Song walked back to Onyx's house in silence. Once again she found herself, doubting if she could trust Onyx. She had known for awhile that he had secondary motives for going to the Capital with her. At the time, she thought that it was the passion to finish him parents' mission, but she was mistaken. He went to save Zuri. This angered Song, Onyx abandoned Bliss and made finding Zuri his main priority. She tried to let Bliss' words resonate with her, 'Don't let this bug you.' Unfortunately for Song, it was already bugging her. But at the same time, she wasn't mad at him, everyone in the Capital deserved to be saved, she just wished he had told her that. Song kept her cool, calm, and collected disposition. Zuri seemed like a good person, and Song would not judge her based on Onyx's actions. If she wasn't a good person, Onyx wouldn't have risked the entire operation to save her.

"Well, thanks everyone for making this breakout a success, I'm glad that everyone is okay," Onyx stated.

"Good," Song said as she was about to walk out of the door. Before she could leave Zuri called her.

"Song, thank you for helping to get me out. I know that you didn't have to. I'm glad to be out of that place, they kept me hostage and wouldn't let me leave after I recovered." Zuri said looking Song directly in the eyes with an honest expression.

"Don't mention it, I love what I do. I'm going home now."

"Song wait, I'm coming with you," called Bliss, as she followed Song out of the door.

"See you later Song," Onyx called out to her.

Song heard, but did not respond. Bliss looked back with a spiteful look, which caught Onyx off guard as he slowly closed the door behind them.

Bliss was also angry with Onyx. She saw him at the facility and he brushed her off. He definitely didn't come to help her. But she pushed these thoughts aside and thought about Song.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, to be honest, I'm used to him making me feel like this. So, it's not even a big deal anymore. And to think that I once thought that we had something more between us, but I'm glad that it ended up like this. I never realized how much I valued communication in relationships, if that's not there it won't work. But, I'm open to see how life will unfold before my eyes. No hard feelings, just more understanding."

"Thought? I thought the two of you did have something going on. But, it's good to see you grow, and speaking of growth, although that place was a Shadow zone, I really feel better. They put you under this light that's so intense, it's like looking into the sun. You feel like you're burning up, it's painful and beautiful all at the same time. That part of me, that my parents died for, that person was alive again."

"I'm happy for you, it's good to see you back to your old self, I've missed you."

"Well, what do you think about Zuri? Do you think we can trust her?." Bliss asked.

"Well she's nice enough and her eyes are clear and honest. I'm just glad that Onyx is happy," Song explained.

"I don't want you to feel down."

"I don't, I just wish that he trusted me enough to tell me when something is going on."

Soon enough, Song was home. She invited Bliss inside.

"Now enough about me. How are you doing?" Song asked Bliss as the two walked to the couch and sat down.

"Well, after I recovered, they just taking information from me. Asking me questions about my life. They wanted to know if I knew anybody there. They try to keep people who know each other together, they say it's to help them see what areas of town have been hit the hardest. But after being cured, the more I spent time there, I realized that the facility was just suppressing everyone's feelings and problems."

"Until they explode," Song finished Bliss' statement.

"Exactly. People who were cured wanted to go back home, but there was no way to leave. Some Shadowhunter's had been there for years and they started losing their minds. There was this one guy, he said he was a Shadowhunter from some society. He talked about how much he loved it there, he wanted to stretch out and hunt Shadows, it was killing him to stay cooped up in that place. He was a wonderful person, his smile could light up a room. He fought everyday to keep from going insane, but other hunters, professional and amateur, they lost their minds. Then we never saw them again."

"Yeah, I read that in A Night of Shadows."

"I thought you said that you hadn't started reading it."

"Yeah, I wasn't going to tell Onyx or Zuri that!"

"Well, I can understand that, but maybe we can hang out sometime tomorrow, but I want to go see Kai." Bliss said as she stood up.

"Before you go, what was that hunter's name?"

"His name was Ace," Bliss said smiling.

"Well, with the staged fire, let's pray he was able to escape. Hold on to your faith, and no matter what happens, never forget him. Maybe you'll be blessed to see him again. Whatever is meant for us will always reach us even if it seems as far from us as the sun. But what is not meant for us will never reach us, even if it's close enough to touch."

"I will remember that," Bliss replied.

"Alright, well I'm going to visit Creed later on."

"Creed? Dreamy boy with the pretty eyes?" Bliss asked.

"Go away!" Song joked.

Bliss was walking out of the door, "Okay, okay."

Song gently closed the door behind her and flopped back down on the couch. She sat in silence doing one of her favorite things, thinking. She was thinking about how everyone seemed to be drifting apart during these past few months. Sometimes, it felt like it was her versus them. A part of her was happy, everyone's destiny was unfolding right before her. But, a part of her was worried, as much as she wanted Team Liberate to walk on one path together forever, realistically, she knew that wouldn't happen. And most importantly, she was worried about the Shadows, why would they cure the people who were infected? Why save them and hold them?

It hadn't been that long since Song and Bliss had left. He had just fixed Zuri some hot chocolate and sat beside her on the sofa. He draped his arm around her shoulders. "Are you alright?" Onyx whispered.

"Yeah, did I make your friends upset?"

"No, sometimes they can be a little moody that's all. Once they get to know you, they'll like you just like I do." Zuri just smiled and rested her head on his chest. "Look at me."

Zuri put her cup down and turned to face Onyx.

"My parents are gone, outlaws. And soon I'm going to be the new Guardian of the Gate."

"So, you are staying with the SSS?" She asked.

"Yeah, I know there have been ups and downs, but the good they have done outweighs the bad by a long shot. Every time, I try to run, I realize that I'll always belong there. It's like trying to outrun destiny."

"You can't outrun destiny, because there is a God that sees all, and He is the Best Pathfinder. We as people with free will, get off the course all the time. But He patiently guides us back. Darkness can't save itself from darkness, only light can do that. But sometimes, when we've been in the dark for so long, we turn away from the light because its not comfortable. The light is painful, when you haven't been in it, but just like your eyes had to adjust to the darkness it will adjust to see the beauty in the light." Zuri smiled.

"That means you're staying in the SSS?"

"Always, regardless of what you choose. I am going to stay with the society, I was born there, and I will always belong there." Zuri replied.

"You're always remind me of where my head need to be, I was a little worried, worried that I might not be ready. See this life, not being under the strict rules of the society, there's so much freedom. Look at people like Song, she's okay. Her spirit is free and she hunts like a hunter from the SSS. I guess, I've been worried about giving up this freedom."

"Onyx there is freedom in fulfilling your purpose. Song's mother was a SSS hunter. It's in her genes. She's been blessed from her mother's sacrifice, a special hand has been over her because of her circumstance. Remember every gifted amateur always find their way to the SSS."

"You're right, and when you think about. These people need structure. Every night, so many people can't even follow a simple instruction, like close your doors and windows while the Shadows are out. I see where you're coming from. Thank you."

"You know, I'll always pull your coat tail," Zuri laughed.

"I know, but I need that. And you know that I'll always have your back."

"I know, and I'm grateful for you, but Onyx, where's your sister?"

"With Free, she is staying with her until I get Creed from the Gate."

"From the Gate? Why is he going there?"

"The SSS is getting desperate. He doesn't want to go especially since he likes Song. This situation is a mess," Onyx explained.

"Yes, but it's not something we can't handle. I hope everything works out for the best."

"I just hate feeling like it me and them. I really miss the time we were Team Liberate, fighting for the same things. That's one thing I love about the people. Those who have never known the SSS, they stick together, try to fight for the same things. No status, and specific posts, tests that determine what you can be. Life pushes these people to the limit, they can go as far as their minds can conceive." Onyx sighed.

"Maybe that time for Team Liberate will come again. And if that social setup works, you can suggest it to the SSS. That could make it a possibility to everyone," Zuri said hopefully.

"When the time is right, I will. It's all about learning and growth, progress and improvement. But, I need to get ready, I promised to have Creed's back." Onyx stood up and went upstairs.

As he walked away, Zuri smiled, Onyx has always been that way. He loves hard and fights harder. Sometimes he gets caught between what he needs to do and what he'd rather do. He does well with trying to make the best decision. And when the choices are hard, I'll have your back, if you need me, I'm here.