole district had been fully evacuated. Windows were closed and doors were all shut. Anyone who were locked outside had no choice but to flee farther down the streets, away from Millions Square. 

Sweat was starting to bead on their forehead and the back of their neck when they entered a darken pathway away from the metal golems now inspecting the avenues. Easily, they use their heightened auditory powers to stay a safe distance from any flying sentinels while still making their way towards the center of the district until a voice catches their attention from around the next corner.

“The Black Sun. You’ll be safe there for now.” They know that lilt anywhere.

Hearing her footsteps grow louder in their direction, Jin waits in the dark to catch Sukja passing by knowing full well that she would also be on the same hunt as they are. Once reunited, she speaks not knowing it was them. Jin whispers back. “I’ve been to the Black Sun but I’m hardly a patron.”