Jayden's hover bike hummed low as it cut through the morning air. The sun had risen higher now, warm rays spilling over the city, painting the skyline in gold and pale blue.

On his way back home, he branched by the park, weaving through the quiet paths until he found the familiar marker.

He jogged, climbed, and pushed through the motions. Every pull-up, every sprint was half for the system, half for himself. By the time the notification chimed softly, a sheen of sweat lined his brow. He wiped it off, exhaled, and finally made his way home.

The house came into view, its familiar presence grounding him after the whirlwind of the past two days. As he stepped inside, Harleen peeked from the kitchen, Jacob from the living room, both curious about his whereabouts.

He gave them the simplest version of the truth: "gala business, got home late, crashed at a friend's place."

It was enough. In fact, they were even glad to know that he was becoming more social.

Upstairs in his room, Jayden finally stripped out of the tux and tugged on a clean t-shirt and joggers. The fabric felt grounding against his skin. He went downstairs to share breakfast with the family, the mundane clatter of plates and smell of eggs a soothing contrast to last night's firestorm. But the peace was fragile.

When he returned to his room, the weight of questions pressed back in. Fully fixed on one particular person. Castor.

Penelope had told him to let it go, to leave that man buried in the shadows of EVA. But how could he? Not when Jasmine's face still haunted his every dream.

He powered on his desktop, fingers moving fast across the keys. File after file, archived article after article.

After a while, he learned enough: Castor wasn't the one with absolute power in EVA. He was a founder, yes, but only a stakeholder.. a piece of the board. The real authority, the man pulling every string, was Richard West, the Director.

Jayden stared at the name. His jaw tightened. This meant Castor might not even know Jasmine's whereabouts. But then again, maybe he did. Either way, Jayden needed to face him.. one on one. This content belongs to NoveI(F)ire.net

His gaze lingered on Richard West one last time before he shut the desktop down. Silence filled the room again. He fell back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

His mind wandered where it always did. To Jasmine. Her smile. Her laughter. The way she used to tug at his sleeve, teasing him. His chest tightened. If there was even a sliver of hope she was alive out there, he would find her. No matter how many walls he had to break through.

Minutes bled into hours. Finally, restless, he sat up and grabbed his jacket and sneakers and headed out. He needed to move. To fight. To do anything other than drown in thought.

Outside on the lawn, he spotted Jessica and Tasha, both clad in sports attire, mid-training session. Jessica's wind stirred faint gusts around her, while arcs of static danced across Tasha's fingers.

Jayden grinned, calling out. "Morning, ladies."

They both turned, pausing their spar. Jessica's face lit up, while Tasha smiled with a raised brow.

"Where you headed?" Tasha asked, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.

"The Pod Den," Jayden replied simply.

"Oh. Have fun then," Tasha said with a small smirk.

Jessica folded her arms, her lips curling mischievously. "And don't forget.. you owe me a massage later. My shoulders are killing me from all this training."

Jayden blinked. "I don't remember us having such a deal," he said.

Jessica frowned. "Are you sure?" she asked, flashing a familiar, knowing grin.

Jayden didn't need to be told before he understood. He quickly put on a smile. "Actually, now that you mention it... I did promise you a massage."

Jessica smirked, victorious. "Good. I'll be expecting you soon. Don't keep me waiting." she muttered.

Jayden chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry. I'll be back in time to fix you up."

Then he glanced at Tasha with a teasing grin. "Just don't go too hard on her before then, yeah?"

Tasha laughed. Jessica gasped in mock offense, pouting dramatically. "Hey! I can handle myself!"

Her sulk only made the other two laugh harder, and though Jessica tried to hold her pout, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Jayden finally waved. "Alright, I'll see you two later." He summoned his hover bike, its sleek frame shimmering as it materialized. With one last smirk, he hopped on and lifted into the sky, vanishing toward the horizon.

Jessica's eyes lingered long after he was gone. She exhaled, almost deflating.

Tasha noticed immediately and chuckled. "What's wrong?"

Jessica huffed, crossing her arms. "He's always leaving. Always running off somewhere. I just... I want more time with him, you know?"

Tasha's gaze softened. She sighed, stretching her arms above her head. "I feel that way too sometimes. But Jayden's not just... out there wasting time. He's trying to get stronger. For us. For everyone."

Jessica bit her lip, then sighed. "I know. I just can't help but worry a little."

Tasha chuckled, bumping her shoulder lightly. "Don't worry. Jayden will always be there for us." She smirked slyly. "Besides, if you're already this insecure... what happens when more women comes into Jayden's life?"

Jessica snapped her head toward her, scoffing. "You mean Cassie?"

Tasha laughed. "Not just Cassie. But her mom, too?"

Jessica's eyes widened. "Woah! If Penny's involved, then we might as well pack it up. Have you seen the size of that woman's boobs?" she sighed dramatically.

Tasha burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. "I don't think Jayden cares about that. But do you think Cassie was able to tell him?"

Jessica shrugged, smirking. "I don't know. Maybe. But if she did, I bet it didn't go too well. You know how Jayden is with things like that."

Tasha giggled, shaking her head. "You're probably right. But... I hope Cassie's okay."

Jessica softened, her smile reassuring. "Sis, it's Cassandra Isley we're talking about. She's tougher than anyone I know. She'll be fine."

Tasha returned the smile. "I hear you. Still, I'll check on her later. Just to be sure."

Jessica nodded. "Good." Then her grin sharpened. "Now... enough talking. Show me what you've got."

Before Tasha could react, Jessica slashed a wind blade straight toward her.

"Hey! I wasn't ready!" Tasha yelped, dodging it at the last second.

Jessica shrugged smugly. "Your loss, sister."

Tasha's lips curved into a dangerous grin, sparks crackling around her hands. "Fine. You asked for it."

And with that, they charged, the lawn erupting in wind and lightning as laughter and battle cries filled the air.