Beep beep beep! Beep beep beep!
Vik awoke to the incessant ringing of a holo-call, the sound reverberating painfully in his already pounding head. The effects of a hangover had intensified overnight, leaving him in a state of discomfort.
Tory, on the other hand, had been awake for hours, unable to find solace in sleep. He sat by the window, cigarette in hand, his gaze lost in the distant horizon.
Rubbing his temples, Vik reluctantly picked up the phone, his voice groggy as he greeted the caller. "Yo, Jimmy. What's up?"
His pounding headache made it difficult to discern the urgency and concern in Jimmy's voice. Vik's mind was too clouded to pick up on the subtle changes.
"Vik, where are you? Are you okay? Did you manage to escape?" Jimmy's voice crackled with a sense of urgency and worry, but Vik's buzzed state prevented him from fully grasping the gravity of the situation.
"Escape? What do you mean? Are you referring to the bounty on our heads?" Vik's thoughts momentarily turned to the recent announcement regarding the bounties placed on them. He felt a fleeting impulse to end the call, fearing that Jimmy might be tempted to cash in on the reward.
In a world where survival often hinged on self-preservation, Vik couldn't trust anyone to prioritize loyalty over personal gain. However, there was a part of him that longed to hear what Jimmy had to say, suspecting that it might deviate from his assumptions.
"What announcement?" Jimmy's raised eyebrows were palpable even through the holo-call. Realizing their miscommunication, Vik posed a question to Jimmy, seeking clarity.
"Haven't you been to Oasis? Haven't you heard about what's happening?"
It became evident to both Jimmy and Vik that they were not on the same page. Sensing the need to provide context, Jimmy proceeded to explain the purpose of his call.
"No, Vik. What are you talking about? It's been days since I set foot in Oasis. I'm currently exploring the Badlands, far from any city-state. That's how I've managed to survive, I guess."
Vik, now pacing back and forth, listened intently to Jimmy's words. A chuckle escaped him, laced with a touch of bitterness, as he replied, "Hehe! What have you done, Jimmy? I doubt it could surpass our recent endeavors!"
A loud thud echoed from Jimmy's end, indicating his frustration at Vik's nonchalance. "Have you lost your mind, Vik? This isn't the time for jokes. Do you even know what happened to our clan?"
Vik's demeanor grew serious, and he glanced at Tory, conveying the weight of the conversation. It dawned on him that their involvement in the Oasis pods heist had set off a chain reaction, impacting lives beyond their immediate circle.
Tory extinguished his cigarette, recognizing the gravity of the situation. Nodding to Vik, he signaled for the holo-call to be projected on a shared view, allowing both of them to witness the unfolding events.
Vik's silence served as a response to Jimmy's statement. Sensing the unspoken affirmation, Jimmy continued with a heavy sigh, his voice laden with sorrow.
"They're hunting us down, Vik. Things have taken a turn for the worse. I believe it's another clan seeking territorial expansion, the wraiths, or some private army representing the city-states. They've decimated our main camp, and survivors like Pamela are being hunted."
Vik's eyes widened in shock as Jimmy's words sank in. The realization of their indirect culpability struck him like a blow. Tory placed a reassuring hand on Vik's shoulder, a silent gesture of solidarity.
After a brief pause, Jimmy added, "They're targeting everyone associated with us. It's unclear what triggered this onslaught, but it'll be some time before I can contact you again, if at all. Consider this a warning, my friend. We're even now, right? Stay safe and keep moving."
With those final words, Jimmy abruptly ended the call, leaving Vik and Tory to process the grim reality. Their eyes met, reflecting determination and a shared understanding.
They knew all too well who lay behind this orchestrated chaos—Raquel. She had unleashed her power and resources, relentlessly pursuing anyone connected to Vik and Tory. No punches were being pulled.
The multi-billionaire had sanctioned a merciless hunt, labeling them as monsters. Vik wrestled with conflicting emotions—guilt for the clan's suffering caused by his actions, yet a refusal to descend into the same darkness that consumed his adversaries.
Most of their clan had perished, and the survivors were now forced into a life of constant evasion. But this was the nature of the gypsy clans they belonged to—an existence defined by risk and uncertainty.
Vik's parents had also paid the price for the mistakes of others, losing valuable opportunities to prolong their lifespan through black market dealings. He had witnessed fellow clan members fall victim to various factions, with no repercussions for the guilty parties.
It had shaped Vik's perspective, making him immune to the burden of responsibility and the fear of death. While he despised the flawed clan system, his disdain did not extend to his clan members, nor did it justify the current predicament they faced.
Raquel had crossed all boundaries. She waged a ruthless war, attempting to erase any trace of their existence. The scale of her retribution demanded a response, yet Vik knew he couldn't succumb to blind vengeance.
"We may have a way," Vik stated with a bitter smile, locking eyes with Tory. The spark of hope ignited within Tory, his longing for retribution evident.
"A way to do what?" Tory asked eagerly, fueled by the expectation of striking back.
"A way to inflict maximum damage upon that arrogant bitch who thinks she can manipulate us from her lofty perch," Vik replied, his mirthless smile widening. Tory's first genuine smile in days emerged in response.
"Miss Princess might have believed she could achieve her goals without hindrance, using us as her scapegoats. But she made the grave mistake of crossing paths with the wrong individuals. We'll hit her where it hurts the most."
Tory's frustration and worry dissipated, replaced by unyielding determination. "Tell me we can find a way to make her pay, Vik. I can assure you, I won't go down without a fight."
The anger etched on Tory's face was palpable as he clenched his fists, a fire burning within him. He knew Raquel intended to eliminate everyone they cared about, pinning the blame on them. If that was the case, they might as well embrace the moniker of monsters she had bestowed upon them.
With their minds set, Vik and Tory strode purposefully towards the waiting truck. This time, they wouldn't allow doubt or fear to stall their progress.
The two brothers exchanged a firm fist bump, silently reaffirming their unbreakable bond, before stepping inside the Oasis pods. They understood that their lives would either be forfeited or forever altered by the step they were about to take.
The magnitude of the transformation awaiting them remained uncertain, but their unwavering resolve pushed them forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead.