i wAS THREATENED

~

Zek stayed awake that night listening to the trees blow outside. It's quiet in his room. He's been thinking about the events that had occurred these last couple days. So many lost lives, yet so little answers. He's starting to think that Brice's dead as well.

He doesn't know what to tell the others. He just promised that Brice will be okay. Everyone's unaware of what he seen; it haunts him. He wants to kill Seto, he really does, but he can't. He needs him to stay alive for information. He's a vessel carrying answers, nothing more and nothing less.

But, knowing that there's a murderer, let alone sorcerer of high ranking, in the building makes him go crazy. He's on the edge most of the time, feeling as if though something bad is going to happen. Kyle and Tyler don't think too much of the brunet, they're just happy to have him back, no matter the future repercussions. Zek doesn't believe that Seto remembers any of them, it could just be an act for his upper advantage. The information he could be telling them can just be a bluff as well. He doesn't believe any of it.

The raven haired male gets out of bed and exits his room. He travels the dark hallways and heads towards Seto's room. They offered him a large bedroom, but he wanted to stay in the empty janitor's closet. It's strange, and Zek thinks he's up to something.

He takes no hesitation to open the door. It's cramped in the closet, he couldn't imagine staying in here for the night. He could see one purple glowing eye. He gulps, shaking.

"You're up unusually late," Seto says in a monotonous voice. "I know what you're thinking."

He feels Seto's hand grip around his neck. He lifts Zek up and exits the closet. The two are standing in the middle of the hallway, the moonlight highlighting their scene. Zek struggles for air as he's kicking his feet. He can't yell, his vocal chords are constricted.

"You want to kill me, don't you?" He asks, throwing him onto the ground. Zek gasps for air in heaps. It's loud and boisterous. "But you know you can't. You need me."

"I see right through you!" Zek shouted. "You're just a monster!"

"Monster?" Seto proclaims. "No, I'm a Sorcerer."

Zek freezes. His breath hitches and for the first time, he's terrified. Seto smiles, "I sense your fear. Do you know why I haven't killed anyone yet?"

"K-Killed...?"

This time, he grabs Zek by the collar, lifting him off the ground. "It would make a bad impression on the one you call Brice. I'm awaiting his return. After I get all the information I need, I'll simply kill him off. Then, I'll kill everyone here, including you and all the children."

"Don't you dare lay a finger on anyone!"

"I had no hesitation to kill the twelve year old you sent out on that mission, so why should any child be different? Everyone's born to die, so cutting lifespans short is truly not a big deal."

Zek widened his eyes, "Don't you have any sympathy? Don't you remember any of us?"

"It's unfortunate, but I do have some vague memories, including Brice," Seto mumbles. "I can't let them dictate my actions, however. They say to let go of your past, so that's precisely what I'm doing."

"You bastard! I'll tell everyone about your scheme! I'll kill you myself! You know I'm capable of doing so!"

Seto drops him. "You're right, I'm still in the process of recovering. But remember, I can eliminate Brice using ten percent."

With that, he disappears into the hallway, leaving Zek alone to recoil. How he hates that brunet.

***

"Good morning Seto!" Tyler greets with a wide grin. "Did you have a nice rest?"

Seto chuckles, making eye contact with Zek, "I suppose so."

It's that same monstrous glare Seto's father did. It makes Zek's blood boil and his heart race. No, this can't be. He's just imagining things. Zek stiffens, his body shaking.

Tyler looks at him with suspicion, "Zek, you look like you've seen a ghost. Are you doing okay?"

He nods his head vigorously, "Yup. Totally fine!"

Seto doesn't speak. Instead, he looks out the window, mumbles something under his breath, and begins to walk off. Tyler goes more alert, "Seto, where are you going? You didn't even get breakfast yet!"

"I'm going to the bathroom!" Seto shouts back.

As he leaves the cafeteria, he notices a spike in power. It's irregular. There's something approaching in the direction of the west courtyard, and it's coming fast. He rushes off to the scene, careful to make sure no one sees him.

He heads outside. It's coming in through the clouds, like it's about to crash. He squints, trying to make sense of the shadows against the harsh sunlight. It's yellow, bright yellow, electrifying even. His heart jolts as the figure comes closer and closer, then—

There's a loud crash. He's protected by some kind of bubble, it's a black one. He turns and smirks, "I'm surprised to see you're still here."

Sub nods, signing, "I have no where else to go. I knew you'd be coming back. When I have a contract with you, I'm guaranteed entertainment."

Seto rolls his eyes, "You're really like a parasite, aren't you? Don't you have concern about Ethan as well?"

"It's not like that!"

He scoffs, "Regardless, it's nice to know who my allies in this are. I suggest you put down this bubble, you're going to cause unnecessary attention. Zek's coming this way as well."

"Would you like me to trap him in an illusion?"

"That would be perfected."

The bubble dissipates and Sub is gone. Seto's standing alone, feet planted on the ground. There's a deep ditch at the impact zone, so he cautiously approaches it. He already knows what to expect, but it still doesn't stop him from choking on his saliva.

The blond weakly stands up, coughing. He's covered in scars and a couple open wounds. He's dirty as well. It's been a week since the scene at the palace had occurred, so his hygiene and well-being are expected to be faulty.

"I should really work on my landings," he says calmly.

Seto reaches out his hand and Brice takes it. He pulls him out of the ditch and they're now both sitting on the dirt as if it was the most normal thing in the world. They're both equally exhausted.

"I'm not hallucinating, right?" He mumbles, gazing at Seto. "You're real, aren't you?"

"It really depends how you look at it," the brunet replies back. "Am I real?"

He looks like he's about to cry, and unfortunately he does. He's bawling and hugging the brunet profusely. Seto doesn't know what to feel, but for the sake of keeping up an act he hugs back. There's this electrifying feeling in his chest and it gives him satisfaction.

"I missed you," he whispers, "so damn much. I thought I'd lose you."

"Lose me?" Seto pondered aloud. "That's a strange thought. I've always been here."

He points to Brice's heart, tossing out a fake smile. It's the perfect opportunity to slice him open. There would be no witnesses, and no one would question his sudden disappearance. After all, no one knows he's back yet. Something clicks in Seto's brain.

That's right! No one but him knows he's back yet.

"Don't go all poetic on me," Brice laughs. "God, I can't believe I'm seeing you again. I'm just speechless. You haven't changed not one bit."

Seto finds it hard to understand Hybrid behavior. They're emotionally attached to each other. If they simply let go of their emotional connections, they could think more logically and be killing machines. Yet, they let their guard down around those who trust. They don't bat an eye around the person's past, all they know is how to trust. Then again, Seto does trust Sub and doesn't know anything about him, but they're bound by a contract.

"The others are going to be so happy to see you!" Seto exclaims.

"I bet they are. We can finally resume our plans." Brice nods while standing up. "I could use some healing. Let's go."

"No, you can go ahead," Seto says. "I'll just fix up this ditch because this is used for a training ground."

Brice looks at him suspiciously, but brushes it aside, "Well, alright then."

The blond begins to walk away. Seto calms his composure before deciding to strike. His footsteps are nimble and quiet as he dashes towards him, then strikes him in the right temple. It's hard enough for him to pass out on the spot. Perfect.

He doesn't know what to do with the body, but he has to act fast. He bubbles the blond, snaps his fingers, and teleports him to the closet (otherwise known as Seto's sleeping chamber). It's a perfect place to keep a stowaway, plus the door's locked. He smirks as he heads back inside.

"Did you hear that noise?" Kyle asks the brunet. "It came from your direction. Were you playing around with your powers again?"

Seto scoffed, lying straight to his face, "I may or may not have caused significant damage to the West Courtyard."

Kyle looks back at him, blankly. "Come on, what did I say about destroying things?"

He pretends to look down shamefully, "Don't destroy the property or else you won't get dinner."

"That's right!"

"But Kyle, I like your pasta!"

"No buts!"

"Ow! Don't pull me by my ear!"

"Tyler's gonna kill you!"

***

Brice feels numb. It's like he's dreaming, but he could have sworn he landed. Collectively, his thoughts are amassed and trying to analyze what just happened to him. He knows he got his by something and passed out, but why isn't he waking up?

Fuck, he just hopes it isn't a comatose.

He's standing in this white space that seemed to go on forever. There are no walls or ceiling, but there definitely is a floor. Brice is standing on it, after all. Maybe this is a twisted version of heaven?

"Hello?" He calls out, hearing his voice echo.

Nothing but fear is stopping him from moving forward. So, little by little, cautiously, he strolls along. It's like a winding path, or maybe those creepy horror games. There's like this tense feeling in his chest, as if something's going to jump out at him at any moment. That would be impossible, however. There's light all around and he'll see the figure from miles away.

"Hello!" Another voice shouts. Brice screams and turns around. It's a blue boy who shares similar features with Seto. He's seen him before, but he can't point his finger on it.

"What the hell—!" Brice shouts, backing away. "Who are you?"

"Don't be afraid, I'm not going to kill you," he shrugs, whistling innocently. "I mean, I would have in the past. Sorry for killing your mother and—"

He splutters, "Jason? As in Jason Probst Universe?"

"The one and only!" He cheers, flapping his arms. The sleeves of his oversized blue sweater nearly smack the blond in the face. "I'm here to warn you."

"Warn me? About what?" Brice says obliviously.

"You see..." he trailed off, "...everything's not what it seems."

"I obviously know that!"

"Stop shouting at me!" Jason argued. "Your final moments are approaching more quickly than anyone can anticipate."

"F-Final moments?" Brice stuttered, eyes widening. "Wait, don't tell me—"

"You're in an induced comatose right now, and Seto's the one who did it," Jason replied.

"Then, why are you here? How are you here?"

"You see, I'm kind of dead. I like to dream hop once and a while to check up on people. Seto's not doing great himself. In fact, I fought him in his dreamscape and nearly lost."

"You what—!"

"I know this is a lot of information to digest, but time's running short. I know this may seemed kind of rushed, which it is, but I'll have to go now. Ciao!" He waves a friendly goodbye before his body dissipates.

"Jason! This doesn't answer any of my fucking questions!" Brice hollers out. He gives up and plops down onto the ground, hugging his knees. "Guess I'm going to be here a while."