Tw: torture

I fight the old routine of preparing to kill someone as I slip through the streets. I'm not here to kill. I'm here to help. I know how long a quest takes, even adding unwillingness and mis-shots.

Grian's been caught. And I need to save him.

I find the nearest hidden entrance, slipping inside. No one's looking. There's no fighting. My worst thoughts are confirmed.

Bow in hand, I creep towards the prison area. Then freeze.

Impulse. And with him, Skizz and Gem.

'...didn't need to go that far.' I barely catch the end of Gem's sentence. Skizz lets out something between a growl and a sigh,

'Gem he would've killed you! Ren sent him after you.'

'You're only here because he took your place! And now you...' Gem trails off. Impulse closes his eyes,

'Stop arguing about this. We all know it's better to be safe than sorry. After Etho.'

'I'm glad he's dead...'

'Grian isn't Etho. He chose that job as much as you did, Skizz... at least... Let him go back unsuccessful to tell Ren we're stronger, than to keep him trapped here until he dies!' 

My hand tightens on my bow. But I need to wait until they're out the way. If I make a move now...

'We didn't have to put him in the higher security prison either.' Continues Gem.

'He tried to kill you!' Skizz snaps.

'You tried to kill Impulse! Ren made you kill Impulse!'

Skizz pauses.

'That was different.'

'How?'

'It- it just was! I'm not talking about it! At least- not yet.'

Impulse hugs him.

And I take my chance.

I sprint into view, across the room. And then I realise I don't even know where I'm going, hoping I can make a guard or someone else will tell me.

'HEY!'

Skizz.

I reach the other wall, diving behind a pile of boxes. Guards run in, followed by Skizz.

I aim an arrow, eyes narrowed, at the nearest.

'I don't want to kill you but if you don't tell me where Grian is right now...' I spit.

'Don't worry, homey.' Skizz steps to the front of the group. I aim at him. His chest... or his neck? Which will kill him faster? I know I knew at some point but...

He pulls me to my feet. The bow falls to the ground but I put my foot on it before anyone grabs it. My free hand grabs another arrow, slashing to hit Skizz with the point. He pauses, wiping blood from the small scratch across his face.

'You won't need that.'

Another voice from behind, before my quiver of arrows is yanked away. I turn to see Tango. 

'Jimmy misses you.' I blurt out. Tango stiffens, and a moment too late I see his hands clenched into fists. 

He punches me in the face. I stumble, and he pulls my hands behind my back, tying them there before Skizz drags me forwards.

'Where are we going?'

'To see Grian.' Something in his tone unnerves me. I struggle, trying to escape. Skizz pulls me forwards with a harsh tug. 

'Don't even try it, homey.' 

One of the guards unlocks the door we've come to. Dread fills me at the dark corridor within.

'Impulse told me what you've been doing.'

'What have I been doing?' I snap back. 'Is being alive a crime now?'

He lets me go. Tango shoves me forwards. I crash to my knees, unable to rise, hands struggling against the ropes around my wrists.

'For traitors like you? Yes.'

A click. We're left in pitch darkness for a moment before a light is turned on. Skizz is kneeling in front of me, expression dangerous.

'Now. Impulse told me that you hurt Tango and disobeyed his orders every single time he gave one. Add on that the fact that you killed Pearl and... I'm sorry buddy, but you deserve every second of this.

Gunshot.

I scream, half-collapsing at it hits my arm.

'I ALMOST DIED SAVING IMPULSE'S LIFE!' I shout back, tears down my cheeks. 'WHEN YOU SHOT HIM!'

Before I can regret my words, a knife slashes across my front.

'You don't get to talk about that.' Blood covers my outfit. I numbly realise how much pain I'm as I sit there gasping, hoping the added layer of protection that took too much time to add did anything to help. Skizz stands. I can't do anything as he kicks my nose, breaking it. 'Do you know what Ren put me through for failing?'

'Yes.' The scars tingle with ghost pain. 'I know exactly what he did to you because he did it to me too when I saved your life.' I remember, half-laughing, half-sobbing from the irony 'When- when I missed a shot on purpose and- and didn't couldn't shoot again because I'd run out of arrows...'

For a moment Skizz doesn't speak, just pulling me to my feet.

'We're on the same side.' I look into his eyes as I speak. 'We both despise Ren with everything in our souls. We've both lost friends. Had to go through training with Iskall, running laps and fighting until we're barely standing, let alone able to win.' Memories come back. 'The only difference between us is that I didn't let it affect my morality, Hotguy.'

Skizz screams and his rage echoes through the corridor. In seconds, I'm pinned against the wall, knife digging into my neck.

'My morality is fine.'

'You would've killed your best friend if I hadn't stopped you.'

'And do you know why?'

It's then I see the shine of metal just below Skizz's skin. And then the wires.

'Because he made me do it.' Tears shine in his eyes. Horror fills me. I try to speak, but can't, only managing a painful whisper.

'Ren's a monster.'

He only digs the knife further into my neck.

'How does THAT match what he'd taken from you?'

I choke, blacking out for a second.

'Skizz, you're killing him.' Tango mutters. 'Impulse won't be happy see him dead.'

'What Impulse doesn't know, Impulse doesn't know.'

'Skizz, stop.'

'He's a liar and a traitor!'

Bang.

The door shudders. Tango looks over. The taste of blood fills my mouth. I know I won't be able to fight free.

I might as well save Grian with my last breath.

'HELP!' I scream. Another bang. Then another. Terrified. Furious.

'SCAR I'M COMING!'

Tears prick my eyes.

I expected Jimmy.

Scott.

Even Gem.

In a split second move, Tango runs to the door, unlocking it. Skizz falls backwards. I collapse to the ground at the door bursts open. The person falls next to me as I half-choke, half-sob.

Cub.

'Scar- Hold on.' He sobs. 'Please.'

'Cub.' Is all I can say back, smiling, as he holds me there. I finally fight an arm free of the rope holding me back, reaching one shaking hand to wipe away his tears.

'Scar...'

His face is the last thing I see as I die.

:)

No regrets