To Perceive an Image

Fifty-One: Images of His Unprecedented Return

Maryanland, October 26, 2040, 6:27 AM.

"Can you not add a decade to my age and take these with you?" Sapphire scolded, handing me an array of different self-defense weapons. I don't think they've functioned like a person ever since I told them and Lyaly about my 'travel' plans.

Lyly tried to be supportive as always and went as far as suggesting I should take Ronan with me.

She's the one who makes suggestions I will disagree with and still has the nerve to act surprised when I reject them. I will never take Ronan with me if my life depended on it. The idea of putting his life in danger is an immediate no.

Sapphire, well, they're not taking it well. Considering our dynamic, we're at the third stage. It begins when I suggest an idea, then comes the second stage, where they unleash havoc, and the third and final stage is acceptance. Acceptance and bargaining- might I add. While they accept my decision, they bargain with me to get me to take a million things that they think will protect me. They're sweet like that- I have to admit.

I ease my friend's worries and grab the aforementioned array of weapons.

"Okay, see? Here, I'm taking them." Since this isn't some enjoyable vacation, I'll pack small with a single backpack. Most of which will have Sapphire's donations, anyway.

They nod, looking relieved. "Good job," Sapphire approved, patting my head.

"Can we make this as undramatic as possible and make our goodbyes brief? It's not like I'm not coming back." Oh, the hope in my voice is almost wholesome.

But I am coming back; I'm not sending myself to my execution or anything like that.

Despite my warning, Lyaly, who has been quiet all morning, teared up.

Lyaly staying silent is never a good thing knowing her wild self.

I frown at her sad expression, "it's okay, Lyly. Why are you crying?"

She sniffles and shrugs, and I wrap my arm around her shoulder for a side hug. Sapphire does the same to my unoccupied side.

After a few more exchanges, I make history repeat itself. Leaving my friends swimming in worry isn't ideal, but I have to do something. My brain revises my strategy as I get farther away from the place I call home. I still have the worker uniform that Flynn all but stole. The plan is simple, at least to my standards. My record of plan execution shouldn't steer me off of my plans that much.

Wear the uniform, enter the building, and find something that'll make me return to the Image World.

If Noir doesn't greet me at the getaway side alley, that is.

I find myself overcome with joy at the sight of him. Ew, that sounded rather loving, there's nothing even remotely loving in my words.

The prideful smile on his face greeted me, as it always does. He stood leaning against the wall, making his waiting upon my arrival obvious.

Do not think about how Flynn would lean against the same wall, do not.

Wonder what Noir is planning now.

"As your people say, Marhaba," he greeted in an unnecessary mocking manner I expected someone like him to have.

"Watch the way you talk, my culture has more significance than a single thought you've had," I seethe. He will not disrespect my roots when I'm still breathing. Someone must have not learned basic manners.

Raising his hands in defeat, which I know is fake, Noir frowns. "Sorry, didn't mean to do that."

What a fake.