"Alright, everyone! Coming up next is the one you've all been waiting for! Let's give a warm welcome to—"

The beachwalk is alive, bathed in bright colours and a dense crowd. D ay three of the music festival has not at all diminished the energy of those in attendance, rather, it seems to have amplified it more. Francis and Du'an were considerate enough to drop him by the concert venue overlooking the sea. After calling Perla through a payphone he strode down the beach, took off his stained clothes, and jumped into the water. He swam and swam until the sombre love song was but a whispered hum in the air.

Alone at sea, Archie exhaled. Eyes closed, he lets the memories from last thirty-four hours flow unhindered, until all that remains in it is an empty mind and cool water enveloping bruised skin. Archie floats immobile, hypnotised by the steady way the golden evening sky gradually slips to deep-purple, coaxing the first glimpse of stars shimmering up above. His body slackens, allowing his inner magic to do what it does best. It's as if time stood still. His limp body floats aimlessly on the water until his own wounds become phantom echoes leaving only pain behind. Swimming back to shore, he spots a bright figure waving at him from a distance.

"Archie! I've been looking everywhere for you." Perla doesn't waste time grabbing her soaked best friend in a tight embrace. "Where have you been last night?" I was worried they— Whoah!What happened to your tattoos?"

"I'm fine. Nothing a good rest can't fix." He smiles, placating her concerns.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Later. I promise."

He catches it, the inevitable flood of questions threatening to spill from her lips. He doesn't want to think about any thing right now. Not when he himself has yet to decide on what to do next. A wave of applause coming from the crowd steals his attention after he pulls up his jeans.

"Whose playing now?" Archie asks, casual. There's a lightness to his words Perla's hasn't heard in a while. She twists her lips.

"Bea and Jay. You know, the duo behind—," Perla hums the chorus notes. It's a catchy, upbeat tune that has been making the rounds all over the local radio stations. "Why?"

"In all my time living here, I've never had the chance to attend the festival. I guess I just assumed I'd have the time one day."

The nether spirit lightly bumps Archie's shoulder. She leaves his side, walking backwards with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "We could go right now if you'd like. Kas is on duty today. C'mon!" Then she turns around, kicking sand in her wake.

Shaking his head, Archie trails after her, tugging down his t-shirt along the way. The rest of his problems can wait after tonight's concert.