Chapter VI - Twelve Labors.
The light slowly filtered through the drooping eyelids of the redhead, dispersing the darkness like a misty veil. The boy stood motionless, letting the cold morning air wrap around his body. Behind him, the glass doors of the skyscraper reflected the delicate rays of the sun, while before him stretched lifeless buildings, rising like monumental tombs. Their smooth, white walls shimmered in the first light of day, creating the illusion that someone-or something-was watching his every step, as if the shadows of these structures had a life of their own.
- I need to get to the university. - he muttered under his breath, though he wasn't sure if that was really his greatest concern. He was exhausted, dreaming of sinking into soft beige sheets, but the mere thought of sleep made him nauseous. It wasn't just about yesterday's events, though he couldn't entirely dismiss them.
He crossed the street, reluctantly lifting his gaze from the sidewalk, which now resembled icy fields-ready to swallow anyone daring enough to tread upon them. By day, they seemed like endless expanses, but at dawn, they were cold, soulless, much like the entire city.
- I really hate this place. - he murmured again, dragging his feet across the white pavement as his thoughts drifted back to the events of the previous day. Now, the face of the stranger he tried to recall appeared grotesque, almost cartoonish, like a monkey-someone utterly unfamiliar, yet strangely known. Ignacy glanced down at the passing residents of the White City, encased in their sterile, white garments. Their figures were visible only for a moment before each hurried away, blending with the semi-transparent digital advertisements. The people were like mannequins, so insubstantial one could walk through them without noticing their presence. The White City, a metropolis at dawn, had become a place utterly devoid of life, soul, and hope.
Weary and disillusioned by daily monotony, Ignacy sank onto one of the benches along the sidewalk. He felt as though today, more than usual, he wasn't cut out for life in society. He was tired of forcing fake smiles for everyone. Suddenly, he clutched his head, overwhelmed, and looked down at himself-a man in plain, unremarkable clothes, longing to get up and run as far away as possible. For a moment, he even considered going back home; after all, he hadn't strayed far. But just as he rose, ready to return, something caught his attention.
Ahead of him stood a tall, imposing man walking in his direction. He wore a fur coat that looked like it belonged to a long-extinct otter. On his shoulder swayed a bald head, strung up like a grotesque puppet. Its dry, cracked lips seemed to scream in silence, and its lifeless eyes stared into the gray, infinite void. The crowd around the man flowed like a single organism, entirely ignoring his presence. Ignacy stood frozen, rubbing his eyes, unsure if he was still dreaming. People passed by without a glance, burdened by their own concerns.
The stranger stopped right in front of Ignacy and sighed heavily. Up close, he seemed oddly familiar. An older man with a sagging belly, deep receding hairline, and sparse strands of hair didn't fit the city's standards in the slightest. He also wore futuristic sunglasses that covered his entire face. Ignacy scratched his head, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. He wasn't sure whether to run or keep standing there and watch. His curiosity won-he waited to see what would happen, scrutinizing the man with surgical precision, especially the wrinkles etched across his forehead.
- Who are you?- the redhead asked hesitantly, instinctively taking a step back.
- You know me. - the man replied with a hoarse, gravelly voice, like that of a lifelong smoker. Ignacy tilted his head, trying not to look at the man's grotesque, cracked lips, which seemed ready to crumble into pieces.
- I don't think so. - he replied coldly, eager to end this unpleasant conversation, filled with disgust and revulsion. He didn't want to be rude, but he wanted even less to talk to someone who repelled him so profoundly.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through him, as though something was biting into his hand. Instinctively, he turned abruptly, and before his eyes appeared the image of a bald, naked head-the same one that had earlier dangled from the stranger's shoulder. Its protruding teeth were sinking into his skin. The sight was so grotesque that Ignacy froze. He felt his strength draining, dark spots clouding his vision, and his long lashes drooping over his face. His body turned to jelly, his balance slipping away, as the stench of sweat mingling with blood assaulted his nostrils. Blackness enveloped his mind. He felt as if the depth of that darkness was swallowing him endlessly.
When he opened his eyes again, he saw a familiar, grotesque scene before him. He was standing at the enormous glass doors of a balcony, his nose pressed against the cold glass, feeling its smooth surface. The city stretched before him like a vast, colorful mosaic.
- So many lights!- he exclaimed, but his voice sounded entirely different-as though it belonged to someone else.
Ignacy felt like a small bird trapped in an enormous cage, except his cage was made of glass and reached the clouds. He had always loved looking at the city from above; it gave him a sense of liberation, as if he could escape everything that tormented him. But then, in the middle of the vibrant tableau, a black void appeared. Thick, dark smoke rose into the sky, as if someone had set a massive pile of coal ablaze. And in the heart of that smoke, something shimmered.
He heard the urgent, booming voice of his uncle yelling at him to lie down. Ignacy pulled away from the glass and turned around. His uncle was already standing behind him, wide-eyed and pale-faced. He grabbed Ignacy's hand and yanked him close. His uncle's heart was pounding like mad. Ignacy had never seen him like this before. His uncle was sweating profusely, his grip on Ignacy's hand tightening until his skin turned red. The hold was so strong that Ignacy began to struggle for breath. He clutched at his neck, frantically scratching and rubbing, trying to draw air into his lungs.
Looking up at his uncle, Ignacy saw his face start to blur. Shifting his gaze away, he realized he was now in a smoke-filled, gray room. Thick smoke invaded his nostrils with brutal force, stinging them painfully.
- NO! NO!- he screamed in agonized despair. - PLEASE, NO!- His cry tore through his vocal cords, pain ripping through his throat as though it were splitting apart before his eyes.
The man struggled against his own body, which had stopped obeying him. His hands trembled, muscles spasmed violently, and his breathing grew shallower with each gasp. Slowly, he lost control over his limbs, which seemed to dissolve into the dark mist. Black fog and a murky, brownish substance swirled around him, encasing him in a tightening cage. His lungs fought desperately for air, but the harder he tried to breathe, the more he suffocated. The air reeked of rotting flesh-a stench so vile that he lost all control over his body, suddenly vomiting violently. The nausea was paralyzing, his stomach contracting in painful spasms as though it, too, sought to escape.
Suddenly, he felt a brutal shove. The force of it was so immense that he collapsed onto the floor. His body sank into the remnants of what was once a living room, now barely visible through the thick smoke. Barely able to move, he was engulfed by the smoke, as if becoming a part of it. His screams and groans seemed to vanish into the void, unheard and unacknowledged. The room he had once known transformed into a nightmare his mind couldn't comprehend.
And then the blackness came again. Thick, cold, merciless. It consumed his consciousness like a freezing, bottomless abyss, swallowing every last fragment of his thoughts.
***
- Wake up!- roared a coarse male voice, rough and grating like sandpaper. - Come on!- The stranger slapped the redhead sharply across the face, and Ignacy regained consciousness almost immediately. He tried to stand, wobbling as he rose, only to collapse again, landing on something soft and unbearably foul-smelling. Squinting, he tried to make sense of where he was, but thick, pitch-black darkness surrounded him.
Half-conscious, he heard faint whispers around him, as if coming from some hidden source. Suddenly, something shoved him with tremendous force, slamming his back against a hard wall.
- Who are you?!- he demanded, pushing off the wall, his voice a mix of anger and panic- Who are you?!- he shouted again, and the whispers immediately ceased. He could feel someone's gaze on him, and the fact that he couldn't see anything drove him mad. He was so enraged he wanted to lash out at whatever surrounded him, but he was bound. His arms and legs were tied with something strong, cutting off the circulation to his limbs. His entire body ached, and thinking clearly was an uphill battle.
- There's not a single beam of light here. - he thought, trying to sharpen his senses to the limit. His hearing caught every rustle, every breath, every heartbeat. - There are six, maybe seven of them. - he calculated grotesquely in his mind.
The stench grew so overwhelming that he felt the urge to vomit again. Just as his endurance was about to snap and bile began to rise in his throat, a rough hand brushed his face, slapping him on the cheek. The unwanted, foreign touch filled him with such repulsion that it quickly morphed into pure, overpowering rage. Enraged, Ignacy lunged blindly, headbutting the stranger.
- He's got fight in him!- laughed a man in amusement. From the sound of his voice, Ignacy could tell he wasn't old.
- Shut up, Emi!- barked another figure standing close to Ignacy. The boy instinctively sensed it was better to stay silent. His fury began to give way to paralyzing fear. He realized he might have made a mistake by striking out at the stranger. Gazing at the silhouette before him, Ignacy understood he was alone, surrounded by a sizable group. Sitting on the floor, he heard footsteps approaching.
Suddenly, a warm, yellow light flared up, revealing the inside of a dark van. Ignacy glanced around. There were eight of them, each in some way commanding his attention. All wore tattered rags, hole-ridden trousers, and filthy, sweat-soaked shirts. Some, like the bald stranger, were draped in reeking animal pelts. Their ages seemed so varied that Ignacy couldn't believe it.
Next to him sat the same bald man, and behind him crouched a frightened fourteen-year-old boy. Seeing the boy, Ignacy was momentarily struck by the image of Jaśmin's face. A deep-seated aversion to these strangers welled up in him, and he didn't hide it-in fact, his disdain was plainly written across his features.
- You've got guts. - said a man standing behind Ignacy, his tone carrying a hint of challenge.
Ignacy grimaced, feeling the weight of the entire group's eyes on him. His tone turned mocking as he asked. - Are you activists?
The tension in the air was palpable, but the stranger he addressed remained calm. His voice was almost emotionless as he replied. - Turn around.
Before Ignacy could react, the boy sitting in front of him shouted more aggressively. - Turn around!
The gold-haired boy swallowed hard and nodded.
- Alright, alright. - he said slowly, trying to mask his nerves, as he turned with deliberate composure toward the stranger he hadn't noticed before.
Ignacy turned as well, and for a moment, he couldn't believe his eyes. Before him sat a tall man who looked Asian, though it might have been a trick of perspective. The man sat with one leg crossed over the other, and his legs appeared absurdly long-almost grotesquely so. Ignacy's gaze was drawn to his hair: long, blue-silver strands tied into a high ponytail. A few loose locks escaped the tie, giving the hairstyle a disheveled yet distinctive look. Although Ignacy couldn't determine its full length, he had the impression that the hair was incredibly long.
His eyes shifted to the stranger's face, which was bruised and dirty. Thin blue eyebrows complemented his hair, and his deep navy, almost feline eyes with dark pupils seemed to absorb everything around them. The man's lips, though small, were full and tinged a pinkish-burgundy shade, while his cheeks carried a faint blush-likely from the chill inside the van. Ignacy noticed his broad shoulders, his slim yet well-toned physique. He wasn't pale, but his complexion appeared sun-kissed-or perhaps the dim lighting in the van gave that impression.
The man wore a stretched-out gray T-shirt, dark jeans, and a red flannel shirt. His gaze was confident, and the right corner of his lips lifted into a smug smile. Soft whispers and muffled laughter rippled through the van. Ignacy could feel that the strangers were as intrigued by him as he was by them.
Then, breaking the silence, the blue-haired man smirked and said sarcastically. - Fallen in love?
Ignacy furrowed his brows, his eyes snapping to a brunette seated next to the blue-haired man. This second man had features that seemed almost canine-harsh and slightly repellent. He wore a torn black long-sleeve shirt and wide, dark jeans. His eyes, depending on the angle of the light, shifted from green to amber-brown.
- He's been staring at you for two minutes. - the brunette said, disregarding Ignacy's astonishment.
Frustration swelled within Ignacy. It felt as though everyone was playing some strange game, one he wanted no part of.
- Who are you?- he finally demanded, directing his question to the blue-haired man, his voice betraying his loss of composure.
The response came immediately.
- You kidnapped my brother. - the blue-haired man said coldly, and in the same instant, his long leg shot out, slamming into Ignacy's chest and sending him sprawling backward.
Ignacy hit the floor with a loud thud. The laughter that had been faint moments earlier now erupted, echoing through his head like a deafening chorus.
- What do you want?!- he yelled, struggling to get back up, but the chaos and mocking laughter around him made it increasingly difficult to process what was happening.
Ignacy felt anger boil in his chest as the blue-haired man pinned him down with his foot. The jeers of the group stabbed at him like the sound of clashing swords, and their derisive joy pounded in his ears.
- Blue. - a stern voice broke through-the fur-clad man sitting nearby spoke firmly.
- Art. - the blue-haired man replied loudly, rolling his eyes as he removed his foot and slumped back into his seat.
The brunette beside Blue grabbed his arm, trying to de-escalate the situation.
- Give it a rest, Art. - he said, his voice tinged with unease.
Ignacy repeated the names in his mind like a mantra, unsure of what they truly meant. Art... Blue... They sounded almost like spells.
- You're acting like children. - the fur-clad man scolded, his voice resonating sharply in the cramped space. - This isn't why I brought you here!- he shouted, and the laughter and murmurs immediately ceased.
- JAŚMIN!- Ignacy yelled, and the stranger's eyes locked onto him with an intensity that made him feel even more helpless.
- It's your fault!- he screamed, trying to get up, but his hands and legs were still bound. He felt like bait, waiting to be thrown into the water.
- What are you talking about?- Blue asked sarcastically, kicking him in the stomach.
- IT'S BECAUSE OF YOU HE ENDED UP LIKE THIS!- Ignacy shot back with determination, unsure what exactly was driving him. Maybe it was the frayed nerves, maybe the exhaustion? Or maybe it was the series of problems piling up, like mold growing in a car.
- How dare you speak to me like that?!- Blue yelled, standing up. Ignacy, now kneeling, had a perfect view of Blue's long hair, which reached down to his waist. Blue's anger seemed to pierce through Ignacy, leaving an invisible wound on his face.
- You made my brother jump too!- Ignacy replied, struggling to stand, feeling the anger boil inside him.
- Your brother?- Blue repeated, furious, unable to believe it.
- IT'S THE VAN!- Art yelled, and Blue's gaze shifted to the man with glasses. After a deep breath, Blue returned to his place, still angry.
- Did Jasmine introduce himself to you?- the old man asked calmly, somewhat surprisingly, as if trying to bring some order to the chaos.
- If he hadn't, I wouldn't be here. - Ignacy answered reluctantly, clearly blaming the. - monkey kid. - for everything. Just one meeting and a cascade of incomprehensible situations had already fallen on his head. The redhead fell silent, glancing at the fur-clad elder, and finally, irritated, he spoke towards Art.
- Maybe you could enlighten me?- He had the feeling that, despite his unkempt appearance, he might be able to reason with the elder.
- Didn't you hear?!- the old man waved his hand toward the two boys sitting behind the blond teenager. The boys immediately looked at Blue, waiting for his response.
- You didn't hear him. - Blue repeated, turning his back on them indifferently, though his voice betrayed clear tension.
- Yes. - the older boy confirmed, swallowing nervously. He leaned over to Ignacy and freed his legs from the tight ropes, while the other boy worked on his arms, slowly loosening the bonds.
- Couldn't you have done that right away?- Ignacy asked sarcastically, rubbing his sore wrists.
- Sit down!. - the old man snarled at him. Ignacy wanted to resist, but he felt an odd, inexplicable urge to obey the man in glasses.
- Who are you?- Ignacy asked, preempting the stranger who had just sat down on the floor. - And what do you want?- he added quickly, trying to stay ahead of the answer.
- Who gave him the right to ask questions?!- the brunette next to Blue spat, glaring at Ignacy as if he were an intruder.
- My name is Artur. - the man replied, removing his large glasses and placing them on his massive thigh. He stared directly into Ignacy's eyes, his completely white gaze reflecting in the stunned boy's eyes. Ignacy immediately broke eye contact, feeling something inside him snap, and turned towards Blue. Yet, he could still feel the elder's gaze burning into his skin.
- It seems you know more than just Jasmine. - Artur spoke after a pause, still observing Ignacy carefully.
- I know him from stories. - Ignacy responded, nodding toward the blue-haired man.
- Whose stories?- the elder pressed, watching him closely, as if trying to draw out every hidden detail.
- Are you their boss?- Ignacy smoothly changed the subject, trying to buy some time.
- More of a mentor. - Artur replied calmly, as if unconcerned by Ignacy's attempt to dodge the answer.
- You're avoiding the answer!- Blue interjected angrily, glaring at Artur with hostility.
- Patience. - the old man said, his words directed at the blue-haired one. - What would you do if you woke up in a van full of strangers?- he added, turning back to Ignacy.
- My brother and Jaśmin. - Ignacy replied, trying to make sense of the situation. - Why did you kidnap me?
- Idiot. - Blue muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disapproval. He then looked at Ignacy with his dark blue eyes, piercing him through.
- Do you want money?- Ignacy asked, ignoring the disapproving looks directed his way.
- Do we look like we need it?- Artur asked, eyeing him up and down, the redhead assessing every detail of his appearance, not missing his tight black pants or the bulky fur. Ignacy shrugged, feeling awkward under the scrutiny.
- Well... I don't know. - he replied with a hint of irony, particularly looking at the bald head sticking out from the man's shoulder.
- That's a cyborg. - the old man clarified, as if explaining something obvious to others.
- I've figured that out on my own already. - Ignacy replied sarcastically, looking at the elder, who sighed in pity.
- Why did you bring me here?- he asked, feeling Blue's angry gaze on him. - Because I don't think we're here to chat.
- You need to help us. - Artur answered calmly.
Ignacy sighed heavily, as if anticipating the answer.
- I need to?. - he repeated, pretending not to care, starting to fiddle with his fingers.
- He misspoke. - Blue interjected, trying to maintain his calm tone, although his nerves were clearly tense. - You need to help us. - he added after a pause.
- Why should I?- Ignacy protested, crossing his arms over his chest.
- REALLY?!- Blue nearly jumped out of his seat, raising his voice in anger. - You really don't think you should listen to us?. - he added, sitting back down when the brunette next to him clenched his hand tightly around Blue's wrist, as if trying to calm him down, though he still watched him closely.
- No, I don't. - the redhead replied indifferently. - Sorry. - he added a moment later. - But don't you think it's inappropriate? Besides, I don't help strangers. - After saying that, he rolled his eyes, and his gaze briefly landed on the terrifying elder. He quickly turned his head away, for although he spoke confidently, he didn't feel that way inside.
- Sure. - the old man nodded. - Then I suppose you want to leave?
- Yes. - Ignacy replied, somewhat surprised by the sudden change in the tone of the conversation.
- I understand. - the old man said calmly. - Then this bunch of idiots will move aside and let you go. - he added, as if speaking about the most ordinary thing in the world. Ignacy felt like reality had slightly blurred, scratched his hair, and then slowly stood up from the floor. He was so tall that he had to stoop in the cramped interior of the van.
- You're serious?!- Blue asked, only now processing the old man's words. At that moment, the brunette beside him turned his gaze away from his face, looking with wide, uncomprehending eyes directly at Artur.
- Yes. - Artur replied with an unusual calmness, reminding Ignacy of a monk floating on a lotus leaf.
- Okay. - Ignacy replied slowly, tossing his golden hair. - Then I'll leave. - he added, taking a step toward the door.
- Sure. - confirmed the old man, addressing the men blocking the exit. - Move out of his way. - he said indifferently. Immediately, they made room, revealing the sliding door of the vehicle. The short blond one swiftly opened the door, and when daylight streamed into the interior of the black van, Ignacy could finally see the strangers in full. They now looked even dirtier and more neglected than he had initially thought. He turned once more toward Blue, who was sitting with visible tension, barely maintaining his balance. From this perspective, he didn't seem so terrifying or tall anymore. Ignacy was almost sure he was a little taller. From Blue's face, he reminded him of a girl, but not wanting to come off as racist, he quickly averted his gaze.
Just before he was about to leave, he looked again at the composed Artur, who was sitting motionless as if the entire situation was completely indifferent to him.
- I'm leaving. - he added, wanting to make it clear that he wasn't planning to come back.
Artur remained silent, watching Ignacy. The gaze of all the other men was fixed on the redhead, tracking every movement he made. The air was heavy with whispers of excitement, perhaps anger, or confusion.
- I understand now why Adam preferred to kill himself. - Artur said, aiming directly at Ignacy's heart.
The redhead immediately stepped back into the van, and two men by the door quickly shut it, blocking the last rays of light. Ignacy stood frozen, his back to Artur, unsure if he had heard correctly.
- What did you say?- he asked, turning around with rising anger. - What did you say?!- he repeated the question when Artur remained silent, while Blue and the brunette sat like mannequins, completely unsure of what to do. Blue, tilting his head, mumbled something under his breath, pretending to be confident, though he knew little more.
- I said... - Artur began, and Ignacy abruptly turned toward him. - I said I understand now why Adam wanted to kill himself. - he repeated after a short pause, as if savoring the words.
- YOU KILLED HIM!- Ignacy shouted, taking two quick steps toward Artur. In one swift movement, he grabbed the man by his fur and lifted him up with immense strength. At that moment, Blue, driven by anger, stood up and with one kick, knocked the redhead to the ground.
- No one kills their own!- Blue yelled, looking down at Ignacy, his gaze filled with fury and frustration.
Ignacy's thoughts were racing at breakneck speed. He didn't know what to do, his body started acting on its own. In a moment of desperation, he began hitting his face with his fists, as if trying to push away what he had just heard, as if it could erase everything the strangers had said from his mind. He couldn't believe it. He didn't want to do it. - But the name Adam is common. - he thought, trying to rationalize the situation. Hundreds, thousands of Adams walk the earth. So why did this one image-the smiling face of his father-appear in his mind when he heard those words? Ignacy hit himself harder, until two strong men tried to stop him, but in vain.
- What are you doing?!- Blue screamed, watching him in horror. Ignacy didn't stop. He hit harder and harder, as if every punch would expel the pain that suddenly exploded inside him.
- Emi!. - the old man shouted. The brunette, as if waking from a dream, shook his head and immediately rushed to the struggling trio. He pulled out a translucent syringe and, without warning, drove a large needle straight into Ignacy's neck. The redhead immediately lost all strength, his body went limp as though all his energy had been drained in an instant.
Lying on the floor of the vehicle, Ignacy stared at the ceiling. He focused on every bump, every indentation, trying to escape in his thoughts from what was happening around him. He felt an unfamiliar force overpowering his whole body. He couldn't get up. He turned his head toward Artur, who sat calmly as if the events unfolding had no meaning to him.
- Your father was a good man. - Artur said calmly.
- I don't believe you. - Ignacy whispered, his voice barely audible, full of exhaustion. He felt his body growing heavier. He lay still, his eyes struggling to focus on the dirt-covered boots of Artur-black, shabby Doc Martens. Beneath them, he noticed the dried mud that had formed thick layers on the soles.
- Did you say something?- Artur asked, as if his previous words had no significance.
- Take him. - Blue threw to the men standing around. Two of them grabbed Ignacy, and the same short blond man who had opened the door earlier barely managed to lift him and almost threw him beside the wall.
Now, sitting against the wall, Ignacy looked at the old man, his gaze sharp despite the weariness.
- I don't believe you. - he said loudly, his voice gaining strength. - My uncle was never like you. - he added clearly.
Artur raised an eyebrow, a slight smile appearing on his face.
- You're right. - he nodded. - Your father was never like me, although our names start with the same letter. - he laughed, as if enjoying this game. - He was always the better one. - he admitted with a touch of bitterness in his voice. - I really don't know why he started working with us just under seventeen years ago. - he sighed deeply, as though the memory had momentarily put him in a reflective mood.
- I don't understand. - Blue interrupted finally, sitting beside the brunette. - We could have handled it ourselves. - he added confidently, and Emi nodded, not taking his eyes off Ignacy.
- Their family is very important to me. - Artur replied calmly. Ignacy turned toward him with growing fury. He wanted to scream at him, hit him, do anything that could release the tension that was boiling inside him. But something stopped him. At that moment, he didn't even know where to start. Struggling with his own thoughts, he fell silent, staring at the mold growing in one corner of the van.
- You know... - Artur began, his gaze now resting on Ignacy, who was lying there in exhaustion. - Six years ago, I went to Hesperides. - he continued slowly. - When I came back two months ago, I found out that a certain Adam Świt is still working with us. - There was no emotion in Artur's tone, but Ignacy's expression changed, and there was contempt in his eyes.
- I don't believe you. - Ignacy repeated, barely catching his breath, locking his gaze on Artur. - No matter what you say, I'll never believe you. - he tried to rise, but his body refused to obey.
- You don't have to. - Blue calmly interjected.
- You can find out for yourself. - Artur added, his words sounding like a challenge.
- How?. - Ignacy asked, almost desperately, though he tried to hide what he felt.
- I'll take you to him. - Artur replied confidently.
Ignacy shook his head.
- I don't believe you. - he repeated, his voice sounding as though something was choking him. He looked as if something had just been taken from him. His gaze was empty, and his face pale.
Artur looked at him, surprised.
- You don't want to see your own father?- the old man asked, astonished.
- No. - Ignacy waved his hand dismissively.- If he's like you, then I don't want to. - His voice was full of disgust.
- Do you think we're worse than you?!- Blue exploded, jumping to his feet, but before he could do anything further, Emi knocked him to the ground again.
- Yes. - Ignacy replied calmly, a slight smile crossing his face as he watched Blue struggle in the brunette's grip. - I'll help you. - he added after a brief silence, surprising everyone in the van.
- Help?!- Blue repeated angrily, trying to kick Ignacy.
- But in return... - Ignacy looked directly at Artur, his gaze hardening, his voice taking on a biting edge. - You will never come after me or my family again. - He spoke with surprising certainty, given his exhausted state.
Once again, the face of Jaśmin appeared in his mind, that strange, monkey-like face that had appeared for no apparent reason. Maybe it was because of what they'd injected him with? He glanced at the teenager huddled in the corner of the van, slightly frightened. The boy wore an oversized gray hoodie and old, faded jeans.
- You'll leave Jaśmin alone too. - the redhead added, not fully understanding whether he said it out of regret or pity. But one thing was certain-he didn't want the boy going back to that environment.
Blue stood up angrily, almost breaking free from Emi's grip.
- HE'S CRAZY!- he yelled, falling back into his seat and searching for support. He nudged Emi's shoulder.
- Why?. - Emi asked, pushed by Blue.
- He's just sixteen!- Blue responded, trying to avoid Blue's sharp nails as he struggled with all his might.
- Sixteen?. - Emi repeated, looking at Blue. - Sixteen, he'll be in seven months. - he added coldly. - Let me go. - he said, trying to push Blue off.
The atmosphere in the van was tense as a bowstring, the air between the men almost palpable. Blue was panting heavily, his anger still echoing in the minds of everyone present. The blue-haired man could barely control himself, staring at Ignacy, who seemed to be on the verge of collapse.
- Then he shouldn't live in a den of filth, dirt, and blood. - Ignacy replied ironically, raising his hand to show his wrist adorned with a metal bracelet. Despite trying to sound confident, there was a tremor of doubt in his voice. - My family is rich, my uncle works for the government, and my sister has five districts. In our family, no one falls below a four. - he added, not sure why he was saying this. He wanted to show what he could offer Jaśmin. - Even if he only has one district. - he continued, less confidently.
Suddenly, Blue interrupted him, shouting: - I'LL KILL HIM!- He lunged at the redhead with such fury that the other men in the van huddled in the corner, trying to avoid his blows.
- Enough. - the old man finally spoke, his voice cutting through the tension in the air like a blade. Ignacy, shocked, lifted his head.
- WHAT?!. - Emi asked in a strangled voice. The brunette loosened his grip on Blue, allowing the Asian to break free and immediately lunge at the redhead.
However, before Blue's fist could land its blow, the old man rose from his seat. As if his movement alone changed the course of events-suddenly, there was silence.
- I agreed. - Artur said, looking directly at Blue, who was kneeling before him, breathing heavily. - But if Jaśmin doesn't want to, you have no right to force him. - Artur's voice echoed inside the cramped van. After these words, Blue calmed down and sighed deeply, as if everything that had been boiling inside him evaporated at once.
- Understood. - Emi confirmed, his tone revealing the gravity of the situation.
Blue grabbed him by the shoulder.
- Emi... I'm sorry. - he whispered, his voice soft but full of emotion.
Emi looked at him, their eyes meeting. There was uncertainty in his gaze, as if he were analyzing whether to accept the apology.
- When he recovers, do we go there?- Emi asked, glancing at Ignacy.
- Emi, I never said YOU would go there. - Artur replied in a tone that brooked no disagreement.
- Fine. - the brunette responded, but after a moment, he added, looking at Blue and Ignacy. - But if you let them go alone, I guarantee those IDIOTS will kill each other before they even get there.
Everyone in the van exchanged incredulous looks. There was silence, then Ignacy lifted his head and asked in a resigned tone:
- Can someone tell me what's going on here?
- We need you. - Artur replied, rising from his seat. As he moved, the weight of his body caused the van to sway, as if the air itself thickened in an instant. Ignacy stared at him, struggling to breathe. The large man adjusted his coat, and two younger men opened the van doors, letting a cold draft in.
- What are you doing?- Ignacy asked, terrified, looking at the strangers.
- I'm leaving. - the man said impassively, and his silhouette disappeared in the last rays of sunlight. Behind him, three older men followed, men whom the redhead hadn't been able to examine closely.
- YOU'RE LEAVING ME?!- Ignacy shouted, but his words were powerless.
- Shut up!- Blue interrupted, leaning against the wall.
- I'm not talking to you!- Ignacy shouted back.
- Quiet down!- Emi cut in, while Blue, with an emotionless expression, began fixing his hair.
- What's going on?!- asked the heterochromic, now fully absorbed in the situation.
- We need you. - Emi replied.
- I already know that. - the redhead snapped irritably. He was tired of hearing. - we need you.
- But for what?- he asked, trying not to be vulgar, though the gaze of the blue-haired fool made him want to stand up and walk out.
- Roob. - Emi nodded toward the shaved-headed, dark-skinned boy sitting next to Ignacy.
- Seriously?- Ignacy asked, their gazes met, and after a moment, the redhead grabbed Ignacy's wrist, lifting his hand upward.
- You have four districts. - Emi pointed out, and Ignacy tried to pull away, but the dark-skinned boy's grip was surprisingly strong.
- Let go!. - Ignacy yelled.
- Let go. - Emi repeated authoritatively, and the dark-skinned boy immediately let go, sitting back down.
- Blue and I need to get into 'UiU. - Emi added.
- And what does that have to do with me?- Ignacy asked, still gripping his wrist.
- We need to access the main computer. - Emi continued, while Blue fiddled with his fingers, paying no attention to them. He looked like an innocent kid. - Blue. - he turned to the blue-haired boy. - needs to extract something from it.
- Great. - Ignacy responded sarcastically. - But why do you need me?- he asked, still confused.
- To access the computer. - Blue began, turning to the redhead. - We need the system to scan your... - His gaze fell on Ignacy's wrists. - To scan your districts. - he finished.
- My districts?- Ignacy repeated with a sneer. - You're out of your minds. - he replied, lifting his head and addressing the blue-haired boy directly.
- You need to help us. - Emi repeated, his voice tinged with determination.
- If I help you, I'll end up just like one of you. - Ignacy retorted, feeling himself growing more suffocated with each passing moment. - No way I'm helping you. - he protested.
- If you don't help us, we won't fulfill your promise. - Emi said triumphantly.
- You're after Jaśmin, aren't you?- Ignacy asked. - Take him. - he tossed out, and in that moment, a great wave of sorrow washed over him. The pale image of the sleeping teenager appeared before his eyes. - I won't help you. - he said quietly, his face growing worse by the second. His chest seemed to collapse in on itself, unable to breathe. He looked truly pitiful.
- The plan is this. - Blue spoke up, ignoring Ignacy. - Once you recover, we'll head to 'UiU'. We'll get in through the ventilation shaft.
- We have an exact map. - Emi chimed in.
- Yes. - Blue nodded. - We'll enter through the shaft. - he repeated, then added. - We'll reach the main control computer, I'll upload the list. - he said, digging into his pants. - I'll load it onto this USB stick. - he said, holding up a medical USB stick for everyone to see. - And then we'll leave, just as we came in.
- How do you plan on getting in?. - Ignacy asked finally. - The 'UiU' building is in the city center.
- Actually. - Emi began. - we're already here. - he replied.
- WHAT?!- Ignacy shot up in shock.
- We brought you here while you were asleep. - he said, ignoring Blue.
- We're in front of their headquarters?- Ignacy pressed. When both of them nodded, the boy felt like tearing them apart. - You're out of your minds!- he screamed. - You want to get caught right away?- he added, shocked by the situation.
- Are you seriously yelling?- Blue asked, amused.
- How do you plan on getting in? - Ignacy whispered.
- Normally. - Emi responded casually. - At three o'clock, they all go for lunch. That's when we'll go in.
- They'll catch us! - the redhead protested quietly.
- Trust me. - Blue began. - Right now, they'll probably be more concerned with the madman walking around the city with a cyborg head slung over his shoulder. - he corrected.
- And besides. - Emi added. - We'll go in dressed as cleaners. - he finished.
- Cleaners? Me too?- Ignacy asked, incredulous, shaking his head.
- Unless you want to cut off your hand. - Blue threw out from the other side. - Honestly, I'd probably prefer that. - The smile on his face seemed especially creepy to Ignacy.
- I don't mind cleaner uniforms. - Ignacy responded, disgusted, sinking further against the wall.
- Then we're agreed. - Blue said, amused. Ignacy really didn't seem to understand him, completely unaware of what Blue found funny in this situation.
- I'll report you later. - Ignacy replied confidently. - I'll say you kidnapped me and forced me. - he added, staring directly at Emi.
- Alright. - the brunette nodded. - Later, you can do whatever you want.