With furrowed brows, Asad scrutinized Caesar through the screens. Rubbing his chin, he was concerned about something.

Kole and Caesar were the only AHs left in the room. The two others had died in VR a long time ago. A nurse was escorting Kole out because he had woken up before Caesar. As he was exiting, he glared at Caesar—a nonverbal sign of hate and rage.

I'll have my revenge. You're gonna wish you never messed with me, just you wait.

The door closed and Caesar began to stir. Another nurse saw this and made his way to him. At the same time, Asad's frown deepened.

He spoke through the intercom. "Mr. Vogue, do not free him from the restraints." Turning around, he ordered a few guards to be sent to that room.

"Sir?" Mr. Vogue stepped away from Caesar.

"I apologize for the abruptness, but check the boy's eye color. If it's green then resume what you were doing, but if it's any other color... say so."

The nurse nodded and gently removed the white helmet. Caesar stirred again and turned his head in the nurse's direction, sleepily opening and closing his eyes. After Mr. Vogue had set it aside, he straightened Caesar's face and used his fingers to open his eyes. He swallowed nervously when he saw that his eyes resembled a shimmering silver. Malice was still in control of Caesar.

"Th-They're gray, sir."

Asad forgot to censor himself and swore loudly through the microphone. "Quick! Before he completely wakes up, give him diazepam then get outta there. If we don't put him to sleep now, he could break himself free!"

Mr. Vogue didn't question Asad and scurried over to the drug cabinet and filled the large needle. His hands shook, and he almost dropped the syringe a few times, but he managed. The fact that Dr. Asad was concerned about this particular AH had the nurse worried. Taking a deep breath, he reassured himself.

All I gotta do it inject him with this, then I'm outta here.

He jogged over to Malice and rubbed an iodine pad on his shoulder before pressing the needle into his skin. Before pushing the medication into his arm, he nervously glanced at Malice. Mr. Vogue froze; his eyes widened when he saw the boy glare at him maliciously, his gaze unblinking.

"Don't you dare." Malice warned deeply.

Asad cursed again. "Vogue, forget it! Get outta there! We'll deal with him." He ordered someone in the back to inform HQ about the current situation.

The nurse sweated bullets as he darted his eyes to the exit and back to Malice. Mr. Vogue needed to get away from him to ensure his own safety, yet he hesitated, afraid the slightest movement would set Malice off.

"Get your filthy hands off me!" he roared.

Malice manipulated the blood in the nurse's arm. He made the man yank the syringe out of his shoulder, and forced Mr. Vogue to stab it into his own neck, pushing in the medication. Vogue couldn't do anything to prevent this. He fell backward, slamming his head on the corner of the medication counter. He passed out immediately and appeared as if he were dead.

Malice looked at the restraints with a blank expression. He pulled out a thin line of blood from the small wound in his shoulder and used it to slice the restraints off him. Pushing himself off the chair, he stood. But then he heard Dr. Asad's voice and looked up toward the ceiling.

"Two-Sixty-Eight, I'm warning you. Stop what you're doing. You'll only dig yourself a hole if you continue down this path. Surrender now and your punishment won't be so grave. If you choose not to listen, then—"

"I'm sick of hearing your voice old man, but it's time you listen to mine. Stay out of my way and call off your men! I'm warning you. I'm not going back to that room, that cage." He shook his head. "No, I'm breaking outta here, and if anyone dares to get in my way, I won't hesitate to cut them down. Their deaths would be on your hands, Asad."

He fumed with rage. "You ungrateful dog! After all we've done for you."

Malice gazed at his hands with a sly smile. The ecstasy of being in control of Caesar's real body made him shiver.

Caesar's still asleep, so he won't know anything I'm doing.

Malice ignored his comment. "So, you're the man who ordered people to shoot at Caesar, even while he was defenseless, am I correct?" Malice pulled open cabinets and drawers until he found a scalpel. Cutting a large vertical wound in his arm, he smiled as blood dripped onto the floor. "Just wait until I get my hands on you."

A cold sweat went down Asad's back. It's been so long since he last felt threatened by an AH.

Someone spoke up. "Sir, what order do we give the men?"

Asad was unsure; his decision was split. If he had the guards face against Two-Sixty it would be a bloodbath, and many lives would be lost, yet, if he ordered them to retreat, the rogue AH will do as he pleases.

"Call off the men."

Asad looked back and saw Reeves close the door behind him.

Frowning, Asad said, "So, you want me to give him free reign around this facility? No, that's out of the question!"

Reeves calmly sat in the empty chair next to Asad. "So, you would be willing to carelessly throw away the lives of these loyal men?"

Asad was flustered by the question. "No, that's not it at all!"

"Then, trust me on this. LGA doesn't need anymore suspicious deaths in its records."

Knitting his brows together, Asad crossed his arm and leaned back in his chair, frustrated. "Okay, so I'll call off the men. Then what?"

"We are in a strict code black. I've ceased the movement of all persons who don't need to be involved. I've already given orders for guards to gather up at the ends of the halls. He won't escape before facing off with these men. We have every exit blocked, guarded by men. He won't be going anywhere. The only thing is that instead of bullets, the men are armed with shields and tranquilizer firearms."

"Why would you do that? Why not also arm them with regular guns? It's like you're sending them out to die."

"Wounding the AH will only make him stronger, so it's inconceivable to me why I'd arm them with formidable weapons. But I'm not finished yet. First, we'll try to get through to Two-Sixty by bringing out his caretaker. Hopefully then he'll be able to gain control from his alter, and all this madness can end."

"And if your bright idea fails and it ends up killing Joseph?"

Reeves was silent for a short moment, appearing hesitant. "Then... I'll bring in my daughter to deal with him. She's mastered her Fore-Light. With it, Bella can take him down."

Asad pushed up his glasses. "You're actually involving your daughter?"

"She has to." He clenched his hands over his pants, wrinkling them. "She's the only one who I can think of who has a chance to take him."

"She has to be very cautious then." He had no idea Reeves would bring his daughter into this out of all things.

He nodded his head. "She will. Our main goal is to put him to sleep, so he won't cause harm to anyone. Then, we'll discuss what to do with him next." He looked at Asad. "Are we in agreement, or do you have another idea?"

Asad pinched his eyes closed and sighed deeply. Picking up his communication device, he said, "Division 0-0-1, retreat and return to base. Hurry, before it's too late!" He hung up.

"Excellent," Reeves said. "Now that the guards are gone. Let's see what the AH does."

Malice surged his blood forward, slicing a rectangular opening in the wall. Sparks of electricity came from the wall scanner, until a mini explosion came from it; several of its electrical circuits had been cut in the process. Smoke escaped from the device as Malice walked through the wall. Usually, the walls seemed so strong and inescapable, but, now they were like nothing.

Malice glanced both ways down the hall, yet there were no guards in sight. Frowning, this fact disappointed him. Malice hoped that the doctors would've been stubborn with his request. He was using reverse psychology when he told Asad to call off the men; he didn't think they would actually listen to the advice of a lowly AH.

Malice wanted to thoroughly pay back the Armed men for everything they did to Caesar, from the beatings to the degrading. Rehearsing past encounters with them made Malice's blood broil—his body shook as rage consumed him. Clenching his hands tightly, he wanted to see them bleed and hear them cry out for his mercy.

Malice's heart darkened. "Yes. I'll kill them. I won't leave a single surviv—"

Don't... kill anybody... promise you won't hurt anybody unnecessarily.

The memory of Caesar's words brought Malice back to his senses.

"I almost lost myself again."

Leaning against the wall for a second, he regained his composure.

"I'm sorry Caesar, but if any of those bastards get in my way, I won't hesitate to kill them. But I'm doing this for you. Soon, we'll be free, away in a place that doesn't involve the Suited or Armed men."

Malice pushed himself off the wall, choosing to go right and swiftly went down the hall. He hoped that he'd instilled enough fear in them so they could leave him alone. But still, he knew they weren't going to give up so easily. So, he had his guard up, glancing around and behind himself every few seconds. He kept the scalpel with him in case he had to get serious. Even if an army were to face him, he'd take them all down with no sweat.

"I'm doing this for you, Caesar."

He was making a left turn when the sound of footsteps reached his ears. He turned and was about to cut himself, but he stood frozen and wide-eyed when he saw who it was.

"Caesar." He took a few more cautious steps in Malice's direction. "Please... stop this."

Joseph?

Malice relaxed his grip on the scalpel. "Joseph... what are you—"

"Why are you doing this?"

"What not? I'm trying to get outta this horrible place."

Joseph looked at him with doleful eyes. It wasn't supposed to happen like this. He knew that Caesar's altar was in control, so he was cautious with what he said.

"If you don't stop, I'm afraid of what'll happen to you. They're thinking of ending you, and I don't want that to happen."

Malice darted his eyes in every direction, but Joseph appeared to be by himself. Malice stepped back and scrutinized him for a long moment. After all this time, now he finally decided to show up? He promised he'd always be there for Caesar, but where was he? Where was he when he got beaten, scolded and shot at by the deranged Armed men? Malice scowled, tightening his grip again on the small knife.

"How did you know I was here? Who put you up to this?" Knowing this was Caesar's most cherished person, Malice tried his best to control himself and kept his voice low; but he was still shaking from the rage. "I know you couldn't have found me on your own so quickly."

"Listen, I know this isn't under the best circumstances we're meeting again but—"

"Where were you when we needed you? You said you'd be there, but you never were."

"I know, and I regret every—"

Malice shook his head. "Stop! I don't wanna hear it. All your promises fell flat! That's why I can't stand you."

Malice caught a glimpse of something Joseph was holding behind his back. "What are you holding onto? Show me your hands."

"What are you talking about?"

"Do it now!"

Joseph broke into a cold sweat as he slowly lifted his hands. "See, there's nothing." Cautiously, he walked forward. "Please, let me help you."

"No! Don't come any closer. You... you've come to turn us back in, didn't you? I don't see any other reason why you'd be here right now. You've never been there when we've actually needed you."

That was like a punch to the gut. It hurt even worse, because he was right. He hasn't been there for Caesar when he needed him, and the fact almost made him burst into tears. Oh, the things he'd do to have the chance to rewind time and take back all the time he missed with Caesar. He'd often imagined what it would be like to live as Caesar's father in a normal circumstance. Joseph would be there for him through everything; he'd get Caesar into football, and even would be his wingman for whenever he needed help getting a girl's attention. The least he could do now is to level with him and be honest.

The conflict on Joseph's face was apparent. It seemed as though he wanted to say something but didn't know if he could. A long moment of hesitation passed before he spoke.

"Alright, yes, I've been told to bring you back. I don't want to lie to you anymore. Please come back peacefully. They promised that if you go back without a fight your punishment won't be so severe."

"I knew it." Malice laughed bitterly. "And you believe them? You're more of a fool than I thought."

"I'm just desperate for your safety. And I'm willing to do anything to ensure that you'll be safe." He took a couple steps forward.

"Take another step and I won't hesitate to kill you where you stand."

Those words tored Joseph's spirit. "You don't mean that. Look, I know you're not Caesar, but you still should know how much I care about him, even you."

"Trying to kiss my behind? Well, guess what it won't work. You never knew me before, so how could you care about me?"

"You're a part of Caesar. That's all that matters."

"Whatever. After your abandonment, it's clear you don't care for Caesar. You just see him as a job like everyone else does! So, why should I give a fig about what happens to you?"

He furrowed his brows. "That's not true! I care about him like no one else does."

"Then where were you during the times Caesar cried himself to sleep at night? Where were you as he was getting beaten and scolded at by the guards? What about after his many surgeries? I never saw you visit him even though he hoped you would, unswervingly. Where were you to defend him?"

Joseph was silenced by the accusations. He couldn't deny them. "I know I wasn't there for Caesar when I should've been. You weren't there to see, but there were many times I cried myself to sleep too, wishing I could just hold him."

"Shut up. You're lying!"

Joseph placed a hand over his heart to show genuineness. "From the first day I met him, until now I have loved him. I've heard that you can be protective over Caesar, but you have to believ—"

As quick as lightning, Malice slammed Joseph's back against the nearest wall, pinning him with his left forearm while holding the scalpel to his throat.

"That's not fair. You don't get to act the victim, not when you've been the villain the whole time."

"C-Calm down. I've never been the villain. I've been on your side the whole time!"

"I'm not repeating myself," Malice said firmly.

"Listen, I know he's in there somewhere. Let him out. I need to talk to him. Please."

"You don't get to call the shots."

Joseph sighed deeply. "Caesar, I know you're still there. Come out and stop this before it's too late!"

Malice cursed. He's gonna wake him up.

"Shut up! Stop calling for him. He doesn't need you. I'm all he needs."

"Caesar, I'm begging you. Get up! I need to talk to you."

Malice struck him across the face with his fist. It was then, in Caesar's subconscious, when he finally woke up from his dormancy. Caesar was about to go back to sleep when he heard muffled voices. His eyes widened when he recognized the second voice belonged to Joseph.

Malice glared at him. "Hit me back. I dare you."

"I would never hurt Caesar. He's my son."

"He's not your son!"

Malice pulled back his arm to hit him again. Yet, before his fist could make contact, all the strength in his body failed. Cursing, his eyes rolled inside his head and he fainted. His scalpel clanged against the cold floor.

"Caesar, no!" Reaching out, Joseph caught him. Yet, at the same time he was forced to his knees and broke Caesar's fall.

Joseph winced, but when he looked down at Caesar lying on his lap, the pain was forgotten. Pulling him up slightly, he embraced him tightly. Gently resting his chin on Caesar's head, he stroked his back.

"Oh, Caesar. We've been separated for so long I don't have the words to express how much I've missed you."

It's been so long since the last time I held you.

Caesar regained control over his body again and woke up. He knew Joseph was holding onto him, and so he cried.

Shakily, Caesar gripped the front of Joseph's shirt. "Is it... is it really you, Joe? Or am I still in VR?"

"Yes, it's me." He smiled. "I'm here."

Sniffing, he said, "But why did it take you so long? I thought I'd never see you again."

"I know and I'm sorry. It was out of my control, but I'm here now and that's all that matters." Tears dripped from Caesar's chin as he nodded. "There wasn't a day that went by without me regretting what I did. I hated that I had to leave you alone. It killed me." Joseph snapped his eyes shut and tears ran down his cheeks.

"But you didn't leave me alone. I've made friends." He lowered his voice and said, "I'm a big brother, just like how you taught me to be."

"What a good boy, you are."

They didn't talk for a long moment and only took comfort in each other's presence. But then Caesar leaned back and gazed at Joseph with a serious expression.

"Were you... the one?"

Joseph lifted a brow, confused. "Was I the one what?"

"Did you... place that thing in that book?"

That thing in that book? What is Caesar—. He froze. Joseph was beyond taken away. So, he actually found it—the letter? Clever boy.

Darting his eyes upward, he swallowed nervously. "Caesar, I don't know what you're talking about."

There were cameras that picked up sound everywhere. If the scientists were to find out about his illegal actions, there were to be serious repercussions.

"It was in your favorite book."

"What book?" He forced a laugh then winked. Caesar caught on and did his best to focus on what he was going to say next. "This memory of yours must've been back when I was still taking care of you. Why don't you think back and revisit those memories so you can get the clear message, I mean picture of what truly happened." He mouthed 'the letter' and winked again. "Do you understand?"

Caesar nodded. He understood that Joseph was telling him to go back and try to understand the hidden message in the note. But how could he? It's been so long. Would Mica even agree to help him?

"Yes, I do."

"This isn't how I wanted things to go down. Would you be a good boy and surrender willingly? If you don't, you'll be in a load of trouble."

"Where am I anyway? How did I get here? Why are... you here?"

"Your alter wanted to escape. Everything's on lockdown because of him."

Caesar's eyes widened. Was Malice really going to try to escape without his brothers?

"So, he did this? I guess I shouldn't be surprised. He's always gotten me into trouble since day one." He was silent for a moment before he said, "Yeah, I'll go willingly."

Joseph smiled. "I knew you'd make the right decision." He stood then helped Caesar to his feet. "C'mon. Let's go."

Caesar's heart fluttered. Smiling, he couldn't believe he was with Joseph again. It's been so long since the last time he saw him. But then a fleeting thought crossed his mind, wondering if this was only a one time occurrence. After today, he probably would never see Joseph again. The possibility crushed him. With his shoulders slacked and eyes to the ground, Caesar followed closely behind him.

Upon taking a few steps, Caesar felt a sharp pain and held his head in his hands. He lost his balance and swayed into the wall.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"It's him. He... he's fighting for the controls. He's trying to take me over again!"

Joseph cursed. "You think you can take him?"

"I-I don't know. He's much stronger than before, but I'll try and—" Caesar screamed and fell over sideways.

"Caesar!" Joseph raced to his side and kneeled down. He wanted to comfort Caesar but he was hesitant to lay his hands on him. "W-Where does it hurt?"

Groaning, Caesar gasped for air as he squirmed around. "Everywhere," he forced out in a hushed voice. "Please... go away from me. I don't... I don't know how much longer... I'm able to hold him."

"No, I'll stay here with you. I'm not leaving you now when you clearly need me."

"Malice... he's quite jealous of you and doesn't like you that much. I'm afraid that he'll do something to you when he—"

Another strong wave of pain struck Caesar. He pinched his eyes shut and cried out in agony. It was more intense than the last one. The affliction was so severe that he finally passed out. He lay on the floor as if he were at peace. Joseph was sweating, but was relieved Caesar wasn't screaming anymore.

Alright. H-He's calmed down a bit. He pulled out something from his pocket. I don't want to, but I have to sedate him with this syringe. If I do, his altar won't have a chance to act up and cause trouble. But when he wakes up, I won't be by his side anymore. He'll think I've abandoned him again. I'm sorry, Caesar. Please find it in your heart to forgive me.

Joseph was pushing the needle into Caesar's shoulder when he felt something grip his forearm. He darted his eyes down and saw that Caesar held onto him; he was so fast that Joseph didn't see him move.

"Caesar, are you—" He stopped when he saw that his eye color was gray again. Joseph cursed.

Malice tightened his grip. "I won't let you lure him back." With his other hand, Malice picked up his scalpel.

Joseph grunted. Afraid that Malice was about to break his arm, he released the syringe. Malice let go of Joseph's arm. He pulled the needle out and slammed it against the wall. Suddenly, Malice pounced on him and began to choke him with both his hands. Joseph tried to pull his hands off him, but Malice was way too strong.

"If you... really cared about Caesar... y-you would surrender." Soon, saliva ran from his mouth, but Malice didn't bat an eye at this.

Stop this Malice! What are you doing? Caesar's voice was desperate.

"I'm cutting your ties with this place, so you can be free to leave it."

If being free means this then I don't want it.

"Sewage! You wanna be free from this place as much as I do! I hate what they do to you. The mental and physical anguish they afflict on you is too much, and even though it's beyond what you can handle you never let me step in to help."

Because I know you'd do things like this! You never think things through. You let your instincts and emotions rule over you.

"I only do things like that because I want to help you."

Caesar ignored his comment. You're hurting him. Get off!

"No! I'm killing him and that's final."

Malice, if you kill him, then I'll kill us.

Malice loosened his death grip, allowing Joseph to take large gasps of air. He was silent for a moment before he said, "You know you can't do that, but even so, you'd go so far for someone who's abandoned you and who will leave you in the future?"

He... He's my father, and he's also yours. I love him and I know deep down you do too, but right now you can't see past your jealousy.

"And if he disappears again?"

If he abandons me again, that's fine because I know he'll come through for me in the end. So, please... stop before you kill him.

Malice grumbled. "You're a fool, Caesar."

He let go of Joseph and stood. He glared down at him. "You're lucky Caesar's affection toward you is strong. Otherwise, you'd be dead by now."

With that, Malice turned his foot and ran in the opposite direction, leaving Joseph coughing on the ground. He didn't exactly know where he was going but he needed to find some clue that would lead to the outside.

He ran by large, double doors with a sign that said EUTHANASIA LAB. It was then he thought of elevators.

"Maybe there could be an elevator inside. If I can find one, I could go to the top—if there even is a top. It would be just like VR."

Caesar broke through a Malice's thoughts. Malice, no! Please stop this. We need to go back and submit to them. Maybe they'll forgive this behavior.

"I'm sorry, Caesar. But I can't do that. There's no way I'll humble myself before them. I've had enough of this place. I'm taking us outta here."

Do you even know where to go? And what about my brothers? I'll never leave here without them!

"So, you just expect them to let five AHs leave? You're outta your mind if you think that's even remotely possible."

Caesar grumbled. I'm not arguing with you anymore. Give my body back.

"No. Not until I've accomplished my mission of freedom."

No, you... you can't do that.

Malice snickered. "It doesn't feel good being locked up inside our consciousness, does it? It's almost torture to wanna do something but can't. I'm going to find a way out even if it kills us."