109 Distance (1/2)

Days into the catastrophe, people's spirits were weakening. Due to the constant threat and harassment of their city, everyone who was able had come out to help. The jobs were divided amongst those who could handle it, leaving those who were weaker with simpler jobs.

Almost no one was left idle. Or rather, no one was willing to be left idle. They didn't know if it was because of the voice echoing in their minds, but the people of Cosmos City felt protected and motivated. Though they were tired, they worked without cutting corners.

Nine breathed out in a rare show of impatience. Though the city was still able to hold on, the waves of low-ranking undead seemed endless. Right now, they were still able to maintain the barrier on the city, so it wasn't anything too strenuous.

She had spread out missions in the city, allowing the Undyings for a chance to shine as they worked tirelessly. Nine handed out missions like they were unlimited (they were, really) since the System gave her no upper limit, she was exploiting it for all its worth.

Besides those who she had picked up over during the 'test', all the other Undyings also flocked here because of the news that Cosmos City was rather friendly to Undyings, unlike other cities or countries that still didn't know what to make of their presence.

Right now, Nine was still waiting for the other shoe to drop. She was still waiting for the tracking spell on Helce to finish locking down, but progress was slow. The 24/7 assault upon their city was draining resources quicker than they had estimated, and everyone was running themselves ragged.

Luckily, though the people were determined and motivated, they weren't far gone enough yet to sacrifice themselves needlessly, stepping back when they felt like they could not continue any longer.

Nine could feel her temper fraying the longer this dragged on, mainly because her darling Nox was running himself into the ground. She couldn't hold back the frown on her face when she thought about how Nox was acting as if he had something to prove to the people in the city, or her students. It didn't matter that he didn't *need* to sleep, but clearly, he was secretly running around to handle more work when he should have been resting instead. His brain was not getting a chance to rest and revitalize itself.

This could not go on.

When Nine stepped into her residence, she could already tell that he was not here. The lights were off, and more importantly, she could not sense him anywhere in the vicinity. Nine silently pressed on her temples. Just yesterday, he told her 'I'll definitely rest tomorrow, so don't worry so much, okay?'. She was so angry that she let out a laugh.

Nine finally had enough after coming back to their residence for the nth time and finding him elsewhere than their bed. Taking a steadying breath, Nine shoved down her anger. She compartmentalized her feelings to deal with later, after she placed him where he should be.

Really, was Nox going to lie to her like this now?

The faintest pangs of hurt started sprouting itself in her heart without her consent. Nine buried it deep down but couldn't help but feel as if Nox didn't think that she was trustworthy anymore. Though she knew with her brain that this wasn't the case, her heart couldn't help but whisper her lies.

Her heart throbbed at the familiar feeling. Years ago, she had also felt like this, hadn't she? Quietly, Nine placed a hang over her heart, as if telling it to calm down. This time, it was different. With *him* their relationship had been built on a foundation of lies, but hadn't she tried to be completely transparent with Nox?

Breathing harshly, Nine once again shoved away her feelings, but the feelings of unease lingered with her. Upset, Nine did her best to force the feelings out, but they latched on, like a festering wound.

Slowly, without her realizing it, her posture untensed, and her face gradually descended into a state of calm indifference. Moving slowly, calmly, Nine headed towards the east wall, where Nocturne had said he would be today.

Instead of teleporting, Nine took the chance to walk along the streets, nodding gently to those who passed her. Nine smiled faintly at a little girl who waved at her, gently waving back.

It wasn't until she was long gone that the little girl tugged on her mother's hand. ”Mama, why was that handsome big brother so sad?” she said, frowning softly.