Jonas looked up into Yuki's eyes, and they stared at each other while trying to burn that moment into their retinas; they could recall it at any time. Jonas felt sad that their feelings were different from before and that their relationship was over, but he was happy that they ended on good terms and remained friends. He and Yuki had begun their relationship on the promise of freedom, and they had fulfilled that promise.

"My crusade and your hunt," Jonas repeated. "That sounds kind of cool. I hope we both succeed. So, you'll accept Phillip's offer?"

"I am. I'm going to ask for some kind of real estate: a large house or apartment. That way, I can start my home for girls," Yuki crossed her arms. "Among other things, like a fancy hell phone."

"That's a great idea. Have you thought of a name?"

"Sunrise Sanctuary," her cheeks turned pink. "I came up with it last night."

"Like the rising sun, right? Japan?" However, Yuki shook her head.

"Because the sun will eventually rise, and I hope my sanctuary becomes the light that brightens the darkness for the women living with me."

"Oh, that's much better," Jonas smiled and stood up. "I'll visit your Sunrise Sanctuary once I find my brother."

"Sounds like a plan," she opened her arms, and Jonas accepted the embrace. They didn't hug for long because he wanted to keep things professional, and Yuki felt the same.

"It's crazy to think we finally made it. You approached me with the faintest hope that I'd be the one to help break you out, and your instincts were correct. Congratulations, Yuki," Jonas left the hug and stepped back.

"You did all the heavy lifting. I won't take credit for your hard work. Congratulations to you as well," Yuki turned toward the door. "I'm heading downstairs to wait for dinner. I'll see you down there?"

"In a minute," Jonas smiled and watched her depart. He didn't want to leave the room yet because he was still experiencing strong emotions that made him feel between wanting to cry and smile. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and went downstairs, where the rest of his fellows had gathered at the large dining room table.

"Let's get this party started," Johnson held a beer in the sky and looked over at a pretty maid. "Miss, do you think you could grab some more drinks?" She nodded and went to the kitchen with Mr. Ken following behind her.

"I'm glad you're feeling at home, Erik," Phillip sat at the head of the table in his massive wooden chair custom-made to fit his bottom. "I'm happy you're all enjoying yourselves. This mansion hasn't been this lively since Jonas first came here two years ago. So, I've called one of my contacts in the IT department of Prey Studios, a mobile app development company. Hopefully, he'll be able to help get a lead on some of your missing loved ones," and there was a murmur of excitement and confusion from Simon, Pete, and Bannji.

"Prey Studios?" Simon tilted his head. "How exactly will that help?"

"Prey Studios is the company behind Hell Works, the number one employment application in all the Overworld."

"Oh, that app," Jonas looked unimpressed. "That's where I found the modeling gig that ended with me being drugged and sent to Dark Fly auctions."

"Believe it or not, that's a rare occurrence. Most of the jobs are legitimate. You just need to pay attention to their rating and reviews. Anyway, my contact works in the IT department and has access to online data belonging to those who've tried signing up for jobs. In other words, I need a little background information on the people you're looking for, and then I can have my contact cross-reference that information with Hell Works database. If your loved ones ever tried applying for a job on that application, I'll be able to find more information about them."

"My wife is Felicia Anne Rhule, and her maiden name is Girard. She'll be thirty-three this year," said Simon, and they could tell he was excited.

"Got it," Phillip took out a massive hellphone and began typing the information. "Anyone else?"

"Garuka Keza Balewa is my wife. She's forty-five this year," said Bannji. "My daughter is named Keza Rose Balewa, and she's twenty-eight years old."

"Garuka and Keza," mumbled Phillip as he typed away. "Got it. Who else?"

"My wife's name is Jenesha Lin Ingram, and she'd be sixty-seven years old by now. It's been so long since I've seen her, and I'm not even sure she's still alive at this point," Pete wanted to find her but knew it was likely she had already moved on. "We said, 'til death do us part,' and she might've taken it literally. If you could find her, I'd be grateful. However, if she's already remarried, just leave her be."

"Understood. It's much easier to find people who've recently died, but I'll have my contact search for them and see what he digs up," Phillip put his phone away and grabbed his head-sized goblet. "Jonas, I heard you're leaving soon."

"Three days. I'm meeting up with my old master, and he'll take me to the Sin Assessment after three months of training."

"If he's a fully certified Sinner, it doesn't surprise me that he knows how to get a ticket for the Sineville of the Seas. You're sure you can trust him?"

"Relatively sure," Jonas smirked. "He's my best chance, so I don't have a choice. If you or Amberlee have more valuable information, now's the time to share."

"Honestly, I've shared everything I know. Amberlee?" Phillip looked over at his wife.

"Nothing. I'm sorry," Amberlee shook her head. "Outcasts aren't taught much about the world of Sinners. It's unfortunate but true."

"Fair enough," Jonas turned his head and caught a whiff of food from the kitchen door swinging open. From the doors came a dozen staff members carrying drinks and trays of food, which they placed in front of each guest. They removed the lids and revealed the contents of their feast: tacos, spaghetti, a roast pig, fried chicken, and an assortment of delicious-looking sides. Not only that, but they brought bottles of expensive wines and pitchers of Blood Light ale.

"These are for you, Sir," Mr. Ken handed Jonas a new pack of Diamond Doubles cigarettes. "You might not know this, but Sinners often rely on cigarettes, cigars, drugs, and booze to supplement their Sin. It's a little bit of bad that adds up over time if you know what I'm trying to say," the head butler smiled from beneath his groomed mustache.

"I understand. Companies make expensive alcohol and cigarettes that can supplement a Sinner's power over time. I doubt it makes a huge difference, but it might add a little extra firepower after a few years, right?" Jonas asked, and Mr. Ken nodded.

'Dig in," Phillip gave his blessing, and the rest of the party filled their plates and cups. They didn't talk between eating and drinking because everyone was hungry and not in the mood to chat. However, after their plates had been scraped clean and everyone's bellies were practically bursting, the conversation picked back up when Simon addressed Phillip about the job offer.

"So, Phillip. I've decided to stay and accept your job offer. My Sin is Sloth, and although my physical powers are good, My talents in analyzing information and problem-solving are much better."

"I'm happy to hear that, Simon," Phillip used a towel-size napkin to wipe his mouth. "What would you want for compensation?"

"An apartment, a vehicle, hell phone, and help to find my wife."

"Done and done," Phillip readily agreed.

"I'm the same," said Johnson. "I'm willing to shack up with Simon if the apartment is big enough," it wasn't just those two because eventually, everyone at the table told Phillip they wanted to accept his offer and what compensation they'd like in return.

"I own an apartment building not far from here, and there's enough room for all of you. Right now, I'm using it to house my security guards. As for vehicles, exotic cars are out of my price range, but I have a good selection of Cerberus Shadows: a standard car that's quite durable and popular among security guards and detectives."

"Wait, exotic vehicles are out of your price range?" Jonas furrowed his brow. "That's surprising."

"The cheapest exotic vehicle off the top of my head is nearly fifteen million Sin Stones. You can buy an entire apartment building for one million. Companies don't mass produce. After all, they require brilliant engineers to build because they're all electric and self-efficient and are not in much demand because non-Sinners or poor people will just have theirs stolen."

"That makes sense," Jonas nodded. "Either way, as long as you give them apartments, hell phones, and a vehicle, I can guarantee they'll do good work for you. There aren't many people in Sun City that'll mess with them."

The first of Jonas' last three nights was quite eventful because of all the drinking, smoking, and partying. They played cards and beer pong while Johnson got frisky with a maid, and Jonas noticed the two slip upstairs while everyone else was distracted.

It was fun. More fun than Jonas had in a very long time. He wasn't sulking about the deaths of his friends: he was celebrating their life and sacrifice. He and Simon would clink drinks and hug, Ralph would bang the table before chugging beers, and Pete smoked huge cigars while Theo and Yuki took turns talking about their favorite sweets over a glass of wine. Bannji hadn't been friends with them for long, but eventually, he felt more comfortable with them and opened up. He showed them Rwandan drinking games and familiar chants that reminded him of home, and his new friends happily obliged in the culture sharing.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

That night, Jonas had no drive to pursue any sexual relationships. He and Yuki had ended on platonic terms. At the same time, he was no longer interested in Amberlee because they had ended things awkwardly, and he felt their relationship had been a bit nonconsensual and inappropriate. Jonas had been feeling asexual since the events with the Maldread, the death of Ahmed and Jaden, the refusion with Pride, and the recalling of his tragic childhood filled with sexual and physical abuse.

He hadn't told anyone about the awakening of his memories because he felt they wouldn't understand and would ask too many questions. Questions that he hadn't the energy or emotional patience to answer.

The more alcohol that entered his bloodstream, the more his impulsive thoughts would break through his psyche and try to disturb his mood. The scenes of him with Mr. Goldstein tragically burned themselves into his retinas, and he tried his best to blink them away, but the impulsive thoughts were winning the battle.

"I need some air," Jonas stood up rather suddenly because his heart was racing, and his anxiety was making him feel over-stimulated with all the loud noises around. He grabbed his beer and cigarettes and made for the door to the terrace.

"Jonas, are you okay?" Simon could tell something was wrong.

"Just fine," Jonas lied and opened the door. "I'm just going to go for a cigarette. I'll be back in a few," the door closed behind him, and his companions gave each other looks full of concern and confusion.

"Do you think it's just about Ahmed and Jaden?" Simon furrowed his brow and mumbled toward Yuki.

"Probably. However, do you remember Jonas saying that he awoke memories from the past or whatever? That was very strange, and he never elaborated."

"I assumed he was lying," said Ralph. "That whole sequence with him killing the Maldread, coming back from the dead, and awaking memories was sketchy, and I think he's hiding things."

"Right?" Johnson entered the room at the right time, his clothing was disheveled, and he had lipstick on his face and neck. "All of a sudden, Jonas is a Hellite? What's that all about?"

"I think Jonas is entitled to his secrets, right?" Yuki gave them a knowing look that told them to back off. "If he's telling the truth about remembering things from his childhood, they might've been traumatizing. Let's just be respectful of his privacy."

"Don't get me wrong," said Simon. "I agree, and I'm not going to push him. I'm just worried, that's all," the rest of the group nodded in agreement.

"He'll open up to us if he's ready. If not, let's just make his last few days great for him, and we'll hope his heart heals over time," Theo was usually quiet but had an idea that Jonas was dealing with something difficult. Theo understood because he'd gone through great turmoil before coming out with his sexuality. "He needs a bit of space, lots of love, and open ears if he asks for them."

"Well said, Teddy," Johnson smiled and downed another beer. "Let's leave it at that."

Outside, Jonas was on his second cigarette and was staring out at the dark, crimson garden hedges. He wasn't partial to the conversation inside and didn't care about their speculation. The reality of the memories was hitting him in full force, and they made him feel very dirty, uncomfortable, and alone. His foot was tapping the floor, and his hand tightly gripped the stone ledge as he continued to puff and exhale on his cigarette.

"Don't let it beat you," a little thought had made its presence known, and Jonas felt like it was his Pride speaking to him. "Embrace the pain, don't run from it."

Jonas wasn't afraid of physical pain but found himself anxious and confused when dealing with the injuries to his mind that wouldn't heal with Sin Sorcery. It took a few deep, steadying breaths, but eventually, Jonas regulated his heart and emotions.

"I'm better than this," he felt his Sin Scars glowing with Pride. "I'm stronger than this," he spoke his truth into existence. The world could beat and rape him endlessly, but he wouldn't break. Jonas' Pride refused to be destroyed by pedophiles and bullies.

He flicked his cigarette butt into the nearest ashtray and downed his drink. Determination and resolution filled his blue eyes, and he stopped fighting the intrusive thoughts and feelings and let them run as rampant as they wanted. He didn't care about seeing his former foster parents beat him senseless, nor about Mr. Goldstein touching him. He let the scenes replay themselves in his mind's eye, not fighting them, and within a minute, they vanished with no desire to continue bothering him.

Jonas slept very soundly that night, and his heart and mind were at peace for the first time since the Maldread incident. He awoke around noon, met his hungover friends for breakfast, and was surprised when Phillip Glatorius told them he had news from his contact at Prey Studios.

"Simon. My contact says that last year, Felicia Rhule, matching your wife's description, applied for a cleaning job with a wealthy business owner in Burningham City. It's a few hours from here," Simon's mouth dropped, and disbelief filled his expression.

"You're sure? How do you know?" Simon refused to become too invested in the news because it could be incorrect and would leave him brokenhearted and crestfallen. The deaths of his family and his separation from them was his biggest regret and the thing that weighed down his heart the most.

"Same age and name. Her profile on Hell Works stated she had prior experience as a secretary and went to school for administration at the University of Ohio."

"Oh my God," Simon dropped his fork and stared open-mouthed at Phillip. "You're not screwing with me, right?"

"No. I'd never do that to you. Simon, we found her," and everyone at the table began to smile as the realization hit them all. "I'm trying to contact her employer and praying she still works there. It's been a while, but hopefully, he'll answer my message later today."

"Felicia was a hard worker," said Simon, whose hands were shaking and unconsciously holding his breath. "She'd never get fired. Please, Phillip. You need to contact me as soon as her employer calls you. I'm begging you to reunite us," Simon's eyes were watering, and he did look desperate.

"Reuniting you with your wife was just one of my promises if you worked for my company," Phillip smiled and waved away Simon's pleading. "I left a message for him, and if he doesn't call by this evening, I'll call him again. If he still doesn't answer, I'll send a car to Burningham City and have my guys check to see if it's her."

"I'll go with them," Simon had a resolution in his eyes that told everyone he wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Sure," Phillip nodded. "If it comes to that, I'll be sure you're headed to her city tonight."

"I'm so happy for you," Jonas smiled brighter than he had in a long time. "Good things happen to good people, Simon. I know it's not guaranteed to be her, but I feel good about it. You both deserve to reconnect and reconcile," he touched Simon's shoulder.

"Thanks, Jo," Simon was still fighting tears but was wearing an excited grin. "I think it's her too. I'll stay here today while I wait."

"Not at all," said Jonas. "Your wife's more important than Pizza Slut."

"I know, but you're leaving tomorrow, right?" Simon sighed. "Today is our last day to hang out."

"Simon," said Phillip. "Go hang out with your friends. As soon as I have any news, I'll immediately call you and bring you home. You waiting here isn't going to change anything," and Simon saw the reason in what his host was saying.

"You're right. I was jumping the gun," said Simon. "Tonight, we celebrate Jonas' last day with us."

"Hopefully, tomorrow we'll be celebrating Felicia's return," Johnson grinned. "Until then, let's relax and have a great day. Though, I suspect Simon will be hard-pressed to relax."

It was a mark of how dreary the Hurts gang was because Jonas felt the littlest things around the house made him laugh or feel happy. Sunshine through the windows, chirping birds, wind blowing chimes, laughter, and even the burps from his friends. Something about the news about Felicia and the smile on Simon's face made Jonas feel like maybe there was light at the end of the tunnel. Something good had happened, and Jonas hoped they found Felicia and reunited her with Simon because it would mean his friend's happiness and make Jonas feel hopeful he could reunite with Drake. It was the first time in a very long time he felt hope.

The mood was considerably cheerful, and it lasted hours later. While Jonas and his friends dressed in regular clothing, groomed themselves, and prepared for a night out, that good mood persisted.

"Have fun, guys," Yuki waved them off at the door. Next to her stood Theo, who had no interest in going, and Phillip and Amberlee stood behind them, waving.

"We'll be back in a couple of hours," Jonas grinned as he prepared to step into the limo.

"Remember to call Jonas if you get any news," said Simon. "I don't have a hell phone yet."

"No worries," said Phillip. "Any changes in the situation, I'll call Jonas. Also, one of my guards is picking up a couple of hell phones for you and preparing a few other things. You'll all be situated before Jonas leaves. I promise."

Simon nodded, took a deep breath, and ducked his head into the limo. Jonas and the rest of the crew followed behind him. A few minutes later, the limo took off. The boys lounged on the benches, played unfamiliar music by Hell's musicians, and passed around beers. They laughed, yelled, and managed to have fun for the entire ride to their destination.

Thirty minutes later, the limo stopped outside a large and luxurious building. People wearing prison scrubs stood outside the building and stared nervously at the limo while people in the building wondered if it was prime time to pay their bills and leave. Big shots pulling up in a limo was usually a bad sign for Commoners.

Jonas stepped out and saw the gray-bricked building, and there was a giant sign above the roof that said, 'Pizza Slut,' and next to it was a scandalous red-headed woman with pigtails holding two slices of pizza to block the view of her naked breasts.

"Oh, Pizza Slut," began Pete with misty eyes. "How I've missed you."

"I'm going to be honest, Pete," Jonas shook his head. "I didn't think this was a real place. I was wrong," it was the second time Jonas had been to such a public place, and Crispy Screams wasn't as busy as Pizza Slut.

"It's real," said Pete. "Get ready for the best slice of pizza you've ever had," they laughed and ignored the stares of the people in the parking lot and on the sidewalk.

"Mr. Ariel," a security guard stepped out. "We'll be waiting here for you all. The boss gave me the funds to pay for any expenses, so I'll take care of the bill when you're finished. Enjoy yourselves and have fun," he nodded, and Jonas thanked him.

"Let's go," Jonas turned to the front doors, and his fellows followed behind him. He pushed open the doors and found himself greeted by delicious smells, the raucous sound of men laughing, music playing in the background, and the voice of a pretty woman.

"Hello, handsome," the busty hostess was wearing a miniskirt and a red tube top with pepperonis where her nipples would be. "Welcome to Pizza Slut. My name is Carrie, and I'll be your hostess. How many will you be dining with?" Carrie blushed and smiled at their motley crew.

"Six," Johnson grinned. "Tonight's special. So give us a great table."

"Right this way," she marked off a table on her seating chart, grabbed a handful of menus, and led them down a path and into the main restaurant. The Pizza Slut uniform was very revealing, and Jonas could feel the gazes of his crew focused on Carrie's retreating, hourglass figure. As they passed through the restaurant, the various customers and waitresses all turned their heads to get a look at the men who took a limo to Pizza Slut, including a man with an eye patch, a giant, and a handsome youngster with flowing blonde locks.

Men wearing scrubs occupied most of the tables, but Jonas noticed a few groups of men wearing regular clothing, and his senses told him that a few of them had a bit of Sin lingering around them. Those men with the aura of Sin glanced over at Jonas, saw his Sin Scars, and mumbled on their breaths.

"You feel that?" Johnson turned and stared at the potential Sinners. "It's crazy knowing there are people like us hiding among the commoners. I can feel the killing intent."

"Oh, don't bother with them," Jonas looked unconcerned. "If they have a problem, it won't end well for them," the rest of their group nodded while Carrie stopped in front of a large corner booth.

"Samantha will be your server. Enjoy your meals, boys," she dropped off their menus, felt up Jonas' arm, winked at him, and left their group while swinging her hips.

"I'm not going out with you anymore," Johnson felt up Jonas' shoulder and rolled his eyes. "It's not fair."

"Envy doesn't suit you, Erik," Simon took his seat, and the rest of the boys followed. The restaurant was well-decorated, with warm lights and comfy seating, and it appeared the owner had put a lot of effort into his establishment.

"Hey, fellas," a pretty blonde came around the corner and greeted their table. "My name is Samantha, and I'll be taking care of you today."