Copper

Chapter Twenty Eight

"So much for Fierce Protector."

One Hour Until Absolution.
A single hour standing between me jumping to Bardo. Gazing out the window I stare at the place the Disciples will be coming through. Where the portal we've been waiting patiently for five years to reopen finally will do just that. The anticipation gnawing at my bones I raise my fingers to delicately glide over the facial tattoos Orlando has given us. Or should I say the stain? They will come off eventually but remain long enough for us to jump to Bardo through the bridge, get our friends, and jump back to Sanctum. Five long years and I am so close to my patience pay off.

"Congratulations on reaching Level Twelve" I hear Orlando praise Hope behind me "Dev would be proud of you. I know I am." In the reflection of the window, I watch Hope smile at the thoughtful comment. Orlando had come around to the idea of training us soon after Echo lost us the privileges to the Cabin. Hope had been right. He's our key to Bardo. Gazing around at us, Orlando fondly voices "That goes for all of you. I wish all trainees had been as determined to learn as you all have been."

"We aren't exactly unskilled", I return to humming out the window, stare still glued to the lake "We had a head start."

"Either way", Orlando seems to disagree "The war to end all wars would be a lot easier."

A silent beat passes by before Echo's reflection joins mine in the windowpane. "We still have an hour until go time", Echo reminds me of the fact I've been dwelling over for days "Eat something. Quit lurking and putting us all on edge. Time won't move any faster."

Rolling my lip I merely shake my head, staring out at the haunting faded green glow "We're so close."

"And we're going to get them back", Echo nudges my side, smirking when she lightly jokes "Look at Gabriel. Do you think he looks worried?" Both of us peering over our shoulders I watch Gabriel slurping on Jellyfish. Catching our staring I let a smile slip on my lips. Shaking my head disappointedly at him I bypass Echo. Yet not before ruffling my hand through her new short cut. Unlike Hope who's cut hers down to half an inch Echo's flounces over her face no longer than my hand. Smacking my prying away Echo tries to reframe the short cut as I'm wandering around the table to slide beside Gabriel to once again look over the blueprints Orlando drew out the best he could. I'll admit, the Jellyfish has miraculously improved over the years.