Mystic Syn

Finals is nearly upon me

“Someone I know,” Ji said, rubbing his nose.

“Yes, emphasis on ‘yet,’” Ji muttered, scratching the back of his head.

“What? I’m just––” He looked up at her “––oh.”

“Not now,” he said, shaking his head. “Could be attacked if I sleep.”

Ji shook his head. “No, we need to move. Pacis could attack. We’re out in the open.” A deep gray filled his mind, subduing what was left of the red. Drops of blue came in, and the littlest pops of pink showed through.

“As soon as everyone else is ready,” he said, then felt his shoulders slump. “And maybe after I rest, but moving is the first priority.”

“You think I don’t know who we’re fighting? I’ve been fighting them for years––” Ji stopped himself, and let out a breath. “All I’m saying is that it’s the safest option we’ll get, unless you somehow know how to get to Dohad without them noticing. Besides, Elya says that she has a place, and I trust her.” Ji blinked at the words that just came out of his mouth for a second, then regained his composure.

“We just need to gather everyone.” Ji points a glare at Ceph. “Did you not hear what I said?” he asked. “The closer we are to the Pacis’ headquarters, the safer we’ll be. They never check the Center; really only the outskirts.”

“As long as I see them burn,” he said, his eyes blazing alight, “then it doesn’t matter to me.” Ji turned to John. “Me and Elya were saying that we should. Sooner rather than later, preferably.”

“They’re the ones that made me like this.”

“Eh, not too destroyed.” Ji waved towards Verim. “Mr. Goody Doshvid Monk over here didn’t want there to be too much damage.” “Look, don’t blame me,” he said, raising his hands in the air like he just don’t care. “If you wanna be disappointed at anyone, be disappointed at Verim.”

“Almost exploded a building,” Ji corrected. “Verim stopped me before I could.”

“Don’t call me a kid,” Ji growled softly. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Yeah, after what we did, the Pacis will likely not leave us alone till we’re all dead.”

“Not to mention the Angel being on our tail,” he muttered, tapping his chin. “Probably should leave sometime tomorrow, maybe tonight if we really want to push it.”

“Then let’s do that one. I’d like to avoid the one I know of as long as possible.”

“If it’s the only option and as a last resort.” Ji glanced at her. “Depends on how big your place is.”

His brow furrowed. “The Center… Downtown––whatever you want––is the best option. Closest to their headquarters.” Ji then waved a hand in the air. “I’ve dealt with running from them before, and they always go to the outskirts of Odhak, never near their own base.” He looked up at Elya, thoughts swirling in his gaze. “The one I’m pretty sure the Pacis won’t look in in or near the Center; besides, almost everyone thinks it’s taboo after what…” Ji lost his composure for a split second, before shaking his head slightly, standing a bit taller. “It’s taboo after what the Angel did to the people that once lived in there. More taboo than the hospital.”

“Mmm.” He brought his hand up to his chin. “Where are they in the city?”

“Yeah. Probably should leave sooner. This place’s too open,” Ji said, nodding. “Though I do know of one place where I’m pretty sure the Pacis wouldn’t step foot in. But that’s what I thought about the last place.”