Chapter 7: Rock That Shit, Homie!
Jace: "So, how do we even get into the rocks?"
Henry: "Oh, it's super simple. You two look like complete nobodies, you'll fit right in! However, you gotta hide that shiny-ass arm because it'll immediately be identified as a threat."
Jace: "Easy enough. I can roll down my sleeve."
Luke: "You can roll that sleeve down? Why do you have it up to begin with?"
Jace: "So I won't burn this jacket the second I use my arm. I don't have sleeves under it and constantly having hard metal touch my skin 24/7 makes me shiver."
Luke and Henry glance at each other in confusion before glancing back at Jace.
Henry: "Yeah, whatever. Just cover that fucking arm tonight, alright?"
Jace gives a thumbs up specifically with his robotic one and henry sighs.
Luke: "Question: Where are even meeting?"
Henry: "The mountains at the northern-most point of town. You can't miss the massive hole with an entire civilization inside."
Luke: "Sounds good."
Luke mumbles to himself before Henry walks for the door. They all share a goodbye and go their separate ways. Jace and Luke gear up for the night ahead by fixing up their room and grabbing food at the tavern. They hear about Henry's entrance and beg the folks to forgive them as they're trying to work with him to bring back the androids' head. Somehow, they agree and let Henry slide for the time being.
The sun rests right above the horizon as Jace and Luke walk north through Bluestone. From the alleys and warehouses they've been accustomed to, their surroundings slowly shift into open plazas and market-streets. Looking off to the side, the ocean is as clear as day as it crashes upon the sand only meters away.
Jace: "Reminds me of my childhood. My dad would always take me to the beach."
Luke: "I've never found the appeal. Sand gets in my hair for weeks and I burn too easy. I never tan."
Jace: "Get in the water then if the sand's so bad. That should get it out. I just wish I could see him one last time, smiling with me on the beach...not fearing for his life..."
Luke: "Hey. I don't know if I've ever said it, but I'm sorry."
Jace: "Huh? It's just the beach, we can go tomorrow!"
Luke: "No, not that. I already told you I don't like it. I'm sorry you had to watch your dad die like that."
Jace: "Oh! It's okay. I've had a few years to dwell on it. I'm still moving, aren't I? I think that's all he could ask of me."
Luke: "I understand. Just know as someone who also lost their family, I'm here for you."
Jace: "Oh shit! I'm so sorry if I accidentally brought up anything you didn't want to remember..."
Luke: "You're okay. If I was upset, I wouldn't have apologized to you and offered my support."
Jace: "Fair enough. Are these the rocks?"
Before them stands a massive mountain that blocks their view for miles. An entrance greets them along with Henry standing in front of the hole.
Henry: "You lucky bastards go sight-seeing? I don't care for the beach."
Jace: "Okay, we're seriously taking a trip to the beach after this is all over. You're both too pale."
Henry waves to them and they walk over.
Luke: "Let's get moving. I want this done before midnight."
Henry: "It's fucking dusk. Do you honestly think we're gonna be in there for a few hours?"
Luke: "I'm not finding out. Jace, roll down that sleeve."
Jace follows the order and the three walk towards the gate.
Henry: "The two guards right there? They don't care. Watch."
Without effort, they pass through 'security' and reach the underground village, Rose Rocks.