Ice slicked parts of the floor where moisture had collected. The building was in disrepair and falling apart from neglect and misuse. There was no heat, no running water. It was a wonder the kindly Page of Jupiter decided that this was the best place to stow away their miserable prisoner.

Wind whistled through broken windows, down corridors and into rooms that had been pulled apart with time. And with time, things decayed. Things broke down. Shadows crept along the walls.

Rivers of black.

And teeth.

Shadows that listened and waited. Moved silently through each room, and never responded to what was that?

Or maybe he did, with a quiet cackle that sounded like old window furnishings blowing in the frigid breeze.

As amusing as it was to let shadows be chased, Arles knew they were running out of time if they wanted to find this supposed weapon and get Jet out alive.

It was only so long before the White Moon decided that they’d done enough to try getting any information out of Jet. It was only so long before Jet succumbed to the elements…

Still alive? Arles asked as his shadowy form neared the room Jet was being kept in.

no.

Just because I tell these bastards that I want something to read, it doesn't mean I actually want to read, Jet grunted tiredly. He sounded exhausted even in his thoughts, which were usually stronger. More decisive.

He was being worn down, even with the medicine and water and food he was being given. There wasn't much he could stomach since Sessrumnir attacked him. Jet had insisted he was trying to keep the food down, but headaches and the pain from everything else kept making him sick.

Every time you start droning on, it reminds me of Prehnite. He just talks and talks. He likes the sound of his own, annoying voice, Jet complained weakly, although it was likely just the fever and pain being vocal, rather than Jet's true opinions.

Which Arles verified with, Why did you ask him to help you then?

The Queen trusts him, seemed a little generic of a response, but Arles didn't push for more as he shifted his way silently through the halls, jumping from one shadow to the next in search of the place that he hadn't been able to fully investigate yet.

He's seen how things used to be. He was there. He knows what the Negaverse was, and I think he wants to see it continue to evolve, too. So… I trust him.

Arles stilled as a piece of rubble shifted underfoot. He might be shadow, but he was still youma, and not immune to detection if he wasn't careful. One of the reasons why he hadn't been able to explore this particular part of the building yet. Every movement there roused immediate suspicion.

And the others? Arles wondered. He didn't particularly care, but it seemed like a good idea to distract Jet for a few minutes. So far he'd been telling Aquamarine that Jet was fine, but that was mostly for Aquamarine's benefit. The less he knew about the state that Jet was in, the better.

The Queen trusts them, too, he could hear Jet saying through their connection. Lopezite should be able to handle the wolf. I hope. Bloodstone might be able to slap a bandaid on my leg. Faustite can burn the whole building down for all I care.

Solid reasoning, Arles hummed sarcastically, But probably not a good idea. Aquamarine seems to have plans that don't involve burning the place down.

You weren't going to tell me there was more to the plan?

Jet sounded like he wanted to be angry, but was just exhausted instead. Oh, how were they going to catch a Princess with their valiant hero of the Dark Kingdom being turned into a martyr? Arles wondered sometimes if Jet had a death wish. Or, no, maybe not death, but he certainly seemed to forget that he wasn't a youma that could just heal in the Rift.

I thought it would be a nice surprise.

The rubble shifted again, but Arles managed to get into the darkened room he’d been trying to gain access to. In the near black, the only light came from his own body, which glistened like stars. A walking night sky.

No! I don't want any surprises. I should know every detail about what's going on. What the ******** conviction was weaker than the words themselves. Thought almost as a whimper as thoughts of pain momentarily filled the connection between them. Shadows and teeth shifted through the room, careful not to disturb too much debris. Arles didn’t want their efforts to be for naught over something so trivial as a paw print. Unlikely, but the concern remained.

A steady thrum vibrated the air. He could feel it. He was close.

Bloodstone has been promoted to General by the Queen. He still plans on bringing one of his Lieutenants. Aquamarine brought in Kamacite to help. Blinding the enemy could prove useful. Cymophane and Albite are also being utilized.

Silence fell for a few moments, as though Jet waited to hear if there would be more. When Arles didn't continue, Jet let out a breath.

Okay, he said, still sounding tired but with some of his confidence back. Arles suspected it might be due to Jet’s uncertainty. How much would he be able to help when the time came?

Which, if Arles was correct, would happen sooner rather than later.

How much longer would you like to stay here? Enjoying your little vacation from meeting quotas and filling out reports? Arles wondered as the starlight from the room faded with the introduction of a soft green light.

Very funny, Jet said, unamused.

Arles only let him be miserable for a moment longer.

No? Well, then you’ll be happy to know that I’ve found it.

Metal and stones and magic, a soft whir of mechanics and a muted hum.

Looks old. It’s got some glowing green gems and emits a faint hum, Arles described.

He could feel the shift in Jet’s demeanor. After days of suffering, they’d finally found what they were looking for.

Arles watched it work, thought he could almost see the waves of power ripple out.

When Jet gave the signal, he would be ready to destroy it.

For now, all Jet said was, Coordinate with Aqua.