Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Childish Delight

Chapter 105:

Childish Delight

Evelyn rested her head against Jace's shoulder, holding tightly to him. His scarf wrapped snugly around her provided what warmth it could. Jace was quite surprised at how small she was for her age. What surprised him even more was how she had immediately latched onto him.

After the fight, Jace had made his way over to her and knelt down. As if she knew he was there, she opened his eyes even before he spoke. Her arms flung around him, clinging to his neck. After a moment of surprise, he spoke softly to her. Telling her that he was here to get her out.

Doing his best to hide her gaze from the bodies in the room, he made his way quickly out and into the hallway. Once there, he couldn't help but notice her trembling. He couldn't take her outside like this.

All she had on were her regular school clothes. A dark blue overall dress made of a soft polyester. Underneath was a powder blue long-sleeved shirt and winter tights. She also wore very fashionable winter boots of similar color to the dress.

She told him that the "bad men" took her winter attire, throwing them away. Setting her down for a brief moment, he took his scarf and wrapped her in it. Her eyes lit up happily, holding the scarf close to her. Clinging to him once more, Jace made his way out of the building.

His first stop before he took her anywhere in this weather, was a clothing store. It wouldn't be the best, but it would be enough to get her back home safely through this chilly weather. Doing a quick search, he found a small outfitter nearby that stocked winter clothing. Holding her close, he made his way towards it.

"Hey, mister..." Evelyn whispered in his ear.

"Yes, Evie?" Jace spoke softly as he moved across snow covered Pendleton.

"...What's your name?" She seemed curious.

Jace cursed himself for only now realizing he didn't introduce himself to her. He was a bit hesitant to answer at first. He wasn't sure if he should give his codename or his actual name. However, something in him seemed to soften towards this child, and he found he couldn't give her just the codename.

"It's Jace," He answered, shifting her in his arms to hold her closer and keep her warm, "Though, I'm known by Arc as a runner."

"Jace..." She spoke his name softly, tearing at his heart as she did, "You're a runner? Isn't that dangerous?"

Her words were soft and tone light. It hit deep into his very core. The innocence she gave off was very endearing, yet he couldn't help but know she understood more than most. He could see it in her eyes. He lived on the streets long enough to understand the look people had when they knew the darkness of the world. Still, this child held onto that wonder and whimsy a child was supposed to have.

"Yes, it is," He answered, chuckling softly, "However, if I can save people like you, then it's worth it."

She was quiet to his response, but smiled and nuzzled her head further against him. It wasn't long before they got to the store. A brick building, like almost every other building in Pendleton, with the words "Pendleton Outfitters" hung in old school lettering above the door. Inside smelled of wood and clothing. A cozy place with hardwood flooring and rustic vibes.

They were greeted by an attendant at the counter who wore plaid uniform dress. A human with light brown skin and auburn hair tied in a neat bun. Complete cybernetic eyes with no real color watched them as they made their way inside. Jace was well aware of the judgement upon their face.

He had entered a store with a young child with no winter clothing. He was bound to get looks. Luckily, no one in the store or the workers said anything.

"Why are we here?" Evelyn asked quietly.

"Well, you don't have winter clothing," Jace explained, making his way towards the child's section, "It's cold out, and if I'm to take you back safely, we don't want you to freeze. You can't just wear my scarf the entire way."

"But...I like your scarf," She told him sweetly, causing his heart to melt as she held the scarf close to her face, "It's very warm..."

"Is that so?" Jace smiled gently, "I'm glad. You can continue to wear it, but you still need a jacket, hat, and mittens. Choose what you like."

"Can I?" She asked, leaning back in his arms to look at him, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Of course," He chuckled, setting her down, "Go on. Choose what you like."

He spent the next few minutes watching this child run from place to place, looking for something she liked. She wasn't like most children he knew. She was very methodical and very practical when looking. She took her time, eyebrows furrowed in thought as she contemplated each option. It was honestly rather adorable how she put so much thought and effort into choose.

Watching her continued to pull at something in his heart. Soon, she had chosen what she wanted. A fluffy dark blue jacket with white dots that looked like stars. Around the hood was some kind of fluff for warmth. Along with a simple dark blue knit cap and matching mittens. She was surprisingly conscious of matching her outfit.

"Is that what you want?" Jace asked her.

"Mhm!" She nodded, smiling brightly, "Thank you!"

"Heh, you're welcome," Jace found himself at a loss with how cute this kid was.

He was surprised at the price of the clothing but made no complaints. He had enough from the jobs he completed before. Without having to worry about his mother's hospital bills, he was able to spend without worry.

With everything paid, they made their way outside. She hugged his scarf to him, adjusting it with her mittened hands.

"Is it comfortable?" He asked her, glancing at her in his arms.

"Yeah!" She stated confidently with a laugh that pierced his heart.

"Alright, then let's get you back home, okay?" Jace smiled and began moving down the street.

He was trying to bide his time while his mana recovered. It would be much faster. After a moment of walking, he could feel his energy was finally sufficient. At the first moment he had, he turned down an alley and made sure no one was around. It was a hassle if someone made a fuss.

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"Hold on tightly, Evie," He warned.

"Okay!" She exclaimed, her tiny arms tightening around his neck, "Ready!"

Jace smiled to himself, finding it amusing that she knew what he was about to do. It wasn't that much of a surprise, as her parent was a Noble. So, the chances of them being an Ascended was high. It would make sense she'd understand.

As he launched himself up into the air, her eyes lit up with wonder. He was filled with joy at the sight and began moving across the rooftops. She began giggling, enjoying the ride. Jace made sure he didn't go too fast. He simply basked in this child's delight. The worries of the world seemingly distant to such a bright moment in life.

A small tap on his shoulder from a mittened hand drew his attention to Evelyn. Stopping upon a rooftop, he looked towards her with curiosity. She looked a bit out of sorts.

"Evie?" He inquired, wondering what was going on.

"...Jace," She spoke sheepishly, "I was trying to wait till I was home, and you've already got these nice clothes for me, but..."

She trailed off, averting her eyes shyly.

"Tell me," Jace spoke in a friendly manner, wanting her to know it was okay to say what she wanted to.

"W-Well..." She blushed, embarrassed, "I'm...really thirsty and hungry. The bad men didn't really give me anything to drink and very little food..."

Jace's heart immediately broke at this. At the same time, her stomach rumbled. He couldn't help but laugh as she hid her face in his scarf out of embarrassment.

"Alright, Evie," He told her, doing another quick search for a place to get some food, "Let's get you something to drink and eat."

"Really!?" Evelyn exclaimed, elated.

"Really, really," Jace nodded, kicking off from the rooftop with her in his arms.

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Honestly, how could Jace have said no to such a look? It reminded him a lot of the look that Liana gave him. A look that hit deep at the weaknesses in his heart. Her childlike glee just adding onto the unfairness of it. Her grin was infectious.

Now, she was happily drinking from a fast-food cup. Letting out a satisfied sigh, she dug into the burger, getting ketchup on her face. Shaking his head in amusement, Jace lifted a napkin to clean it off.

"Come on now," He teased as he wiped her face clean, "The food isn't going anywhere."

She giggled in delight, though shrunk in embarrassment. She thanked him politely and continued to eat her food, this time much slower than before. Honestly, watching her was refreshing and rather soothing. It was just pure in its truest form.

Jace understood now what he had been feeling when he saw this child. A tenderness that softened his heart. It was because he wanted to protect such things. This world was filled with darkness and seeing such a radiant light was overwhelming.

It also brought to mind his future. He had those he loved and those he would make a life for. One day, they would have children of their own. It was a scary, terrifying thought, but was something possibly inevitable.

He was reminded of his own childhood and hoped that he was a better father than his own. No, he would be a better father. Seeing Evelyn made him realize that children were innocent and needed to grow up well. It reinforced his beliefs on what was acceptable in this world and what wasn't. Those who abused children or threw them into the dark would have no mercy from him.

The only reason he spared those two Sparrows was the fact they weren't involved and didn't agree with those "Vultures" as they called themselves. They got lucky. He was ready to kill them if he didn't overhear their conversation.

"Jace?" Evelyn's words broke him of his thoughts, "Can I...have some more?"

"Of course," Jace smiled warmly.

Swiping the menu at the table, he ordered more much to her wonder and delight. At the same time, he sent a message to the official channel for the job to inform them it was done. Almost immediately, he received a personal message from Evelyn's parent.

>From [REDACTED]: You have Evie? I see her tracker is still in Pendleton.

>To [REDACTED]: Had to make a detour. She was very hungry and thirsty. She also needed new winter clothes. Wanted to make sure she didn't freeze.

>From [REDACTED]: Thank you. Let me know the details when you return. We'll be at Radiance.

>Message Alert: Messages will be deleted in 3...2...1...Complete.

Jace had a meeting point, and Evelyn was safe. Her face lighting up as more food arrived. She ate happily, much to Jace's delight. He wondered if his own children would be this cute. If they were his angel's children, then he was sure they'd take after them.

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