Chapter 2: Return to the Capital
Exodus sat in the cockpit of the jet, his hands clasped over the USB tightly as he stared out the window, watching at the mountains and valleys rolled by. He knew this route. They were drawing close to his home. The Capital. Exodus stood from his seat, stretched, and let his joints pop as he approached the back of the jet. "See you later," Exodus said to the pilot, who whirled in his seat in surprise, and Exodus slammed his fist against the green button on the wall. Wind rushed into the cockpit as the back ramp slid down, and Exodus didn't think before leaping out into the morning, flipping through the air before snapping his arms to his body and rushing downward. He felt an exhilarating feeling swoop over him as he shot down, feeing his black hair ruffle in the wind as he dove, and then he hooked his wrists into ties around his waist and sharply pulled them out.
A thin but firm fabric appeared from his wrists to his waist on both sides, now allowing him to smoothly glide towards the large buildings down below. He aimed towards the largest, which had long towers that spiralled into the air and punctured the clouds which Exodus soared through and allowed his suit to become soaked with the water. He locked eyes onto the large landing pad that extended from the side, and Exodus approached fast. He couldn't slow his speed. He hadn't thought of the possibility as he now hurtled forward. He pulled up from the glide, feeling the wind rip the glider to shreds, and he hit the landing pad, skidding over the smooth steel and slipping over the other side, gripping onto the railing for dear life as the city came to life below him. "I'm starting to think you're just trying to kill yourself," a voice said as Exodus pulled himself up, panting.
He looked up, and grinned, seeing that it was Rachel standing there, looking down at hm with something like boredom in her eyes. "I decided to take a little detour," Exodus murmured as he got to his feet, and Rachel chuckled, walking over to him, and embracing him tightly. "How did the mission go?" she asked quietly, and Exodus shrugged, "Same as usual, why?" He could tell something was troubling Rachel, because she seemed much more gentle and slightly more loving when something was on her mind. "He's decided to pay us a visit," she whispered, and Exodus groaned, knowing exactly who she was talking about. His childhood enemy, and Nathaniel's ex-best friend, Tyrak. Tyrak was a somewhat complicated person. He was Exodus' age with blonde hair, brown eyes and always snarling. He was still Exodus' enemy and had sworn so since the last time they met, which was just after the Hunt had ended.
He lived in the Capital, although he had originated from the Flame House, and had done everything he could to make Exodus' life a hassle. "Where is he?" Exodus asked thoughtfully, and Rachel sighed, a sign Exodus instantly knew. "He doesn't yet know of your training," she breathed, and Exodus groaned. He had been hoping to show off what he could do, yet if Tyrak did not know, it would crush him and make him more furious when he found out. That was a burden Exodus did not want on his enemy, though he did not want to be that. Throughout his childhood, Exodus had followed Tyrak out of curiosity and admiration, looking up to the boy who already used his Power at the age of six. It was an impressive achievement, but Tyrak despised Exodus for no reason other than trying to be just like him. Now, Tyrak was brutal, vicious, and cruel, much like he had been when he was younger, except worse.
Exodus took the elevator from the top floor of the tower, Rachel following, and down to the bottom lobby, where he found the one who wanted to speak with him. Tyrak was leaning against a wall, a bored and angry expression upon his face as Exodus exited the lift with Rachel just behind him. "Tyrak…what can I do for you?" Exodus asked politely, and Tyrak growled in annoyance, much like Exodus had expected. He really had not changed much. "I came to speak with you about something…important…but seeing as you were held up in your bedroom, I have lost interest," Tyrak murmured, his eyes flicking to Rachel as he smirked, who blushed scarlet. Exodus was now furious. He gripped Tyrak by the shoulder, and Tyrak turned a hand to Exodus' face, the palm of which softly glowing. "By all means, try it. They'll be scrubbing your ashes from the wall for days," Tyrak snarled, and Exodus slowly released his grip.
Tyrak chuckled and mockingly patted Exodus' cheek, "Looks like the puppy has learned," he said, and Exodus snatched his face away from Tyrak's outstretched hand. Exodus could not meet Tyrak's eyes, and Tyrak seemed to notice, because he chuckled again. "I came here to speak with you about an incoming attack over the next few days. The other Houses aren't pleased, you know. They see it as treason against their Houses," Tyrak continued, ignoring the groan Exodus gave. "And what do you see it as?" he asked, and Tyrak shrugged, his eyes locking onto Exodus' once more as they glared at one another. "I see it as treason and betrayal, but for much more…personal reasons," Tyrak said, and then spun on the spot and marched away, leaving Exodus to stare after him in both anger and shock.
"What was that about?" asked Rachel as she stepped over, and Exodus looked down, the uneasy feeling settling into the pits of his stomach as he murmured, "He blames me for Nathaniel's death."
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone