Jet’s leg throbbed, his chest and side ached, his head felt like it was splitting. The old Page was at least kind to him and brought food and medicine to help with the pain. A couple times he allowed Empyrean to take a look at his leg and changed the bandages for him. Which was good, because Jet couldn’t exactly reach down to do it himself.
He tried not to be too surprised about their apparent concern for his health. According to what Arles had overheard, they were just trying to bide their time long enough to figure out how to move Jet without turning off the Void.
When Arles told him that was what they called it, he had to ask him a few times if he was joking. It sounded ridiculous, and he wished he could have been in the room when Aquamarine heard what it was called, too. Aqua, who was apparently not doing so great in his absence. He needed to get out of that cell-- out of that building and back home, for Aquamarine’s sake, as much as his own.
He could still move at least. He could get up and take a piss if he needed to. Not that the plumbing was functioning. He would have to give the place a ‘Zero Star’ review, as Misha explained it when he was helping him with his social media. At least it was too cold for any bugs or rodents to try and chew on his injured leg, or nest in his matted hair.
Without being able to shave, Jet had grown what Lovely would call ‘decent scruff’. Nothing too crazy, but noticeable. A shave would have been nice, though. Or at least a trim. It was certainly something to think about in the hours upon hours he was left to himself, watching the icicles grow on the poorly insulated bars over the window.
- Alice was rather doubtful whether she ought not to lie down on her face like the three gardeners, but she could not remember ever having heard of such a rule at processions;
- `and besides, what would be the use of a procession,' thought she, `if people had all to lie down upon their faces, so that they couldn't see it?' So she stood still where she was, and waited.
- When the procession came opposite to Alice, they all stopped and looked at her, and the Queen said severely
- `Who is this?'
She said it to the Knave of Hearts, who only bowed and smiled in reply.
`Idiot!' said the Queen, tossing her head impatiently; and, turning to Alice, she went on,
`What's your name, child?'
‘My name is--’
Arles! Jet thought as loudly as he could, but even if he tried yelling or whispering in his thoughts, it was all the same level. Still, the youma seemed to pick up the intention, because the voice in his head stopped. For the moment.
I thought I could try to entertain you. You seem bored.
Somehow, Jet could hear the grin in the youma’s voice. He tried not to roll his eyes, mostly because it hurt his head to do so. The medicine had worn off a few hours ago, and everything ached. Oh, but he was being kept alive, so that was... good.
As long as Arles could actually find what they were looking for.
Have you had any luck? The not really response from Arles was less than encouraging.
Now now, I know you’re upset with me. I assure you I have been diligently looking for this machine. They are very good at not lingering in one place for very long. Probably because whatever it is doesn’t need regular maintenance, which is… unfortunate for us.
”No kidding,” Jet muttered out loud.
I can still hear you--
What do you need to figure out where this thing is? If they thought there was trouble, do you think they’d check on it?
Perhaps.
Again, less than encouraging.
You should try causing a diversion. Maybe that will help, Arles suggested, but again Jet wasn’t convinced.
Still, it was better than nothing.
