Lucky Getaway

[Nox]

The train rattled along the track and Nox couldn't try to weave anymore, he dropped the power. He was sore, his head was sore, his body ached, it was like he'd run a marathon and he'd been sitting still the whole time, and he had never managed to maintain two weaves at once, but he would get it. He would die trying if he had to, he knew it was possible and he would master it. But right now he wanted to sleep.

Nox pulled his hood over his head and stuck his ear buds in, the music a dull roar in his ears barely covering the clickety-clack of the train wheels on the rails. Nox tried to sleep, but his nightmares came at him full force. And new images sprang to life every time he closes his eyes. Fireballs flying at him, at Aria, at everyone he even remotely cared about. He startled awake as the burst came into full view. His heart was racing. Great! Just what he needed, another nightmare to keep him awake. He wished Aria hadn't shown him what Ascendancy had done to the last assassin.

Nox would have prayed to Aria's god, if he believed it would help, but he didn't believe, he'd leave that to Lucas. Nox sat quietly listening to the music, his eyes closed pretending to sleep. His mind rolled with experiments in his head, things to do once he mastered more than one weave at a time. Since he couldn't possibly hold the power now, it was the only thing that could keep his mind from his predicament. He was without a friend, his partner, and she was in danger. And he could do nothing.

The whistle blew and the train lurched to a stop. Passengers rustled about, he and Lucas stayed where they were. Nox dropped a bag in the chair between them, the last thing he wanted was someone sitting next to him, anyone other than Lucas anyway. It was almost like that seat was meant for Aria, the only real connection the two of them had.

Nox was content to sit in silence. But Lucas broke it, finally asking if he thought Aria would be alright. Nox pulled his ear buds out but he remained behind the hood, it was comforting and warm and if Lucas thought it was rude, he'd have to say, he didn't care at this point. Nox smiled wryly. "Who? Aria? She'll be fine. She's far tougher than either of us."
It wasn't strength of body, but strength of mind and will, anyone who survived what she had, had to be strong. She survived a true monster she could survive a god.