11 HOURS AGO
EVERGREEN RESIDENCE B
NEXOS, AETERNUM - 7:47 AM
Celeste, newly awoken, groggily opens her bedroom door after shutting down the air conditioning. She steps into the bathroom, brushing her teeth. In the reflection of the mirror, she notices Nick’s bedroom door open with a woman lying on his bed. Celeste fittingly spits out her toothpaste, quickly gargling as she bumps into Nick, who aims to use the bathroom as well.
“Yo.” Nick says as Celeste’s eyes widen in disbelief. She looks around for a moment, unsure if she was still dreaming before dragging Nick downstairs.
“Who the fuck is that?!” Celeste asks.
“Listen, it’s a long story.”
“Oh don’t worry, I’m listening.” Celeste replies, taking a seat in the dining room.
“Okay, so…” Nick begins.
EVERGREEN RESIDENCE B
NEXOS, AETERNUM - 8:02 AM
“That was you?!” Celeste exclaims, having seen the news about the Aurus terrorist attack.
“I- Yeah…”
“What the hell… Does Zack know?”
“He doesn’t, yet. Like I said, my phone died when some soldier pushed me into the water.” Nick answers, lying about what truly happened as he had already felt enough shame about being branded a terrorist.
“Oh god… Were you followed?” Celeste asks.
“Just until Idland. I don’t think we were followed all the way here.” Nick replies as Celeste sighs. The two’s attention is diverted momentarily when they hear footsteps coming down. Elena, wearing Nick’s clothes which are a size too big for her, briefly stops at the bottom step as she stares at Celeste.
“That’s her.” Nick says, pointing to Elena who waves at Celeste. Celeste waves back, silently mouthing to Nick.
“What the fuck?”
“Why?” Nick mouths back.
“She’s so beautiful!” Celeste whispers as Elena approaches the two.
“Hey… Could I use your bathroom?” Elena asks as Celeste nods.
“Yeah, feel free. Whatever you did for me, I’ll return the favor.”
“Thanks…” Elena replies before heading back upstairs. Nick looks at Celeste, who is completely dumbfounded.
“Even her voice is perfect…” Celeste comments.
“Yeah… But, even after everything she’s done for me, part of me still doesn’t trust her.”
“Why not?”
“She refuses to talk about her past.” Nick answers.
“It could be a sensitive topic.” Celeste retorts.
“She’s a demediom that doesn’t have any connections to Eternal Drive, nor Palladium.” Nick continues.
“You don’t know that.” Celeste refutes.
“She isn’t affected by anything that took place.” Nick states.
“Maybe she’s just a tough person?” Celeste theorizes.
“She slaughtered a bunch of soldiers and just fell asleep as if nothing happened.” Nick explains.
“Fighting can be tiring.” Celeste replies.
“Are you seriously defending her just because she’s pretty?” Nick asks, tired of the back-and-forth.
“I’m not, but everything you’re explaining seems reasonable to me, especially when you consider the country that we live in.” Celeste answers as Nick sighs.
“I think you’re just stressed after already being betrayed once.” Celeste continues as Nick remembers Darren Watts morphing into Trent Omega.
“You’re right… My mind’s a total mess right now.” Nick says, clutching his face.
“Go take the day off, and make Elena feel at home.” Celeste tells Nick as she grabs a bag of cereal from the top of the refrigerator.
“Okay…” Nick agrees as he turns on the television. A news broadcast plays, showcasing the massive floats to be paraded throughout Evernight. At the bottom, the news spiel reads:
DAMON ESTREVAL ADDRESSES THE NATION - 09 : 54 : 23
Nick sighs once more, aware that he could possibly get shouted out on national television, though in a very unfavorable manner. Elena arrives back downstairs, approaching the two.
“You’ll be watching the address?” Elena asks.
“Not me. Not interested in anything E-Drive has to say.” Celeste answers, shaking her head.
“Yeah. I’m curious how they’ll handle our situation.”
“Like every other situation. With blood and cover-ups.” Celeste replies, pouring milk onto a bowl. Elena gives her a disgusted look.
“Oh not you, too.” Celeste says disappointedly, feeling judged.
“I told you, Cel. Milk first makes the cereal soggy.”
“It’s the other way around!” Celeste defends herself, pouring cereal next as Nick and Elena smile at each other.
NEVERGLOW
LUTHERFORD, AETERNUM - 9:25 AM
With the three inside, Nick stops his car by the Neverglow parking lot. Celeste lended Elena a pair of her own clothes; the former felt pity on the latter who was stuck wearing Nick’s oversized shirt and baggy jeans.
“Do you wanna drop by for a moment?” Celeste asks the two.
“I’d love to! What about you, Nick?”
“Sure. I should tell Luke about everything, too.” Nick replies as the three step out. As they pass through the entrance trellis, Elena comments on the surroundings, in awe at what she was witnessing.
“You weren’t lying when you said you owned a greenery.”
“Did you think that I pulled that out my ass to impress you?” Nick jokingly replies as Elena chuckles.
“I’m definitely impressed, now.” Elena says, continuing to admire the scenery.
The three enter the flower shop, only to find Luke asleep at the counter yet again. Nick and Celeste bring their hands down, awakening Luke as he jolts upwards.
“Eughh! Ahm awek!” Luke groans, clearly enjoying his sleep. Luke notices Elena standing by, unaware that she was with the two. He sits straight up and puts his hands on the computer, assuming that Elena was a customer.
“Ookay! Can I help you with something, madam?” Luke asks as Elena confusedly looks at the three.
“Madam?” Celeste scoffs at Luke.
“Luke, how early were you?” Nick asks.
“I arrived here at around… 5:45. Why?” Luke answers.
“Geez, there’s no need to hog the early shift. It’s not like we’re gonna get any customers; today’s Estreval’s address.”
“Isn’t that tomorrow?”
“No, it’s later at 6.” Nick replies.
“Fuck! I thought it was Friday today!” Luke exclaims, before noticing Elena once more.
“Hey, we do have a customer!”
“Me? Oh no, I’m not here to buy anything.” Elena clarifies.
“Yeah… about that. We should talk.” Nick tells Luke.
NEVERGLOW
LUTHERFORD, AETERNUM - 9:44 AM
“That’s fuckin’ awesome!”
“It is not!” Nick retaliates, annoyed that Luke missed his entire point.
“No, but picture this. You could potentially be the face behind a South Lavian uprising!”
“I… That’s not what I want, man…” Nick dejectedly replies.
“Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on Palladium.”
“Being a hero’s better than being a wanted criminal.”
“If you pull this off, you could be the biggest hero Lavia has ever seen!” Luke says, attempting to persuade Nick. Elena smiles in agreement with Luke’s statement.
“Exactly! Palladium sucks at its job, anyways. You could actually make a difference.”
“Come on, don’t let your guilty conscience stop you now. We’ve been doing illegal shit for years.”
“I know, but… You don’t know how many people I killed just to get back here.” Nick replies.
“All of those were self-defense. I saw it with my own eyes.” Elena states.
“I…”
“Nick, you told me back at the train that murderous intent warranted killing. Those soldiers tried to murder you. Why hesitate now?”
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“It’s different from the guy that tried to rob me. Those soldiers were merely doing their job. It’s Estreval and the other higher ups who gave the order.” Nick expounds.
“If your job is to have innocent bystanders killed, as well as murder convicts without any concrete evidence, would you do it?” Elena asks.
“Working for Eternal Drive is already morally questionable as it currently stands. Carrying out inhuman orders is in a different league entirely. I’m certain those soldiers didn’t hesitate, Nick.” Elena continues as Nick reflects. Luke and Celeste nod in agreement.
“Listen, man. We got your back.” Luke says, trying to comfort Nick.
“I guess so.” Nick replies, brushing his comment off. His mind was too far in the gutter to think properly; he was still feeling withdrawals after killing hundreds of soldiers just a night ago. Elena takes notice of this, and decides to distract Nick momentarily.
“Hey, could you show me around, Nick? I’d love to see all the plants you’ve got growing here.” Elena says, changing the subject.
“Sure.” Nick replies as the two stand up and leave the flower shop. Luke and Celeste look at each other.
“So, are they…?”
“I swear to you, she was in his bed.” Celeste replies, gossiping with Luke.
NEVERGLOW
LUTHERFORD, AETERNUM - 9:47 AM
Nick and Elena take a stroll outside, numerous clouds covering any possible sunshine. They pass through a vineyard, with Elena trying to make occasional small talk but only receiving one word responses from Nick.
“Ooh, these tulips are beautiful!”
“Yeah.”
“I’ve never seen carnations up-close.”
“Mm.”
“You grow sunflowers, too?!”
“Yup.”
Despite Elena’s best efforts to make conversation, Nick was still completely lost in his own world. Walking through a colorful flower field, Elena makes one last attempt to make things right with Nick.
“Hey.” Elena calls out. Nick turns towards her, raising an eyebrow to signify curiosity.
“Sorry about earlier. I was too harsh on you.” Elena apologizes.
“No, you’re right. I was just zoned out since I was busy reflecting. Sorry if it came off as rude.” Nick clarifies.
“Earlier, you told me that you would return the favor of what I did, right?” Elena says, bringing up Nick’s words in the morning.
“Yeah, why?”
“I showed you around Aurus. Why don’t you show me around Aeternum?” Elena requests as Nick laughs.
“Not sure if that’s a wise idea, showing our faces after getting chased out of Precidia.” Nick replies as Elena pouts.
“...But why the hell not? We only live once.” Nick continues.
“You don’t believe in reincarnation?”
“I feel like that would make living pointless. If things go wrong, just kill yourself and live your next life.” Nick morbidly answers.
“It’s not as if people retain their memories, though.” Elena retorts.
“Then that would make the idea of reincarnation itself pointless. It’s like setting the same chess pieces after getting eaten in the previous game.”
“You’re right, but I just find the theory of reincarnation interesting. I like to think that all souls are given the chance to be born equally; it’s up to society for their eventual upbringings, but everybody starts out as mindless, neutral little guys that look like bean sprouts.” Elena explains her beliefs as the two stop by the flower shop. Nick enters it to inform the two they were leaving, but finds them both asleep; Celeste at the counter, Luke at the sofa. Nick and Elena continue making their way back to the parking lot, where they drive off in the distance.
THE WALL
TERMINUS, GRATA - 11:12 AM
“Wow, I told you to show me around Aeternum and you show me around the rest of South Lavia. Not complaining, though.” Elena remarks as she spots the massive wall overlooking Terminus.
“Have you ever been north of the wall?” Nick asks her, continuing to drive but slowing down as they approach the wall.
“Nope. I don’t ever plan on going there, either.” Elena answers, uncomfortable at the thought of living in a world where demons roam freely.
“...How about above the wall?”
“...Is that allowed?”
“We’re already fugitives, anyways. Might as well enjoy the view before it rains like hell later.” Nick replies, referring to the incoming storm.
THE WALL
TERMINUS, GRATA - 11:16 AM
Nick parks his car at the bottom of the wall as he and Elena step outside. Grabbing Elena by the wrist, he teleports upwards, stopping atop the wall. The scenery beyond was familiar to Nick, who had jumped atop the wall several times while dealing with Palladium. Elena, however, was witnessing a brand new sight. Beyond the countless skyscrapers and towering architecture of South Lavia lies a vast grassland, a truly natural sight that eclipses even Precidia. Countless fruit trees ranging from apples to dragon fruits line up the horizon as a pack of cheetahs run through the grass. The light of the sun is fully visible, rising between two massive mountains.
“It’s crazy to think that these beautiful lands hold such dangerous threats. I’d have thought it was a lie, if I hadn’t seen one myself.” Nick states.
“You’ve seen a demon?”
“I’ve killed a demon, about a week before we met. It happened here, in Terminus; right about… there.” Nick replies, pointing to the construction site where he and Zack encountered the worm.
“Do you think… Running to Palladium will give us protection?” Elena asks.
“Maybe. I know for a fact that I’d live a more accomplished life in Valcove.” Nick says, turning to Elena.
“...But I took an important responsibility here, and I need to see it through before I even think of joining Palladium.” Nick continues Elena smiles.
“So you’ve made your decision.”
“I’m done being a bystander. The people of South Lavia can deem me a monster if they like; I alone know the gravity of my transgressions compared to those of E-Drive.” Nick replies as Elena puts her hand on his left shoulder.
“Hey, you’re not alone. We’ll see this through together, I promise.” Elena assures Nick as he returns a smile of his own.
CLEMENTINE HILLS
ROSCHER, GRATA - 11:34 AM
Nick and Elena arrive at a bench overlooking the city, the same place where Zack Evergreen and Lily Winchester began their relationship. Countless vehicles can be seen driving down the skyways as holographic billboards advertise Eternal Drive products in the background.
“This is one of my favorite spots.” Nick tells Elena, continuing their tour of South Lavia.
“It is quite the view.”
“The view’s okay, but… I have a lot of memories here.”
“Good ones or bad ones?” Elena inquires.
“Good ones, at the time. Do you see that vending machine over there? Luke broke the glass once while trying to shake his drink out.” Nick says, pointing to the vending machine nearby.
“I feel like I can guess where this is going.”
“We ended up raiding the entire stash, since there was no glass to stop us. For a whole month I was drinking Futurade instead of water. I still don’t know how I survived that.” Nick jokes as Elena chuckles. Futurade was a soft drink disguised as a sports drink; the amount of sugar in one bottle was akin to that of a cake.
“Hey, you seemed to enjoy it. What makes those memories not-so-good now?”
“It just makes me feel melancholic. I realize that I’ll be throwing everything away once I fully commit to the cause, and I might never get to experience those moments again.” Explains Nick.
“At least you could say you were happy. I feel like that’s a rarity in South Lavia.” Replies Elena.
“Hey, it’s not like I’m unhappy now. Last night at the festival was… it was the happiest I’ve felt in a long time.” Nick states, catching Elena off-guard who smiles while looking down, sweeping her hair behind her ear.
ALTAIR RESIDENCE
ROSCHER, GRATA - 11:48 AM
Arriving at a suburban community, Nick parks his car at the driveway of one of the modern houses, specifically his old home before the deaths of his family. The two step out as Nick locks his vehicle. Stepping onto the porch, Nick detaches the glass of the front window. He and Elena jump inside, entering a dusty living room that looked as if it hadn’t been cleaned in years.
“Ah, this brings back memories.” Nick comments as he admires the room.
“It’s bizarre no one wanted to pick this up. It seems like a nice place to stay.” Elena says, opening the faucet of the dusty kitchen sink, which returns no water.
“I never bothered renting or selling it. It’s one of the last pieces of remembrance that I have.” Nick explains, picking up an empty frame that used to hold a picture of Raymond, Rose and Candace.
“But to be fair, I didn’t have a clue what to do with it in the first place. I was a five year-old kid who inherited all of my dad’s possessions after witnessing his death. Thank god Zack came around.” Nick continues, setting the frame down.
“Can I see your room?” Elena asks, curious about Nick's old lifestyle.
“Oh, sure. I’m gonna go and search here for anything I can bring to Nexos.” Replies Nick, giving permission to Elena who climbs up the creaking staircase.
Elena arrives on the second floor, opening the door to her left. Inside is a pink room, filled with countless stuffed toys. Elena peeks under the bed, finding a very dust-covered box. She opens the box, revealing a photobook. Elena opens the photobook, scouring through the dirty pages with her threads. She sees several pictures of the Altair family including an infant Nick being held by his mother, Rose Altair. Elena smiles as she flips through the pages, being able to see a glimpse of Nick’s old life.
Elena returns the photobook inside the box, moving to another room. This time, arrives at Raymond and Rose’s room, once again quite dirty but significantly more mature than Candace’s room. The stuffed toys lining up the walls have been replaced with several trophies and framed certificates, documenting Raymond’s achievements and scientific breakthroughs as the head scientist of Eternal Drive.
Elena leaves the parents’ room, moving onto the last room in the corridor. Inside, she finds a blue room, belonging to none other than Nick himself. As tradition with the family, the walls were lined up, this time containing posters of Palladium. Pictures of Viktor Mayhem and other Palladium officers posing were glued to the wall as Elena chuckles, thinking how huge of a geek Nick used to be.
Done inspecting the rooms, Elena arrives downstairs only to be greeted by a tearful Nick, seated on the sofa.
“What happened?”
“Nothing, I just-” Nick replies as he hands over a piece of paper containing a letter to Elena. Elena silently reads the letter as Nick dries his eyes.
Happy Birthday, Nick! Ten years in this world is no small achievement. I remember when I was ten, I wanted to drive fancy cars in Doslight. Your grandpa took me on a ride in his XBoost once, and the feeling of adrenaline hasn’t left my mind to this day.
Your dream, however, far eclipses mine of being a race car driver. Palladium is a prestigious organization, and joining their ranks is no simple task. Nevertheless, you are my son and I believe you can do it! The first step in joining them is to have a heart of gold, which I know you possess. The second step is determination, which never leaves your mind. The third step lies in this bag, a serum that will turn you into a demediom.
This serum contains the blood of an Eel Demon suppressed by Palladium. It’ll turn you into an electric man! Well, in 8 years, at least. For now you’ll become an electric boy, shooting bolts of lightning like the God of Thunder!
I’m proud of you, Nick. I cannot wait to see the man you will become in the future. Perhaps one day when I turn old, I can see your name in the news. Nick Altair, the greatest Palladium officer to ever live!
I’m just kidding, of course. I wouldn’t want to set unrealistic expectations on you, even though you might be well capable of achieving them. Know that whatever path you choose and whatever dreams you wish to fulfill, I will be there to support you.
Elena hands the letter back to Nick, who folds the paper and stores it in his pocket.
“I never got the chance to read this letter. My dad passed away when I was five, on my sister’s eighth birthday at that.”
“He’d been preparing that gift for so long… A five year head-start is incredible.” Replies Elena as Nick chuckles, fondly reminiscing.
“Hah, I always told him that I wanted to join Palladium. He probably had that in his stash and decided to give it to me once I turned ten.” Nick says, smiling as he emits tiny bolts of electricity from his fingers.
“You know, I saw a photobook of your family upstairs. You might want to bring it with you.” Elena informs Nick.
“Oh, that’s Candy’s photobook. I left it here since it was never mine to begin with.”
“I don’t know if it’s just me, but your sister looks an awful lot like Celeste.” Elena says, recalling the image she had seen earlier.
“Yeah, we joke about that from time to time. We’ve gotten so close to the point that we’re basically siblings, anyways.” Nick replies standing up, ready to wrap up their tour as they leave the house.
NEVERGLOW
LUTHERFORD, AETERNUM- 6:00 PM
Back at Neverglow, the four demedioms watch the broadcast of Damon’s address on the television on max volume as the loud rainfall outside drowns out every other noise.
“Citizens of South Lavia, I stand before you today bringing what may seem to be heavy news. I’d like to say that I stand before you as a humble man and an even humbler Lavian, just as you are, but unfortunate circumstances have led me to stand before you as the leader of the most powerful nation in the world. As many of you are aware, several insurgents have begun popping up from all over. In Briken, Virtum, Roscher and most recently, Aurus, these savages have tried to change the status quo by starting violent rebellions. As a result of this insurgence, I am forced to make the following announcement for the betterment of our nation. As of today, the 30th of June, 2017; I, Damon Estreval, officially declare the entire nation of Lavia under martial law!”
“Aaand there it is.” Says Luke.
“Yadda yadda yadda. Like we all didn’t know that.”
“Well, at least we didn’t get a big mention. He just lumped us in with the rest of the protesters.” Nick says, relieved that his identity still stayed private.
“The broadcast isn’t over. He might still have something to say.” Elena points out as a bullet speeds through the screen before suddenly disappearing in mid-air.
“The hell was that? A fly?”
“Maybe the broadcast glitched out. It is raining pretty heavily, after all.” Luke comments as another bullet blitzes towards Damon before disappearing once more. This time the camera angle was much closer to Damon’s face, providing a clearer perspective that revealed the bullet.
“That’s-”
“Was that a bullet?” Elena asks as all four are fully fixated on the television.
“Why’d it disappear, though?”
“Who knows, Cel. This is E-Drive we’re talking about. We don’t know the extent of what they can do.”
“I’d like to iterate one last thing before ending my speech. Even after this announcement, if you still choose to go against Eternal Drive, know that you will suffer the consequences.” Says Damon, concluding his speech as the four demedioms are left in shock at the turn of events. While the three continue conversing uncomfortably, Nick smiles by himself. Despite Luke’s pessimistic comment, Nick was more motivated than ever after witnessing more fellow rebels. Countless people want Damon Estreval out of power, just as Elena had said earlier; Nick was not alone in desiring change.
To Be Continued…
