The line marking the death of Yoularnon’s proper streets and the birth of Howin’s decrepit ones was as clear as today’s sky. JJ stalked down the road, the familiar dilapidated walls and scent that made JJ think of smudge surrounding him. Had it really only been two hours since he’d brought that drug dealer and those junkies to justice? 

His life had upended in that time. From church-worker to now, truly, being free. Rules and propriety be damned. Only the Mother Titan Herself could stop him from helping the city. 

“I knew you’d be here,” a voice called from an alley. 

Still wearing deacon-in-training smocks, Paul stood at the edge of the nearest alley. Without a thought, JJ’s lungs depressed as air twirled about him. 

“I told you never to talk to me.” 

“I don’t care. I’m going to stop this idiocy. We’ll go back to the temple, you’ll apologize, and I know Deacon Mark will let you back into the Autonomous priest-training.” 

“I’m not going back. Charging out of that temple... I’ve never felt freer in my whole life. Now leave.” JJ made his winds flow stronger. “You’re in danger here.” 

Paul shook his head. “You won’t hurt me, JJ.” 

“And how do you know?” 

“Because I know you. How else would I know your exact route into Howin? 

JJ growled. “Go home. No one can stop me until I’ve taken care of Serene.” 

Paul doubled-back. “Do you hear yourself? Wielder or not, you’re only one person.” 

“One who’s willing to act, to bring those villains destroying my city to justice.” 

“Don’t act like a vigilante!” Paul said. “You've had some combat training, but not as much as a Peace Keeper or guild member.” 

“Still more than you.” 

“I’m not trying to take down an entire terrorist cell!” Paul roared. 

JJ stepped close, so he was an inch from Paul. He whispered, “Shut up! You’ll ruin my plan if anyone hears you.” 

Paul opened his mouth, but JJ shoved his hand in Paul’s face to cover it. Without realizing, JJ expelled his winds outward, flinging Paul down the alley. JJ hesitated as Paul slammed into the ground. A sigh of relief left him as Paul struggled back to his feet, but the face he gave JJ shook him. Instead of anger, Paul looked scared of JJ. 

Maybe he could use this. 

“Get out, Paul,” JJ said, his winds swirling again. “I mean it.” 

“I... I’m not leaving you,” Paul said, brushing dust off his smocks. “You’ll get yourself killed if you do this.” 

“Oh, is that why you’re here? You weren’t chosen as a Wielder, so since you can’t save the world, you’re trying to save me. Are you trying to take credit for when I do, since I’d only be around because of you?” 

“That’s not it at all!” Paul looked betrayed and hurt. 

JJ didn’t care. If this was how he could send Paul away, he’d say whatever hurtful thing necessary. 

“You’ve always been jealous of me,” JJ spat. “Admit it. You hated that the Titan didn’t choose you that night. You’ve always loathed the fact that I could soar through the church’s ranks, while you could never go higher than a deacon.” 

“What’s happened to you?” Paul said, verging on tears. 

“I realized my life had been a prison and you’re one of the guards.” JJ turned and started walking away. “Get out of here, Paul. And don’t, ever, try to stop me again.” 

Emotions thrashing like a hurricane, JJ left the alley – aware of several watchful pairs of eyes from the dirtied buildings – and marched down the main street. 

If you cowards have something to say, then say it to my face. 

Now more than ever, JJ wanted nothing more than an excuse to fight.