Elevate

Old Time Foes

THIRD PERSON’S POV

The dull, greasy smoke concealed the whole place as the woman grilled some fresh fish she got from the cold sea. She hummed a song to herself, enough to take enjoyment around her. The gentle wind lurched its serenity on her reddish, freckled face.

She was busy flipping them when she noticed someone shifted from her behind. She tardily swerved herself to see it. Her lanky hair was drifting freely on her back as her pallid leathered coat tempered her so well together with those crooked, ordained shoes. A smile was slowly coiled on her lips when she witnessed the child pointing his arrival to her. He was still wrapped with bed pajamas and oversized brine printed shirt. His hair was damped from his effort as he tried his best to push himself on his wheels.

“What are you doing?” He voiced out.

“I’m cooking us breakfast. Do you want some now?” She answered and offered the one being finished.

The boy promptly shook his head as an acknowledgment to her. “No thanks. My stomach couldn’t contain the same food we’re eating for almost a week now. I thought, why can’t we have some meat right now?”

“Because the hunter is up for something. And also, we’re currently can consider ourselves as the targets for those who reside in the Embreal City.”

“That’s more debauched than I thought. If it’s too hard for us not to get caught by those, why don’t we just reveal ourselves to face them and try to deal with things?” He suggested.

She knew that the boy doesn’t still realize that what’s arising is far from what he’s imagining right now. Being used by his own parents for their plans might be a big responsibility to him, but he’s also a child who needs to enjoy his boyhood. Somehow, Azazel understood that he owed his life to his parents – for keeping him alive up until now. To the boy, he thinks that he doesn’t own his life anymore, but rather to them only.

He's a puppet and he's being bound for such pursuit. He lived his life in his room up until now and would just go out to see the ocean breeze, those birds wobbling roughly, tidal waves curved into shore and sometimes he would be on an errand to roam around the Embreal City using some teleportation skills from someone.

He couldn’t move his body at all, in return, they would seek some corpses; take them inside the lair and have the boy control them using his power. It was a rare ability and in some ways, his parents were able to utilize it that he became as a weapon to them.

“You seemed agitated these past few days. Is there something bothering you?” The woman asked in suspicion.

“When are they coming back?” He didn’t answer her question, instead, he was bizarre about their next arrival. He knew that it would take long for them to come back in their place and that he needed to wait, just like what he’s doing for years.

The woman couldn’t give him an exact reply. Giving him a quell smile, the child comprehended the situation.

“It’s taking them longer isn’t it?”

“Yes.” She put the roasted fish on the plate and progressed to the wooden chair to settle down. The white sand had plastered her bare soles. Tiny shells were underneath her.

The child travelled beside her and carefully contemplated the water.

“They’re not coming back.” He spoke almost in a whisper.

“They would, Azazel. We should wait just like the old times. They’re just doing things that would be beneficial for us soon.” She fondled her crown and took a piece of the fish and a cup of rice, placing them on his plate.

“You should eat. Your mom doesn’t want you to skip your meals, remember?”

“Yeah. She would scold me for sure.”

“Definitely.” She derided and took her food on her dish.

As the wind became hot and dry, they were inclined that they’re settling underneath the coconut tree, together with those brown nuts on the side. She heard those soft snuffles from the sentinels over the scope, near the concrete white house. They were taunting each other as they were put on guard, holding their batons; wearing their uniforms – heavily used boots, extended dark slacks, white long sleeves with collar pins and a scarf being placed either on their wrists or necks.

When the men discovered her gaze, they impetuously stopped what they’re doing and turned into sober. The woman sneered when she vouched how they altered their action, a sign that she’s in the current authority to dictate them, which she loved the most.

She’s ruthless and she knew that.

The boy is now chewing his meal and he’s enjoying it. She took a fair taste of her food and watched from afar. Hoping that they would come back soon to settle things. Yet, in some ways, she doesn’t want to have them here.

But when she’s about to think about her plans, a whirling light came in front of them, unexpectedly. Then, came a man who’s covered with his ebony cape. His lips were warped into a grin as he slowly mounted his head to see them. When their gape collided, her eyes became tensed as if she has just discerned a wraith. She became dim gradually when she knew who it was.

The boy settled his spoon and bounced over the man. When he sniffed the familiar scent and captured his interest, an expansive smile swiftly daubed on his face. He moved precipitously to him and braced his sleek arms around him, not minding those grimy bruises and large patches around his body. Tears came drifting down his cheeks when he felt the man was real, chuckling in front of him. It may seemed extraordinary and fantasy to see him this time, but it was his heart speaking the hope to happen.

The guy stroked his fingers slowly on his ridge and placed a sweet, fervent kiss on his temple.

“D-Dad…” His voice broke as his eyes wailed more.

The man slowly nuzzled the child back, letting the moment not to fade so soon. They have missed each other. When it was all at ease, the man slowly drew his hold from the child and tapered his scene to the woman. His countenance became austere.

“Is everything okay here?” He asked Mariella, prowling his eyes around the fatuous location. They got so much to do in such an area, yet the things they are just getting started are somehow halted because Penelope, their spearhead, was captured. They needed the queen to continue the hive. It’s the favorable way they got for now.

The woman slowly bent her head, a sign to serve the man once again. But deep in her trenches, she wanted him to vanish. He might be one of the assets, but she thinks that she’s far way smarter and deserved a spot more than him. She just wanted to rule and that’s it. She is swamped of being a subordinate to them.

“Yes. They’re okay. They’re presently in the laboratory.” She answered him.

“That’s good to hear. Why don’t we visit them and let’s get things back to work? I think the time is quite long for us to have a break, don’t you agree?” He chuckled.

“Yes.”

Being in the Committee was even a different task for her to handle. It’s when she could have the authority to move and command the others, while now, she’s working under pressure with the couple. She nibbled her lip and her inquisitiveness had completely swallowed her.

“How did you get here using a Transportation skill?”

The man looked at his lad and gleamed. “Oh, Let’s just say I got something good.”

He didn’t speak much of it which left the woman still hanging with her curiosity. Thinking about it, he remembered everything that had happened during that time.

___

He stirred silently in the dark alley leading to the office. He had witnessed the place was the passage to the secret laboratory they have been seeking a long time ago. And in the very least he could expect, it came a hint to him in where it was located. He enclosed himself behind the thick bushes, forcefully looking over those working for the man and guiding the facility. He knew that the security is not that easy for him to have a breakthrough, but he’s known having his mischiefs. He chuckled as he carefully anticipated the area.

When the coast was clear, he traveled down to the most corner of the path. He faced the inflexible door and luckily when he held the knob, it wasn’t locked. He immediately opened it and went inside. The lavender scent had welcomed him as he advanced near the bookshelf. He clearly saw what happened the other day around and now he’s going to do it by himself. He yanked one of those records and slowly the shelf moved to the other side, revealing a small way down.

He pulled something from his pocket and took a flashlight on. He stepped slowly straight, not minding the thin air around him. From the distance he heard some soft, smacking sounds and the more he comes, the more it became evident. The path was just so flat, that it was just like the sewers. There was no smell at all and the walls were just hoary. After a while, a flash of bright hit him directly, leaving him to the entrance, where all he can see was chastity. There were people doing some experiments over the side. Some were filling paper works and monitoring those who’re sleeping over those beds with dextrose and oxygen masks. The lights were so sharp. He moved like a hunting cat in the alcove, behind those boxes being loaded into three.

He saw Mr. Zyrender doing some mixtures in the headquarters, wearing those safety goggles and a white garment. He was in profound concentration as his assistant was lying on the bed beside him. He put a fluid inside the injection and gazed at him.

“Are you ready?” He asked firmly.

Trench nervously bobbed to him and was still smiling when he saw the thing to be injected into arm. It was a blue liquid and it prompted him of something, as if he had seen like that from someone’s eyes.

Being a hunter gave him the privilege to assist the area and certain people. He could clearly see some assets of someone. He’s good at manipulating others. Itching from his burns, he slowly clawed the side of his face, not to make a wound.

The man was about to inject the sap when the emergency light had alarmed into red, telling them that something is off. An abrupt clasping bang had echoed from the other room. Everyone looked in that certain direction and he promptly instructed the team to check out what it was. Trench decided to lift himself from the row and helped the man in getting the elements inside the case again. They needed to move out of the building and secure what is needed. Yet, just before they could put the serum inside the case, one of the workers restlessly told him that something had broken.

Without thinking doubly, he hauled together with Trench. It was a perfect chance for Jack to get the thing. When everyone had shifted to the other room, he swiftly departed to the table. He saw those syringes, alcohol and scissors. He grabbed the syringe where that fluid is present. He browsed over the other room and conserved himself alert by their behavior. He straightaway held it and placed it inside his sack. When he heard them getting back, he hastened swiftly back to the entrance.

A simper was created on his lips when he succeeded, smearing his fingers on his pocket. It would take them a minute for them to realize that something is missing, yet no one would be able to know or point who took it. He chuckled subtly as he pushed back.

“See you in the other side, Zyrender.”

___

He was welcomed with quietude and cheered his hands. For him, what’s significant is to have himself in the place again. He procured the key, the same as what Cody had found in the spring – the pendant. The woman looked at it. She knew what it was and now she had learned that the pendant had assisted him in making it to their territory together with his Transportation skill. It became a sudden burden to her when she felt that Jack had another recent skill; now he got three all in all.

“Now, let’s inspect the others.” He commanded and commenced to push the wheelchair of his son, moving towards the facility.

The woman pursued them silently, walking from behind. He gasped for a delicate mood and was mesmerized by the beauty of the water. He saw a legion of birds meandering around. A smile was curved on his wrinkles. The child looked at him. “Where have you been, Dad?”

He dwindled his sight to him and answered, “Just roaming around the city, son.”

“Where is Mom?”

Now, his complexion became staid. “She’s doing stuff right now, Azazel.”

As far as he wished to say to the boy what’s going on with his mother, he couldn’t afford to give him more vexation in this current time. He wanted Azazel to focus on his part. He doesn’t need to have a barrier. They still needed to mold him to his best. They knew that the child is their buffer, that’s why they’re going to start their plan now.

His subordinates have noticed his presence and formally constructed a line to salute him. All of them were under his training when he’s still working as the commander under the rule of Penelope. They were loyal to him in some ways. When the destruction had occurred, it was their go. They were silently taken by the soothsayer and led them candidly to Etherial. Now, they have joined the revolution that it’s about to be unfolded.

“Good morning, Sir. It’s nice to have you back here.” One of his team greeted him as he stood uprightly.

The man jeered and wiped his obviously stuffy shoulder. “Yeah. It’s good to be back here. Why don’t we get things launch now? Shall we?”

The man tilted his head and led the way for them. They moved inside the house as his subordinates followed them briskly, some went to their respective spots to guard the place. The house was just as simple as those like the Lowies, but the exterior was dominant to look at. There was a plain grey sofa and a wooden table in the center where a dry, rugby rag was sloping. The walls were painted white as to the ceiling wall. There were bones of those calves and dear’s head hanging on the left part of the house. In the right corner was a small entrance to another room. It was the kitchen.

The drawers were filled with rectangular plates and mugs, while the kitchen sink was covered with those which’re already in use. The table was neatly cleaned and there was a large basket filled with dried fish, which had also enclosed the place. There was a trivial window on top of it, where they could see the clear atmosphere.

He kneaded his nose and initiated to sneeze. “Do you want to go to my room, Dad?” He said softly.

“Oh, yes. I would love to.”

They unfolded to the left side and cleared the door. It's his roosting place.. His table wasn’t filled with books for him to read or toys for him to play with, but rather it was covered with bandages, herbs and garments for his body. There were also syringes which’re already utilized. There was a plastic bottle filled with oil mixed with those battered herbs. His room was somehow dimmed and there were no windows for him to see the outside.

The fact was, it’s not a room for him to stay, but it was a mere cell. He bent to the child and slowly picked him up. It’s his time to rest, even in the morning! He couldn’t deal with the heat of the sun for too long, that’s why he needed to stay most of his period inside the space. They’re still looking for a solution for his situation.

He carried him all the way to his bed and gently wrapped him with the mantle. The child had seen indeed those blisters from his father’s face and the man had perceived his stare, yet he convinced him that everything is fine with a smile.

“Do you see these?” He pointed to the scars he got from getting himself scorched.

“Yes.”

“You should remember these scars. These are the results of our hard work, being plastered not only on our flesh but in our souls too.” He wiped his hands on his hair and glowed, but his gape was full of stake. “You should get back to rest, my son. We still have important things to do after. Are you ready to do some adventures again?”

His eyes gleamed when he heard his father notified it. He immediately bobbed as a sentiment. “Yes, Dad! I'll make sure that I get enough rest for today.”

“That’s good. We’re just going to wake you up when everything is ready, okay? We have to go now.” He smooched the child’s forehead and held his leave together with the others, slowly completing the entrance.

Even he wanted to make time with his own kid, the time he have is only limited. He needed to act straight, because he knew that Mr. Everdeen doesn’t want to take the promise he gave him – to see Penelope. That’s why he’ll do it the way he knows and wants.

“Gather everyone who’s available tonight. We’re going to set an attack.” He firmly said with authority.

The woman was surprised when he listened Jack. She didn’t predict anything from him. “T-To where?”

“To the Forest.”

They prospered to the secret door behind the human-sized picture frame of Azazel. It was a portrait he had given the child on his last fifth birthday. The two of them were the only ones who entered. His subordinates have left them when they entered the cabin. When the frame closed, he turned himself to face the woman.

“What about you?” She asked him distressed.

“You don’t have to worry about me, Mariella. I can take care of myself. And will you stop acting like you’re concerned about me? In fact, I could sense the ire maiming on your shadow.” The man briskly said.

She mocked. She knew after all who she’s facing right now. “Well. Well. Well. I guessed the ruthless hunter came back from the dead. I wonder who helped you escaped that fire back then. Is it him also?”

He bobbed at once and gave a grin. She applauded her hands hard as her laugh became vague and perilous. “Now I get it. So most of what we’re doing in the Committee is somehow related to each other. I won’t wonder if anyone of us would be an ally or a foe to each other. How about the other one? The one who was assisting Zyrender before?”

“Oh, you mean Leo? I do not know, he unexpectedly perished into thin air. I reckoned he just yearned to evade himself from getting into trouble. He’s far way too boring to attend such ruckus in the city. He even considered himself out of the line when we’re having a meeting. More like, he doesn’t want wrath to get involved with our plans before.”

“I see. Why don’t you start preparing everything?” He commanded her.

“Are you really sure about this?”

“Do I look like I’m not? We can’t waste our time, now that I don’t own anything from Zyrender. I already got rid of those memories from the kids. I thought of it as a payment. He’s not even a devil for me to give my life for him.”

“Okay. I get it. I’ll just…go here when everything is ready on the outside. Thank you…for appearing again.”

“The pleasure is mine, Mariella.” He beamed.

The woman vacated without saying a word again, fleeing him in his trench-like thoughts. He examined the niche and inhaled the air he had missed. He pulled to his rubicund swivel chair and elevated his feet on the acacia table, positioning both his arms at the back of his nape. He minded the wonderful view from the window – Embreal City.

“I’ll get you back..."