It was still early in the morning as Akio was finally eating the omelet Vyko made for him. Meanwhile Vyko was waiting until Akio finished eating.
Once he was done, Vyko stood up and put a gloved hand on Akio's shoulder.
"Follow me," they said calmly.
Akio did as he was told and stood up, following Vyko.
After walking for a while, they finally arrived at a door. Vyko produced a key from their sleeve and unlocked the door, opening it in the process. There was a dark staircase which led to the basement presumably.
Akio could feel his heart beating faster. He was scared. What would happen now?
Vyko took a lantern from the shelf and lit the candle inside with one of the matchsticks they have hidden inside their sleeve. Then they proceeded to descend the stairs, expecting Akio to follow them.
As they were walking downstairs, Akio felt an odd sensation in his stomach. Maybe he was just paranoid, but he was certain he heard loud breathing coming from below.
His fear was confirmed as they arrived at another door.
There was a red-brown substance on the wood. It was pretty obvious to Akio what that substance was.
Vyko opened the door, walking into the mysterious room and waiting for Akio to follow him inside. As Akio did, Vyko closed the door behind them and locked it.
Akio felt his heart stop for a second.
What were they planning?
Vyko turned on the light switch, which was located on the wall next to the door. The light was dimmed but you could still see clearly enough to know what was in front of you.
The walls were dirty. A lot of dried blood splattered on them. And the floor looked even worse.
But the thing Akio took notice of first was the man chained up, sitting on the scabby floor. He was gagged to stop him from talking or screaming. He already had blue and purple bruises on his pale skin and his clothes were drenched in blood. Though most of it seemed to be dried already.
"Kill him."
Akio spun around to face Vyko. His eyes widened in disbelief. And so did the man's.
"Y- you want me to-...?"
"I want you to kill him," Vyko stated once more, handing Akio a gun. "I hope the Hollow Hand has taught you how to use this thing."
Akio took the gun in his trembling hands, looking down at the item. Then he glanced back up at Vyko.
"What would you do if I won't do it...?"
Vyko chuckled softly.
"Ah I'm glad you asked. If you won't kill this man, I will kill the lie detector boy instead."
Akio's eyes widened in horror once more. He knows Vyko stays true to their threats.
Akio didn't know what to do. Of course he didn't want Makoto to die. But he also didn't want to take the life of a guy he didn't even know the name of.
He was thinking in silence for about ten minutes. Vyko didn't rush him. They stayed still behind Akio, letting him decide in peace.
"Vyko..."
"Hm? Need something?"
Akio hesitated for a moment.
"If I kill this man... Will you promise not to hurt Makoto?"
"Of course," Vyko answered with no hesitation.
Akio turned his gaze back to the gun in his cold hands. Then he raised it and pointed it at the man, who looked up at Akio in fear.
*It's okay, Akio. You learned this. Hesitation only kills the ones you love.*
*I can't afford it. Not in this hell.*
PANG!
After the loud noise subsided, the man dropped dead onto the floor with a large wound in his head. Blood was everywhere.
"Twelve minutes and 36 seconds."
Akio snapped out of it and turned to Vyko.
"What...?"
"This is how long you took to do the job. I expected you to hesitate longer, but it seems your comrades taught you well."
This is when Akio realized.
He just killed a man.
And the worst thing was...
... He didn't feel bad about what he's done.
Akio looked down at the lifeless man on the ground.
He felt slightly guilty about not feeling bad, but that was about it.
Akio took a glance at Vyko. They didn't say anything. They just turned around and unlocked the door. Then they opened it and took their lantern, starting to ascend the stairs. Akio looked back at the man one more time, whispering a small 'sorry', before following Vyko out of the room.
"Makoto, do you believe Akio was kidnapped or... Could he have betrayed us?"
Makoto looked at Kaelis as if the angelic-looking man was insane.
"There's no way Akio could've gone and betrayed us. He's not like that."
"You've known him for barely a month. Are you sure you know him that well already?", Kaelis pondered.
Makoto narrowed his eyes at Kaelis.
"Are you doubting him? I have faith in Akio. He wouldn't go willingly."
Kaelis shrugged.
"If you say so. But how are we even supposed to find Vyko? Let alone Akio?"
Makoto hummed in thought, putting a finger to his chin.
"Good question. I don't know yet, but we'll figure it out. We have to."
"Hey, you! Are you talking about Vyko Xelore?"
The two men turned their gaze towards the woman who spoke up. She had pastel pink hair, put in high twin tails and wore a matching pastel-colored outfit. Overall she looked like a cute little doll.
Makoto looked her up and down before answering.
"Uhm yeah?"
The short woman giggled and rubbed her hands together almost deviously.
"I know where they might be."
Makoto's and Kaelis' attention was now fully on the woman in front of them.
"You do? Where are they?", Makoto asked.
The woman pouted in slight annoyance.
"Now now, not so hasty. I don't know if they're where I think they are, but they *might* be. So don't be upset if they don't end up being there."
"We won't. Any clue that gets us closer to Vyko is worth a try," Makoto answered firmly.
Kaelis then spoke up, turning to the woman.
"How do you know Vyko?"
"Oh I am part of their little cult."
Makoto and Kaelis tilted their heads in confusion.
"Ah, so you know it's a cult... Then why are you still a part of it? Does Vyko manipulate you into staying?", Makoto question curiously.
The woman laughed in response.
"No no, I'm a part of it because I found their leader interesting. Vyko is truly an odd specimen."
The men stayed silent for a moment but didn't comment on it any further.
"Could you please guide us to the place you think Vyko might be at?", Kaelis asked politely.
"Oh right, of course. But first you tell me your names."
Makoto sighed.
"Fine. I am Makoto. This is Kaelis." Makoto answered for the both of them. "And who are you?"
The woman smiled pleasantly at his response.
"You may call me Dolly."