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Brothers in Arms	By : missanime4eva Category: +. to F > Ai no Kusabi Views: 2600 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Ai no Kusabi does not belong to me. I make no profit off this fic.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
Hey everyone. What’s doin’? It’s so hot here. By hot I mean, ‘walk on the sand and burn your feet’ kind of hot. I guess I should get used to it if I’m going to Adelaide and Bali. Anyway I hope you all are enjoying this fic so far. I have just begun with this fic so I hope you’ll all be patient and remember reviews are what keep me going.
Enjoy.
Chapter 2
‘Were you successful?’ A steely voice whispered from the phone.
‘I was.’ The man stood inside the phone booth and pulled his black trench coat closer to him. Was it just him or was it suddenly getting colder. His dark shaggy hair hid his face. He looked around him, taking note of every face, every detail of everything and everyone, but nobody seemed to acknowledge he was there. Public phones were much more convenient then cell phones. Less chance his whereabouts would be traced. He worked like the wind. Uncatchable. Unpredictable.
‘You were unseen?’
‘I was.’ He repeated. But something felt off while he was engaging his target. Subtle, but there It was. Like someone was watching him. Not the other way round. And in his line of work, it paid to pay attention do that kind of feeling He kept constant surveillance, but he could find nothing. The clueless citizens of Midas going on with their boring lives. He decided it was something he wouldn’t share with his employer. His payment was counting on him to see this mission through.
‘You administrated the entire dose?’
‘I did. I disposed of the syringe in a nearby dumpster.’
‘Excellent. Placing the chip into that pawn brokers hands was brilliant. The black market dog couldn’t resist the smell of a fresh piece of meat. The pathogen should already be taking effect. Within the hour, the mongrel will be nothing more than a vegetable. Iason Mink’s world will be focused entirely on his dying pet. Your skills live up to your reputation.’ He cackled and it caused the assassin to narrow his eyes.
‘What of payment?’
‘As promised, you will have him by the end of the day. The borders of Ceres, midnight.’ His employer hung up and the assassin placed the phone back in its cradle. Ceres. Well played on his employer’s part. No one around that god-forsaken place would think twice in getting involved in the dealings of two such dangerous individuals. Nor would they rat on anything they had seen or heard. Pulling his coat more securely around him, he stepped out of the booth and casually walked into the crowd, disappearing like a windy breeze.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
‘You let that wild mongrel out on the streets?’ Raoul said, loudly voicing his disapproving of Iason’s actions. After Rand had left, Raoul had come by to discuss syndicate business. He had dropped a file full of documents on to his desk that required Iason’s attention. ‘And was that Rand I saw leaving Eos tower? What has that lunatic done this time? Blown up half his house again? What does he like to call it ‘The Palace of Horrors?’
‘He’s disappeared, apparently. So have his pets.’ Iason said nonchalantly. He thought it best to just allow Raoul to know about Abel’s escape. Telling the others may cause more harm them good.
Raoul fell silent for a moment. ‘I beg your pardon?’ He said. ‘I thought you just said he has disappeared?’
‘That’s exactly what I said.’ Iason read the document in his hand. He had instructed Cal to inform him the moment the Darkmen’s chief lieutenant contacts him with the information on Abel’s whereabouts. And he could imagine what he was going to hear. Abel was a master manipulator, an excellent schemer, one who lacked any sense of responsibility or obligation, yet he could turn around a second later and be the kindest individual you would ever meet. It was like he had split personalities waging war in his mind. Fighting for dominance. ‘Nutty as a fruitcake’ was the term Lucien had once described him as. But Iason wasn’t fooled. Abel’s childlike and aberrant behavior was just a persona he used to hide the deep, jagged wounds within. He was locked inside his own body. A prisoner in his own skin. Hence the reason why he has tattoos of chains wounding up his arms, and shackles around his wrists.
‘And you’re sitting here, why? Your brother is a certifiable sociopath, Iason. And you’re the only one who can reason with him.’
‘I’m aware of what he is. And going out there now won’t make a difference. Lucien and Aston are out searching for him. As are the Darkmen and the Midas police. Once he surfaces, I will be informed immediately. As you said, I am the only one who can deal with him. And deal with him I shall, on my own terms.’ Iason pierced Raoul with a hard glare. He would not be swayed on his.
‘He should have been sent to prison on Amos X for his crimes, like the syndicate officials wanted. He tried to kill you.’ Raoul said in outrage. His green eyes turning dark. ‘He is a dangerous.’
‘You know that was impossible. He would have escaped and caused a riot. Having him put under house arrest was the best option for Jupiter and I to keep an eye on him.’
‘And looked what happened with that decision. The citizens of Midas should be alerted.’
‘No, he will eventually surface. Abel won’t be able to help drawing attention to himself.’
‘How did he manage such a feat? You had droids constantly monitoring his home. The barrier to keep him in. An ankle monitor. Two guards to remain with him at all times.’ Raoul ticked off each with his fingers. He sounded almost impressed.
‘Abel can be quite…resourceful when he puts his mind to something.’
Suddenly a shrill tune blasting from the ring n his finger made Iason’s head snap up and immediately bring up the map of Midas. His eyes narrowed and turned absolutely arctic. It’s impossible. He looked over all the coloured, blinking dots, frowning deeply when he couldn’t find the one he was looking for.
‘What is it, Iason?’ Raoul asked.
‘Riki’s tracking signal has disappeared.’ He said darkly.
‘How is that possible? There is beyond doubt that Riki would manage to block his tracker, let alone remove his ring. Someone would have spotted him doing so.’ Raoul looked at the map also. Raoul was correct. But that didn’t diffuse the situation that his pet was now missing. Iason’s mood darkened to a degree that made him see red. He got up and walked to the door, flinging it open with a loud bang and called for Cal. It was simply impossible that Riki could have turned the GPS off on his pet ring by himself. Only he had the code to do so. And he had checked Riki’s status only a few short minutes ago. He had still been in Janus. Unless. He stopped and shook his head. Abel, Abel, Abel. His clever, foolish brother was blocking the signal. Not only was he a master manipulator but he was quite good with building toys.
‘Yes, master.’ Cal said quickly, his Furniture bowing low, feeling his vexation.
‘Contact Katze immediately. Tell him to head to Janus and to the pawn shop Riki had been instructed to go to. As well as the Darkmen. I am heading there now.’
‘News?’
Cal quickly helped Iason into his jacket and he turned to Raoul. ‘It would seem my dear old brother has found Riki. Or in other words, we have found Abel.’ Iason said and if he was correct in assuming Abel would be hungry, there was only one place in Midas that sold his favorite dish- Janus.
……………………………………………………………………….
Riki’s eyes snapped open at the sound of that voice. There was no denying who that voiced belonged to. Iason. But, it wasn’t Iason, unless he had grown a mustache since he had last seen him half an hour ago. But, God. Did it look like Iason. Riki slouched against the cool wall and observed the man like a wounded animal would. The man stood a few feet away, holding a long steel rod, his dark clothing making him look even bigger, stroking his moustache and looking around the alley way as if looking at something he found distasteful. ‘Well this seems cozy.’ He said dryly. ‘Your decorating skills leave a lot to be desired. How about you lay off him, huh.’
‘Who the fuck are you? Nobody invited you to the party.’ It sounded like tattoo man.
He chuckled then waved the comment away. ‘Sorry, I only introduce myself to people I actually like. You,’ he took of his sunnies, ‘I don’t like.’
‘No fucking way.’ Riki whispered. The same. They were the same. The same ice blue eyes, sharp enough to cut glass on. The same face, hell, the same body. But something was quite different. Marginally so. Not because of the moustache, but because of the way this Blondie, wisps of golden hair peeking out from underneath the hat gave it away, acted. The humor and playfulness, not to mention a small amount of crazy was written in the eyes and curled the ends of his mouth. Almost as if he was just playing a game. A childlike innocence that Iason couldn’t possibly possess. It almost made Riki laugh thinking about it. Maybe when pigs fly. The Blondie looked at him, searching his face, studying him, before focusing his hard, angry gaze to his three boxing partners, who, Riki realized, didn’t look to be in the best shape either. Tattoo man even had a busted lip. All three paled and staggered backwards.
‘You’re…You’re… You’re supposed to be locked up?’ scrawny stammered.
‘Surprise. They let me out for good behavior. Now, I am giving you this opportunity to run. I’m in a virtuous mood today. Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.’
The three badasses didn’t think twice. They ran and never looked back. The Blondie watched them retreat then turned to him. He smiled. No malice or hidden agendas hid in that smile. It was genuine. Goofy. And downright weird. Not in a creepy kind of way but because it was the mirror image of Iason staring back at him. Smiling.
‘Well that was fun, wasn’t it?’ He said lightheartedly and pushed the rod together with his hands until it looked like a small piece of steel. He pocketed it and walked towards him, his boots clicking on the floor.
Riki snapped out of his musings and finally found his voice. ‘I didn’t need your help.’
The Iason clone snorted. ‘Could have fooled me sweetheart. I mean I could have just kept on walking, let those guys use you as a punching bag, but no, I took time out of my busy schedule to help you. A thank you would be nice.’ The bastard put his hands on his hips, looking to be waiting for a token of his appreciation. He would be waiting a while
‘I hate owing people favors.’ Riki spat the blood out of his mouth and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. ‘Who the hell are you anyway? Iason’s twin or something?’
‘You got it,’ he winked, ‘but I must say I’m defiantly the more handsome one.’
‘You have got to be fucking kidding me.’ Riki was seriously starting to wonder if he had been pulled into a parallel universe. Amoi didn’t need another Iason. One was plenty.
‘Abel Mink. Pleasure to meet you. And you are…?’
Abel Mink. Riki wanted to laugh. Oh, how his luck worked. Iason had a twin, a fucking twin. Riki hesitated, weighing down his options and decided he might as well just take the plunge. He would grill Iason later. ‘Riki.’
Abel frowned and tapped his chin, looking down at the ground. ‘Riki. Riki.’ He looked back up and cocked his head to the side. ‘Your name seems familiar. Have I threatened you before?’
Riki’s eyebrows lowered in confusion. Did Iason’s twin really not know he was Iason’s pet? It was the hottest topic on the gossip great vine. Or was he just letting him on. It was possible; Iason had never mentioned anything, not a single syllable that he had a twin brother. He remembered scrawny saying something about being locked up. Was he in prison? Even if this guy did save his ass, Riki had learnt not to trust anyone he didn’t think earned his. This guy, Abel was defiantly someone he should watch out for. Abel must have picked up on Riki analyzing him and smiled. Ha, a dangerous criminal indeed. What did he do, try and kill his own brother?
‘How do you know Iason? You’re not friends are you, cause, no offense, you’re not the usual type of company my brother keeps. They’re all dull and boring.’
‘None taken. I’m his…’ Riki hated saying it. Loathed it, ‘pet.’ Well, it was better than saying sex toy or plaything.
‘Are you? Gee, that sucks. What’s he like to live with, hellish I imagine?’ Abel actually looked sympathetic. It pissed him off.
‘I don’t need your sympathy. Iason has never mentioned you anyway.’ Riki said. ‘And I don’t know about the fuzz on your face, it makes you look old.’ He lied. It looked hot.
‘What this, it’s a fake. See.’ Abel peeled it back to show him then replaced it how it was. ‘I’m not surprised my dear old brother hasn’t spoken of me. I am a criminal after all, hence the disguise. But, that story is for another time. Oh dear, you have a cut on your forehead. Here, let me fix that. It’s a good thing I came prepared. It’s nothing much but they work in a pinch.’
He reached into his pocket and Riki tensed. Abel must have seen it because he quickly pulled it out and held the coloured wrapper in the air. ‘No, no. It’s just a band-aid. An innocent band-aid. For your head. See.’
‘I’m fine. I don’t need your help’ Riki moved away from the wall, his body a little sore. His head hurt something shocking. So much for this being a trouble free day. He touched his forehead and brought his hand down to find blood. Great. He walked, more like shuffled, his body not feeling so hot, past Abel and was just about at the exit of the alley way when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Riki shrugged it off. ‘Don’t touch me.’
Abel wasn’t taking no for an answer. ‘Stop being such a drama queen. You and Iason can tie for first place. Please, I can’t have you bleeding all over the place.’
Riki relented, just to keep the peace. ‘Fine.’
Abel seemed happy with that answer. He unwrapped the medical strip and Riki noticed it was blue and white. This was just great. When someone noticed the strip, Iason would no doubt be called and he would be picked up quicker than a whore finding a nickel on the street. It would be weeks, months before he would be allowed any freedom outside Eos. Abel leaned over him, his breath ghosting his hair and gently placed the strip over the wound. His fingers were warm yet rough. A different contrast to what he was used to. Riki almost instinctively moved away, the crowding causing his flight mode to pop its head out and urge him to run but he stopped and held himself steady to allow Abel to do his thing. Barely.
‘So what’s a sweet thing like you walking around this part of town, hey? Iason should be taking better care of you.’ Abel said gently.
Sweet? Who the fuck did this man get off calling him sweet. ‘Fuck you. I ain’t sweet. And that is none of your business.’
‘Ok. Ok. Dually noted. Gee, are you always this self-willed. Iason always did like to dabble in the wild side I suppose. You’re probably wondering why I carry band-aids in my pocket. It can’t pay to be too careful. Safety first. That’s what I always say. My hobbies tend to leave me a little banged up from time to time, if you know what I mean.’ Abel said in a rush as he fixed Riki up. He didn’t even draw a breath. The heat radiated off Abel’s body and his fragrance drifted to his nose. It was quite pleasant, subtle and pleasing. Like a summer’s breeze. Twins indeed, yet polar opposites. Like the sun and the moon. Abel nodded, pleased with his handy work and moved Riki’s black bangs to cover the bandage. ‘You have such pretty hair.’ He said and stood back.
‘There you go, all done. See, that wasn’t so hard now, was it. You have some blood smeared on your forehead from when you touched it. I assume you can take care of that.’ Abel held out a tissue. An innocent tissue, yet Riki found the gesture odd. Abel shook it gently at him when he didn’t take it and before the man decided to clean him up himself, Riki took it and wiped the blood away. Abel nodded to tell him it was all gone and Riki was about to throw the tissue on the ground when Abel held his hand out for it. ‘You shouldn’t litter.’ He chided. ‘We have enough trash around here as it is.’
Ok, whatever. If the Blondie wanted his tissue back, he could have it. Abel happily pocketed it and put his sunnies back on, smiling purposely as he did so. He then started to walk away without saying a word; leaving Riki momentarily stunned. What the hell. Somehow this seemed familiar. Like Déjà vu. Riki got to the entrance of the alley way and watched Abel walk away, whistling, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Riki wondered what the hell just happened when Abel stopped and turned his head, pulling his glasses down just enough to look over them at him.
‘Well, are you coming or not.’ Abel’s said. ‘I’m starving and I don’t think my stomach can wait any longer. If you want to make it up to me, buy me breakfast.’
Riki’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. If he wasn’t expecting anything, that was not it. But in the few short minutes he has known the man, Abel Mink seemed to have a rather off-the-wall personality. As if something was not quite right upstairs. He stood there, now, waiting for him to answer. ‘Well?’ he said. ‘I don’t have all day. Literally.’
So impatient. Riki sighed and clicked his tongue in annoyance. There was at least one trait Iason and his eccentric brother shared: being down right pushy. ‘Buying a Blondie breakfast was not on my to-do-list. But if it would get you off my back.’ Riki passed him and he practically felt the delight and satisfaction radiate off the man. ‘Breakfast. Breakfast. Breakfast.’ He chanted. All because he agreed to shout him food. The small things that made people happy. He fell into step with Riki and they eventually came back to the busy streets of Janus.
‘It’s such a nice day. I just want to raise my arms to the sky and shout.’ And he did, which earned him a few startled looks. He even bumped Riki lightly to do that same, but Riki shook his head.
‘Spoil sport. But it feels good to look at something other than my ceiling.’ As they walked through the crowd, Riki noticed that, despite wearing a disguise, Abel was still getting odd and curious looks. No one really bothered with him. Abel was center stage now. The incognito getup obviously wasn’t helping. Neither was his flamboyance and irregular behavior as he whistled and looked into every window, saying hello to everyone he passed. His size caused him to tower over everyone and he had the old Blondie presences that just said ‘look at me. Look at me.’ If Iason turned his up anymore, he could rival the sun. Abel whistled a soft, rather beautiful tune, obviously lost in his own thoughts when he stopped and quickly turned to peer into another shop window, hiding his face from view.
‘What’s the go?’ Riki asked as he stopped too. ‘Why have you stopped?’
‘The black cruiser coming down the street. It’s a Darkmen’s car.’
Out the corner of his eye, Riki spotted the Darkmen’s cruiser. Slowly rolling past, stopping every few seconds, as if it was looking for something or someone. It was like watching a movie in slow motion. It rolled to a stop a few meters in front of them and Riki squinted to see inside the dark interior but the windows were tinted so it made it impossible. The cruiser sat there, its presence starting up a chattering firestorm before it started up again and rolled away. He turned to Abel who looked over to where the cruiser had driven away and wiped his forehead.
‘Phew. That was a close one, wasn’t it? Iason’s good, I’ll give him that.’ He looked at his watch. ‘I was expecting more time. I guess it’s all fun and games until someone calls the cops. Then it’s a new game: Hide and seek. Shall we.’ Abel said cheerfully and went on his merry way, as if nothing happened. Riki also glanced over to where the cruiser had been before following Abel. Did Iason know that his crazy, criminal brother was wondering the streets? From what Abel said about Iason being good and having more time would mean a yes.
‘So why were you locked up?’ Riki said after a while.
‘Huh, oh, nothing major. I just tried to kill Iason is all. I’m feeling noodles. And Janus is the only place that supplies my favorite. ’
Riki’s head snapped up. ‘What?’
‘I said Janus is the only place that supplies my favorite noodles. I have to get my Furniture to get a bowl or twenty every week.’
‘No, about you tried to off Iason.’
‘Oh that. Meh.’ Abel shrugged. ‘It seemed like a good idea at the time.’
Seemed like a good idea at the time. Riki was… floored. Not much, but enough to have his mouth open in shock. Abel tried to kill Iason. Talking about it as if it was no big deal. ‘How the hell did you escape prison?’ Amos’s infamous Prison X was where the most dangerous, hardened criminals where sent. And none ever left. Ever. If you were sent there, it was for life. And why the hell am I talking to you? But Riki knew why. Because he was intrigued. Curious. He wanted to know more.
‘Prison. Ha. No. Iason’s blessed leniency got my punishment reduced.’ Abel said dramatically. ‘Most likely because he knew a prison such as the X’s wonderland would never hold me. I’ve been under strict house arrest for the past six years. Time sure flies doesn’t it. I know this excellent noodle stand. I’m sure brother dearest wouldn’t mind if we spend his hard earned money.’
‘House arrest? Where do you live? If not Eos, the Blondie capital of the world?’ Riki was amazed, if though he shouldn’t be. Iason, being who and what he is, would have a massive target on his back. Abel talked about his assassination attempted as if it was a simple hit and miss. Something he could just shrug off and try again. Actually Riki remembered hearing about a failed assassination attempt on the Tanagura syndicate leader six years ago. It caused a major uproar and spread through the capital like wildfire. Even the mongrels in Ceres had heard about it. It’s funny, if Abel went to Ceres now, he would be considered a celebrity.
‘Ha. Nice one. My lovely little home, I like to call ‘The Palace of Horrors’, is tucked away nice and neatly in the misty forest of Diedo. Apparently, I’m too dangerous to be around normal people.’ He air quoted the term ‘normal people.’ He checked his watch and pointed down the street. ‘I think it’s this way.
I’m guessing Blue Eyes with the attitude was your Furniture? Rand, Iason called him?’
‘Rand. Yes. He is my dedicated, faithful retainer. Well as faithful as I am trustworthy since he told Iason I had gone AWOL. Is Daryl still Iason’s Furniture? I always liked that one. Had a lot of attitude.’
Riki raised an eyebrow. ‘You don’t get out much, do you?’
Abel chuckled. ‘Not without a three squadron platoon and two dozen Darkmen as my nannies. And not to a place with people. Too much hassle. I don’t know why? I love people. They are so interesting. I’m not dangerous, much. I just have a very short attention span and when people annoy me, I let them know. How you doing anyway? You feeling ok? You still look a little pale.’
Riki waved his concern away. ‘I’m fine. I’ve had worse.’ He was lying of course. He felt like shit. And was it just him or was it starting to heat up.
‘I’m sure you have. Tough man like yourself. Ah here we are. The best noodles in his citizen run playground. I hope you brought Iason’s extra credit card, cause all four of us are starving.’
Riki stopped short and frowned. ‘Four of you?’
……………………………………………………………………………………..
‘Iason, the owner said Riki left about twenty minutes ago. Witnesses say that three men started following him once he left the store.’ Katze said when Iason stepped out of his vehicle, Raoul coming around from the other side. Darkmen and numerous Midasian police stood at attention, in the center was the owner of the pawn shop. He cowered and begged the suited Darkmen holding him by the collar to let him go. Iason walked up to the sobering man and stared down at him like one would do to a bug under there shoe.
‘I assume those three men were yours?’ Iason asked softly. His voice chilling. ‘Hoping they would rough him up, steal the chip back you for you? You would have the chip and the money. Correct?’
The man simpered and tried to close in on himself, but his captor kept his arms behind his back. Iason leaned down and took the man’s bearded chin in a vicious grip. ‘I asked you a question. You will answer or find yourself in a cell.’
‘Y…Yes, they were my boys.’ He stammered.
‘What were they to do to him?’ Iason’s calm, icy voice made him cower. Such simple-minded fools.
‘Just beat him up a little. Work him over. Then steal the chip. That was all. But they were stopped by a tall man in black. He had a mustache. He was your brother. Please, don’t send me to the Darkmen’s cell.’
Abel
‘Your Excellency.’ A policeman said urgently. ‘We have found the three accomplices hiding in a nearby abandoned building. They may have some news on Sir Abel and your pet’s whereabouts’. Iason pushed the bearded man away as if he was not worth his time and stood up.
‘Bring them here.’
Three young thugs were dropped at his feet moments later and each scrambled to get up. One had a broken nose, the other a busted lip and each had a few cuts and bruises. Whatever happened with Riki, it looked like he had thrown in a few good lands of his own. His hands curled into fists and his eyes turned to ice chips. He was very displeased. No, Riki would called it ‘pissed off.’
‘You saw my brother? What happened? Be warned, I will know if you are lying.’
‘We weren’t sure at first, Blondie, sir, cause he was wearing a disguise, but when he took his glasses off, it was defiantly im’ He battered us up good, sir and we left im’ with the mongrel. Honest.’
Abel must have given this hooligans most of their injuries. He was holding back. At least it looked like Abel was keeping Riki safe. But why? Abel was prone to lash out but only at those who did something he didn’t like. What had Iason on edge was how Abel knew Riki would be in this part of the Area. And why did he have a sudden feeling of dread. That something was going to happen. He focused on the three delinquents. ‘You’re lucky he didn’t kill you. How long ago did his transpire?’
They paled even more. ‘Twenty minutes ago. What are you going to do to us?’
‘Iason.’ Katze called and held his phone up in the air for Iason to take. He peered down at the three then took the phone and pressed it to his ear. ‘Iason speaking.’
‘Your Excellency. Your brother and pet have just been spotted near the large eatery strip in Janus’s main market square ten minutes ago.’
‘Good. Don’t approach until I arrive. Have the area sealed off. We can’t have the chance of him slipping through our fingers.’
‘Understood.’
‘He has been located?’ Katze asked when Iason hung up and passed the phone back.
‘Not yet. We have narrowed it down to the Janus main market square. Raoul inform Sir Hale and Sir Ramsey of the situation.’ Iason headed back to his car.
‘What of them?’ Katze was referring to the four detainees. Iason didn’t even spare a glance at them as he climbed into the back seat.
‘Actions have consequences. See to it that they know the meaning of that.’ Iason said coldly as his door was shut and his car drove away.
……………………………………………………………………………………
Abel pulled back the curtain over the noodle stand he had brought them to and Riki saw three others sitting on stools eating noodles at the little counter. They looked up and smiled when they saw them. Well they did with Abel, with Riki, they gave him the once over. Not in a bad way, more of a ‘who’s this’ kind of way.
‘You’re late, master. Picking up stray’s again?’ the red haired asked with the multiple earrings in his ears. His eyes were a brilliant shade of green. ‘You can’t keep him of course.’
Master? Were these Abel’s pets? So not only did he just escape from his home but he brought his pets along for the ride. And did that punk call him a ‘stray’?
Riki bristled but kept his mouth shut. Abel scoffed and sat down, gesturing for Riki to do the same. Riki was always cautious when meeting people he didn’t know but they seemed like an ok sort of bunch so he sat down on the stool next to Abel who smiled. And it was still just freaky coming from someone who looked like Iason. Abel nodded to the cook at the wok who nodded back.
‘We took the liberty and ordered for you, but we didn’t know you were bringing a guest.’
‘It’s fine.’ He took his sunnies off and looked at the cook. ‘Can I have another bowl of noodles? Please. The kid’s paying.’ The man nodded and Riki handed over Iason credit card. Within a couple of minutes a bowl of noodles was sitting in front of him. And it smelt delicious, but the smell was making him feel nauseous.
‘Who’s the kid?’ This one had light blue hair in two braids, asked after a few minutes, his violet eyes narrowed. The last one on the end, long white hair in a low ponytail, with many gold bands around his arms, gave him one look before going back to eating. Not much of a talker, it looked like. Fine by him.
‘Sebastian. Lexis, Deunan. This is Riki. Riki these are my ungovernable pets. Much like myself. Say hi children.’
The whited headed asshole, Deunan, coughed and banged his fist on the wooden countertop, trying to swallow what was in his mouth. Lexis swatted him quite painfully on the back. Deunan managed to get himself under control and looked at Abel as if he had lost his mind.
‘Ah, Master. You do know that he belongs to-‘
‘Yes.’
‘You asshat. You know he’s going to be looking-‘
‘I have no doubt.’
‘Master, the kid will no doubt have a tracking device in his pet ring. Iason will be on you faster than white on rice and then we will all be fucked.’ Sebastian said and shook his red head. ‘And I’m pretty sure Rand wouldn’t appreciate having to scrape you off the walls again. We, as in you are breaking enough rules just being here.’
‘He won’t, not if I have jammed the GPS tracker.’ Abel went on calmly eating. Riki could see the small smile on his face through the gaps in his long blonde hair.
‘How is that possible? I’m wearing a cock ring.’ Riki wasn’t embarrassed to say it out loud even to Iason’s twin. ’Only Iason can deactivate it.’ He could imagine Iason sitting in his chair, wondering where the hell he had gone. Abel smiled and put down his fork. He lifted up his sleeve and tapped his watch. Riki frowned in confusion.
‘It’s a watch.’
‘Yes, but it’s not just a watch. See, Iason isn’t the only one with fancy toys. Hidden in my watch is a little jamming device that blocks certain GPS signals, say for instants, the one in your ring. He would not be able to pin point your location unless he overrides the signal or I turn off the jammer. Either way, you have the pleasure of our company for a little while longer.’
‘He’s probably on his way now.’
Abel checked his watch and slurped his noodles. ‘I’ll give him…ten, maybe fifteen minutes, since it’s quite busy today. Just enough time to finish breakfast.’
‘You’re crazy, you know that, right. I hope your bro is in a forgiving mood.’ Lexis lightly punched Abel in the arm then turned to Riki.
‘See what we have to put up with. You have it easy with Iason. This nut job makes him look like a choir boy. But it’s nice to be able to meet Iason’s famous pet. We have seen you around of course. Master has been very curious of what Iason’s beloved pet looked like. Hey that was my pork bun, pig.’ Lexis screamed when Sebastian stole from his plate. Sebastian just smiled sly and ate the dumpling right in front of him.
‘Aren’t you hungry?’ Abel asked him.
Riki picked up his fork and looked down at his bowl. He wanted to eat but he couldn’t, his stomach wouldn’t let him. Just looking at it made him behind want to puke. He turned to Abel instead. Eyes narrowed ‘You knew I was Iason’s pet, didn’t you?’
Abel held his hand up, trying to look sorry, but failing miserably. ‘Guilty.’
‘Did you follow me?’
‘Guilty again. When I saw you step out of that car. I knew it was you. Only Iason would have a black haired mongrel as a pet. It was obvious by your clothes and the way everyone literally stopped in their tracks to stare at you. It was quite amusing. Iason always did have a soft spot for the finer things in life. What’s the sex like.’
Deunan started coughing again and he slapped the table, but he didn’t need a pounding on the back this time. ‘Master, there is a thing called boundaries.’
‘What? It’s an innocent enough question. I like to know things about my brother’s relationship. Is that a bad thing? I’ll tell you about my sex life if you like.’
‘No thanks.’ All three of them said dryly.
‘What? It shows that I care.’
‘No, it shows you’re mental and nothing cures that. Should have known you’d come here.’ a tight, angry voice said from behind them and Riki turned to find two Blondies standing there, two he had never seen before, each with a dozen or so Midasian police personal behind them. It looked like half the police force had flocked to this one spot. Not just that, but the whole square had been closed off. Not a citizen in sight. Abel didn’t seem worried; he just went on eating his noodles. Obviously not wanting to waste a single strand of spaghetti.
‘You’re early. Lucy. Ash. I thought you would have at least let me get some steamed meat buns before you decided to crash the party you weren’t invited to.’
‘You have been a very naughty boy, Abel. Escaping while we all slept. Taking your pets with you on this little escapee. Causing us nothing but trouble. Don’t you care about anyone else but yourself?’ The one on the left said, his violet eyes showing he was not in the mood to play games. The one on the right had an amused smile curling his lips and a spark of wit in those olive eyes.
‘Iason is not happy with you, my insane, kooky friend.’ He said. ‘He has probably designed a nice new ankle monitor just for you.’
‘Oh I’m sure it would go great with my new boots.’ Abel said calmly. ‘But I must decline. This is delicious by the way. Can I have another bowl?’
The cook didn’t even bat an eyelid. Just served it up and put it in front of him. Must get this kind of thing a lot. Blondies fighting with Blondies. Abel thanked him kindly and tucked in, seeming to ignore the two Blondies altogether. It really pissed them off. Hell yeah. Riki was getting front row seats to a Blondie royal rumble. Wonder if the ground will shake?
‘This is your last chance, Abel. The next one might not be so pleasant. Resist, and we might have a problem on our hands’
‘Hm. That seems more of a your problem then a my problem.’ Abel said between bites.
‘Abel’
Abel immediately stopped eating.
Riki turned towards the sound of that voice and Iason stood a few meters away. Well he hoped it was Iason and not another double. He looked a mixture of angry, relieved and troubled. He glanced at him, cataloging him from head to toe, stopping at his head. He must have seen the bandage. Clearly not liking what he saw cause his eyes narrowed, before he turned his cool gaze to his brother. Riki noticed Abel stiffen slightly. He calmly finished his bowl and put it to the side. Shit was obviously going to hit the fan and it looked like nobody had brought an umbrella to the party. The tension that suddenly filled the air was suffocating.
‘It’s about time.’ Abel said coolly. ‘I thought I was going to have to go all the way to Eos to get you to come out and play.’
‘We are not playing games here, Abel. You broke our agreement. You know what the consequences are if you stepped foot in Midas.’ His tone was serious. As if he was scolding a child.
Abel snorted before he slowly stood up, putting every cop, Darkmen, and Blondie on alert. He proceeded to take of his hat and miles and miles of blonde hair fell down his back until it stopped at his backside. He sighed and pulled of his fake beard. Now that it was gone, along with the hat and sunnies it was almost impossible to tell them apart. The only differences were the eyes. He caught Riki’s and winked before turning and putting his hands on his hips. Looking to be ready to face the world.
‘Well you’re looking swell Iason. How long has it been? Six years. And you brought all these nice fellas out here to greet me. I’m touched.’ Abel touched his heart for dramatic effect.
‘Come peacefully and violence can be averted.’
Abel laughed. ‘Adverted. Says the man who has brought half of Amoi’s military force down here just to collect me. Brother mine, has it ever occurred to you that I may just be misunderstood?’
‘I won’t repeat myself Abel.’ Iason plainly ignored the question and stepped forward before Abel put his hand up to stop him.
‘I wouldn’t take another step if I was you, unless you want the explosives I arranged around this place to, I don’t know, explode.’
Boy, did that get a reaction. Iason stopped midstep and every copper in the vicinity raised their weapons, expecting Abel to take out a gun and start shooting up the place. If he did it must be hidden somewhere very uncomfortable. Iason stared at Abel and Abel stared back. Neither moved. Nobody spoke. Something silent was going on, though. As if they were talking without using words. Iason’s eyes narrowed and a knowing small smiled curled his lips.
‘You’re bluffing.’
The same smile graced Abel’s face. ‘Am I. Am I. How can you be so sure? What if I was to do this.’ He snapped his fingers and suddenly there was a loud whoosh and everyone panicked before realizing it wasn’t a bomb. They looking up, as fireworks zoomed into the air and exploded into an array of different colours. Lexis whistled and Sebastian clapped his hands.
Abel dusted his hands. ‘That was just a starter. I have plenty more where that came from. Shall I show you?’
Iason stood still for a moment, thinking, then stepped forward until only a few feet separated them. ‘That won’t be necessary, brother mine, you won’t have the opportunity to even think about it. Now!’
Suddenly three Darkmen rushed forward with their guns raised and shot Abel with their stun cables. He grunted and fell to one knee as surges of electricity pumped into his body like wildfire. And it would have to be agony. He puffed heavily and glanced up at Iason. Smiling, he tried to stand. Riki’s eyes widened and his pets were cheering him on. His body should be fried by now but he still tried to get up. Looking to be using all his strength just to move his limbs. Riki knew Blondies were tough sons of bitches, but this went beyond tough. This was suicide. Another stun cable hit him and he stepped back, finally falling to his knees. Looking to be defeated.
‘Nicely played.’ He said and laughed as he was suddenly surrounded. Cuffs were attached to his wrists behind his back and he was hauled to his feet by the two Blondies from earlier.
‘I know all your tricks Abel. You’re not one to hurt innocents.’
‘How well you know me.’
This was probably the best show Riki had ever seen. Fuck it if Iason had a twin. Watching the two was like a comedy show. The three pets beside him clapped and cheered. He couldn’t help but smile, slightly. Suddenly a burning sensation welled up in his throat that caused him to cough. The sensation remained and he touched his throat. What the fuck. He’s eyebrows creased together in confusion and coughed again to get rid of it. But it only worsened. He started having trouble breathing. His chest feeling like someone was sitting on it.
‘Riki, bro what’s the matter.’ Lexis asked and touched his shoulder. Riki shrugged him off, coughing violently.
‘Nothing…I don’t know. I can’t stop…coughing.’ The tickle turned into a painful scratch and caused him to keep coughing. It did little to help. It burned, the sensation traveling down his body as if someone had poured hot liquid down his throat and it was spreading rapidly
‘Riki. Riki! Master something is wrong with Riki.’
Riki could barely hear them. Iason shouted his name, well it sounded like Iason. Could have been Abel. It sounded as if they were miles away. He coughed and coughed, his hand over his mouth. He couldn’t stop and if he continued like this he was going to cough up a lung. Too bad they felt as if they had shriveled up and died. Riki pulled his hand away and found blood. That’s not good. He looked at his bloody hand, wondering if it was his, before feeling something wet trickle out his ears, out his nose. Blood. He knew then something was wrong. Just like before when his body ceased up. Except this was worse. His whole body going from hot and cold, beads of sweats running down his face, before his body just, shut down. The whole world fell into nothing but darkness.
............................................................................................................
‘Riki!’
Iason eyes widened and rushed over as Riki collapsed to the ground. Blood seeping from his mouth, ears and nose. Iason reached him and picked him up but he went limp in his arms. His breathing was almost nonexistent. Iason checked for a pulse to find it weak. So weak that it skipped beats, his heart struggling to beat. His skin had gone an ashen colour and purple smudges formed under his eyes. What is this?
‘Call for a medic!’ Raoul ordered and raced over. Taking Riki from Iason to look him over. Iason turned to the only known culprit. Abel had gone too far this time. This time, Iason was not able to forgive.
‘What have you done Abel!?’ Iason roared and descended on his brother, grabbing him by the throat and pulling him forward. Ice blue met ice blue. One in fury, the other in prostration. Abel looked just as upset as he, but he was good at disguises. His facial façade was no different. Abel didn’t even try to break the strangle hold Iason had on him. He looked him right in the eye. His features as hard as stone. Gone was the erratic behavior Abel was known for.
‘What have you done? Tell me.’
‘I had nothing to do with this, Iason. Believe me. I had nothing to do with any of this!’ Abel shouted and shook his head. He struggled in his bonds.
‘Something is really wrong here, Iason.’ Raoul’s concern was alarming. ‘His pulse is very weak and his having trouble breathing. It looks like his bleeding internally. He needs medical attention. Now!’
Iason broke his hold on Abel and raced over, kneeling by Riki’s side. Riki was now struggling to breath, chocking sounds coming from his throat as if he was drowning. More blood trickled from his mouth and his lips had a blue tinge to them. ‘Quickly, take him to the Midas’s hospital. Tanagura is too far. Secure Abel and take him to the Darkmen’s holding cells. Take his pets to my penthouse. Now!’ Iason yelled as he helped Raoul pick up Riki and place him on the gurney the Darkmen had provided.
Abel struggled. ‘What? No, I didn’t do this Iason!’ Abel screamed and pushed Lucien and Ashton away, kicking them to lunge at Iason, almost reaching him before he was tackled to the ground. He fought and struggled, the two holding on to him with slipping grips. He screamed for Iason again, begging for him to listen. ‘Brother. I didn’t do this! I didn’t do this!’
But Iason turned away.
To be continued.
So there you go. Hope you all enjoyed that. I found the perfect song to portray the fragile and troubled relationship of Iason and Abel. It’s called ‘It is what it is’ by Lifehouse. You should totally listen to it. I can’t stop listening to it. It is so hot in Perth, actually most of Australia is having a heat wave while the everywhere else it’s raining with cyclones. Got to love summer.
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Brothers in Arms