Chasing Emotions

[Jared Vanders]

In a moment it was done. The whole thing went off without a hitch. It didn’t happen that way often, but it was always a good thing when it did. Holding the power as he was, Jared heard their conversation. These two had a history. At least Nox had known his father. This was more than just protection for Rachel. It had been personal for Nox too.

Jared didn’t hesitate to light the corpse on fire. It was a better disposal than Pirozzi had deserved and the only reason he got it was to prevent questions later. Nox had said he couldn’t do it, and even if his gaze showed he heard it, he said nothing. It wasn’t his business, and he got the feeling everyone asked him about it. If he wanted to talk about it - Jared would listen. Jared reached out his had toward Nox. ”Thanks - for helping her. owe you a beer and a steak dinner at least.” it was said with a grin that showed he knew Nox would probably refuse it.

Jared pulled out his wallet and sent Emily a message. He’s taken care of. We’re on our way. Safe and sound. he also let Matt know the lockdown could be lifted.

”Alright - let’s get the hell out of here.”

[Nox]

"Just doing my job but I won't say no to a steak. Drink I'll pass on though." He gave Jared a grin that didn't quite meet his eyes. It was a thing Jay would say after a hunt too.

While Jared burnt the body Nox finished things up. "Sky, no cameras caught this?"

"I have no visuals here. No electronics or other interferences."

"Triangulate to put the remote for Wicked." SKy indicated a place on the far building and Nox pulled out the remote camera from his pocket and stuck it to the wall. It was solar powered and would cover the dead zone.

When the body was gone Nox nodded. "Yeah. Let's get out of here."

They walked through the tunnels, it was warmer than the street, no wind blowing. "You'll want your sister-in-law close for the next bit. It'll be like coming down from any other addiction."

[Jared Vanders]

There it was. The name Wicked. Jared wasn’t a hacker. Well he wasn’t in the sense that he was a part of their community. He didn’t have a hacker alias and didn’t do it on the regular, but he had the ability to do it. Still, The Wicked Truth was a well known name, and if anyone had access to all the cameras in Moscow, it would be whoever sat behind that computer screen. And it seemed like Nox was an ally. After all, he put a camera up for the guy.

”You have powerful friends it seems,” Jared told Nox as they headed down into the tunnels.

They walked and he told Jared they would need to keep close to her. ”Typical withdrawal symptoms, I’m assuming. Anything we can do to help keep her comfortable?” Jared sighed, keeping watch as they continued watching, his eyes keeping a view out for any potential threats. The mission wasn’t over until they got home. ”Hoping Emily doesn’t blame herself for it. Rachel’s has her struggles and can be a little odd at times. The past week has been rough for her, but we all thought it was because of the breakup. My guess is this guy sense she was vulnerable and took advantage of that. “

[Nox]

Nox chuckled. "You have no idea the half of it." He didn't want to tell Jared he'd been hunting with the Ascendancy down in these tunnels. Fought side by side with the most powerful man on the planet -- no that would be bragging, and there really was no point to it. So it stayed with Nox, but Sage was hardly powerful in light of things, he was a hacker who thought he was outside the law -- a perfect friend for an Atharim hunter.

"Sleep. She'll want him most likely. Fight to keep get to him, you'll need to help rewire her brain. Keep her busy, don't let her be alone. She will try to escape." Nox had never actually seen a sentient attack before. And Aria didn't really know much more than he did about it. But he'd heard stories of survivors, there were lots of stories of different survivors of different attacks. Sometimes the worst were the ones who wanted their attackers. Sometimes even Roug survivors loved their captors. Nox was grateful that the kids weren't like that. Though he imagined Victoria was -- she was one of them was family. He should make a point of finding her and checking on her.

"I'm sorry to hear that she and Cruz are no more. Sage says Cruz has been a bit of a mess lately so not surprising they ended it. But maybe they need to talk, now that they are both on the mend. Sage says Cruz has been doing a bit better. The talking might help her too, remember what real love is like and not the false shit he likely implanted. It's going to be rough." Nox said as he turned down a passage that lead up to the street. They were almost home. Home to the mad house and other people in it. He wasn't looking forward to entertaining.

[Nox]

continued here