887. Dominari dominans, 8
(Pascal)
A few days later, we were still waiting with Wardah in that isolated place, surrounded by a wide landscape with good visibility. I could tell that Mathieu wasn’t far at all now. I’d need to move soon. Unless my new friend agrees to fight by my side.
Over the few days, we’ve had time to share elements of our pasts and dreams. We realised we were similar in many ways, which weirdly didn’t make us feel much better about each other.
She had a dream of changing her body to something stronger she said.
I recalled my possibly only childhood dream that hadn’t been influenced by the Aïsshea siblings. I wanted to see the world and ride a train someday.
We didn’t value each other’s thoughts that much honestly. We were being polite but really feeling uneasy with ourselves and each other. Waiting for her friend to return to clarify the situation or mine to bring mayhem, we were just restless and nervous most of the time. I tried to contain my unease. She drank herself numb instead.
For now I was trying on some of the clothes we had found in an old chest. They all harboured some red, which is a colour I’ve always liked.
After her morning drink, I saw her glancing toward the horizon on a different direction and spotting something. She began to yell loudly.
W - It took you fucking time!
Her companion whom was still a good kilometre away at least gradually approached. They finally waved at each other.
W - I’ve got one here!
Why is she showing me like that?
P - One what?
W - One child like us, born after the white day. A kid playing with fires.
I felt insulted, but I wanted to put that on the count that she was drunk and not to take offense.
At least the one she called fondly Temee will finally tell me more about their ideas for the plan of Aïsshea and the source.
And she’ll have good news I hope of Selya and Mirabella.
~
Temee removed her boots in the entry. Wardah offered her a glass which was refused, but not lost for everyone.
What’s with these two? She gave a quick summary of what happened with me and our meeting to her friend as she changed herself there from her long walk apparently.
If only Mathieu and I were still like that... I don’t think our fight will bring anything good to anyone. Because he’s moving by and for vengeance. I can feel it permeating like a warning through the air now.
And I still want to live.
Temee stood up, overshadowing me by a tall head. She’s huge.
She’s not smiling at all behind her bangs of hair.
T - Hello Pascal... We should talk.
~
I felt like I was put on trial. It brought back bad memories and didn’t put me in a great mood. As they sat on the other side of the table as if questioning me, to judge my morality and actions.
I didn’t like that at all.
T - We know what you told Mushio before is false. What did you do in Mirabella?
W - What did you do with the Aïsshea? All of them... What did you do with them?
P - What the fuck...
The friendly mood spoiled fast. I didn’t know what to say and they grew tense. It angered me in response just as quickly. They became almost hostile...
P - How is Selya?
T - I don’t know. Maybe she’s dead. What are you trying to do Pascal? Mushio gave you Aïssheah because he believed you.
W - We’re more sceptical now.
P - Fuck you. I didn’t answer to god and I don’t answer to you.
There was an awkward silence set. They looked at each other and even I could tell what they thought.
I banged my fist on the table, letting my own anger get the better of me.
P - I never lied! Where is Selya!
T - I haven’t found her. Please calm down.
W - Don’t be reckless kid.
T - Wardah!
Wardah was growing in hostility faster, and looking at her I realised she was like me and Mathieu. We glared at each other, seeing too much of our own self inside the other one, making us even more angry.
T - Both of you shut up. Mirabella was in ruins and Selya was gone. So all the Aïsshea have now disappeared around you Pascal. We need to know what happened and...
Temee tried to keep things calm but overestimated us sadly.
Wardah and I were now reacting to one another in an impulse, in an escalation of primitive authority.
Boiling childish anger growing to explosion. Failures we are...
W - What have you done! What’s your plan!
She hit the table with her fist, stronger than I did before. I snapped.
I sent my fist to her face and the table on them.
Before they could stand up again, I fled.
~
I could hear Wardah’s yells inside as I was already running away from the house.
And I knew Mathieu was really not far behind, but now I doubt they’ll help me against him as well.
Fuck them all, I’ll be better on my own...
I can’t believe I would come to miss Aïssheas one day, but now after that tantrum I really do.
I hold onto her little brother as my last lifeline now...
I notice one of them is running after me. I think it’s the tall one. And she’s faster than me...
Okay then...
I stop and put myself in a fighting stance. You’re not going to get me. I will not obey you...
The spear is ready and so am I.
Temee stops in her tracks and raises her hands as if to surrender. I saw the swords and other weaponry she carries, and I know they aren’t just for show.
P - Just stay away from me. I’ll make things right...
T - You know that’s not true. We need to work together. Even with you and Wardah. Otherwise we’ll be just as the old ones.
P - You mean we’ll be normal adults? Yeah, I guess we are...
T - Please, I’m begging you. Just...
A gunshot echoed. My legs betrayed me and I fell on my butt in a sitting position. I felt suddenly so weak.
Temee looked at me with frightened eyes, before stepping in front of me to shelter me from the shooter.
She shot me?
My tummy bleeds profusely around a point that must be a hole.
I can’t believe this...
Neither can Temee apparently. But now I don’t care. A cold anger picks me up.
Children playing with fire, now that the adults are gone... Failures of civilisation unable to participate in some wider chorus properly. I guess we are... And all our families tried desperately to teach us was wasted on us.
I’m about to pass out, but I grab a firmer hold onto Aïssheah.
I grow its power and open it to me as fast as I can conceptualise. Something her sisters taught me.
Temee has turned her back on me. Now’s my chance...
Before Mathieu comes to put me down with their blessing. All shitty adults.
Fuck you all...
I stand up, and grow the power of Azzie into the weapon I hold as if it was still a sword. I’m sorry for Ahhie but at this point I just miss her.
Temee turns around in surprise, only to see me striking the air at her. The same way I have before at anything standing in my way.
The air rips into light and darkness, and a powerful shockwave is thrown at her. I got her and I think her legs are broken and in shreds given how she falls there. The wave of destruction grows dimmer as it continues to spread and scatter in the air further, making colourful contrasts against the sky.
Now she won’t come after me either.
I turn around, trembling, holding my wound that is already mostly healed up.
I begin running again, away from them all. I can’t trust them anymore.
Although they could fight against Mathieu now for all I care.
~
