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crystalninjaphoenix · 3 months ago

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Safe For Now

A JSE Fanfic

SepticHeroes AU: Part 36

First Part | Previous Part | Read on AO3 at CrystalNinjaPhoenix

This came out a bit longer than intended... it's 7k words. What can I say? For some reasons Septic Heroes just flows for me. Jameson has been rescued, and Jackie needs to pretend that he doesn't know that happened. He also decides to help out Chase, who's struggling with the knowledge of his past and what he should do with it. Meanwhile, JJ settles down into the safe house. You could count this chapter as the beginning of the next "arc" in the story... and boy am I excited for what's to come :3c Enjoy!

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Bring bring! Bring bring! Jackie woke up to the sound of the Red Line ringing. If he had a nickel for every time this happened... but this wasn’t the time to grumble about that. He suspected what this call was going to be about. The League had reported the breakout, processed it, and was now alerting him, since he was the main Hero who’d dealt with the Puppeteer.

Alright. He’d better stay calm. He’d better make sure he seems unaware. Taking a deep breath, Jackie sat up and grabbed the Red Line, answering the call. “Hello?”

“Windstorm! I—Jackie!” That wasn’t Magnify’s voice. He expected a call from his handler, but instead, it was from someone else. Lorelai. “Did you know—Do you—There was a—”

“Lorelai?! Hey, hey, c-calm down,” Jackie said. “Is there a problem? Do you need help?”

“I’m fine,” she said. “More importantly, did you get the memo?”

“The memo? No.”

“We’re not supposed to talk about it, but... there was a breakout.” Lorelai whispered that last part, as if afraid she would be overheard. “From Byrthon Vault, of all places.”

“What?” Jackie gasped—perhaps too quietly in proportion for how bad this news would be to any Hero.

Lorelai didn’t notice, though. “I-I know! And two villains escaped. The Puppeteer and Pathos. R-reports said that this Specter villain probably helped them break out, and maybe that Cat villain who almost assassinated me?”

Oh shit they knew everything. “That’s an... interesting combination,” Jackie said slowly.

“Yeah! I-I know that you’re probably going to get a call from Magnify any minute, but I wanted to check on you first. These villains... they’re all from Daindover, o-or the nearby area, in the Specter’s case. They might be coming for you.”

“I... Yeah, I-I realized that.” Jackie didn’t want to say too much. Maybe it was paranoid of him, but he looked at his phone lying on his dresser next to where the Red Line usually sat, and didn’t want to risk Anti-Virus hearing anything.

“Look, if you need any help with any of these guys, let me know, okay?” Lorelai said. “I’ve gone back to Evoritch, but it’s not too far from Daindover. I can get there really quickly, especially if I use the helicopter.”

Jackie laughed a little. “Do you just... have access to a helicopter casually?”

“For a bit longer. The League is just storing it nearby. They tend to let choppers and jets sit in different cities for a couple months.”

“Interesting... I do remember seeing small planes with the League of Heroes logo flying around when I was younger.” Jackie nodded to himself. “I thought that there might’ve been some special thing happening. Or that they were for Moonstone or something.”

“I mean, I guess they could’ve been? Maybe while she was still living there but still had national Hero status. She’d have needed them to get around to far away problems.” Lorelai hummed thoughtfully. “Anyway. The point is, if you need help, let me know, okay?”

“I will,” Jackie said. “I-I’m sure I can handle this... But thanks.”

“No problem. Call me whenever. Bye.”

“Bye.”

No sooner had Jackie hung up than the Red Line started ringing again. He sighed, and picked up the call. “Hey Magnify. I think I know what you’re going to tell me but you go first...”

One call later, Jackie was fully awake. He glanced at the time on the Red Line. It was noon. He’d slept pretty late—but then again, he’d been up pretty late last night, spending some time with Chase, and then unable to sleep afterwards from his nerves about what was going to happen next, now that JJ was out.

... and apparently Pathos, too, wait a minute! Chase hadn’t mentioned that last night! How and why did Schneep and Marvin decide to break out a crime lord?!

Jackie shook his head. Well, he couldn’t ask Chase now. He knew Chase’s schedule, and he should be at work right now. Maybe he could text him, but he wanted to get ready for the day first. He should probably go out on patrol today... he hadn’t gone out in a while, and people would start to get worried about where their Hero had disappeared to. Not to mention that would be expected, for a Hero to be more active after villains broke out from prison. He had to keep up the appearance that he wasn’t involved so the League wouldn’t get suspicious.

He thought about all this as he went about his morning routine: getting breakfast (cereal), taking a shower, and getting dressed. And then, as he left his room to go back to the living room, planning to check the local TV news before leaving, he heard a “Jackie?”

“Ohholyfuck!” Jackie jumped in surprise, launching himself up into the air, pressing his back against the ceiling. Then he got over his surprise and casually floated back down, pretending he hadn’t done that. “Chase?” He knocked on Chase’s bedroom door. “I didn’t realize you were home. I thought you had work.”

“Yeah, I called in sick,” Chase said. “I... didn’t want to go.”

“Oh.” Jackie was quiet for a minute. “Can I come in? Do you want to talk?”

“Yeah, you can come in. Dunno what I’d talk about but... I’d like to try.”

Jackie opened up the door and walked in. Chase was lying in bed, still in his pajamas. Frosty was laying next to (and partially on top of) him, a cloud of white fur with two big dark eyes. Jackie said nothing, just walked in and sat down in the desk chair. “So... you’re still thinking about the family thing, I’m guessing?” he said.

Chase laughed. “Do you expect me to just stop thinking about that after one night?”

“No. Of course not.” Jackie shook his head. “I just... Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.” Chase rolled over, lying on his back instead of his side, lifting Frosty up so he could move before letting him go. Frosty was totally unbothered by this, gently lying his head on Chase’s chest. “I just... I-I... Thank you for what you said last night. Really. But... I still can’t help but wonder why they haven’t tried to contact me in any way. Maybe Anti-Virus was involved somehow, I-I don’t know. But... I think that if they really cared, they’d try.”

“You don’t know that,” Jackie said quietly. “Maybe they just... didn’t have the time or money or something.”

“Yeah, that’s true.” Chase nodded. “Good point.”

“Do you... really think Anti-Virus is involved?” Jackie asked quietly.

Chase glanced at the dresser where his phone was. “No... not really.” He gave Jackie a significant look. “Hey, uh... I left my charger in the living room. Can you plug in my phone? I kinda have a dog on me.”

“Yeah, sure.” Jackie got up and grabbed the phone, quickly going back into the living room. Chase had indeed left his charger in here, so he plugged in the phone before returning to Chase’s room, sitting down hard in the desk chair. “So...”

“It might not be specifically Anti-Virus,” Chase muttered. “But Gwen said that a technopath could delete most of my digital records, leaving only some of the boring stuff to divert suspicion.”

“I see...” Jackie said slowly. “Um... what... wh-what did Kanchana tell you? About your... past?”

Chase took a deep breath. “Not much... I don’t think we knew each other too well. But she mentioned Stacy, my wife, and Abby, my... daughter.” He paused for a moment, blinking back tears in his eyes. “I-I was part of her hench organization, HAUC. I could use a handgun, apparently, and worked there for six years, starting when I was twenty-one. I kept it a secret from Stacy, and when she found out, she left, and I tried to go legit for them. The last Kanchana heard from me, I’d gotten a job through SepTech’s Reform Program.”

“Yeah... the Reformation Program...” Jackie repeated. Then he laughed. “You remembered that pretty well for a guy who can’t remember what he had for dinner last night.”

“My memory isn’t that bad,” Chase mumbled.

“What did we eat last night?”

“Pizza. From Mara’s.”

“Hm. Touche.”

“Anyway, I-I don’t know why I can remember this so clearly when I don’t remember other facts easily,” Chase said. “It... must have made a strong impression on me.” He laughed. “Of fucking course it would, though.”

“How... h-how do you feel about having a family?” Jackie asked. “I-I know that’s probably a dumb question, but... I-I’m wondering if you... Would you want to go find them?”

Chase was quiet for a bit, idly scratching behind Frosty’s ear. “I don’t know... I-I want to learn about them, at least. And... if I really do have a kid, I want to... I think I should be there for her. To help. That’s what your parents are supposed to do, you know? I-I don’t know if they’d want my help, either of them, but... I should probably tell them about the accident, at least. So they know.” He bit his lip. “But... h-how would I find them? What if they didn’t keep my last name? We’d only have two first names to go off. I-I don’t think Kanchana knew them, so she wouldn’t have any information.”

“Hm... I don’t know.” Jackie shook his head. “I can do some detective work, if you want. Heroes do that sort of stuff a lot. We start with Stacy Brody or Abby Brody and work from there. Maybe they have some social media pages or accounts we can find.”

“Oh!” Chase gasped. “Jackie! My fucking YouTube channel!”

“Huh?” Jackie blinked. “Oh! Do—do you think you can reach them with that?”

“Maybe? I-I haven’t shared my full name in a video yet—and I probably shouldn’t, now that I think about it. Not if my best friend’s gonna be a hero with a secret identity.” Chase grinned. “But... maybe I could mention that I’d found out about my family. A-and maybe, somehow, the video would make their way to them?”

“Well... you’ll probably have to share some details for it to make sense to them,” Jackie said. “And I don’t think you should mention that you’re a former henchman. I know that you’re not some evil villain, but if you mention a detail like that online, other people are going to attack you thinking you are.”

“Oh, yeah, definitely.”Chase nodded. “But... if I mention Stacy and Abby’s first names, maybe they’ll realize... I don’t know. Do you think it’s dumb?”

“I think it’s worth a shot,” Jackie said. “As long as you’re careful about it. Though I’m sure if you asked Schneep he’d tell you not to do it.”

“I-I’ll think about it,” Chase says. “Maybe I’ll also search for them online... casually. Not in an... intense way.”

“Hey, like I said, I can do that for you,” Jackie said. “I know how to find stuff out.”

“Hah... yeah, I wouldn’t mind.” Chase smiled. “But uh... if you find someone that might be Stacy, don’t... don’t reach out to her. Just tell me a-and I’ll do it.”

Jackie nodded. “I will. I promise.” He paused. “You were part of the Reformation Program, huh? I wonder if I could talk to Dr. McLoughlin about you. Maybe they have information on your past.”

“I think Anti-Virus or whatever other technopath interfered with my shit would’ve deleted that,” Chase muttered.

“Maybe... but it’s pretty hard to get into SepTech servers... even though Anti-Virus clearly did it before...” Jackie trailed off. “If... I-if Anti-Virus really is the reason why all your stuff was deleted... that means he was active at least two and a half years ago. And that... worries me. Cause why would he delete your stuff, and then wait two years to start causing problems?”

“I have no idea. I’m not good at this hero stuff.” Chase gently pushed Frosty away and started to sit up, queuing Frosty to help push him upright. “Maybe he was always doing illegal shit but he got more ambitions. Or maybe I was just like... practice for his powers or something.” He sighed. “That second option would make him just cruel.”

“He seems like a cruel guy,” Jackie said. “After all, he made JJ do terrible things without any thought for what it was doing to him, or Dahlia, or any of the people who were being controlled.”

Chase nodded. “Um... you know, I wouldn’t mind if you talked to Dr. McLoughlin about me, just in case. I-I mean, I doubt the guy would know me. He’s like... important, you know?”

“And you’re not important?” Jackie interrogated, leaning forward.

“I mean like—relatively,” Chase said. “If you’re about to say I’m important to you... thanks. Th-that means a lot whenever I hear you say something like that.” He smiled. “But seriously. The guy partially owns and runs the biggest tech company in Europe. I think that no matter what I did in my life before this, there’s bound to be a bit of a difference in our statuses.”

“Hm. Good point.” Jackie leaned back. “But you never know. I think it’s worth a shot.”

“Yeah... I think so, too.” Chase nodded. “So... if you want, you can go talk to him, just in case.” He swung his legs out of bed. “Now, uh... do you mind? I gotta get ready.”

“Oh yeah sure.” Jackie stood up. “I’ll probably stop by SepTech today to see McLoughlin, if you’re okay with it.”

“Of course bro, do whatever. But is it really okay to just stop by?”

“He told me it was. I’m assuming that holds up.” Jackie shrugged. He started towards the door, then stopped. “Oh! By the way, do you know where JJ is staying?”

“No, you’ll have to talk to Marvin or Schneep about that,” Chase said.

“Cool, cool. I’ll see if I can meet up with them after my talk with McLoughlin.” Jackie left the room. “I’m going out on patrol soon, by the way.”

“Good luck!” Chase said.

“Thanks.” Jackie smiled, and closed the door.

===============

Beeeep! Beeeep! Beeeep!

JJ jolted awake to the sound of an alarm. He was instantly on alert, but as he looked around his surroundings, he calmed down again. This wasn’t the Vault. This was somewhere else. The walls were painted a neutral beige, the carpet a dark gray. There was a long wooden dresser and a small table and two chairs made out of the same type of wood. Clearly part of a set. He was lying in bed, the mattress much softer than the cot of his cell in the Vault, the heavy comforter luring him down into sleep again.

He was in a designated safe house. Kanchana had driven him here last night, along with Soren—wait where was Soren?! And actually—what was that alarm?!

JJ threw the blanket aside and ran out of the room, darting out into the connecting hallway. Smoke was pouring from an archway. He pulled his shirt over his mouth and leaned into the room, squinting through watery eyes. A wooshing sound, then some clouds of cold white smoke, and the black smoke started to die down. Soren coughed, waving the black smoke away with one hand while holding a fire extinguisher in his other hand. He cursed furiously—and then noticed JJ standing there and immediately stopped. “Uh... sorry. I was... trying to remember how to cook.”

It’s not going well, is it? JJ commented.

“No, no it’s not.” Soren smiled slightly. He was wearing some of the clothes that they’d found in the dressers of their room. It seemed Kanchana had thought they’d need them—which she was right about, given they couldn’t just wear the Vault jumpsuits the whole time. She said that she’d only guessed the sizes, leaning on the bigger side just in case, and relying on loose designs (which was not JJ’s style but he would take anything over the jumpsuit). The white T-shirt Soren was wearing was a bit big, falling off one shoulder, but the gray sweatpants were a bit short in comparison, ending just above his ankles. “Well... did you sleep well?”

JJ nodded. Very well. What about you? You’re clearly awake before me. Was the sofa that uncomfortable?

“It was actually pretty comfortable... at least compared to the cot I was sleeping on for the past two years,” Soren said.

Well the bed was much better, JJ said.

Soren laughed. “You don’t need to flex on me.”

Well YOU didn’t need to insist on taking the sofa. You could’ve taken the bed. In fact, you should have, I think.

“Really?” Soren raised his eyebrow, leaning back on the kitchen counter. “Why’s that?”

Because you were stuck in there longer, JJ said. Under the effects of the neutrinalin longer. You were... You still are sick. Don’t tell me you’re not. His eyes lingered on the dark circles under Soren’s eyes, on the thinness of his arms.

Soren’s amused smile softened to something more genuine. “...thanks, Jameson,” he said quietly. “That... Thanks.” He took a deep breath. “But, you know, I really just came along for the ride. The rescue was intended for you. I... I really, really appreciate you letting me come along. The least I can do for that is let you have the bed.” He glanced at the stove. “And... try to make some food for you.”

JJ looked at the stove as well. There was a pan full of charred... stuff... on one of the burners, indistinguishable under the foam from the fire extinguisher. What was that supposed to be?

“Scrambled eggs,” Soren said.

Well... if they actually came out right, I would have really liked that, JJ said. Eggs are a delicious breakfast. Even so, I appreciate the effort.

“Thanks.” Soren smiled slightly. “Here, I’ll get this cleaned up.”

No, I’ll get it cleaned up, JJ insisted. You go sit down.

“Hey, this was supposed to be something nice for you,” Soren said. “And besides, it was my mistake. Let me clean up my mess.” He folded his arms.

JJ stared at him, then nodded. Alright, if you insist. I’ll go sit down in that dining room.

“Got it.” Soren nodded, then started opening up drawers and cabinets, looking for cleaning supplies.

The dining room was connected to the kitchen via an archway, and the connecting wall had a window in it as well, through which people in each room could look through and look at the others. JJ sat down at the small dining table, leaning back in the chair and looking around the room. Kanchana had given him and Soren a quick tour of the house last night, but Jameson had been tired and overwhelmed by the events of the escape and hadn’t really taken in the details. He remembered this was a small house—only five rooms. The bedroom, the bathroom, the small dining room and kitchen, and the front living room. And he also remembered they weren’t supposed to open the windows or make much noise... so that fire alarm was a great first start to staying in here. This whole house was pretty plain and undecorated, with light walls and gray carpets. It was very clean, but very impersonal. Like a house full of show rooms.

“Alright.” Soren threw some paper towels into the trash can. The kitchen is more or less clean, though some streaks of white foam remain. “All done.”

JJ raised an eyebrow. What about those streaks?

Soren glanced at the counter again. “...they’ll dry, right?”

JJ chuckled. He stood up and walked back into the kitchen, checking the drawers until he found a towel. A whole drawer full, actually. He grabbed two of them, turned on the sink and ran one under the water, then wiped up the foam streaks. The wet towel went first, and then the water was wiped up in turn with the dry one.

Soren nodded. “Th-thanks, Jameson. I suppose I’m not... practiced. Or maybe I’ve forgotten. Just like how I’ve apparently forgotten how to cook.” His voice was tinged with sadness.

Jameson looked at him quietly for a moment, then put the towels in the sink to free his hands for signing. Do you like cooking?

“...you wouldn’t expect it, would you?” Soren smiled slightly. “But... yeah. It’s... calming. I can’t use my powers on myself to clear my own emotions, so... cooking it is. It’s a good distraction.”

Are you self-taught? JJ asked.

“My mom got me started when I was a kid,” Soren said. “Though when I got older she slowly stopped. Once, when I asked her if we could cook again, she said it wasn’t fitting for a grown man.” He paused. “I think I was thirteen or fourteen when that happened.”

JJ made a face.

“Don’t be like that. She was a lovely mother. Just... a bit old-fashioned.” Soren sighed. “Well, I taught myself to cook after that, so no harm done. What about you? Can you cook?”

I can make basic dishes... Like pasta and waffles.

“That’s a unique combination.”

That’s what first came to mind, I don’t eat them during the same meal. JJ laughed silently. But neither me or my sister were very good cooks. Our parents didn’t cook much either, honestly.

“Sounds like I’ll be the one making the food then,” Soren said. “Because Kanchana said we couldn’t order takeout. If I need anything specific, I can ask her when she checks on us.”

If you cook, I’ll clean after, JJ said. That sounds fair.

Soren nodded. “Sounds fair.” His eyes drifted to the cabinets. “But, uh... for now, let’s stick with cereal for breakfast.”

‘Breakfast’ was a bit of a stretch, because it turned out they’d both slept into the afternoon. Still they both prepared cereal, eating at the small table together. Soren, I have a question, actually, JJ said near the end of their ‘breakfast.’

“Yes, James?” Soren asked.

When... when do you think the neutrinalin effects will wear off? Jameson asked.

Soren went very quiet. He put his spoon in his bowl and folded his hands. “Hard to say. There’s not a lot of data for people who’ve been affected by neutrinalin for so long. Or at least, no data that’s publicly available. I... guess it’ll be a day, at least.”

JJ nodded slowly. He asked because even the plain Cheerios they had were causing some nausea to roll around his stomach. So clearly the side effects weren’t over... and he guessed that the main effect of the neutrinalin, the power-muffling, would last as least as long as that.

“Though, you have more to worry about than just the neutrinalin.” Soren pointed at JJ’s wrists.

The powsup bracelets were still cuffed there. Last night, Kanchana had looked at them, frowned, and said, “Give me two days to figure out how to get rid of those. For now... I think the radio signal for them won’t reach far, at least.” So, JJ had been left to change into some of the provided pajamas with them still on. Honestly, I’m pretty used to them at this point, JJ said. Though I can feel them... especially when I bend my wrists. Hopefully they won’t be on for much longer, though.

“Yeah,” Soren muttered. “I’m sure the sickness will be gone soon, James. And then our powers will come back.”

JJ nodded slowly. I... wouldn’t mind not having my powers, though... He signed slowly.

Soren blinked. “Ah. Let me guess. You don’t like controlling people, do you?”

Do you?

“My powers don’t control people. The most they do is make it hard to think rationally through all the emotion. People can power through that. Timekeeper and Windstorm were both able to.”

WOULD you like controlling people? JJ asked.

“...no,” Soren said quietly. “It... would come in handy, but... that’s a line I won’t let myself cross.”

Exactly. JJ nodded. That’s what I told myself too... but then I crossed that line, anyway.

“So?”

Jameson looked up at him in shock.

“Look, they already put you in prison for it,” Soren said. “You’re currently on the run. You’re already being punished for your actions. Don’t punish yourself as well. You did a bad thing. So?”

So, people were hurt! Jameson said. I wouldn’t be surprised if I put people in therapy!

“Yeah...” Soren nodded sadly. “That’s true. But you can’t go back in time, can you?” He looked at JJ silently until he shook his head. “The most you can do is try to move on. Try to be a better man.”

Jameson looked down into his bowl of soggy cereal. He took a deep breath. If you weren’t a crime lord, you could be a therapist.

Soren chuckled. “You know, organized crime actually keeps crime levels down, over all. I’m not the sort of guy to cause chaos. I just... I-I was... doing what I...” He trailed off. “Well... maybe if I ever go clean, I could consider that. Though I don’t know anyone who’d allow me to get a license to practice.”

Do you think your powers could be helpful for such a thing?

“Hm. Yes.” Soren nodded. “If people could... explain their feelings without getting overwhelmed... or if people who were more repressed could have a little nudge to break through that dam... And my powers don’t work if I can’t see someone, so if the experience is bad, at least it won’t last that long.”

JJ tilted his head, looking thoughtful as Soren said that. Do you think... if... once your powers come back... you could... He hesitated. I sometimes get... I feel very... bad. Scared, and... sad. I would never force you to do something you wouldn’t want to do, of course, but...

“I’d do that for you, James,” Soren said quietly. “Not all the time. That wouldn’t be good for you. But I’d do it for you when you needed it.”

He felt some tears come to his eyes, but he quickly wiped them away. Thank you. He took a deep breath. Now... we should probably clean up.

Soren smiled a bit. “I’m not actually done with my cereal, let me finish first.”

JJ chuckled. Of course. How dare I.

The two of them finished quickly, then washed the bowls and put them away, trying to figure out what they could do for the day without leaving the house.

===============

“I don’t know, Windstorm, I don’t know everyone who goes through the Reformation Program. Basically none of them, actually. And even if I did, I don’t have the best memory. This would’ve been three years ago? Eugh.” McLoughlin leaned back in his desk chair, making a face. “I don’t know... Why do you need to find this guy, anyway?”

Jackie sighed. “It’s a long story. I... I think it might be related to Anti-Virus.”

“Ah shit.” McLoughlin went pale. “What, is this... is this Chase Brody his secret identity?”

“Possibly,” Jackie lied. “But he might just be another lead.”

The two of them were in McLoughlin’s lab, right next to a table with a bunch of disassembled technology. McLoughlin’s SAM hovered in the air, camera aimed down into a mess of circuit boards, while his right eye glowed green—apparently he was currently projecting the camera feed into his eye for a close-up view of the ‘guts’ as he called it. Jackie hovered nearby. Not literally, just... standing awkwardly.

McLoughlin bit his lip thoughtfully. He glanced at the mess of tech and took out his single-button remote. “Hey, make a strex pattern on the board in the center of SAM’s vision.” In response, two delicate robotic arms reached down to one of the circuit boards. One held it in place, and the other started messing about with the surface, some flashes of white light flaring off from the point of contact. “And while you’re at it, pull up the Reformation Program files for three years ago. Put them on Monitor 5E.”

The nearby computer monitor lit up with lines of text, overlapping each other. “Oh!” Jackie said. “Do I... look at that?”

“Hang on,” McLoughlin said, pressing the button again. “Search files for information on Chase Brody.”

The text flipped over each other. “Searching,” said that robotic voice. “No results found.”

Jackie frowned.

“Well... if you’re right about Anti-Virus deleting files, then it wouldn’t show up anyway,” McLoughlin reassured him.

“Is there any way I can... look through that manually?” Jackie asked. “Just to be sure.”

“Yeah, go ahead. It’s a touchscreen but if you want a keyboard to use, press that button with the... keyboard image on it, haha. One will pop out of the bottom.”

“I’ll be fine, but thanks.” Jackie walked over to the monitor and scanned it. There was a search box, a scroll wheel... yeah this all seemed normal.

“Need a chair?” McLoughlin asked.

“Nah, it’s fine.” Jackie hopped into the air, folding his legs beneath him as he sat on a pocket of air. He tapped an arrow to pull up one of the files, then scrolled back to the files dated to the beginning of the year. Time to look for Chase’s name.

About fifteen minutes passed in silence. McLoughlin continued to work on whatever he was working on while Jackie searched. Eventually, though, Jackie sighed and touched back down to the ground. “No luck?” McLoughlin asked.

“None.” Jackie shook his head. “Do you keep paper copies of this stuff?”

“Probably somewhere. I don’t know where, though.” McLoughlin grabbed his remote again. “Where do we keep the physical file copies?”

“Please be more specific,” said the computer’s voice.

“For the Reformation Program.”

There was a pause. “No location for physical files on record.”

McLoughlin blinked. He looked at the remote.

“So... did you get that fixed, by the way?” Jackie said, glancing at it.

“Huh?”

“Last time I was here it kept insisting that a door was unlocked when it wasn’t.”

“Oh fuck, right.” McLoughlin shook his head a little, as if to clear it. “I did some diagnostics. And also... physically took it apart. It seemed fine to my eyes, but the computer picked up on a dead mic. So this is actually my second remote. I’m getting a new mic in soon to fix the first one.”

Jackie frowned. “That doesn’t make sense... it could hear you fine, it was responding fine, it just... wasn’t unlocking the door.”

“...huh.” McLoughlin looked at the remote with wide eyes. “I-I don’t... have an explanation for that, then... I haven’t had any problems with it since.” He frowned. “I’m... I-I’ll do more diagnostics. Maybe the problem is with the assistant. Maybe Anti-Virus fucked with it while he was hacking all my shit.” He groaned. “I really hope there’s no problems, though. It took way too long to make.”

“...huh.” Jackie felt a shiver up his spine. “Uh... do you think it’s lying about where the paper copies are being kept? If your assistant has been hacked?”

“Maybe. I-I’ll ask some staff members if they know where we keep the paper files, then get back to you through the League.”

“How’s the League treating you, by the way?” Jackie asked. “With the whole... weaponized SAM situation.”

“They’re fine. The most problems they cause are that I feel like I’m being watched a lot. They have their own squad of technopaths, you know. Checking out all my stuff. I-I get it, but... still.” McLoughlin sighed. “I guess I brought that on myself for being lax in security. Still no leads on who could’ve put those SAMs in there?”

Jackie shook his head. “No leads. It... still looks like you did it. I-I want to be clear, though, I don’t think you did, despite all evidence.”

“Well that’s fucking dumb,” McLoughlin said.

Jackie burst into laughter.

“No, seriously, Windstorm.” McLoughlin looked him in the eyes. “If all evidence points to something, the people need their Hero to believe the evidence. A-as much as I appreciate it, you can’t afford to be blinded by emotion.”

The laughter died down. Jackie looked away. “I... I-I know that,” he said quietly. “I just... I-I want to hope that... I can keep an open mind. I think I’ve been a bit... biased in the past.”

“Well... don’t overcorrect,” McLoughlin said gently.

“Do you want me to arrest you?”

“God no. Especially since I have no idea how those SAMs got there. I’m just saying. I wouldn’t personally blame you. And I think you should, you know... You know, keeping an open mind doesn’t mean you’re ride or die for someone who might be a criminal.”

“Yeah.” Jackie smiled slightly. “But... innocent until proven guilty. The SAM thing is incriminating, but if you could be arrested for that, it would’ve happened by now.”

“Well... technically I am on house arrest,” McLoughlin said slowly. “I can’t go anywhere but work or one of the SepTech locations. Possessing weapons like that is still very fucking illegal. So... here’s this.” He stuck out his leg and rolled up his pants a bit, revealing a black band around his ankle.

“...ah.” Jackie wasn’t sure what to say to that. “Did the League just... do that?”

“Yeah.”

Jackie frowned. “That seems like something the police should’ve decided.”

“They ran it by them.” McLoughlin shrugged. “The equipment is theirs, though. It’s supposed to have a superpower suppression mechanism built in? Which I don’t get why they’d waste that on me. But there’s a League guy by the front desk, you saw him when you walked in, probably, he can turn that on if he wants. Dunno why he would. I don’t have superpowers. And these can’t be affected by that.” He flexed his prosthetic fingers.

“Better safe than sorry, I assume,” Jackie said.

“It’s fine, I wasn’t going anywhere else anyway,” McLoughlin said, pulling his pants leg down. “I’ve always been a bit of a homebody.”

“Still... Sorry about that.”

McLoughlin laughed. “It’s fine, I totally get why it happened. Now... back to your guy. I’ll talk to the admin staff here and ask them where the paper copies are being held.”

“Yeah, you said that. Thanks, I’d appreciate it. Uh, let me know when you find that. And also let me know if you find any... signs of people breaking in.” Jackie knew that the last occurrence had been Schneep checking things out, but there was a chance other people were doing the same. “Or, you know, let me know if your employees do anything weird, too. It might be an inside job.”

“Of course.” McLoughlin nodded. “You’re heading out now, then?”

“Yep. But you know how to reach me. Thanks for letting me stop by.”

“No problem.” McLoughlin smiled. “Stop by anytime. Any time at all.”

===============

There was a knock at the door. JJ immediately stiffened, the book he was reading falling out of his hands. Soren looked up as well. “I got it,” he muttered, putting his own book to the side and standing up. The blinds were drawn, but he still ducked low as he got up out of the armchair he was sitting in and carefully, quietly walked over to the front door. He ducked down to the mailbox and carefully peered out, making sure not to draw attention. Then he looked back at JJ. I think it’s the Specter, he said, signing more slowly than JJ usually did.

Jameson let out a sigh of relief. Let him in.

Soren nodded and stood up straight, unlocking the door and pulling it open a crack. “Come in,” he said, then opened it wide enough for a person to come in.

Schneep hurried into the room as soon as the gap was big enough. “I-I am so sorry for coming in at no notice, but, well... There is no way to give you notice ahead of time without a phone.”

JJ stood up. Henrik, it’s so good to see you again. I feel like we didn’t really talk the last time I saw you.

“I-I don’t think we did, either,” Schneep said quietly. He stared at JJ, then rushed across the room and enveloped him in a tight hug.

“Whoa!” Soren blinked in surprise.

Jameson melted into the hug, squeezing him tightly back. Schneep smelled like hand sanitizer. Maybe he’d been at work, at the hospital where hand sanitizer was so often used. Then he pulled back. Thank you so much for the rescue, Henrik, he said.

“It was no problem,” Schneep said.

I’m sure the planning had many problems, actually.

Schneep chuckled. “Well, you are right, but I would go through them again. I only regret I waited so long. This would have been so much easier if you’d let me break you out of the holding cell instead of the Vault.”

I suppose I... wasn’t ready yet, Jameson said slowly. Still, thank you for coming after me anyway.

“What is family for?” Schneep laughed. There were tears lining his eyes.

Soren closed the door. “Nice to see you again, Specter.”

“You as well, I suppose.” Schneep gave Soren a look-over. “I never thought I would meet Pathos in person. And I definitely never thought he would be friends with Jameson.”

“Well... there aren’t many options to meet people while in prison,” Soren said. “You’re limited pretty much to who’s in there. And when I heard the new Puppeteer villain was from Daindover, I got curious... and now here we are.” He shrugged. “In any case, you can just call me Soren.”

“Soren, then.” Schneep nodded.

Are you just stopping by? JJ asked. Or is this business?

“Just stopping by, I suppose. I wanted to check that you were settling in. I am glad I wrote down the address Kanchana shared.” Schneep looked around. “This is... nice.”

Rather boring, JJ said.

“Well I wasn’t going to say it.”

JJ chuckled. The whole house is like this, but I can give you a tour, if you would like?

“Sure, why not?” Schneep shrugged.

Soren sat back down in his chair. “Don’t mind me, I’ll stay here.”

JJ gave Schneep a brief tour through the house, ending in the bedroom. Schneep didn’t say much, only asking if JJ felt that this place was good enough to stay. Jameson assured him that it was. Anything is better than the Vault, really, he said.

Once the tour was over, they returned to the living room. JJ noticed his book was still on the sofa and went over to pick it up, refinding his place and marking it by folding over the corner of the page.

“Oh? What happened to wanting to keep the pages pristine?” Schneep said. “Or did you go on that rant about bookmarks for no reason?”

JJ smiled slightly. That was months ago... But if I could find a bookmark, I would use it. Trust me, we looked.

Schneep nodded. “Is the book... good?”

It’s fine so far. I think I’m not the target audience... I feel like it’s marketed towards young women. But it has an intriguing enough mystery.

“What is it about?”

A woman looking for her long lost sister. JJ paused. Maybe I... relate to the main character.

Schneep’s expression softened. “Ah... I-I will let Jackie know where the safe house is... so that he can update you on his search for Dahlia.”

JJ nodded. I would appreciate that.

Soren idly watched this conversation. “Um... it would probably be suspicious if you all kept stopping by. I know there’s a secret way in, I noticed the trapdoor in the hallway. But... still. There has to be a more convenient way to communicate.”

Schneep nodded slowly. “I-I thought about something, actually.” He reached into the pocket of the coat he was wearing. “I stopped by your shop and found this.” He pulled out a wooden doll, like something an artist would use as a reference for poses. Except its hands were rings instead of proper hands.

That’s by MoniqueCrafts, isn’t it? JJ asked.

“Oh, you recognize it?”

Of course, she’s a great local artist. I wish I could sell the last of the wares she sent me... Jameson trailed off, then shook his head. Why did you grab it, though?

“I-I was wondering...” Schneep said slowly. “Spitfire and Windstorm told me about this encounter they had with crash test dummies and the Puppeteer. So clearly your powers do not just work on humans, but also anything human-shaped.” He took a pencil out of his pocket and slid it into the hand (ring?) of the wooden doll. It fit perfectly. “There is also a wide range for your powers. So... I was thinking you could use this to write notes.”

It was a good idea. But Jameson still hesitated. He stared at the doll quietly.

“...i-if you are not comfortable, it is fine,” Schneep said quietly.

JJ shook his head. No, I can do that. I can.

“You do not have to.”

No... I will. JJ took a deep breath. It’s a good way to start getting used to this again.

Soren smiled slightly. “That’s a good start indeed, James.”

Jameson smiled back at him, then looked at Schneep. But I don’t know if my powers are working yet. He tried, but couldn’t feel his power rising to the surface at his command. So he shook his head. The neutrinalin must still be working.

“That is the sign for neutrinalin? Interesting.” Schneep set the wooden doll down on the table. “I will leave it here for you, then? And when you can make those strings, you can put them on it, and I will pick it up later.”

Sounds good, Henrik. JJ paused. Thank you. Really. So... so much.

Schneep smiled gently. “It is not a problem.”

“Do you want to stay for dinner?” Soren asked.

Schneep laughed. “No, it is fine. I do not want to oppose.”

“Impose, you mean?” Soren asked. Schneep nodded, and he continued. “You wouldn’t be imposing. Right, JJ?”

JJ hesitated. Yes... we’d love to have you stay.

“...well, if you say it is fine,” Schneep said softly. “What are we having, then?”

Probably something frozen, since we’re not having good luck with cooking so far.

“No need to share that,” Soren said quickly.

JJ and Schneep chuckled at the same time.

The frozen dinners were fine. But Jameson found it a lot easier to relax with Schneep here as well as Soren. Maybe soon... things could become normal again. Or, probably not soon. But maybe... one day. Maybe one day.

#jacksepticeye #jacksepticeye fanfiction #jacksepticegos #septic egos #septic egos au #jacksepticeye au #jackieboy man #chase brody #jameson jackson #dr schneeplestein #c!jack #septic eye sam #brigid writes fanfiction #septicheroesau

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crystalninjaphoenix · 4 months ago

Text

A Respite

Fantasy Masks AU: Chapter Forty-Two

A JSE Fanfic

The chapter's on the shorter side this week. For me, at least, haha. It's only about 5000 words. I've been busy doing seasonal Halloween stuff. Honestly there wasn't much to cover in this chapter, anyway. After the revelation about the spirit, the guys regroup, getting more information from the ghost of King Sam. They camp for the night, and Chase tries to visit Jack in his dreams again, while Jackie expresses some worries he's been having. And yeah. It's a fairly simple chapter. I hope you guys enjoy it regardless ^-^

Previous Part | | From the Start | More AU | Read on AO3: CrystalNinjaPhoenix

Taglist: @brokentimewatch

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chase sat on the edge of the steep, cliff-like hill, looking down into the blasted heath, staring at the cabin and the strange trees in the center. It was hard to believe what they’d learned in there. He looked down at the mask in his hand, tilting it back and forth, watching the golden glitter sparkle in the light. He’d just finished telling the others everything that the Horned Elder One had conveyed to him. Everything about the true origin of the spirit who’d been possessing the King.

“This is... so hard to believe,” Jackie said, leaning back against a tree, his arms folded. “How could none of us have heard of this before?”

“Well, there’s that magic causing the spirit’s identity to be unspeakable,” Marvin said. He was also sitting on the ground, with Draco in his lap, purring. “That’s the reason.”

“No, I know that,” Jackie said. “I know that. In my thoughts, I know that. But it’s hard to accept. King Sam is a legend. His stories have been repeated for ages, over and over! Everyone knows about King Sam.” He glanced at the ghost standing nearby. “Uh...”

King Sam smiled slightly. {Thank you. It’s very interesting to know that I’m still held in such high regard.}

“Of course you are,” Jackie said, awkwardly reassuring him.

What’s your point, Jackie? Jameson asked. Surely you’re not having such a hard time grasping the concept of this strange magic. Even if we’ve never heard of it before, it seems easy enough to figure out. Nobody could say anything about Sam’s brother before now.

“Well I just... I think there would have been some signs, wouldn’t there?” Jackie asked. “We have tapestries of King Samuel, but none of his brother?”

“Perhaps...” Henrik, pacing back and forth, spoke slowly. “Perhaps there are some signs of him, but not many. After all, Samuel lived long ago. Before the alphabet from the east had fully taken hold. So there would not be many writings about him. And in terms of art, well, again, it was a long time ago. Things do not last that long. All the tapestries and songs we have about King Samuel now are based on legends that were passed down from mouth to mouth, over generations.”

Chase looked over at Sam. “Can you... try to explain?”

Sam hesitated. {I can try, but I cannot promise how clear or easy it will be to understand. The unspeakable still has a hold on me.}

“Why?” Jackie asked. “The rest of us can say Aneirin’s name!”

{One thing at a time, please.} Sam held up a hand. {Let’s start with why none of you knew it. I think Henrik’s explanation is pretty accurate. After all... stories change within just a few weeks. Is it hard to believe that some things could be forgotten over hundreds of years?}

“I can understand that,” Marvin said, nodding. “But I’m curious. What... caused this unspeakable magic? Did Aneirin cast it himself? Did the Elders do it? Did you do it, or did you just try to say your brother’s name one day and found you couldn’t?”

{The Elders did not do it,} Sam confirmed. {And neither did I. Either it was a natural reaction from the world, or it was intentionally done.}

“Why would this Aneirin want to be unspeakable?” Henrik wondered.

Probably because it would be easier to operate in secret, Jameson said. He looked at Sam. Was it... like how Marvin said, then? You just one day were unable to mention him?

Sam nodded slowly. {I once tried to speak to a friend of mine about... about the matter. But my throat closed up. And everyone else was the same. Weavers who tried to make tapestries found their fingers stilling. When we began to try and write things with this new alphabet thing, feeling that records would be important, we could not chisel in the letters that spelled... certain things. We talked around the subject. We all knew what we meant, exchanging specific looks. But over time... it became less important. The world moved on. And I could not tell new people I’d met about certain things. And so, the memory died quickly.}

“That’s... that’s sad,” Chase whispered. “To be forgotten so soon.”

“Hey, this spirit is possessing the King!” Jackie said. “He’s done so many terrible things while possessing him! I’ve seen warriors harass farmsfolk to pay taxes that they can’t afford, encouraged by direct orders from the King. He’s trying to build a navy! Probably to sail off and declare war on other kingdoms. He doesn’t deserve your sympathy.”

Chase’s head snapped up to look at him. “I know! I saw him try to kill Sam! His own flesh and blood. Clearly, a man like that, and a man who went to such lengths to get power, does not deserve sympathy.” He sighed. “Still... it’s a terrible thing. And in the end, it’s hurt us more than helped us, hasn’t it? After all, maybe if we knew about Sam’s traitor brother, something would’ve been different.”

Jameson shrugged. I think we wouldn’t have expected the spirit to be him, anyway. Who would expect that?

Marvin nodded slowly. “While people can become ghosts, possessive spirits are different things. And even if people could become possessive spirits, those types of spirits can’t cast spells like the King could. That lightning that Chase and Jameson said he threw at them. And magic doorways. I think we can confidently conclude that the magic doorway that sent the warriors to Wyvernlair was done by this Aneirin.”

Jackie pointed at him. “Okay, that brings me back to a question I asked earlier. Why can we say Aneirin’s name but King Sam cannot?”

Sam shrugged. {Perhaps the Elders were able to cut through that magic for you. Or perhaps it is weaker now than it used to be when it had a hold on the rest of us. Perhaps it is both, combined.}

Chase stared off into the distance, once again looking at the cabin. “It wouldn’t be the first time magic hasn’t affected me. The King tried to command me once, with enchantment. He wasn’t able to.”

{I know that that, for sure, is because of the Horned Elder One,} Sam said. {They’ve paid close attention to you. Chosen you to help. And as someone chosen by the guardian of wild, uncontrollable places... well, naturally, you can’t be controlled.}

Chase blinked. He looked back down at his mask. It still felt strange that one of the Elders chose him for this. They clearly thought he could do it. But...

Well... he hoped that he wouldn’t let them down.

Some time passed in silence. Then Henrik cleared his throat. “Well. Now that we know all that we came here to know... do we just trek back through the Wyldwood?”

Jackie pursed his lips. “That dullahan might still be in the area. I don’t know if we should leave in this direction. Maybe we cross this heath and get up at the opposite end so we can circle around it by a wide berth.”

“We only have half a day of daylight left,” Chase said. “And we... I-I don’t know about the rest of you, but I don’t think I’m going to be... fully alert while walking. My mind is definitely going to be stuck on this subject. And if the Wyldwood has proven anything, it’s that you need to be alert.”

Are you saying we camp for the rest of the day? Jameson asked.

“Yes. And leave early in the morning.”

Marvin frowned. “I have no objections to that. Well... I have one objection. Can we not camp in this... clearing? It makes me uneasy.”

“Oh yea, I was thinking we’d stay on the edge like we are now,” Chase said. “I don’t want to go back down there, either.”

“Let’s circle around it, then.” Jackie pushed away from the tree. “King Samuel, will you be... coming with us?”

{I can walk to your new camp with you, if that’s what you mean,} Sam said. {But if you’re asking me to follow you on your journey, I cannot.}

“Are you bound to this location?” Marvin asks.

{In a way—}

“Can we walk and talk?” Jackie interrupted—then immediately looked like he regretted that. “Uh, my apologies, King.”

Sam laughed. The sound rang in their thoughts like the memory of wind chimes. {Don’t be so formal, Jackie. Just calling me Sam is fine. I’m no longer the King. A dead man can’t rule over anything, regardless of if he possesses the living.}

Chase got to his feet. “You’re right. That’s not his right anymore, no matter what he thinks he deserves.” He sighed. “Alright. Let’s find a place to camp. Continue what you were saying, Sam. Something about being bound here?”

The group started to walk. Sam followed alongside them, his feet not quite touching the ground. {I suppose I am bound to this location, in a way. But not for reasons you think. You see, the longer a ghost exists, the weaker it gets. I am, as you all have notes, a very old ghost of a man who died long ago. I am thus, very weak. It is difficult for me to... be present. To take form and reach out to you all.}

Marvin nodded along. “Let me guess. Something about the Wyldwood makes you stronger?”

{The Wyldlands are places where magic pools. And magic does indeed make ghosts stronger. But even then, I am such an old spirit that I cannot move far beyond the center of the Wyldwood, where the magic is strongest.}

“We are near the center of the Wyldwood...” Henrik breathed. He looked down into the blasted heath. “That is why that dark deed was done here, then. But in turn, it has left a scar near the heart of this place.”

Marvin growled. “This Aneirin is a real bastard.”

{I can agree with that statement,} Sam said.

Even though he is your brother? Jameson asked.

“His brother who tried to kill him,” Chase emphasized.

Sam laughed again. {Honestly, Chase, though that is true, I was once more sad than angry about it. Even when I died. It is only now that I know about... about the terrible deed that was done, that my anger has eclipsed the sadness.}

Jackie sighed. “I guess that makes sense. He was still your family.”

“Family can be bastards,” Marvin muttered. “Even siblings.”

Jackie nodded. And after a moment’s hesitation, he reached out and put a hand on Marvin’s shoulder. Marvin did not shake it off.

Henrik coughed. “So... what is it like being a ghost? It must be terribly boring.”

{Boredom is an emotion for the living,} Sam said. {Though I used to get bored very easily, I no longer do. In fact, now that you all have come up with names for some of people’s mental strangeness, I do wonder if my boredom was a symptom of... What do you call it?... Something about distraction.}

“Impulsive distraction?” Jackie asked. “That’s what I have. I can’t imagine not being bored at the first sign of nothing happening.”

“You would be able to cope with the boredom better if you actually took a mind soother,” Henrik muttered.

Sam chuckled. {Yes, that. Though we did not have mind soothers when I was alive. But even knowing a name for it would have reassured me.}

Jameson looked at him curiously. If you’re stuck in the Wyldwood, how do you even know about things like mind soothers?

“Do you know it magically?” Marvin asked.

{Well, I used to be able to move across the whole kingdom as a spirit. No one could ever see or hear me, but I was able to watch and learn a lot.} Sam paused. {The same is true for certain people.}

“Aneirin,” Chase mumbled. “How else would he have known about Jack if he wasn’t watching the royal line in some way?” He shuddered. “A silent presence stalking you down, and your children, and their children, and waiting for one to pounce and... Th-that’s unnerving.”

“Quite unnerving,” Henrik agreed, eyes darting to the side for a moment.

{These are the sort of deeds that turn sadness to anger,} Sam said.

The group didn’t go all the way to the other side of the clearing, but rather stopped about a quarter of the way around. They found a spot where the trees weren’t so thick and decided that this was a good place to set up camp. Draco settled down in a gap between tree roots and closed his eyes, taking a nap as the humans put out their bedrolls. Sam watched, standing on the edge of the clearing.

“Are you going to stand there protecting us?” Chase asked jokingly.

{If that’s what you wish,} Sam said calmly.

“Oh I-I mean you don’t have to—”

{Chase, a ghost might not get bored, but I don’t have much else to do. There is no greater priority to me than your safety, and if me being here would help with that, I’ll stay.}

Chase blinked, then nodded. “Th-thank you.”

“Can a ghost do much to protect people?” Henrik wondered.

“He definitely did something to drive off that dullahan,” Marvin said.

“Yeah that sword may be ghostly but it worked enough for the headless bastard!” Jackie agreed.

You were able to cut down a monster with a ghostly blade? Jameson asked.

Sam shook his head. {The slices I managed to get were not enough to fell it.}

“That is still very interesting,” Henrik said.

“And impressive,” Chase added. “Have you... ever fought one of those before? Or are you just that skilled or lucky?”

{Yes, I fought one in a graveyard once, along with some comrades of mine. Fellow traveling companions, I’d gathered a small party by that time on my journey.}

Marvin’s eyes lit up. As did Jackie’s. “We’ve never heard that story before!” Marvin said.

“And I thought I’d heard just about every story about you!” Jackie fiddled with his cape excitedly. “Can you tell us about that?”

Sam blinked, then smiled. {Of course. And you tell me some of the stories you all have, too. I’m sure there’s a lot I haven’t learned about you and the Masked Phantoms.}

As the rest of the day passed, the group sat in a circle, exchanging stories, until eventually they had to eat, digging into their rations for the first time in a while. The strange magic of the Wyldwood had kept them from getting hungry, but now they were near that circle of dead earth, a dead spot in the magic, so they once again felt the rumblings of hunger. After that, they all agreed it was best to try and rest so they could leave early.

Or... try to rest, at least. Because two people found themselves awake as time went on. Chase laid in his bedroll, staring up at the tree boughs, before eventually rolling over to look at where Sam was standing. One side of the camp was darker, as there weren’t any glowing plants over near the blasted heath. But despite standing in that shadowy part, Sam seemed to be outlined in a faint light. He was staring out towards the clearing, but he seemed to sense Chase looking at him, turning back around to look back at him in turn. {Need something?}

“Huh? N-no, I...” Chase looked over at the others, but didn’t see anyone moving. So he sat up, assuming they were asleep. “I’m thinking about Jack,” he whispered. “I haven’t had one of those magical dreams since entering the Wyldwood, and the last one I had was... I-I’m... I’m scared for him.”

Sam tilted his head, thoughtful. {I... understand your worry. I watched over him a little, while I could. He was... a bright, energetic child, and a good, kind man. He... doesn’t deserve any of this.} He made a sighing motion.

“...He’s your descendant, isn’t he?” Chase asked. “You, uh... He looks a lot like you.”

{I know. And I wonder if that’s another reason he was targeted.} Sam shook his head. {I hope I can help him.}

Chase blinked. He never imagined the first King of Glasúil would look so... vulnerable. So much like... like how Chase himself felt. “Yea... me too,” he said quietly. “Look. Do you, uh... do you have the power to... give me one of those draíslings?”

Sam shook his head {I can speak with you in your mind, but as weak as I am, my enchantment powers can’t do much more than that. But... the bridge is already established. Perhaps if you asked the Horned Elder One for help, they will guide you there tonight.}

“...you mean, pray to them?” Chase blinked. “Huh. How have I not thought of that yet?”

{Sometimes the simplest ideas evade us.} Sam smiled encouragingly. {It’s worth trying, isn’t it?}

“Yea, it is.” Chase nodded. He took a deep breath. “Thank you, Sam.” And he laid back down, closing his eyes, silently sending his thoughts into the air. Please, Horned Elder One... he needed to speak to Jack. He needed to check on him. He didn’t care if Aneirin would stab him in the dream again. He just... had to reassure him... that they knew the truth now...

Chase drifted off, but someone else stayed awake, listening to Chase’s breathing slow. Jackie stared out at the surrounding trees. He knew that Sam being here meant that they didn’t have to take shifts to keep guard, but it wouldn’t hurt to look out as well, right? He kept shifting direction slowly, turning back and forth, moving his bedroll ever so slightly occasionally so he could look everywhere. But he couldn’t wake up the others, so he had to be very quiet.

But evidently, he wasn’t quiet enough.

{Is there any particular reason you’re rolling around like a caterpillar?}

Jackie inhaled sharply at the voice in his mind. He rolled over again and found himself staring at a set of ghostly boots. Sam crouched down next to him, waving. “...hello,” Jackie said. “Good evening.”

{You’re really having trouble dropping the formalities, aren’t you?} Sam said.

“Well... you’re the first King!” Jackie sat up, careful to keep his voice down even as he wanted to get loud with excitement. “I grew up hearing stories about you from my mam. I loved hearing about your daring exploits. It... was one of the things that inspired me to be a warrior. To help people and do good, incredible things. Like you did.”

Sam shifted position, sitting instead of crouching. {I came from the same place you did, you know. Not literally. I hear you’re from the west-center farmlands, while I grew up on the island you now call Suilthair. But I mean... I grew up hearing stories and wanting to do incredible things, too. So out of any of us, you and I should be the ones who are least awkward around each other.”

Jackie laughed. “You would think that, wouldn’t you?” His eyes drifted over to the trees, scanning them instinctively. “But as similar as we are, you are... you are legendary. Strong. A protector of good. A leader who looks after people. Everything...” He swallowed a lump in his throat. “E-everything I... want to be.”

Sam tilted his head. {Do you not think you are a strong, protective leader?}

“No, I know I am,” Jackie said. “You’re just... more of it.”

{Well... believe me, I never fully felt like that,} Sam said gently. {Especially after the events you now know about. Something like that does a lot to shake your confidence in your skills.}

Jackie laughed. “I-I guess it would.” He fell silent, continuing to look at the trees, searching for motion.

{You can sleep, you know.} Sam’s voice sounded like a whisper, like a feather floating into Jackie’s mind. {I can watch over you.}

“...I know,” Jackie said reluctantly. “But... I...” He shook his head. “I-it would be better to have two people on watch, right?”

{Not when one of them is an unsleeping ghost and the other is going to soon be exhausted from lack of sleep and too much activity. It was a busy day for all of you.}

Jackie didn’t say anything. He pulled his knees close to him, taking the bedroll with him.

{...there is something bothering you.} It wasn’t a question.

“No,” Jackie denied. “I just... I want to stay on watch.”

{Why?} Sam asked.

“I... I-I just want to. It would be better. If I could help, I should.”

{Because you are the leader?} Sam asked. {The strong one? The protector of others?}

Jackie’s breath hitched. Tears sprung to his eyes, though he didn’t know why. “I... If I have the ability, I... I should, shouldn’t I?” His voice was hoarse. “I don’t... I don’t want anything to happen to them. Especially since I’m weaponless now. That damned dullahan’s axe broke both my swords. All I can really do for now is look out for threats.”

{You can rest,} Sam said quietly. {And be sure that you’re prepared to fight tomorrow.}

“Fight with what? As I said, I’ve lost my weapons.”

{I can help with that.}

Jackie’s head snapped towards him, confused. “Huh? You’re... you’re a ghost, though.”

Sam smiled. {You can say I have connections. But it’ll probably take a while. The night. So, that means that once you fall asleep, you’ll wake up to something new.}

“Hah. That’s the sort of thing my dad would say to me as a child, when I wanted to stay up before the spring equinox, so I could catch the Growing Elder delivering presents. He always said they wouldn’t leave them if they knew I was awake.”

{It’s good to see that tradition persists.} Sam smiled slightly. But then he looked serious. {Jackie... I said we are alike. And because I said that... I know that it’s very easy to put others over yourself. Not because you think low of yourself, but because that’s what you think you should do. As the strong one, the one who is able to keep them safe, you must keep them safe.}

The tears were in Jackie’s eyes again. He looked away.

{But if you push yourself when there is no danger, you will be unprepared for when there is true risk,} Sam continued. {You cannot stay awake all night every night. Please. Let me help you. Just get some sleep, okay?}

Jackie faced him again. One of the tears slipped out but he still smiled. “I... guess I can’t disobey a request from a legend. That’d feel disrespectful.”

Sam grinned. {Still with those formalities, hm?} He laughed quietly. {Get some rest. I’ll keep watch. But I’ll also make sure your swords are replaced.}

“You can do that without leaving our sides?”

Sam nodded. {Magic is a fun thing, isn’t it?}

“It really is. Even if I don’t fully understand it.” Jackie stretched, then laid down again. He turned his eyes away from the trees and up at the branches stretching overhead. Then he snuggled down into the bedroll and closed his eyes.

Sam sat next to him for a moment more, making sure he fully fell asleep. Once he was sure he drifted off, he stood up and returned to the spot he was standing before, making sure that they were safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chase’s praying must have paid off, because as he drifted off, he found himself in the draísling again. The hallway to the throne room, while recognizable, looked much worse for wear. The walls were darkened with dirt, and the stone bricks had cracked with age, mold lining the tapestries. The Horned Elder One wasn’t here, but they also weren’t here last time. But there was someone else here.

That man from last time blocked the way to the throne room. The man with green eyes, wearing dark leather armor over a green and black outfit, who looked a lot like Jack. As Chase stared at him, he felt that invisible force pushing him backwards. “You,” Chase breathed. “You’re him.”

Aneirin narrowed his eyes. “Get out of here. You don’t belong here.”

“And you do?” Chase asked. “This is Jack’s mind! You’re the intruder.”

Without even answering, Aneirin darted forward. Copper flashed through the air, but Chase was expecting it this time. He jumped back to avoid the slash—but then felt the world start to fade away. “No!” He shouted, focusing. Right, if he stepped backwards, he would wake up again. He needed to get past Aneirin.

Aneirin slashed at him, and Chase cried out, blocking the seax with his arm but feeling it slice through his skin. But wait—his skin wasn’t really there, was it? Why would a wound in a dream do much? Actually—why couldn’t he change this hallway? Just using his imagination? He’d been able to break Jack’s chains in the well just by thinking he could.

Another slash, but Chase imagined a shield, and suddenly there was a loud CLANG! as the blade hit a circle of metal on his arm instead of his chest. Aneirin’s eyes widened—was he surprised? Chase took the moment of hesitation to run to the side, right at one of the tapestries. There was a hidden tunnel behind there! He would make there be!

And there was. There was a tunnel, curving around, leading towards the throne room. Chase ran forward, while behind him, he heard Aneirin screech in anger.

He burst out of the tunnel halfway down the throne room. The whole room was slanted, a hill leading up to the dais, stairs after stairs after stairs. Chase ran, pushing himself as fast as he could towards the throne.

“Chase!” Aneirin’s voice screamed. “You’re going to die!”

Chase flinched, but hurried upwards anyway. He could feel wind pushing him backwards, Aneirin trying to expel him from the dream. He felt pain stab into his back, and cried out. Had Aneirin thrown a knife at him?! He started to glance back, but then the wind pushing him back grew stronger. No! He couldn’t stop for a single moment! He got close to the ground, grabbing onto the stairs for support. A knife flew through the air as he bent down, barely missing him. No time to worry about that! Keep going, keep going!

As he got closer to the top of this dais staircase, he noticed something. The throne was not... exposed. Instead, there were iron bars around it. A giant cage. But through the bars, he could see Jack curled up on the throne. “Jack!” He shouted.

Jack raised his head. That silencing mask was still on his face. Above them, his blue eyes went wide, desperate. Wet with tears.

“Jack, we’re coming!” Chase yelled. “We found something! We know something now! W-we can help you!”

Uncurling slightly, Jack started to reach out to him, the chains stopping him right before he was able to put his hands through the bars. Chase tried to reach out as well—

A scream pierced the air. Chase felt a hand on his shoulder: Aneirin. Before Chase could react, Aneirin pulled Chase off the staircase, sending him tumbling down, down, down. And Chase felt every impact, each one coming sooner as he picked up speed.

Until he stopped, falling flat on the ground. His whole body ached, and though Chase tried to remember that none of this was real, it was hard to keep that in mind when the pain felt so intense.

Aneirin appeared before him, glaring down at him. He crouched down by Chase. “This is my mind now,” he growled. “Your Jack will stay buried.”

Then he raised his seax and brought it down on Chase’s neck—

And Chase awoke, gasping in pain.

Morning had dawned on the Wyldwood. Bright sunlight shone through the tree branches. They must have slept a bit later than usual. As Chase looked around, he saw that the others were still sleeping. Sam’s ghost sat on the ground, facing the clearing instead of the group. He glanced back at Chase, concerned. {Are you alright?}

“Y-yea... I just... I...” Chase swallowed a lump in his throat. “Aneirin was... there. And... very insistent. On me... not being there.”

{...I’m sorry,} Sam said quietly.

“No, don’t be. It’s not your fault.” Chase lied still, staring up at the trees.

Eventually, the others awoke, getting breakfast ready. Chase didn’t say anything about his dream.

Jackie was the first ready to start walking again, pacing anxiously as soon as he was done with breakfast and his bedroll was packed up. The others noticed this quickly. “Are you alright, Jackie?” Henrik asked.

“Yea.” Jackie nodded. “I’m just... ready to go. A bit worried about what we’ll face.”

Sam got to his feet. {Well, I have something for you that will help assuage those worries.} He held out his hands in front of him, palms up. Some silvery light glimmered above them. Curious, Jackie stepped closer. The light grew stronger, brighter. It flashed, and when it faded, two swords were lying across his hands. Jackie gasped. The blades and hilts of the swords were gleaming silver. {These blades should cut down spirits and magical creatures with ease,} Sam said.

“M-magical swords?!” Marvin stammered. “That’s—h-how did you get those?”

Sam smiled slightly. {I have my ways.}

“I... I w-wasn’t expecting... Are you sure, my King?” Jackie asked.

{I’m not a King anymore, remember?} Sam said. {And I’m very sure. These will be very helpful to you. They can also absorb various energies. Magic, but also lightning and fire. Doing this will allow you to use it against others during your next strikes.}

Jackie’s eyes lit up. “That’s... that’s amazing.” He reached out, hands trembling slightly, and took the swords. “They’re... lighter than I expected.” He slid one into the sheathe for his old sword, finding it fit perfectly. Then he gave the other a few experimental swings. “Oh. But there’s power behind this. I can feel it.” He sheathed the other sword and bowed deeply towards Sam. “Thank you, Sam. I-I’m honored. We’ll save the kingdom. I promise.”

Chase recalled his dream, and he nodded as well. “I promise, too.”

We won’t stop until that spirit is taken care of, Jameson said.

“And until Jack is free,” Henrik added.

Marvin simply nodded silently.

{I know you all will,} Sam said. {I believe you can do it. And so do the Elders.} He bowed to them. {I leave it in your hands.}

And with that, Sam faded away, leaving the others to their journey back.

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