[A/N: Chapter soundtrack: Tommee Profitt, Sam Tinnesz & Beacon Light - Enemy]
Aybel remained silent, his body stiff as a statue, neither confirming nor denying what Caine said.
He simply stared straight at the amnesiac, his eyes blank, as though he had just been told something so outrageous it would be foolish to take it seriously.
He got all that from just my outfit and some first aid kit?
This guy is surprisingly, really perceptive. His observational skills are truly amazing.
So much so that he's getting warmer, and it's... unsettling.
There's no way in that darkness he would've been able to guess what kind of picture it is, so...
"What makes you say that the picture is one of happiness?"
Caine shrugged playfully. "Call it the voices in my head, or a hunch..."
"I see, a hunch..."
"Well, well, it seems you truly are a person of mystery, Aybel. Ah, but rest assured... I won't press any further."
Surprisingly, he backed off spreading both his arms. "After all, even if I were to deduce your past actions, it wouldn't change our current predicament, now would it?"
"Indeed, our priority should be finding a way out of here. Speculating about my past won't serve any purpose. However, I'm curious about yours..."
Sensing an opportunity for a reversal, Aybel slowly walked over to his companion questioning:
"You're a clever person and are clearly well-educated, yet you claim to have a terrible memory. You were pretty quick to analyze me based on almost nothing. So, tell me... What else do you know about me? Of course, aside from my name and school uniform."
Brushing his hair to the side, Caine looked down at Aybel so he could lock eyes with him.
"Is that what you'd like to focus on next, then? Well, the answer to that is simple."
He shrugged.
"Nothing else."
Aybel continued to stare at Caine, as if he were looking straight through him.
"Alright, this is a bit of a stretch, but from what I've noticed, you tend to talk about anything and have an opinion about everything."
He stepped closer, running his hand through the amnesiac's hair.
"Your hair is all unkempt and loose as if you just got out of bed. In fact, everything about you reeks of laziness. You don't even seem to care what people think about you; you just let everything go as it is."
"Though it's clear that under that facade, you watch for every little detail but hide it with banter. In fact, you're doing it right now."
Caine smiled at Aybel's observation.
"Hehe... You're smart. I can always appreciate someone who can read people. And yes, I'm watching you like a hawk."
"Why...? I know, like me, you are no 'ordinary' person." Aybel said.
"Based on the way you observe things and the ease you move around, it's clear you had some sort of 'unique' experience in life that set you apart from ordinary people. Tell me about it, Caine."
"Eh??" Face contorting into a look of confusion and alarm, the taller boy took a step back raising his arms in defense.
"Don't you think you're being a bit too serious about this now? I mean, I can't possibly be bad enough to warrant all of this suspicion."
"You think so? How could you have lost your memories, Caine? This..."
Aybel gestured to the falling masses.
"Is not a small event, so you need to have something to back up your claim."
"..."
A faint breeze tousled Caine's unruly hair as his exposed eyes widened momentarily.
Surprise mixed with understanding passed over his face, but not long after, his composure returned.
"Ha-ha-ha~ You definitely are a fascinating individual, dear brother..."
Genuine interest coating his words as he smiled.
"But that's right. I don't remember who I am or how I ended up here. Like you, I only know I'm here for some reason that I can't remember at the moment. If you don't believe me, then what do you want to know about me, Aybel? Ask and I shall answer!" Caine exclaimed.
"Your hands."
"Hm? What about them?"
"Your hands have calluses on all fingers, including the tips of the middle finger and the pinky. They're faint but definitely there."
"I don't think you'd get such calluses just doing any normal activity. In fact, they look like the kind you'd get from doing something else. Not to even speak of that tattoo."
"I'm afraid I'm just as much in the dark about all that as you."
"Alright, that notebook you carry - how exactly does it tie into your past?"
"Ha! You'll have to earn it first. Any more questions?"
"No. I won't bother. We should focus on getting out of this place."
"I agree. Let's save the deliberation of my memories for another time."
I've always had a sixth sense about people.
"So, shall we call it a draw, brother?"
I can tell when someone has a hidden agenda, even if they smile to my face.
"...Very well. It seems we have more in common than I expected..."
And he most certainly has one.
He's too unpredictable... an unknown variable and a potential threat, and it'll be foolish of me to trust him.
I have no idea who he is or what his true intentions are, but no matter what he says, I do not believe him.
If anything, I believe this supposed 'lost memories' are some sort of act to gain my trust, but... my trust isn't something that can be won, not anymore...
The red flags are all too clear. It appears we must sever ties sooner than I expected. The only thing left to decide is when... and how to do it...
In the meantime, I need a plan. A way to get out of this situation, and sadly... Aybel sighed internally. He might turn out to be an advantage for this.
On this chandelier, their fates were intertwined. He needed to play along, for now.
Regardless, his primary goal stayed the same, everything else coming second.
Turning his attention to the blackened sky, Aybel pondered:
If things keep going the way they are, and the pattern continues, the Third Wave will include teenagers. And naturally, there's a good chance she would be a part of it...
Meanwhile, Caine, carefree and completely unaware of Aybel's inner turmoil, marveled at the sky:
"I wonder just how long this will go on for... if my timing is correct then it looks like another Wave is upon us. it's as though it's following the progression of human life. The middle-aged first, now we're at the Second Wave - the young adults, and next teenagers."
Their goals may be separate but his thoughts perfectly mirrored Aybel's understanding of the pattern.
"Hmm... I guess we both fall into the next pool, right brother?" He looked over at Aybel.
"I suppose we do."
"Just how old are you anyway?"
"Why'd you think you need to know?"
"Fair, fair. I won't pry~"
And so they stood silently, looking up at the endless sea of people falling.
After a few more moments of silence, a slow smile spread its way across Caine's face.
"It won't be long now~"
With a trace of lightning flashing in the sky, the chandelier lurched, signaling the arrival of the Third Wave...
As bodies from the previous Wave continued to fall, the transition into the next was absolutely seamless.
Like a hawk, Aybel braced himself, taking a calm step forward.
Come forth... Aria.
To Be Continued...