Facing The Truth (Truth Series 1)

3: Anger and Regret

Jason's POV

Everyone stands up saying their goodnights before heading to their respective rooms. Only Sky and I stay behind. Sky looks tired and worn out but I don't blame him. He's probably stressed from what just happened with Eden and the war against the squids. Concerned, I ask, "You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Like I said it's been a long day." I nod my head in defeat and start for my room but he calls after me. "Hey, did she have anything with her when you found her?"

I think for a moment before saying, "Yeah, just give me a sec. and I'll get them." I walk over to a chest I keep near my front door. I wasn't really thinking when I put Eden's stuff in it. I was mainly concerned about her condition. Opening the chest I easily find the backpack and sword Eden had when I had found her. The backpack is a dark red in color. As for the sword, it is a dark blue with a butter coating on the edges of the blade. Carefully picking the items up, I walk back to Sky and gave them to him. "Here, this is all I found with her."

"Thanks," he mumbles. He turns and goes up the stairs most likely heading to his room. I watch him go before disappearing into my own room.

I sit on my bed and take off my helmet. Sighing, I run a hand through my soft brown hair. What Sky told us clears some things up. Like why her mood seems to change so fast. It could even explain the scars on the insides of her wrists and forearms. It's sad to say but they were clearly made by her. However it doesn't explain all her other scars and bruises or why she was afraid to talk to me. Another thing it doesn't explain is the fear hidden in her eyes. She was obviously trying to hide it but I could still see it. From the moment I first saw her awake to when she broke down there was always a hint of fear in her eyes. As I sit here thinking, I suddenly have a thought that makes my eyes widen. Eden's other scars and bruises aren't natural! They aren't something you can get from fighting mobs (including squids) or even a PVP battle! My face contorts with anger. Could it be possible that someone abused her? Was her seemingly ever present fear caused by the fear of being hit? I get even angrier as I think, 'Was she afraid to speak to me because some sick-minded bastard beat her for talking!?' My hands clutch the edge of the bed in anger. My knuckles are probably turning white underneath my suit. My anger slowly disappears as I let my thoughts wander to other things. Like how cute Eden looks even if she was covered in mud and how beautiful her smile is. I blush darkly and shake my head trying to get rid of my thoughts. I might as well get some sleep. If anything comes up about her scars I'll mention my thoughts then but until then I should keep my mouth shut.

I stand up and take off the rest of my space suit. Now all I have on is the navy blue shirt and jeans I always wear underneath the suit. Then I get into my bed and pass out.

Eden's POV

I awake to the familiar pounding of a headache. I must've fallen asleep after I broke down yesterday. It's not really all that surprising considering for the past four and a half years up until a few days ago I would breakdown at least twice a day. Since I ran away a week ago I've only had two, the one last night and one the day before. I sit up groaning softly. I sit on the edge of the bed and looked around the room. It is different from the room I was in yesterday. It still has oak wood walls and a window in the back but that is where the similarities stop. There is a single chest near the foot of the bed I'm on and a few butter blocks are scattered around the room. Across from me on the other side of the room there is another bed. I must be in one of Jason's guest rooms. By the looks of it this must be the one Adam uses when he stays here.

I groan again and put my head in my hands. I close my eyes and try to get rid of my headache. Why does it hurt so damn much just to think!?

I sit there for a few minutes, my headache slowly disappearing before I hear the door open. I drop my hands into my lap and lift my head to look at Adam, who is standing in the doorway. He grins and says, "Good morning sleeping beauty."

I roll my eyes and as a small smile graces my face. "Yeah, yeah," I say yawning. "What time is it anyway?"

"About three hours after sunrise."

"You've been up since sunrise?"

"Yes, actually I have."

"Wow, that's hard to believe."

"What's that supposed to mean."

"I remember you would always sleep in 'til about midday and you would only get up earlier if I woke you up."

"Yes and if I remember right you would do that by threatening to flood my room." Adam's idiotic grin grew as I giggle. "I've been getting up earlier since I started Sky Army." He explains. "Otherwise I would probably still be sleeping all day."

I snort. "Of course you would." I sigh softly and glance around the room again, my headache finally gone.

A comfortable silence had taken over the room before Adam says, "Your stuff or a least what Jason's found of it is in the chest."

"Really!?" I ask getting up and walking to the chest.

"Yeah, I asked him about it last night."

"Cool, thanks." I look in the chest and like he said my sword and backpack were sitting there. Taking them out I check my backpack and see that all my other stuff is still in it. Then I spin around to face Adam. "Now you need to go." He raises an eyebrow. I gesture to my clothes. "Well I'm not staying in these forever."

"Oh," he exclaims softly before taking the hint and leaving the room, closing the door behind him. After he leaves, I quickly change into cleaner clothes. I hesitate before putting on my jacket, staring at the scars on my wrists and forearms. I smile softly. I haven't cut myself since I ran away. That's a good thing right? I sigh and slip the black leather on, effectively hiding my scars. I glance at my sword and backpack laying on the bed and let my thoughts wander. I kinda feel bad about yesterday. Not only did I freak out on Adam but I lied to Jason. I knew how low my health and hunger was the other night. I knew what could have happened when I collapsed there but I didn't do anything. The truth is I had given up. It was the first breakdown I had since escaping my father's castle and I had given up on everything. Escaping my father's wrath; finding Adam; searching for my brother; and even my life. I had collapsed waiting for either A, the mobs to kill me; B, to starve to death; or C, for my father's men to find me. I had never expected someone to find me or for that someone to be friends with my cousin. In a way I owe Jason a lot more than my life.

Sighing again I grab my backpack and slip my arms through the straps. Next I grab my sword and clip it to my belt. Then I step out of Adam's room and into the hallway. Doors lined both sides of the hall, some have signs while others don't and on the far right side of the hall there is a staircase. I walk over to it. They lead both up and down. I take a random guess and go down the stairs. At the bottom is a small hallway that leads to an open room. On the left side of the hallway is a set of double doors. They are open and inside I see Adam, Jason, and the others sitting around a table in what looks like a kitchen.

I step into the kitchen and blush when everyone turns to look at me. Adam grins. "Well, look what the cat dragged in."

"Oh, shut up!" I glare at him. He just laughs.

After he stops laughing he put on a serious face. "So um... we were talking last night and they..." He points to his friends behind him. "...want to know what happened to Aden." I tense slightly but nod my head for him to continue. He nervously glances at everyone in the room and Jason gives him an encouraging nod. "I figured that you should be a part of that since he's your brother but I also thought so we only have to tell the story once we could wait and meet up with our other friends."

I nod again, thinking everything through. I knew this would probably come up but at least I have a while to wait. Finally I answered, "Fine."

Adam sighs in relief. "We figured we would head into the city and meet them at Ian's (Ssundee) house. We'd pass some of our friend's houses on the way there and you could meet them, so it's not like you're telling a bunch of random strangers."

"When do we leave?" I ask quietly.

Jason is the one who answers, "Whenever you're ready."

"Well I guess I'm ready now."