Next day .
Dark Soul Base .
Aaron was at the breakfast table . He was looking completely fine . Sometimes later Shawn came and sat down without saying anything . Aaron stared at him for some time but Shawn didn't seem to notice his stare .
Aaron took a deep breath and finally called out to him . Shawn looked at him and waited for him to continue .
Aaron started , " Last night you left after saying sorry . You didn't wait to hear my part . Shawn , I myself regretted a lot for behaving in that manner . I should've trusted you . I even said that it's you who must've done something to Ryan . Actually , I was ....."
" I understand . You care for him so much . Anyone would've behaved that way . Don't keep those things in your mind anymore . "
" Thank you for understanding . But one thing I want to add . You both are very important to me . "
" Okay , okay , eat well . You need them . " , Shawn spoke up .
Aaron said again , " Well , now that everything is done , tell me what happened that day . "
Shawn took a sip from his coffee and started , " Ryan made an entity with his powers , in his own image . The person who we were thinking to be Ryan that night , in reality , was not even a human being . Ryan sent the entity with lots of informations , instructions and ..."
" And ?? " , Aaron excitedly asked .
" And a part of his power .....I'd be really honest , I got very nervous when he was approaching me . "
" I thought back then that something was wrong about him . Anyway what happened after that ? "
" It entered my body . "
" What !! "
" Yes , only after that I could get Ryan's message . I came to know that he was held captive , I wanted to help him out but he instructed very well what to do and what not ...." , Shawn told him everything that happened in the last few days , " You see , if I had told you about all these , you would've disregarded everything and gone to save him . And I needed your help with some other things . So ..... "
" I understand Shawn . I'll never question your decisions again . " , Aaron said .
" Okay , now , you tell me , what happened yesterday ? "
.... Flashback ....
Aaron was completely surrounded by the dead people . The shield , he made with the last bits of his power , was about to be broken by the constant banging by some of those creatures . Aaron was losing his consciousness . At such moment , a bit far from the Dark Soul compound , an authoritative man gives order to his men , " Take care of them . "
And in the next few seconds an army of vampires successfully took the dead people under their control and moved them away from the unconscious figure of Aaron . The team of the vampires was waiting for the next order from their boss .
Their boss spoke up , " Good job . You know where to take them . Do everything properly . Inform me when the job is done . "
After the vampires took the dead creatures out of the Dark Soul compound , the man approached Aaron's lying figure in steady steps . He squatted down beside Aaron and without wasting any more time , used one of his most mysterious tricks on him .
.....
Ammie was silently sitting on the floor , Lilly was beside her . They were trying to process the events , they witnessed some time ago . They had stopped looking out the window since they lost sight of Aaron . Now they were waiting.....just waiting ....but they themselves weren't sure what or whom they were waiting for .
At such moment , finally their waiting came to an end as they heard the sound of the door opening . They became alert instantly .
They looked at each other and stood up hurriedly . Lilly grabbed a metal vase from nearby . She was scared , still she stood steady , ready to attack any form of danger .
The next moment , someone came in pushing the door open . Fortunately , the person wasn't looking like one of those creatures , he had a neat appearance . And furthermore , he was carrying Aaron on his back .
As soon as their eyes fell on Aaron's injured body tears started brimming in their eyes .
They didn't move from their place , they were just staring at the unconscious figure on the person's back .
Probably they could sense that the person was not a danger to them or to Aaron , so they didn't think of reacting to him .
The person was a bit surprised that the girls didn't react to him at all . He approached the couch and laid Aaron down on it . He turned to Lilly and Ammie only to find out their eyes glued on Aaron . He sighed and spoke up a bit loudly , " Um , excuse me . "
Ammie and Lilly finally looked at him .
He spoke up again , " Don't worry ladies , his wounds are not very serious , he would be alright within half an hour . And the situation is also under control . I've driven those creatures out of your compound , they won't come back ever again . So you guys can relax now . "
He turned to leave , Lilly and Ammie approached the couch where Aaron was lying . He had many injuries on his body .
" We need to clean his wounds . " , Ammie said hurriedly .
" I'll bring the first aid box . " , Lilly said and went to bring the box .
" Wait . " , the person who brought Aaron was at the door when he heard Ammie's voice behind him .
He looked back at her , waiting for her to speak .
Ammie approached him and asked , " I know you . You are the one , Ryan was talking to at the exhibition hall . Right ? "
" Oh you remember me , young lady ! What an honour ! Yes I am the one . "
Ammie continued in a nervous voice , " Ryan was talking to you very differently , it was clear that you guys are not on good terms . You didn't send those creatures , did you ? "
" Absolutely no , dear . Why would I send them ? I rather chased them away .
And I am not on bad terms with the dark souls . We are acquaintances , it's just they don't like me much . "
Ammie didn't say anything . Adrian said again , " What , don't you believe my words ? " , Ammie looked at him and said , " Ryan told me , you are very dangerous and you can harm ...."
" Well , he is not wrong . But as I said , we are acquaintances and I must say that they are very profitable for me . So there is no point for me to go against them . But for others , I can't guarantee specially when it comes to little girls like you . " , Adrian didn't wait anymore , he turned away and left . There was something in his voice that completely spellbound Ammie that she stood there like a statue looking at his retreating back .
.....end of flashback...
Aaron told Shawn everything that he heard from Ammie and Lilly .
Of course he didn't know about the last part of the flashback as Ammie didn't share with them about her brief conversation with Adrian .
Aaron said again , " Though his plan was great , I'm still angry with him . "
" Me too . "
" Really , Shawn ?? " , Shawn and Aaron looked at the door hearing Ryan's voice , only to find Ryan leaning against the door . Ryan continued , " Aren't you missing out some points ? "
Shawn frowned and asked , " What do you mean ? "
Ryan approached the table and took his seat . He started , " Well , I heard everything that you guys said . So I think , you missed out some points that Aaron needs to know . So Aaron , actually he had another reason for not telling you anything . "
Aaron looked at Shawn and asked , " What reason ? "
" He thought , all that was happening was a part of a trap ..... a trap set by me . " , Aaron frowned . Ryan continued , " Because he thought , I was planning to betray you guys . " , not only Aaron but Shawn also got shocked hearing that . Before they could say something , Ryan continued , " The person who started all this had the very plan to set us against each other . He set some false informers , forged some messages and calls to convince him that I was planning something against you guys . And he believed that too . "
" I did not . " , Shawn protested .
" Oh , really , then what were you apologising for last night ? "
Shawn widened his eyes in disbelief and stuttered , " I don't know what you're talking about . " .
Ryan started again , " Oh really ? Then who was it who came to my room last night ? Who was saying ....I owe you an apology ...I couldn't keep my trust on you ....I decided to trust those unknown people .....you made me guilty of a guilt that I'd never be able to forget .... I'm an absolute failure as a friend .... I'm sorry ... who was it Shawn ? "
Shawn remained silent . Aaron didn't say anything either .
Ryan spoke up , " Okay okay , enough of this . Now listen , in future , please , wait a bit more for words from me instead of jumping into conclusion . And never doubt my plans , they are always flawless . "
" Your plan was already considered faulty when Aaron got injured . " , Shawn couldn't help but said .
" Huh ! my plan was perfect . That was Adrian's fault that he got late . I'll deal with him later for that . And didn't you also come late and I got a cut ? What about that ?
I took so many risks for this project and you guys are treating me like a guilty . Don't you think , you guys should give me a gift , instead ? "
"Why not ? Tell us what do you want ? " , Aaron finally said .
Ryan excitedly said , " So I want ....."
" Wait . " , Shawn stopped him , " You never asked for anything normal . I know , you'd ask something weird again . So leave it to me . "
" Okay , so what are you going to gift me ? " , Ryan said .
" That's ..... surprise. "
--------------------------------
Later that day .
A bit far from S forest .
Enilese was waiting for Shawn . Her mind was still disturbed with last night's events . Her eyes were set on the street but in reality she was in deep thought .
" Did that idiot disturb you again ? " , Enilese got startled by the familiar voice . She looked at her side and saw Ryan , standing with a smile .
Somehow , she felt a bit better seeing Ryan .
She smiled a little and said , " Ryan ! it's so good to see you again . How are you ? "
" I'm good . What about you ? You are looking a bit stressed , did that idiot bother you again ? "
" Which idiot ? " , Enilese asked .
" Who else , the one who was forcing you that day . "
She thought for a moment to remember and then said , " Oh him , no he didn't do anything . I am just tensed with something else . "
" Oh , I see . " , he said , " Well I know many tips that can remove stress . "
Enilese smiled and said , " Really ? "
" Of course . Wait , I'll tell you . So if you're stressed drink a lot of cold water , your stress would be dissolved in the water . That's the easiest way . " , Ryan said with a straight face . "
Enilese found it really funny , she asked in the same tone as Ryan , " Then , what about the hardest way ? "
Ryan made a more serious expression and said , " Just drown . "
Enilese couldn't suppress her laughter anymore , she laughed out loud .
Then she said , " I must say , Ryan , all of your tips are quite unique . "
" Right , just like me ... , anyway what are you doing here ? " , he asked .
" I'm waiting for someone . "
" Hmph , just say , you're waiting for your boyfriend . ' Waiting for someone ' is so backdated , as if I don't understand anything . "
Enilese laughed and said , " Okay , okay , I am waiting for my boyfriend . "
" That's much better . "
They talked for a while before Ryan left .
--------------------------------
One day later .
D street near Willow forest .
Late night .
Shawn and Ryan were returning to their base when they saw a woman standing by a streetlight . Shawn and Ryan stopped subconsciously .
In a town like this , it was indeed a very rare sight to see a woman , alone , out at this hour .
Ryan looked at her and their eyes met for a few seconds before he averted his eyes .
Shawn was silent as always .
Ryan looked at Shawn and said , " Why did you stop ? "
" I think , She has some business with you . " , Shawn said in a low voice .
" And what made you think that ? " , Ryan straightforwardly asked .
Shawn said maintaining the low voice , " Can't you see the way she's looking at you ? "
Ryan frowned and said , " Aren't you seeing too much ? ...Anyway , I don't have any business with her . Let's go . "
" But even if you don't have any business with her , shouldn't you , as a gentleman , go and see if she needs any help ? " , Shawn remarked .
" When did you start considering me as a gentleman ? " , Ryan questioned back nonchalantly .
" Ryan , can we please talk ? " , the woman approached them and said pleadingly before Shawn could answer Ryan's question . Ryan looked at her with a frown .
Shawn looked at Ryan and then to the woman and suppressed his smile .
Ryan turned to Shawn and said , " How long are you going to stand here ? Let's go . "
" But she is saying , she wants to talk to you . "
" Didn't I say , I have no business with her ? If you want to talk to her or help her , please suit yourself . I'm leaving . "
The woman was going to say something but Shawn spoke up , " Not at all , I'm not that helpful . Let's go . "
They were about to leave , the woman's eyes teared up a little .
Then Shawn spoke up as if he remembered something " Oh , wait . I just remember something . I had to meet someone . Ryan , you go first . I'll come back after meeting him . "
" Now ? " , Ryan asked with a frown .
" Yes . I almost forgot . " , Shawn replied .
" Let's go together then ..."
" No no , you don't need to come . You go back . I'll be done in no time ..... Okay , I got a bit late already . So I'll leave now . " , with that Shawn left before Ryan could say anything more . Ryan stood there confusedly for a moment . Then he turned to leave looking at the woman one last time .
The woman ran to him and held his arm , Ryan looked at her but didn't say anything .
She said , " Ryan , please , listen to me . "
" Is there anything more to listen to ? Weren't you done saying everything , last time , Ms. Melvine ? " , this time he asked in a cold voice .
" No , I have something more to say . " , she said .
" But I'm not interested . " , he said pulling out his arm from her grip . He was going to leave again when she spoke up , " Ryan please .... can't you be a little less harsh on me ? "
Ryan turned to her and said , " Less harsh ? " , he took a step towards her and continued , " Do you even know what is called harsh ? "
Ryan grabbed her wrist very harshly and pulled her closer . She looked at him with teary eyes .
He said , " Can you feel the harshness ? " , Melvine looked down , Ryan's grip was very hard , " Is it painful ? Well , I call this the least harsh . Now , can't you be satisfied with a problem free life that you are desperately running after troubles ? "
" It's very important for me . "
" Why should I care ? " , he said letting go of her hand .
" Please ...."
[ This continued for some time . Some times later . ]
" Be sensible . Go home . I've said so many times , this place is not safe . "
" No , I am not going anywhere until you listen to me . " , Melvine said wiping her tears and sat on the ground .
Ryan turned to her and got surprised to see her on the ground , he said , " What the ..... What are you doing there , on the ground ? Get up . "
" No , I won't . "
" Then stay here . " , with that Ryan turned and walked to the opposite direction .
...........
Some time has passed . Melvine was crying silently when she heard some groaning sounds from not too far away . She looked around nervously . She was scared , she was thinking what to do when she heard a familiar voice , " Don't you think , you should start running before they come closer ? "
She looked at her side and there stood Ryan with his famous lazy expression .
A moment of silence .
Melvine started , " YOU BAD PERSON . I HATE YOU . YOU ALWAYS TREAT ME LIKE THIS . WITH OTHERS YOU BEHAVE IN THE SWEETEST WAY POSSIBLE . ONLY WITH ME YOU ARE RUDE . YOU ARE THE WORST . "
Ryan raised his brows and said , " Wow , I didn't know you can scream like this ! "
" YES , I'LL SCREAM MORE . "
Ryan let out a smirk and squatted to her level . Then he spoke up leaning towards her a little , " Scream as much as you want . Who's gonna hear you here , anyway ? "
Melvine looked at him and started crying again . She said while crying , " You are very bad . Do you know , I twisted my ankle today ? ....my foot is swollen . I can't even stand straight ..... Still I was waiting for you for more than two hours . Do you know , how scared I was to wait here in the middle of all those frightening sounds ? Do you know , in the last few days , how much I tried to find you ....just to talk to you ? And you're not even listening to me . " , she continued crying silently .
Ryan spoke up , " But I don't really understand your point of taking this much trouble . Didn't we settle everything ? Then ? "
" What did we settle ? " , she asked looking at him .
" Last time in the hospital , it was decided that I won't be a problem in your life ever again . So ..."
" You said that . I didn't . " , she cut him off .
Ryan raised his brows and said , " How's that different ? "
" That is different . You said those things , I didn't accept them . And I never said you were a problem in my life ....."
Ryan spoke up , " Really ? Didn't you say , you wanted to survive from me at any cost . That's why you even...."
" EVERYTHING I SAID WAS WRONG . "