Chapter XXIII - A sheep in wolf's clothing.
Standing in front of the gigantic cloud catcher, shimmering in various shades of blue, Blue slowly swallowed. The digital walls of the building broke every now and then, revealing advertisements that danced as if in the wind, depicting cheerful people spending time together, like from perfect pictures. Blue, with his blue hair, scratched his head, clearly embarrassed, unable to find the right words to express his emotions. The doors of this enormous skyscraper were one big hologram, constantly pulsing. Everything around them was sleek, attracting attention in a nonchalant way – it didn't impose itself but subtly played with perception. The building was also covered with expanding digital foliage, which wrapped around it, merging with parts of the white city. Even the ordinary grass seemed extraordinary here; the digital structures of its leaves were perfectly straight, each one identical to the one next to it, yet at the same time, they changed color simultaneously. The whole thing created an image so perfect that it seemed almost unreal. Blue shook his head, trying to shake off the dizziness.
- Don't tell me you've never seen it before, after all. - Ignacy interrupted him, glancing at Blue with a hint of uncertainty. His voice was firm, but there was a note of tension.
- It's not that I haven't seen it. - Blue replied, shrugging as if trying to shake off the burden of explanations. - It was a long time ago... I never had a reason to come near this place. Emi and I used to steal medicine from nearby hospitals. - He added, lifting his gaze to Ignacy but not seeking eye contact, as if he wasn't sure of his own words.
Ignacy squinted, looking at Blue. His expression, though neutral, hid questions he didn't have the courage to ask.
- Are you sure Teo and Nulla are here? - He asked, unable to hide his hesitation, as if looking for confirmation in his companion's eyes.
Blue shrugged, pulling out a small, glistening screen from his pocket. His hand trembled slightly, though he tried to hide it.
- The map shows it. - He added, bringing the device closer to the redhead.
Ignacy looked at the screen and then at Blue, hesitantly taking a step back. Something in the Asian's posture made him uneasy.
- I see. - He muttered briefly, his gaze sliding along the building as if searching for something more. - Where is Tomasz? - He asked, glancing around nervously.
Suddenly, a sharp, gusting wind whipped up, almost knocking the hood off Blue's head. Blue instinctively raised his hand to adjust it, but Ignacy reacted faster.
- Be careful. - The redhead said, grabbing Blue's hood and holding it over his head, tightening the white laces. - I told you to tie it. We don't need to draw more attention than necessary.
Blue looked at him, completely surprised by his sudden concern, and blinked a few times, as if trying to understand what had just happened. He took a step back.
- So, you're saying you draw less attention? - The Asian mocked, sizing up Ignacy from head to toe. - With those...
- I'm doing what I can. - Ignacy interrupted him, visibly irritated. He began almost comically adjusting his clothes, as if trying to justify himself.
- Chill. - Blue replied, embarrassed, spreading his hands in a defensive gesture. - I'm not saying it's a bad thing.
Ignacy measured him with a sideways glance, as if trying to assess how much he could trust him. The silence between them began to thicken, and finally, Blue decided to break it.
- Look... - He began uncertainly. - You look like the walking advertisement for this city. Seriously, you don't have to be afraid of anything. - He paused, seeing Ignacy's face, on which all emotions suddenly faded. Life disappeared from his gaze, as if all hope had evaporated. - Anyway... - Blue added, desperately looking for a way out of this uncomfortable situation. - Let's focus on finding Nulla and Teodor. - He finished firmly.
- Exactly. - A male voice spoke from behind them. Tomasz emerged from the crowd, as always dressed in an elegant suit that emphasized his nonchalant style. - Since we're talking about focus...
- Why did Emi suddenly pull back? - Blue interrupted him, eyeing Tomasz with a hint of suspicion.
Tomasz stopped, surprised by the question, then tried to answer, but the words got stuck in his throat.
- He... had... - He started uncertainly.
- Never mind. - Ignacy interjected, trying to get back to the main issue. - Let's focus on the important things. Teo and Nulla are my only family. - He added, as if wanting to emphasize the gravity of the situation.
- I know. - Tomasz replied quietly, his face expressing something he couldn't fully hide. Was it guilt? Regret?
- I never thought you'd change sides. - Blue said loudly, throwing Tomasz a meaningful glance.
Tomasz swallowed, as if trying to gather his courage.
- I'm not changing sides. - he finally replied. - I... - He paused, his voice trailing off for a moment, as if searching for the right words. - This is my first and last time helping you.
- Sure. - Ignacy nodded, clearly eager to move the conversation along. He felt the anxiety, visible in his nervous gestures. - Shall we go?
Blue automatically turned toward Ignacy, surprised by his sudden tone.
- Right. - The Asian nodded. - We can't just stand here forever.
Tomasz moved first, leading them behind him.
- I'll let you in with my card. - he announced, nervously rummaging through his pocket, as if trying to hide his emotions. - I have badges for you. With these, you'll be able to walk around freely. If anyone catches you, just say you're lost. Right?
- Emi's waiting on the roof? - Ignacy asked, his voice almost rough.
- Something like that. - Tomasz answered evasively, shifting uncomfortably. - I don't know who's waiting on the roof. Someone definitely is.
- Someone? - Blue repeated, furrowing his brows.
- I don't know if it's Cyprian, Leopold, or someone else. - Tomasz explained, still not looking at his companions.
- Cyprian. - Ignacy replied almost automatically, outpacing Tomasz, who stopped, surprised.
- Emi is just a pseudonym, a nickname... or a handle. - Blue began to explain, seeing the brunette standing silently. - That's how he introduced himself when I met him. Artur brought him here. I mean... Art. You know. Anyway, that's what I call him. Emi says he doesn't like his real name. Apparently, it has a weird meaning. - Blue continued, trying to keep up with his own thoughts.
Although Ignacy had already moved ahead, Tomasz caught up with the badges, then hung one on Blue's hoodie and handed the other to the redhead.
- Romeo? - Blue read with a hint of amusement. - Nice.
- Kaspian. - Ignacy muttered, a bit disgusted.
- It suits you. - Blue threw in with a touch of irony.
- Hurry up. - Tomasz urged them, cutting their exchange short.
As they crossed the first threshold of the building, they stood before an expanse of white. The interior was almost bare, lacking any warm atmosphere - empty white walls, reminiscent of the cold aesthetics of the Moscow subway, adorned only with a few digital ads. These, in a loop, displayed slogans promising a better life, casting a bluish light over the entire space. In the middle stood a massive reception island, its edges gleaming in the cold neon glow. Behind it, a row of silvery elevators rose, silently gliding up and down, as if the place had its own rhythm. Drones hovered around, like invisible eyes, recording every movement. Their presence evoked an image of a carefully monitored system - merciless, precise, and reliable. When Ignacy and Blue stood motionless, the standard procedures began automatically. Mechanical cyborgs slid cold scanners over their bodies, scanning them point by point, examining every inch. Their bodies were being scanned, and the unpleasant vibrations of the machines seemed to tremble in their bones. Tomasz, standing a bit to the side, observed them, waiting for his turn. He muttered something under his breath, but his face showed faint signs of stress, though he tried to remain calm. With a composed expression, he pulled out his metallic card and handed it to the dark-skinned cyborg, who accepted it without a word and placed it into his scanner. A minute dragged on endlessly until the machine finally returned the card, allowing Tomasz to pass ahead. Tomasz moved on, turning his head in every direction, though his growing anxiety overwhelmed him. He felt the hostile stares on him, though they were probably just a product of his stress. Ignacy, already scanned by the last cyborg, noticed Blue being pushed out of line by one of the metallic beings. Blue stumbled, almost instinctively rushing toward Tomasz, who stood with his hands in his pockets, as if trying to hide his uncertainty. The boy quickly glanced at Ignacy, who, still standing motionless, pressed his lips together and waited for the procedure to finish. Blue, clearly on edge, sighed heavily, rubbing his hands against his thighs, as if trying to wipe away the tension. Tomasz, however, tried not to pay attention to him, though his thoughts were in turmoil, repeating every step of the plan in his mind. He knew his task was ending, but that didn't lessen the weight of responsibility pressing on him. He felt that what awaited them in a moment could change everything, and although his role was about to end, it was still filled with dangers.
- Careful. - Blue threw to the approaching redhead.
- Stop it. - Ignacy muttered, who had also passed the examination successfully. Tired, but determined, he stepped closer. - I'm here. - he announced, throwing a glance at Tomasz.
- I know. - the brunette replied, looking at him with a hint of concern. - Just in case, I'll be on the third floor. That's where the exams take place... - he paused for a moment, as if weighing each word. - If you get into any trouble, say you got the floors mixed up and come to me. Room number six seventy-three. - he added, as if wanting to make sure they remembered every detail.
- Got it. - Blue responded carelessly, almost too nonchalantly for the current situation.
Ignacy gave him a glance, showing a slight irritation.
- There are cyborgs patrolling the elevators, right? - he asked with a slight tension in his voice.
- Take the stairs. - Tomasz replied, not waiting for a response.
Blue flinched, clearly displeased with that option.
- Locator. - he muttered, looking pointedly at Tomasz.
- Ah, right. - the brunette nodded, then handed him a small device.
- Let's go. - Blue grabbed Ignacy by the shoulder, as if trying to push him into a faster pace.
- Not like that. - Tomasz interrupted them, grabbing them both by the shoulders, pulling them closer to each other, though keeping some distance. - Behave normally. - he scolded them coldly, his gaze revealing clear nervousness.
Blue rolled his eyes when Ignacy immediately shrugged off his hand.
- Got it. - the redhead replied, though his voice carried a clear hint of tension.
Tomasz was silent for a moment, scanning the crowd as if searching for any signs of danger. Finally, he spoke, though quietly: - Good luck. - he added after a moment, as if uncertain of his own words.
Ignacy nodded at him, moving away from the brunette.
- You coming? - the redhead called, pulling ahead.
- Likewise. - Blue replied, throwing one last glance at Tomasz, then quickened his pace to match Ignacy's, who had already pulled ahead.
After a while, Blue caught up with the redhead, panting heavily.
- Why are you running? - he asked, trying to grab Ignacy's shoulder, but he didn't even glance in his direction.
- You're the one dragging your feet. - Ignacy replied dryly, not slowing his pace.
- Me? - Blue looked at him, slightly surprised. - If you'd waited for me, you'd know you picked the wrong stairs. - he said with a smirk. - We won't get far on these. Look. - he slid a small screen under Ignacy's nose, pointing at a map. - It's better to take the other ones. - he gestured with his elbow towards the long, white stairs at the far end of the room.
Ignacy paused for a moment, feeling stress tighten his throat. His hands began to shake slightly, and his thoughts raced like crazy, unable to stop even for a moment. What will he do when they find them? What if... what if they're late? Suddenly, he felt a hard hit to his shoulder. A man stood in front of him, tall and enraged, with a face like an angry goose. His eyes burned with fury.
- Sorry. - Blue whispered immediately, pulling Ignacy forward, as if trying to avoid further confrontation. He nodded to the stranger, attempting to calm him down. - Are you out of your mind? - he hissed at Ignacy, his voice clearly reproachful. - You should focus more. - he added with a scolding tone.
- Where are the stairs? - Ignacy asked, clearly thrown off balance.
Blue sighed loudly, looking at him with resignation.
- Right in front of you. - he replied bitterly.
- Yeah. - Ignacy muttered, squinting at the stairs several meters away. His tone was cold, as if nonchalant, and every word carried a hint of irritation that he was trying so hard to conceal.
- What are you waiting for? - Blue looked at him expectantly. - Let's go. - he added, simultaneously reaching out to grab the redhead's shoulder. The instinct, so simple and natural, immediately extinguished as he remembered Tomasz's words. Hesitantly, he withdrew his hand, as if it had suddenly become heavy.
The silence between them was suffocating. Blue, constantly turning to glance at Ignacy, was searching for an excuse to start a conversation, even if it was about the most trivial topic. Each time, however, he gave up and returned to his previous position, disappointed with himself. He felt that his silence carried more weight than words. The silence was like a cage, trapping a nightingale inside. He couldn't stand it; it reminded him of his limitations, of what he couldn't express. Ignacy, on the other hand, breathed in the silence as if it were the only thing protecting him from the overwhelming flood of paranoia. Thoughts multiplied in his head at a dizzying speed, each one more dangerous than the last. A conversation would only be a burden, and silence — an escape.
When they finally reached the stairs, Blue couldn't take it anymore. He stopped on the fourth step, spun around sharply, and looked down at Ignacy, feeling the tension rise in his body.
- What if something happens? - his voice trembled slightly, as if teetering on the edge of fear and uncertainty.
Ignacy shrugged, not slowing his pace. His response was cool and curt:
- What's supposed to happen? - he threw out unemotionally, as though his body moved forward, but his mind was far away, trapped in a labyrinth of his own thoughts.
- I don't know… - Blue hesitated. - But I feel like today isn't a lucky day.
Ignacy scoffed quietly, but there was no trace of humor. His words, spoken with bitterness, were sharper than he intended:
- And which day is happy? There's never a day that's one hundred percent happy. - As he said this, his voice took on a deep, serious tone, as if each sentence sounded like the final truth.
Blue furrowed his brow, a bit confused by what he'd heard.
- But you've got a miserable life. - he threw out critically, raising an eyebrow.
Ignacy glanced at him, almost shrugging, though something in his eyes betrayed unease.
- I'm just already an adult.
Blue almost immediately responded:
- And who do you think I am? - he asked indignantly, crossing his arms over his chest.
- Sometimes you seem younger than Jaśmin. - Ignacy replied dryly, not hiding his sarcasm.
- That's impossible! - Blue raised his voice, indignant. - I'm three years older! - he added proudly, as if those words would restore his dignity.
Ignacy stopped suddenly, his expression revealing something else — perhaps confusion, perhaps irritation.
- What's wrong? - Blue asked, noticing the change.
Ignacy placed a hand on his forehead, touching the spot where he had just felt something wet.
- Something dripped on me.
Blue rolled his eyes, stepping closer.
- You've got paranoia. It's because you're scared.
Ignacy raised an eyebrow, looking at him with cool detachment.
- Scared? - his voice was full of skepticism.
Blue shrugged, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
- Apparently. I've been on many missions. I'm used to it, and you… - he measured him with a look that spoke more than any words. - Well, you know.
Ignacy responded only with a sarcastic smile and rolled his eyes.
- There always has to be a first time. - Blue threw out, patting him on the shoulder in a way meant to be comforting but only increasing the redhead's irritation.
Another drop of water fell on Ignacy's head.
- That's the second time. - he said, ignoring the slight prick of unease beginning to creep into his thoughts.
Blue, trying to lighten the atmosphere, spoke up:
- Relax, relax... - he tried to joke, but there was a note of doubt in his voice. A moment later, even he froze, standing like a statue. - What's… - his eyes looked upward.
Suddenly, without warning, streams of water began falling from the ceiling, and the loud wail of a siren pierced the air, echoing off the walls.
- Fear. - Ignacy whispered, feeling his body get wet in an instant. He tried to control himself, but the tremor in his voice betrayed his true emotions.
- Well, you know. - Blue replied, trying to joke, but his voice sounded as if he, too, was beginning to feel the growing unease.
- Upstairs! - Ignacy shouted suddenly, ignoring everything around them. He wasn't going to wait any longer; fear began to cloud his rational thoughts, and every step grew more desperate.
- You're panicking! - Ignacy yelled at Blue, who could barely keep up.
- You should have talked to me! - the blue-haired one retorted, panting heavily.
He had no idea how far he had run, guessing it might have been around three floors, but he wasn't sure. Suddenly, a swarm of cyborgs ran past him, climbing upward, and Blue collided with Ignacy, who was looking around slightly disoriented.
- Aren't they catching us? - Blue asked, scratching his head.
- I don't know. - Ignacy replied numbly.
Suddenly, a flash appeared in Ignacy's eyes.
- Nulla! - he shouted almost without thinking, chasing after the cyborgs.
- Are you out of your mind?! - Blue shouted. - What are you doing?!
Ignacy ignored his companion, squeezing between the machines that, absorbed in their own tasks, completely disregarded him. They climbed upward, uninterested in anything other than their goals. Fatigue built up, his legs nearly refusing to cooperate, but the thought that his siblings might be somewhere around here suppressed the pain. Every muscle's scream and every pulsing limb ceased to matter. The machines stopped on one of the floors, sparing Ignacy from another fight with the stairs. However, the hallway he now moved through felt even more claustrophobic and suffocating. Still, he didn't stop. Only one thought echoed in his mind - he had to find them. He felt a surge of adrenaline, and the exhaustion disappeared somewhere in the background. He smiled faintly, as if drawing strength from the mere act of running, when suddenly... someone's warm hand tightened around his wrist. He stopped abruptly, nearly crashing into a cyborg running beside him. Surprised, he turned his head.
- Ignacy. - a low, familiar voice called him.
He looked toward where the call came from, and suddenly, Teodor emerged from behind the wall, as if he had sprung from nowhere.
- I was supposed to run longer. - the blond one spoke, catching his breath. - But it seems I've already run seven floors.
Ignacy stood in shock. He couldn't find the words. His face flushed, and his heart pounded wildly. Before he knew it, he pulled his brother into a tight hug, wrapping his arms around him as if afraid to lose him again.
- You're alive... - he finally gasped.
- Where were you? - he asked, releasing the embrace and stepping back slightly, staring at Teodor. His voice trembled, and his eyes were gleaming with tears. - Where's Nulla? - he added, looking around for the blonde girl, as if expecting her to appear any moment.
- She's upstairs. - Teodor replied with a heavy sigh. - She should be in the control room.
- The control room? - Ignacy repeated, unable to hide his surprise. - What's she doing there?
- She has to shut off the cyborgs. - Teodor replied briefly.
Ignacy pulled his brother toward him again, this time holding him even tighter.
- Artur... - he whispered with difficulty.
Teodor looked at him with surprise, his eyes wide as saucers.
- I don't know where he is. - he answered with a hollow voice.
Ignacy nodded silently, without a word. He grabbed Teodor's wrist and pulled him toward the stairs.
- What are you doing? - the blond one asked, trying to resist.
- We're going after Nulla. - Ignacy said firmly. - We need to get to the roof. There...
- The roof? - Teodor raised an eyebrow, following behind him. - Nulla mentioned something about it too.
- Looks like she's gotten used to their methods. - Ignacy muttered, not slowing down.
- Wait! - Teodor suddenly stopped, forcing Ignacy to halt.
- What now? - the redhead asked, unable to hide his irritation. - We really need to hurry, Teo. Nulla's in danger!
- I know... - the blond one began, glancing at his brother with concern. - But I... I need to tell you something.
- You'll tell me later. - Ignacy cut him off, impatient.
- But it's important! - Teodor insisted, though his voice was shaking with fear.
- Maybe... - Ignacy stopped for a moment, looking at his brother. - Maybe it's important, but right now, the most important thing is Nulla.
Teodor looked down, his hand tightening around Ignacy's wrist. The redhead immediately sensed something was wrong. A cold shiver ran through his body, and his heart rate increased. Teodor looked up, his gaze fixed on Ignacy's crystal-clear, worried eyes. In that moment, Ignacy felt as if time had frozen. Every second of that tense silence made the panic inside him grow, pulsing like trembling strings.
- Just tell me! - he finally yelled, unable to bear the tension anymore. His breath became rapid, almost spasmodic.
Teodor closed his eyes, as if trying to shelter himself from reality. His lashes brushed his cheeks, and he, feeling the delicate touch, sighed. He swallowed hard, trying to gather strength to speak the words that had been swirling in his mind.
- I... I... - he stammered, opening his eyes. - I'm starting to see it all. - he finally said, though his voice trembled.
- What do you see? - Ignacy asked, confused, his head full of questions, but unable to voice them.
- My memories. - Teodor continued, but the words seemed to come from his mouth with great difficulty, as if every syllable was a burden.
Ignacy held his breath, and his heart skipped a beat. Not here, not now. He interrupted his brother before he could say anything more.
- Wait. - he said quickly. - Not here. - He clenched his fist around Teodor's hand as if trying to pull him out of this moment, out of this place. He moved forward, dragging his brother behind him, leading him up the stairs.
For a long time, they walked in silence. Ignacy moved through the hallways with determination, as if he knew every corner of this labyrinth. Teodor watched him, trying to figure out whether the redhead had a map in his head or was simply relying on instinct. Whatever it was, it worked. Minutes passed, and Teodor began to lose himself in his thoughts. His faded, fractured memories returned, but now they were clearer. People in lab coats, a man he didn't recognize, but who he was... His desire to be better, more perfect, although now it seemed foreign and terrifying. His breath grew heavier, as though something was choking him. It felt like he was about to collapse, as if the reality around him was starting to unravel. Ignacy suddenly stopped before metal doors marked with a yellow triangle. Without a word, he opened them, pulling Teodor inside. The doors slammed shut behind them with a dull thud, and Ignacy leaned against the wall, turning on the light. Harsh, cold light flooded the small room. Teodor quickly scanned the surroundings, uneasy. He closed the door and leaned against it, as if trying to separate himself from the world outside. Ignacy watched him, still breathing heavily, his eyes filled with a mix of pain, determination, and fear.
- Is it really that important? - Ignacy glanced at his brother, his voice tinged with irritation, though deep down, emotions he couldn't control boiled within him. His shoulders were tense, and his gaze, though focused on Teodor, seemed distant, as if he didn't even know whether he wanted to hear the answer.
Teodor furrowed his brow, as if trying to remember what he should say. He still didn't quite feel at home in this reality, which seemed so alien, almost unreal. Slowly, he lifted his gaze, his eyes gleaming with exhaustion and uncertainty.
- I don't know... - he mumbled, clenching his fists. - I just... didn't want anyone to come in. You know... cyborgs... or something worse.
Ignacy nodded, though his face showed clear fatigue. The truth was, he hadn't understood his brother for years, and now, with Teodor back from his coma, he felt even more lost. For so long, Teodor had seemed distant, as if he had always rejected Ignacy's attempts to bond. Now... it wasn't any easier. Ignacy didn't know if he was dealing with the same person he had once known.
- Alright. - Ignacy replied flatly, though deep inside, he yearned to understand more. - Speak.
Teodor sighed heavily, as if each word came with difficulty. He didn't remember many things – in fact, he didn't remember almost anything. Before him stood a red-haired man who seemed close, but at the same time, distant. This was his brother, Ignacy, but in his memories, there was a gap – an abyss he couldn't fill. And that terrified him more than anything else.
- I think I was... one of them. - Teodor suddenly confessed, his voice trembling.
Ignacy furrowed his brows and froze. He stepped towards Teodor, grabbed him by the collar, and pulled him closer, shaking him, as if trying to wake him from this nightmare. His face showed a mix of anger and helplessness that he couldn't contain.
- What? - he spat, staring into Teodor's eyes, where he saw emptiness. There was nothing there that reminded him of the past. It hurt. Teodor didn't remember their past, those memories that Ignacy had cherished – even though they were full of conflict.
Teodor tried to pull away, a slight shiver running through his body, but eventually, he just lowered his gaze.
- I don't know. - he whispered bitterly. - I have emptiness in my head. Fragments, nothing more.
Ignacy let go of his brother as if burned and stepped back a step. He gritted his teeth, trying to calm his thoughts. He had always loved Teodor – despite their complicated relationship – and now, though he wanted to protect him, he felt like the situation was slipping out of control. His brother didn't remember anything, had no idea what had happened. And Ignacy? Ignacy had no idea how to navigate through it all.
- I don't want to be that person. - Teodor added after a moment of silence, his voice barely audible. - I don't want to be like Artur.
Those words hit Ignacy straight in the heart. He moved closer to the door, leaning against it with his back, as if he needed to steady himself. He felt like everything was falling apart. He tried to understand Teodor, but he felt like they were both lost in this. Maybe more than ever before.
- What are you doing?! - Teodor suddenly reacted when Ignacy reached for the door handle. He grabbed his hand in a desperate gesture, as if afraid his brother was about to run away.
Ignacy looked at him blankly, but inside, rage boiled. He didn't want to be here, he didn't want to hear this – he just wanted to protect Teodor, even if it meant running away from the truth.
- You hate me, don't you?! - Teodor shouted, his voice trembling, and tears appeared in his eyes, weighing him down more than he was willing to admit.
Ignacy froze. For a moment, he battled with the answer that rose to his lips, but in the end, he chose coldness.
- No one knows about this? - he asked, his voice as cold as ice, and his gaze was frighteningly sharp.
Teodor shook his head, instinctively stepping back.
Ignacy stepped away from the door and took a deep breath.
- Then nothing happened. - His voice was now icy, but emotions were boiling inside him. He felt like he should do something – anything – to protect Teodor from the consequences that might come.
- Wait! - Teodor almost yelled, grabbing his sleeve. Fear was visible in his eyes. - Don't you understand? I might have caused this! Maybe it's because of me...
Ignacy was silent for a long moment, clenching his jaw, and his hands shook slightly. He wanted to believe it was all a mistake, that Teodor couldn't have done this. But at the same time, he felt he was ready to sacrifice everything to protect his brother from the consequences, no matter what was going to happen.
- Perhaps. - he finally said, looking Teodor straight in the eye. - Maybe that's how it was. But you don't remember, do you? And I won't let you suffer for something you don't understand, besides, you're not even sure you did those bad things. You could have been just a witness...
Teodor looked at him with wide eyes, as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was Ignacy really willing to ignore everything just to protect him? Teodor felt something inside him snap—he was both terrified and grateful.
- What about Artur? - he asked, barely managing to utter the words.
Ignacy froze, and a shadow of a thousand thoughts crossed his face, one he couldn't hide. He turned his gaze away as if those words were too painful to hear.
- Does he know too? - Ignacy spun around suddenly, as if pulled from a nightmare where nothing was certain.
- I told you, - Teodor replied quietly, lowering his gaze as if ashamed of his words. - I told you I worked with them... with Artur too.
Ignacy wiped his face with his hand, and every movement seemed slow, as if time had stopped in that moment. The growing anger and helplessness that were boiling inside him had no outlet.
- It doesn't matter, - he spat finally, though his voice trembled. It wasn't as simple as he was trying to make it sound. - Artur is acting crazy now. I don't think anyone will believe him.
Teodor raised his eyes, his gaze filled with uncertainty.
- Really? - he asked, his voice laced with doubt.
Ignacy suddenly stepped forward, grabbing him tightly by the shoulders. His hands were strong and decisive, as if he wanted to convey to his brother all the truth he carried in his heart.
- Teodor, - he said firmly, staring deep into his eyes. - Only we know how it really was. And only we can admit it. Do you understand? - His voice dropped to a whisper, sharp as a knife, cutting through the silence. Teodor's cold blue eyes, once distant, now reflected light, soaked with the fear and pain that consumed Ignacy from the inside. - If anyone brings this up, we'll deny it. Understood?
Teodor remained silent, feeling something inside him crack, as if under the weight of Ignacy's words. He stared at him, trying to understand what they were really supposed to do. Understanding slowly cut through the fog in his mind, like lightning in the dark. His thoughts were conflicted, filled with uncertainty, but he was recalculating everything.
- Are you sure? Even if it turns out I'm the villain in this story? - he asked quietly, his voice suddenly filled with a confidence he hadn't had before. The challenge he threw at Ignacy was sharp, as if he wanted to force his brother to answer the question he had been avoiding for years.
Ignacy lowered his gaze, wrestling with his own thoughts that circled around him like shadows. He was torn, as if his entire life had come down to this one moment, this one decision that he could no longer delay. Finally, he looked back into Teodor's eyes, and his face expressed something more than determination—love, but also bitterness that filled every word he spoke.
- You are my brother, - he said finally, his voice, though trembling, sounded like a hammer striking the foundations of their relationship. He spoke slowly, as if each word shaped something unbreakable.
Teodor looked at him in shock. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but the words wouldn't come out. He was silent, as if the whole world around them had collapsed, and he didn't know where he belonged in it all. He felt the air around them thicken, and his breath became shallow. Guilt fought with relief that Ignacy still wanted to stand by his side. Yet the awareness that this could be a trap wouldn't let him rest.
- Ignacy... - Teodor finally spoke, his voice quiet, almost a whisper. - What if... it's all my fault?
Ignacy stared at his brother, his gaze piercing and cold, but there was more in his eyes. Love. Not the kind that lifts you up, but the kind that bleeds. It was love for the brother he loved despite everything. Or maybe it was because he felt how much his brother needed someone to protect him right now.
- It doesn't matter, - Ignacy finally said, his voice quiet but firm.
- So... - Teodor struggled to say the words, his voice shaking, as if each one could shatter the fragile reality he was just beginning to understand. - If it comes out...?
Ignacy looked at him with bitterness in his eyes. For a moment, it seemed like every word he wanted to speak carried the weight of years of hidden love and anger. Teodor—his brother, whom he loved—didn't remember him, didn't know what they meant to each other. Ignacy didn't know what to do, how to behave. He wanted to protect him, save him from the consequences, even if he didn't know how.
- Nothing will come out, - he said finally, his voice cold, but there was a tremor of desperation he couldn't understand. - Teo, no one can find out about this. I won't let it happen. - His tone was firm, but full of fear. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to protect his brother, and at the same time, he couldn't lose him again. The feeling that he had always stood on the sidelines, watching as Teodor pushed him away, was unbearable.
Teodor nodded, though his insides were swirling with conflicting emotions. He didn't remember Ignacy—their past, their relationship was like an empty, unfamiliar image he couldn't read. He had been awakened from his coma, and the world around him was unclear, almost foreign. He only knew that Ignacy was his brother, but that didn't give him a sense of safety. On the contrary, he felt fear. His brother, whom he didn't know, was looking at him with love mixed with despair, and Teodor couldn't comprehend it.
- You understand, right? - Ignacy asked, feeling that Teodor still didn't fully grasp what this was all about. A faint, crooked smile appeared on his lips, full of uncertainty. - Now we go after Nulla. - he added, his voice hardening, almost commanding, as if trying to convince himself that he knew what to do. But deep down, he was lost, he had no plan. He just wanted his brother to be safe.
Teodor nodded, though he didn't understand what was going on. He didn't have the memories that could help him understand Ignacy. Their past was a mess to him, and Ignacy, though he spoke with authority, seemed to be fighting with himself.
- We need to hurry, - Ignacy snapped, trying to assume the role of the older brother who always knew what to do. But now, in this moment, he didn't know; after all, he had never been the older one. The only thing he was certain about was that he had to protect Teodor from consequences neither of them had yet predicted. - We can't leave her behind, - he added, stressing the point.
Teodor swallowed, looking at his brother with uncertainty. His heart raced, and the fear of who he might really be choked him. Ignacy, though clearly trying to appear confident, couldn't hide the sadness that lingered in his eyes.
- And what about me? - Teodor asked quietly, his voice trembling, and the question hung in the air, full of fear of the answer.
- Ignacy stopped, as if the question had thrown him off balance. He slowly turned his head, and his face softened for a moment. He loved Teodor—regardless of the fact that his brother didn't remember him, that they had never been as close as he had wanted. He loved him, despite everything.
- You'll tell me everything on the way. Every detail you remember, - he said more gently, though there was still a hint of insistence in his voice. - We're in this together now.
The light flickered on the walls, casting long orange shadows that seemed to weigh down on their figures. Teodor felt like there was no way out, like Ignacy was leading them both into an unknown he was afraid of. His head was swirling with questions he didn't have the courage to ask. He felt that whatever he did, it wouldn't be enough. But one thing he knew—Ignacy needed him just as much as he needed Ignacy, even though neither of them could admit it.