The grand ball

[Nox]

For all the smirk that was on Nox's lips he didn't feel jovial he didn't feel anything like the outside portrayed. He clawed at the light that he couldn't reach and he knew who ever held his shield was likely laughing at him. If he ever got out... Not that he'd do anything, the strength to accomplish the task was greater than his. He knew that already. The man from the facility wanted to take him again. His name leapt to his mind - Marcus. He wanted to make a deal before and now he was dragging him back in the bastard.

And just as Nox was about to tell them he'd go willingly if they took the fucking shield off but the Ascendancy shook his head. And seconds later the shield fell and the light rushed forward and filled Nox with its suffering and pain and it burnt like the ijiraq was pulling it through him again. He dropped it as suddenly as he grasped it. The pain receded but the memory still scared his body.

Cruz grabbed his elbow and offered to take Jaxen and Oriena wherever they wanted but he declined. Nox was fine with that and he let his friend guide him. It hurt to move. It hurt to think. Fuck what was happening. Cruz asked, "You okay?"

Nox shook his head. "Let's get out of here. I don't want to be here anymore."

Cruz didn't say anything more as they walked out of the Kremlin to where their limo waited. The man driving was looking around like he might bolt any second and he might have since he relaxed the moment he saw us. Nox stared out the window as they drove home... He wanted to close his eyes but everytime he did he saw and felt the Ijiraq pulling on the power through him. He couldn't breathe and he'd start awake. Cruz watched him like he was about to have a break down. But he wasn't this was nothing different than watching his mother die. The same thing. The same fucking thing. He'd see his failures over and over again. Just another thing to add to the long list he already had to play through each night...