Chapter 190:
South Canal Troubles

Paragons are gods amongst mortals. They have ascended to a higher plane of existence than anyone before them. Legends and myths have been born about them, even among a society where magic is well-known. They were once condemned, but soon were vindicated.

In some societies, they were seen as apostles in ancient times, but as with all history, things are constantly in flux. Jace learned much about the history of Ascended during his time with Rachel. The research she did on his abilities delved into territory that the public wasn't aware of.

She also gave him information that she knew about Paragons, being one of the oldest amongst their kind. He didn't delve into exactly how old she was, as it didn't really matter to him and wasn't that important. She'd tell him if and when she wanted, or if he grew curious enough to ask. No, he was more focused on what she had told him about being a Paragon.

They were gods. A lot of mythology was based on the exploits of Ascended who had reached Paragon status. Granted, most of it was obscured and the truth twisted, but the truth was still there. Hidden within the details.

Now, not every god had been a Paragon. Most were just strong Ascended, or just stories embellished over time, and some were actually just added as fanfiction due to being inspired and in awe of the actual thing. This, in particular, was hilarious to Jace.

He also did think religion was a joke, but to think that some deities were just written as original characters by fans of actual Paragons was amusing. He wondered if he would inspire such stories. If he lived long enough, he'd love to see how that turned out. That, of course, brought with it the thought of worship.

He balked at the idea of being worshiped. Cringing at the thought. He didn't like the idea of people just mindlessly throwing themselves at him. It was...concerning.

What he figured out from this information was that he had somehow risen to a point above mortality. He was an existence that changed the world. It was no wonder people's eyes were on him. Especially that of other Paragons.

He didn't wish to clash with them if necessary. He hoped that he made it clear what he stood for when he took down Biorganix with Kiera. Not only that, but with Selene, Kiera, and Rachel on his side, he hoped that they would stay to themselves.

Above all, he understood what he was capable of. What they all were capable of, and he wanted to utilize that to do the impossible. Resurrection.

Many have tried, but none succeeded. Creating instead abominations. This time, it would be different. He was the Paragon of Elements and the Dead. By his side was the Paragon of Mind, Reality and the Stars. The Paragon of Technology and Fire, as well as the Paragon of Immortality. On top of that, he had a very talented witch.

What was revealed to him recently about the life of a Paragon changed him. Like he had been living in the shadows until now. Shown the light, he was ready to commit a miracle.

During his time of preparation, however, there came a certain interruption. One that would provide not only some clarity, but a path to a better future for everyone. South Canal was in danger once more, and it was up to him to mediate the problem.

-----

"You know, we have to stop meeting like this," Jace chuckled softly as he met with the old woman known as Agatha, "Have you been well?"

"Ha! Be looking at that. The cheek on you," Agatha returned the jest, "I be well, aye. You be flying high and mighty, I hear."

"Yeah, my life has definitely taken a turn," Jace smiled at the old woman, "I'm glad to see South Canal is a bit more lively. Though, I'm seeing a new face."

Jace looked past Agatha to a young woman with dark green hair and eyes like Agatha, a light grey. She was surprisingly stunning, despite the drab attire she wore.

"Be you eyeing my granddaughter, eh?" Agatha teased him, "She be a pretty one, yeah? Leslie's her name, you two get along. Won't be long till she be in charge here."

Jace felt a little embarrassed at her words. "Why is everyone trying to set me up?" Jace sighed. The attempts by Kiera constantly teasing him about Sasha, and now this.

"She is pretty, yes," Jace admitted, as he wasn't one to always lie, "But, the next one in charge? You're not dying on me any time soon, are you? I was just growing used to you."

Leslie listened in, and he swore he saw a little bit of pink enter her otherwise pale complexion. Though, she wasn't as bloodless looking as Agatha or the other Drowned nearby.

"No use flattering this old woman," Agatha waved dismissively, "My lovin' days be behind me."

"Pfft, okay, Agatha," Jace shook his head, hands on his hips, "Enough joking, as much as I appreciate the banter. I came because I heard there was a problem."

Agatha's smile faded slightly as she nodded.

"Aye, I be hoping you could help," Agatha motioned him to sit down.

Jace had received a notice that the citizens of South Canal weren't happy, and it was because of the recent changes happening with the water treatment plants. Thus, it fell under his jurisdiction. Not only that, but they had specifically requested for him.

Even if he had risen above the streets, he was still from them. He'd always answer a call for help. The people deserved for someone to give a shit. Which is why he found himself at a diner in South Canal. Nothing fancy, but places like this often served some of the best, if not greasy, food.

"Of course," Jace told her while sitting across from her in the booth, gazing out of the diner window at the streets of South Canal, "I'd like to see this place thrive. If I can help, I will."

He turned his attention back to Agatha who was watching him with a calm smile. Her eyes seemed uncannily clear. It almost unnerved him.

"Leslie be taking over soon," Agatha told him once again, "She be leading our people. A good kid. Smart. Pretty."

She once again attempted to sell him on how pretty her granddaughter was, raising her eyebrows at him.

"I thought we were done joking," Jace sighed with a light laugh, "I have my hands full at the moment. Can barely handle it as is. Besides, shouldn't that be her choice?"

"Bah!" Agatha waved a hand as if annoyed, but her mirthful expression betrayed it, "You be no fun."

"Oh, I'm plenty of fun," Jace mused, "Just ask my Angels. I just believe in freedom of choice, and I really do need to slow down."

"That not be a no," Agatha's eyes glinted mischievously.

"Grandma!" Leslie, for the first time spoke up, "Please be more serious...it's embarrassing."

Her voice surprised Jace. It was light, silvery. For moment, Jace became captivated by it.

"I'm sorry," Leslie said as she bowed her head to him, "My grandmother can be stubborn. Please ignore her antics."

Jace was sure there was pink in her cheeks now as she glared at her grandmother. "Damn it...she is adorable." Jace sighed, clearing his head. Now wasn't the time.

"It's alright," Jace dismissed it with a kind smile, "Though, her matchmaking aside, if you are to lead these people, then I hope we get along. I want to help South Canal. It's been given a raw deal over the years."

Leslie smiled then, a small, sweet smile.

"I would like that," she responded, "Grandmother did saw we should stay on your good side. That we should work with you and not against you."

"Did she now?" Jace raised an eyebrow and looked at her curiously.

"You don't be needing to tell him," Agatha glowered.

"Heh, well, honesty is important," Jace stated, "So, I'm quite thankful for that. I promise you, I'm not your enemy unless you make me your enemy. You should know that, Agatha."

"Aye, yeah, yeah," she huffed, her gaze turning out of the window of the diner herself, suddenly taking on a certain serious clarity, "They be wanting to flood us."

This sudden confession took Jace off-guard. His expression immediately hardening. "Flood them? What the fuck." Jace felt an anger well up inside of him.

"Who does?" Jace inquired, and the serious conversation began.

Azure Inc. had taken over repurposing the water treatment facilities. Hiring locally with much better conditions than in the past. This had been met with hesitation, of course, but was nonetheless slowly taking place. On top of that, Azure Inc. were to work alongside St.Claire Industries people to make sure everything was done to the benefit of the people and the city itself. While they had upheld that end of things, it seemed that they hit an issue that neither side could agree on.

Azure Inc.'s plans had them taking down a nearby dam, which would flood most of the southern parts of South Canal. They would then reroute this water through manmade aqueducts and rivers throughout the district. They believed that the current dam was actually a hamper to the well-being of the district, but the residents thought otherwise.

"It's kept them waters at bay for years," Agatha explained with a sigh, "If they be releasing it..."

Jace understood the situation, but found it hard to believe that Azure Inc. would intentionally harm the people of South Canal. After all, doing so would null any and all agreements made with not only St.Claire Industries, but Jace himself. There had to be more to this.

"I mean no disrespect when I ask this, Agatha," Jace assured her, "But, is it possible that you misunderstood? If what you said is true, then I will stop it with all my power. I just want to make sure this isn't just the fear of your people surfacing from your past treatment by corps."

There was a slight murmur of anger and disbelief that rippled among those present, but Agatha raised a hand. Immediately, they were silenced. She eyed him cautiously, then smiled.

"Aye, that may be the case," Agatha stated calmly, "You be understanding, and I be understanding your concerns. You be having a lot on your shoulders. Not be wanting to make mistakes."

"I just want to make sure of the facts," Jace told her simply, "You're right, I don't want to make mistakes. Not for us or for you and your people. I mean it when I said you've gone through enough. That doesn't mean you won't ever face hardships, but I want to ensure they are lessened, at least."

"You be a good man, Arc, a good man," Agatha teased him with his runner name, causing him to roll his eyes, "I be trusting you. What they be planning could make us prosper or drown...I be supposing we're used to the latter. It be our name, after all. Doesn't be meaning we want to."

"Heh, I suppose not," Jace laughed lightly, then sighed as he leaned back against the booth, looking out at the district, "If what you said is true. Do you have an alternative they could pursue? A way to divert water properly without flooding the district?"

Agatha nodded, motioning to Leslie who stepped forward and placed a small, spherical silver device on the table. It had a flat bottom, so it stayed in place when set down. It came to live, displaying above the table a holographic map of the area. Complete with the dam to the south east.

"The dam has built up over the years, collecting multiple rivers worth of water," Leslie explained, pointing out the infrastructure of the dam, along with 3D renderings of the multiple rivers, "It used to be that these rivers flowed freely through the district. Making it a wetlands before they built the dam. Afterwards, we dried up. All water was controlled by the corporations."

Jace had heart about such things, but was the first time he was told this directly. He listened intently as she explained that, while Azure Inc.'s intentions were good, their methods posed a danger to the people. The main issue was that whoever was in charge of this project wasn't freely giving information out to the people.

"This is the true reason we need your help," Leslie explained, "Grandma likes to be dramatic. As a storyteller does."

Agatha let out a "bah" and a wave of her hand, much to Jace's amusement and Leslie's who smiled softly at her grandmother. Going back to the display of South Canal, Leslie manipulated the construct to zoom into the dam.

"We have no issue with freeing this water, as long as it's done safely," Leslie told him, "The immediate danger is this section of housing. Releasing too much water too quickly will submerge them. They'd be displaced."

It showed houses stacked together in a small community suddenly be swept away. It was situated in a lower land area than the rest of the district. This collected water soon created a lake in the holographic display. Jace watched as their scenario was played out. His face darkening slightly.

"Did they even suggest helping with relocation?" Jace inquired, and Leslie shook her head.

"None," she told him with a heavy sigh, "We get no information. If they really want to release in that location and create a lake, then redirect that water into rivers and aqueducts...we need a place to move these people."

"So, let me know if I have this correct," Jace sat forward, manipulating the display himself, "There are currently a few scenarios. One, they slowly release the water. Guiding it into rivers and aqueducts. Avoiding the residential area. This is ideal. Two, they completely flood the area. People die or are displaced. Not ideal and not an option. Three. We help you relocate, free the area of any debris, and create a lake then divert water from there throughout the district."

Leslie nodded solemnly.

"Well, it's your district. Your home," Jace stated kindly, "Which would you prefer?"

"You...really want our opinion?" Leslie inquired, slightly surprised, "You don't have to-"

"Leslie," Jace interrupted softly, "I'm not here to trick you. I told you, I'm here to help. So, which would be preferable?"

Leslie smiled slightly, and the surrounding people all seemed to grow a bit more relaxed. Agatha looked at all of them with a smile that only a grandma could give. One that showed not only pride, but a gentleness to it that said she was happy for them learning to grow and trust again. Jace was also glad to see it, but trust wasn't as easily given as it was broken.

"If that's what you say, then..." Leslie pointed to residential district in question, "These houses are old and have proven hazardous as much as they've proven beneficial. The district can't afford remodeling and the city ignores us."

Jace nodded along as Leslie explained that they'd prefer the area wasn't lost, but in order to better secure the area and accommodate any future for the district, a small lake would be beneficial. The issue is relocating and clearing it safely.

"I'll handle that," Jace told them, "Do the people have a place to stay until construction is done?"

"We're prepared to house anyone we can, but resources are...tight," Leslie looked at him with hesitation in her eyes, "I hate to ask more of you, but is it possible to request some relief?"

Jace felt the sincerity in her words. "She really cares for the people here." Jace smiled tenderly.

"This will be a hard transition for everyone," Jace explained, looking at everyone with intent, "As we're undertaking this, it's only right that we take most of the burden. Don't worry. You'll get relief. It's not right to put everything on the people."

"...Thank you," Leslie's voice was filled with grateful sincerity.

Jace nodded and stood from the table and bowed his head towards Agatha.

"It was a pleasure to see you again," Jace smiled and then turned his attention to Leslie, holding out a hand, "And it was a pleasure to meet you, Leslie."

Looking down at his hand, she hesitated for a moment before taking it. Her hand was surprisingly soft and warm. Her grip firm.

"Same here, Jace," Leslie smiled and nodded.

"Leave everything to me," he stated, turning from the diner and exiting out into South Canal.

There was definitely something going on with Azure Inc. here. Whether they knew about it or not. Jace would cut out any corruption. It held no place in his city. These people deserved better, and it looked like someone wasn't upholding their end of the bargain.

Pulling up his contacts as he walked the streets of South Canal, Jace found the name he was looking for.

>To Lydia, Azure Rep: I'm not happy. South Canal. Now.

>From Lydia, Azure Rep: On my way!

Jace smirked, chuckling softly. Her reply was almost immediate and he could almost hear the desperation. Azure Inc. was merged with St.Claire. Any infractions they incurred would bring with it heavy penalties at his discretion. Something he knew they wanted to avoid.

It was time to get to the bottom of this.

-----

Jace knew that nothing could always go so smoothly. With so many different people in the world there were bound to be some who spewed vitriol from their mouths. People with such warped, skewed views that they can't help but be pieces of shit. They threw out all notions of human decency for their own benefit. Often believing that they were doing the right thing.

There were many different types of people like this and more in the world. Jace had an idea of who he was facing even before he had arrived at the location he was heading. The water treatment facility requisitioned from Biorganix. It was where Azure Inc. set up their operations within South Canal.

A large group of citizens were gathered outside in protest. The granite walls of the facility topped with barbed wire and guard towers at specific intervals. The protestors were yelling cries for answers. They were shouting the promises made to them and the failure to adhere to it.

Jace felt it in the air. The anger and pain of the people. It wasn't quite on the verge of a riot, but if nothing was done soon, there would be blood. Sighing to himself, Jace made his way through the crowd. He moved among them as if he was one of them. The closer he got to the front, the more he heard.

"I told you to disperse them!" A woman's shrill voice echoed over the crowd, "I'm the overseer of this operation! You obey me!"

"Ma'am, with all due respect, we-" A man's voice replied, only to be cut off by the woman.

"If you respect me, do as you're told!" The woman ordered angrily, "They are in violation of corporate code and a danger to this operation! If you don't raise your weapons now, I'll-"

A heavy pressure came over the area as the crowd finally noticed his presence, parting for him as he stepped from among them. His eyes aglow with power as he looked down at the woman in question. An Elf with brown hair tied in a neat bun wearing a pristine blue pencil dress. The symbol for Azure Inc. proudly displayed on its left side.

Her features were sharp with slightly golden hues and cybernetic eyes with a black sclera and golden lines.

"You'll what?" Jace inquired, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes at her, "All guards stand down."

The guards who were there and unsure what to do immediately took a step back, placing their weapons at ease before saluting to him, hands over their hearts. The woman looked around at them in slight surprise. There was a wild look in her eye, though she attempted to keep a professional decorum.

"M-Mr. Ward," the woman greeted nervously, "To what do I owe this plea-"

"Shut up," Jace cast a cold gaze over her, "I don't want to hear you speak unless I tell you to. You, guard. Tell me what's going on. Why were your men about to aim at these people?"

"They were-" the woman began to speak up, but was once more shot down by a glance from Jace.

"If you speak out of line one more time..." Jace stared hard at her, "Well, make sure that doesn't happen. Guard, what's your name?"

"Ramirez, Sir," the guard known as Ramirez answered, "They were following her orders, which I intercepted. Our job isn't to harm the people here. We are under strict orders to help. Orders Miss Whittaker countermanded. We were in a...dispute over our task here."

"Is that so, Miss Whittaker?" Jace inquired, "Answer me."

"They are obstructing our operations," Miss Whittaker answered him tersely, "We can't proceed while they interrupt."

"Ramirez," Jace turned his attention to him, "Have they been disruptive to your work?"

"Not at all, Sir," Ramirez answered swiftly, "They just want answers, but Miss Whittaker won't-"

"Watch your tongue!" Miss Whittaker spouted before her entire body froze.

Like invisible hands around her, Miss Whittaker looked like she was being restrained. Jace's eyes glowed as he sighed. Invisible tendrils of mana wrapped around her, binding her body and mouth.

"That's my line," Jace said coldly, "I didn't give you permission to speak, so you've lost that privilege. Ramirez, explain."

"Y-Yes, Sir," he looked at Miss Whittaker in slight fear, feeling a little uneasy, Jace couldn't blame him, "Miss Whittaker refuses to acknowledge any complains made by the people. Any inquiries made are postponed and eventually tossed out. The people heard about the dam and showed up demanding answers. She's refused to meet with them, then ordered their dispersal."

"Oh? And why is that, I wonder?" Jace walked slowly towards Miss Whittaker, stopping when he was a few inches from her, "I'll give you one chance, Miss Whittaker. If you spout some bullshit to me, I'll not be happy. Why have you refused to answer the people? My rules were very clear."

Freeing her mouth, Miss Whittaker took a deep breath, looking up at him with a surprising reverence. Jace got a bad feeling from it. "Don't tell me..." Jace groaned to himself as Miss Whittaker glanced over at the people behind him, her expression turning defiant and disgusted.

"Your Greatness wants to help them, but they are undeserving!" Miss Whittaker spouted, confirming Jace's fears, "They should be grateful we're even helping them at all. Living in filth like cockroaches. It's better to just flood them out than to allow them to sully your good graces!"

"For fucks sake..." Jace sighed, placing a hand over his face as he shook his head, "Don't tell me, you worship me?"

"But of course!" She exclaimed with fervor, "We've seen your power and greatness! Your kindness and charity have touched our hearts, but they...they have been so ungrateful!"

She glared at the gathered crowd. Jace shook his head in disappointment.

"Miss Whittaker..." Jace spoke quietly, "Do you have any family?"

"No," she answered, shaking her head, "I serve Azure Inc. and through them, I serve you. I've had no need for family or friends. All I need is-"

"That's enough," Jace sighed, and her mouth was silenced once more, "I don't know whether to call you insane or not...I do not condone what you've done. These people are people. If anyone has sullied my name, it's you, Miss Whittaker."

A look of mortification was expressed across her face. Jace almost felt sorry for her, but he couldn't let this transgression go.

"Ramirez," Jace inquired of the Guard, "Has Miss Whittaker caused anyone harm?"

"Not yet, Sir," he answered, "Though, if I may say so. She has been a danger for us. If she continued, people may have died. No...they would have died."

As Ramirez answered him, Jace saw a familiar face running towards him in a hurry. Lydia Mavis, Azure Inc.'s representative. Taking a deep breath, Jace nodded to Ramirez in appreciation.

"Thanks for your cooperation," Jace glanced back at the crowd and raised his voice so everyone can hear, "You all may know who I am, but for those who don't, my name is Jace Ward. I've heard of your plight, and I hear your cries. I assure you; we are not here to harm you. Any who say otherwise is not representative of me or what I stand for."

There was a murmur across the crowd as Lydia Mavis finally jogged up and came to a breathless halt. As she caught her breath, Jace finished his address to the people.

"I've spoken to your leaders," Jace announced to them, "We have plans to help relocate any who will be displaced by our projects. Relief will be given where and if it's needed. Once it is done, you will all have new, safe homes to live in. If you have questions, please reach out to your leadership who will relay to me any concerns. For now, please. Return to your homes."

The crowd talked amongst itself before they came to an agreement. Many of them nodding to him as if he was one of their own. Some of them gave him a wary, but thankful look. However, in the end, they all dispersed.

"Mr. Ward, I'm sorry I'm late," Lydia walked over to him as Ramirez and the rest of the guards also went back to their duty, "I came as soon as I could. Is Catherine alright?"

She glanced at the bound-up Miss Whittaker, a little concern in her eyes.

"Catherine, hmm?" Jace looked at the bound woman, "Walk with me, Lydia. I'll explain on the way. It seems I have some...re-education to do. You'll be a good girl and tell me who else thinks like you, won't you, Catherine?"

Jace turned his cool gaze to the woman he had bound. If not for her bindings, she may have recoiled. Instead, she simply nodded, eager to please. "Fanatics...I knew they might happen, but not this fast..." He furrowed his brow and began moving into the facility with both Lydia and Catherine in tow.

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