Chapter 16: Warnings in the Sky

"Mira, wake up. We are going to be late," Jax said as he got dressed. "If we are late they will not let us in. Mira!" He shouted one last time.

Mira, against her will, pushed herself upright. She got out of bed and walked toward Jax without removing her gaze from him. Something deep inside her forced the contact.

"Mira, you are getting too close. Hey, stop," Jax said, trying to hide his face from her. "What has gotten into you this morning?"

Finally able to pull herself away from the tug, Mira adjusted her trajectory.

"Jax, you are blocking the bathroom," she said, letting out a tired yawn with her arms stretched upward. "Can you move please?"

Jax abruptly stepped out of her way and she continued forward.

"Good morning, Jax."

After Mira entered the bathroom and closed the door, he stopped holding his breath.

What is she thinking?

"Mira, I am going to head downstairs and talk to Sherley before we leave town for a few days." He turned toward the door, his face still red. "Or do you want me to wait for you?"

Mira thought for a moment and decided it was fine for Jax to leave briefly. She stuck her head out from the bathroom and looked at him with a slight frown.

"As long as you do not disappear. Please do not leave without me," she replied, half worried and half embarrassed.

Jax headed toward the door while she finished getting ready. As he walked down the stairs, he noticed the top step had a chunk missing. Not paying it much attention, he continued.

In the common area, the sun leaked through the glass windows, distorting the light like a candle being blown out. Sherley sat where she normally did, behind the counter, waiting for potential customers.

"Heya, Jax. How was your night?" she asked while preparing his breakfast plates. "Hope you like eggs."

"Eggs are fine. Lots of them though. Big day today," he said, laying his satchel down. "We have to prepare for the next dive."

"How long are you two going in for this time?" she asked, finishing the plates before placing them in a sack. "Last time was a long one. Will you both be okay?"

The question made Jax pause.

"I think we are ready for stronger dungeon beasts this time. We have been training and did a few guild missions in between the last five," he said, full of pride.

I hope we are strong enough.

The thought sat quietly in the back of his mind. He adjusted his posture, planted his feet, and added, "We definitely have this."

With that, he left the inn and headed toward Shinra's place. He needed a few supplies before they were ready.

As he made his way through town, he noticed the dungeon behind Ravelin looked particularly cruel this morning. Black clouds choked the air above it.

"That does not look good," he muttered. "I hope that is not there tomorrow."

He quickened his pace and arrived at Shinra Wears and Tears in no time. The sign read Closed.

"What? Where is Shinra?" he asked, puzzled by the absence of the eccentric shop owner.

"Jax," a voice called from a few blocks away. "I will be right there. I had to check something quickly. Wait there."

After a short wait, Shinra arrived, unlocked the door, and ushered Jax inside before locking it behind them.

"Why did you lock the door, Shinra?"

"We need to talk. Now. You two are planning on diving tomorrow, yes?"

"We planned on stocking up today so we are ready tomorrow. Why do you ask?" Jax replied, beginning to fidget with his hair.

I wonder if this is about those clouds.

"You saw those clouds looming over the dungeon on your way here, yes?"

"I did. What is going on with the dungeon? I was hoping they would clear by tomorrow."

At that, Shinra grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him in close. Too close.

"Something strange is happening inside that dungeon. I have been in this city a long time and never seen clouds like that. If it were me, I would not go on the dive."

"Mira would be crushed and we would be out of coin if we do not. We trained for this dive, Shinra. I think we can handle it this time."

"Do not blame me if you two get hurt. Or worse." He shuddered. "Please at least practice caution. Do not go beyond your limits."

"I will protect Mira. Keeping her from flying down another level is another story," he joked, picking up the supplies they needed.

After grabbing everything and paying Shinra, he headed back toward the inn, his stomach rumbling.

"Sherley, can I get those plates please?" he asked, reaching the counter.

He grabbed the sacks and headed upstairs. By the time he reached the top, the broken step had already been replaced.

He paused outside their door, thinking about Shinra's warning.

"What could be going on?" he whispered, reaching for the doorknob.

Before his hand could touch it, the door flew open.

A beautiful woman stood there. Silver hair gleaming. Makeup flawless.

Wow.

"Is that breakfast?" Mira exclaimed, grabbing one of the sacks. "Is it meat?"

"Sorry. All she had left was eggs. I hope that is enough."

She stuffed her mouth with eggs and mumbled, "Yeah, this is great."

"Mira, you are going to choke. Slow down."

"I'm really hungry," she shot back, eyes angled downward.

"We need to talk about the dungeon. Shinra said there might be trouble," Jax explained, his voice lower now.

Mira slowed her chewing.

The room felt smaller for a moment.

A low rumble of thunder rolled across the town, distant but heavy. It rattled their window.

Mira's eyes shifted toward it. Not fearful. Just alert.

Jax watched her.

For a second neither of them spoke.

They both heard it.

Neither of them knew what it meant.

The next dive would not be normal.