The novelty of the situation has started to wear off. There are only so many enemies Jasper can fight without even knowing why she’s doing it, what she hopes to achieve beyond the fighting itself.
Maybe she’s had an encounter that left her a bit shaken. She’s trying not to think about it. She’s catching a break in the ruins of a dark alleyway—Jasper, hiding! She’s trying not to think about it. Her hands have gone strangely numb, her form occasionally glitching out around the edges. She’s trying...
She can’t not think about it. Her gem is cracked; she can see it! Wherever she goes, whatever she does, from the moment of her creation, her gem has always rested within her line of sight.
Ahead, she sees the orange glow of a fire. Not a destructive blaze, but a controlled one. There must be humans here, resorting to their old ways now that the power has been knocked out.
It would be none of her business, but then a familiar figure appears, backlit by the survivors’ campfire. She’d recognize that boy anywhere. As if it hasn’t been only a few short years since she found out he existed. In some way, she’s always known him...
She freezes. The last time they spoke, he’d clearly told her not to follow him. But it’s not as if she’s here by choice, and these are especially dangerous times. And as for the damaged state she’s in... there’s no reason to be self-conscious. He’s seen worse.
It’s not as if she has any dignity left to protect.
Instantly energized, Jasper rushes to stand at Steven’s side, though keeping a respectful distance. What is this feeling she has? Concern? Relief? Dread? It doesn’t matter now. She has something outside herself to focus on.
“You’re here, too? You’re not having any trouble, are you?”
