Untimely

- XIV -

1.618033988

The golden ratio.

A discovery done by one of his favorite mathematicians, and the je ne sais quoi of nature. Nature relies on this innate proportion to maintain balance. It can be used to create visually-pleasing, organic-looking compositions and also describes the perfectly symmetrical relationship between two proportions.

This unique ratio brought life to the innate proportions of everything he knew and loved, from atoms to the largest celestial bodies, from nature's smallest building blocks to the most advanced patterns in the universe.

Five could recall every single moment he recited those damn numbers in his head, when his lungs would refuse to function and his feet would grow lighter until he could no longer feel the ground beneath his feet.

These moments were few and far in between, under situations he wasn't sure if he would make it out alive.

So why were his lungs failing him now?

Five was already awake by the time the sun hit his face from among the horizon. He had slept in the rooftop along with his companion, who had decided that the best place to sleep was just a few inches from his face.

It wasn't an electric shock as most people he has heard describe it as. The feeling he felt bubbling through him was just like a slow wave of hotness that spread through his whole body. Five almost mistook it as simply body warmth, but as he removed his blazer and brushed back her hair, he had a slight feeling that this was something else.

He adjusted her body weight carefully, not wanting to experience any awkwardness between them if she did wake up. Five stood up quietly and tidied his vest, just like he shook away his unknown feelings. He didn't want to dwell on the matter just yet. Not when his family is at stake. Again.

Five jumped down the ledge of the roof, landing himself in front of the back door. He wiped the dust from his hands and stepped inside.

His siblings sat around the bar, Ben noticeably farther from them in the booth. The atmosphere was quiet, but thick enough to remind Five of the previous night's events.

"Where's Luther and Allison?" he asked after scanning the area.

"Out to get our breakfast." said Klaus with a ghost of a smile. "Where's Mara?"

"On the roof sleeping."

"And you gave her your blazer huh?" Klaus pointed at his bare arms and laughed. Ben and Diego collectively raised an eyebrow. "You're growing soft now, Five."

"No." Five scoffed and pulled a chair by the bar. "I'm just making sure she doesn't succumb to the cold before I figure out what the hell we're going to do."

"Sure, Five. Whatever helps you sleep at night." Klaus howled.

At this moment, the front doors of the bar burst open and the two other missing siblings walked in alongside Mara.

"You would not believe how much they cost egg sandwiches in this timeline." Allison huffed, setting down a plastic bag on the counter with Mara doing the same gesture. Luther followed suit with trays of coffee in his hands.

"Finally." Klaus lunges first, snatching the egg sandwich and coffee that nearly spills in his haste.

Five glanced at Mara first and watched her walk towards him with his blazer in hand. He suddenly recalled the snug, pleasant feeling of her head tucked into his shoulder and her hair brushing against his cheek before mentally snapping himself back to reality.

"Thanks." She whispered and lifted up the clothing towards him. He nodded, took the blazer, wore it promptly, and continued to watch Mara as she turned to the room where her brother was.

"Jesper's still unconscious." Vanya answers for her before she could enter.

"I still want to see him."

"Maybe you should eat first." Allison suggests, holding out an egg sandwich.

"No, its fine I-"

The door behind creaks open and all eyes snap towards the sound.

Jesper leaned heavily on the door frame. His brows furrowed as he took in the sight of strangers around him before landing on Mara and Ben.

No words needed to be exchange as Mara rushed towards him with Jesper meeting her halfway. They engulfed each other in a tight hug and soon after, Ben had his arms around both of them.

"I thought I lost you." Mara's voice was muffled. A few choked sobs escaped her mouth. "Leon's dead. Matthew and Alvi are missing. I didn't what I'd do if you hadn't-"

Mara's voice cracked. Jesper only hugged her tighter, communicating just how much he is grateful she's here alive and well with his hug.

"As much as we all love seeing a family reunion," Luther started slowly, "there's some things I think we need to discuss first."

Mara released her brother and bore holes into Luther.

"What happened at the Academy?" Allison asked softly, contrasting Luther's impatient tone and defusing Mara's intense glare as it shifted to the Sparrows.

"We were ambushed while we were sleeping." Ben gritted his teeth. "I woke up to noises in Leon's room and went to check it out, but I was too late."

Jesper motioned with his hands and Five could only watch without understanding along with his family. His knowledge of ASL was close to nonexistent, but that didn't mean he doesn't think of him any less.

"He said he had gone down for a glass of water and caught a glimpse of a tattooed redhead before he was knocked out." Mara translated for him.

"The tattoos!" Diego stood up from his seat. "Every guy we saw had one of them by the side of their neck."

"The ouroboros." Mara muttered, but it was loud enough for the rest to hear.

"We've never done any missions that were related to them or that symbol." Ben said, situating himself by the stools. "Not that I can remember anyway."

"Wait, listen, I found something in Dad's office." Five breathed heavily through his nose, "There's something suspicious going on at Genesis Telecommunications, and I believe that's where we'll find our case."

"And you think that why?" Luther raised his eyebrows."

"There was a file that details new world order plans to force countries to bomb each other until all that's left is them." Five continued. "There's reason to believe that the case will be used for their purpose."

"It would be another apocalyptic war." Mara whispered, and Five nodded.

"We need to investigate the Genesis building." He stood firm on his ground. "And if you don't agree with me, then say it right now.

The room stayed still. No one said a word or made an opposing gesture.

"Good." Five relaxed slightly and finally took a sip of his now lukewarm coffee. "Let's plan and say our prayers. We're doing this tonight."

1.618033988

Here we go again.

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A/N:

Holy shit I can't believe I almost forgot about this book. If you're still here, I just want to say I'm sorry and thank you so much for enjoying and waiting for this chapter. I had to focus on my academics for a while and make myself look good for admissions T_T

I have a whole outline that goes almost all the way to the end and details what will be in the chapters, but I honestly have no idea how long it will take me to finish them. I'll still try my best of course, and once again thank you so much for reading this far!

- <3