Resistance

Shadow of the Moon - Part 2

When he next came to, he felt like he was floating, a gentle breeze brushing through his hair, the scent of earth and plants tickling at his nose.

He was aware of other people around him, though he wasn’t sure how many, familiar scents reached him, the body heat of another seeping into him...Was he still being carried?

As he blinked open his eyes, they strained to make out his surroundings.

Dirt, grass, and trees painted his vision in various shades of green, only broken apart by the silhouette running just ahead of him.

Aaron, who had been carrying Syrus on his back, was the first to notice he had finally woken up, immediately slowing his pace.

“...Aaron??? Why did you stop?”

“I think Syrus is…”

Voices. Familiar voices reached his ears as Syrus was gently placed down, two figures just ahead of him.

Someone was right beside him, and for a moment, Syrus tensed reflexively, only a single person coming to mind...But as his vision focused...Rather than those cold, silver eyes looking down at him, they were instead a deep, royal blue.

“...A...aron…?” The name escaped him, barely a whisper, his voice hoarse and cracked.

No, not just Aaron. Syrus realized Cai was there as well, looking down at him with his usually expressionless demeanor...But there was a trace of worry flickering within those amber eyes.

“...Where am I…?” He questioned, reaching up to grab a fistful of his own hair, his head pounding.

“The forest outskirts. We’re about two days out now.” Cai was the one to answer, kneeling down in front of Syrus so he could check him over.

“...The forest…?” Syrus echoed absently, his thoughts muddled, like a murky torrent of water had washed over them. He was having difficulty processing whatever was being said to him.

He couldn’t seem to recall anything right away...Just what had happened to him…?

Somewhere deep down, there was a small voice that told him not to remember...But despite that, it all came back to him, and vividly.

Everything right up until he had lost consciousness. After that...It was all empty. He felt as though something had happened, but it eluded him.

...No, that wasn’t quite right. He did recall something. He remembered a presence, and the feeling of being carried by someone, but not Aaron.

“...Was my old man here at one point??” He could have sworn...But as he looked up at them, he realized they looked hesitant to speak. “…!! Did something happen to him?!?!”

“W-Wait, that’s not it.” Aaron interjected, stopping Syrus before he could do anything rash.

“...Then what is it?” Syrus questioned, relaxing a little, but only just.

“Well…” Aaron glanced off in Cai’s direction, hoping for some insight on the matter, but Cai didn’t have anything to offer him through his expression alone. “He was the one who took you out of the city initially, but...I dunno, both of us felt like we were being called somehow. Before we knew it, we had run into him along the outskirts.” Aaron explained. “Kiara was with us up til one point too, but like your old man, they felt as though they would just slow things down. In the end, we parted ways, and they went back to the city.”

They...Went back…? But…

Syrus stood up, ignoring the pain burning throughout his body, and his splitting headache before beginning to walk off.

A hand reached out to grab his arm, tugging him back, and stopping him from walking off.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Cai demanded, refusing to loosen his grip.

“I’m going back.” Syrus replied without hesitation.

“What? You can’t do that. It’s not safe.” Aaron interjected, stepping in front of Syrus in an attempt to block his path.

“I don’t care!” Syrus snapped, trying to wretch his arm out of Cai’s grasp, but he still wouldn’t budge in the slightest. “Let go.” He hissed.

“I can’t do that.”

Syrus bit at his bottom lip in frustration.

Why were they trying to stop him?

Didn’t they understand??

“I said let go!” Syrus repeated, growing more agitated still, his tail lashing against the forest floor with soft thumps. “Don’t you get it?? It’s because of me that…”  

...Because of this power…

“If I don’t go back, what will happen to them? What will happen to the rest?? Even if I run…”

Even if he ran...Surely, that man would still be able to find him. Syrus was terrified, and haunted by that fact.

“If...If it’s just me...Then everyone will be safe!!”

Syrus’ vision felt so narrow. It was as though his range of sight was restricted, his thoughts growing turbid with emotion...But he was caught by surprise as Cai’s grip around his arm finally loosened, but it was only just before he felt a sharp impact against his cheek, his vision shaking in response.

Cai had given him a right hook, albeit not very hard at all, but it was enough to shut Syrus right up.

“Say that again, and I’ll hit you harder, regardless of how badly you’re hurt.” He hissed, though he looked as though he already regretted hitting Syrus in the first place. “Why don’t you get it, Syrus?” He shot back. “That, to us, you’re what’s most important?”

Syrus was at a loss for words, simply looking forward in a dumbfounded stupor, even the stinging of his cheek seeming far off now.

Not a single rebuttal came to mind, and he hung his head down, feeling defeated.

“...Sorry.” Was all he could manage to say, his tone weak, at best.

Since when had be become so pathetic?

“If you understand, then let’s keep moving.” Cai spoke up, feeling confident that Syrus was no longer at risk of running off, but...It was obvious he was taking the situation rather hard. “Can you walk?”

Syrus didn’t lift his head, his gaze fixated on the ground.

“...Yeah.” He nodded meekly.

“C’mon then. We need to make as much distance as possible before nightfall. Then we’ll find some place to lay low for the night.”

And so, the group continued onward through the forest.

Syrus didn’t say another word after that either.

He was so quiet, that Cai had to keep glancing over his shoulder to make sure he was even still there.

Admittedly, he was quite worried about Syrus, even if he didn’t show that outwardly. He had no idea what Syrus might have gone through since Cai last saw him before being unexpectedly released.  

He tried to not worry about the details too much right now, however. Syrus’ safety was their first, and utmost priority.

Only when it finally started getting dark, did the group stop, picking out a convenient clearing for their campsite.

Somewhat still sheltered by the trees, it was a perfect spot to be able to keep a careful eye on their surroundings. There was even a small stream nearby, just out of eyesight, but well within earshot.

“I’ll go get some firewood.” Aaron nodded, leaving Cai to watch over Syrus as he headed off into the forest.

Not a single word passed between the two of them, Syrus having huddled up against the trunk of a nearby tree.

At times like these, Cai wished he knew what to say. If only he could provide the words of comfort Syrus no doubt needed to hear...But he just wasn’t good at such things.

The only thing he himself could do...Was stay beside him, and do his utmost to keep him safe.

Suddenly, however, Syrus stood up.

“...I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll go with you.” Cai said, standing up to walk with him, but Syrus shook his head.

“...No, I...I’m just going to the stream. I’ll be alright. I won’t go anywhere.” Syrus insisted. “I’ll holler if anything happens, promise.”

Cai was...Clearly hesitant, but Syrus obviously wanted some time alone...At the very least, if something were to happen, the stream was definitely close enough for him to pick up on it.

“...Alright.”

“Thanks.” Syrus nodded with a small smile before walking off in the direction of the small stream.

And the entire time...Syrus’ thoughts had grown turbid yet again.

He couldn’t them out of his head.

The memories…

He took off his clothes, letting himself sink into the somewhat deep, clear water.

It was quite cold, but Syrus just didn’t care.

He felt disgusting. Vile. He wanted to desperately wash everything away...Every trace of what happened to him.

And yet, he felt as though that filth penetrated him right to the core. No matter how desperately he scrubbed at himself, he was filled with the illusion that the violation he felt had been so deeply engraved within him, that it simply couldn’t be washed away.

He just felt so miserable, quiet sobs managing to escape him, his bottled up emotions having finally come loose from within him.

Back at the camp, time passed. Enough time for Cai to grow worried when Syrus had still not returned from the stream, and he cast a small glance in that direction.

He didn’t sense that anything might have happened, but perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to check on him.

So, Cai pushed himself to his feet, heading off in the direction of the stream, and soon enough, he saw Syrus sitting in the stream, clothes set off to the side.

He would have just left it at that, feeling satisfied with just knowing he was alright, but he had gotten close enough to see Syrus quite well.

...And that’s when he saw it.

The state Syrus’ body was in.

He was covered head to toe in markings. Lacerations, bruises, burns, and everything in-between...But perhaps the most damming of them all, were certain ones in particular. Markings that could have only have come from one thing, and Cai was frozen in place at the realization.

That man...To Syrus…

Only when he noticed Syrus had been trembling, did Cai close the distance, gently taking hold of his arm.

“Syrus, that water is probably freezing-”

Syrus immediately flinched, his gaze whirling around, and in that moment...He didn’t see Cai standing before him. Didn’t see those familiar, amber eyes, but an equally familiar, cruel silver.

Fear rose in his eyes, drawing his arm back as he tried to scoot away.

“….No-!”

Cai was confused, not recognizing that look in Syrus’ eyes.

Not his usual cheer or confidence...But the eyes of someone who was beyond terrified of something.

Something Cai himself couldn’t see.

Those eyes...They weren’t from the Syrus he knew.

The things Syrus had endured while in captivity...Cai couldn’t even begin to imagine those horrors, even if by now, he had a pretty good idea of what some of them might have been.

Anger boiled up. Anger towards that man...But also anger towards himself.

Why hadn’t he been there to protect Syrus?

Syrus was always the one protecting them...But who was the one protecting Syrus? Why couldn’t Cai do the same??

Despite making that promise so long ago...He was powerless to protect what was most precious to him.

“...It’s okay.” He said softly, his amber eyes reflecting an emotion even he himself wasn’t aware of as he took off his flannel and gently wrapped it around Syrus. “...Let’s go back, alright?” He smiled. “You’ll freeze if you keep sitting there like that.”

After that, the group eventually settled within the camp for the night, Syrus being the first to fall asleep, while Aaron and Cai alternated keeping watch throughout the night.

It was quiet, unsurprisingly. The two didn’t really get along, much less had anything to talk about, but that only made the night seem to drag on even more.

Their only common interests was their desire to stick by Syrus...Other than that, the two were essentially polar opposites.

However, Aaron had questions, and he was driven to speak on them.

“...Did something happen??”

...Perhaps not to his surprise, Aaron didn’t necessarily receive an answer. Cai didn’t even look up from the gently flickering campfire, his only movement being the occasional prodding at that very fire to keep it going.

Honestly, Aaron didn’t even understand why he had bothered to ask, but then…

“...A lot more has happened to him than he’ll talk about.” Cai actually replied, much to Aaron’s shock. “...Not that he’s really spoken on any of it at all yet.” He added in quietly, his gaze drifting over to Syrus, who slept soundly. Heaven’s knew he needed the rest.

“...Did he talk to you about it??” Aaron decided to press the subject further.

“...No, but…” Cai began, his voice trailing off only a moment after before lowering his gaze. “...I don’t really want to talk about it.”

Aaron felt as though he wouldn’t be able to get anything further out of Cai, and while he wanted to know, he thought it best to not pry the subject any longer.

Silence again, and it felt as though this silence would last the rest of the night...But perhaps even more surprisingly still, Cai spoke up yet again.

“...Why?”

The sudden question from Cai had Aaron quirking an eyebrow.

“...Why what?” He questioned, wondering what this out of the blue, and out of context question was.

Cai didn’t go into detail right away, simply casting Aaron a small glance.

Aaron felt strangely self conscious when those amber eyes met with his own. He couldn’t resist the urge to look away.

“...You’re doing it again.” Cai sighed, finally breaking eye contact. “I don’t understand you.”

Aaron thought that statement was a bit ironic, coming from the one among them who was the pure definition of an enigma. However, he waited patiently for Cai to continue, feeling as though he had more to say.

“You act like a thoughtless fool all the time, like you display yourself openly...But the moment someone tries to meet your gaze, you look away. Like you’re trying to hide yourself.” Cai continued, looking up at him again. “Why are you with Syrus? Rather...What’s your reason?” He questioned. “I want you to look me in the eye when you answer. Stop being a coward.”

Somehow, those last words rubbed at Aaron the wrong way.

“...Do you think you’re better than me or something…?” Aaron questioned, feeling strangely agitated. “Stop looking down on me. I’m not like you...Or him. I’m not sure of myself, and I’m not brave, but…” He lifted his gaze, meeting Cai’s unintentionally, anger rising within his chest. “...Don’t think for a moment that anything I feel towards him is fake.” He grit his teeth. “...Someone like you wouldn’t understand.”

“Then make me understand.”

The rebuttal came so smoothly that Aaron felt that agitation within his chest explode.

“...I-!!” He began, but...The moment he looked up, Cai’s expression startled him.

Rather than the mocking look he was expecting, Cai’s amber gaze was surprisingly clear.

He was simply looking at him. Looking and listening.

“...I…”

...What exactly did he want to say? Or rather...What did he want Cai to hear??

He didn’t know, but his mouth moved regardless, forming words.

“...After the invasion…” He began quietly. “...After my parents died...I just didn’t care about anything.” He looked down at his own hands, balling them into fists. “….I would constantly get into fights, constantly got into trouble...Somehow, I was never punished severely for it...Maybe they just didn’t take me seriously. Maybe I was just an insignificant fly that wasn’t worth fretting over.” He laughed dryly. “...More than anything, I just wanted to be put out of my misery. I was too weak to do anything myself, so I just wanted the easy way out...Or maybe I just wanted a way to let out my frustration...Regardless, there came a time when I got just what I had hoped for. I don’t know what I said or did, but I seriously ticked them off. I was beaten to a pulp. Couldn’t feel anything. I thought for sure I would die, and I was okay with that, and yet…”

And yet…

Aaron could remember it all so vividly. As though it were only yesterday.

“...Before I knew it, some crazy guy jumped right into the middle of it all and made a mess out of things. Chased them right off without a single care about his own safety...Can you believe it? I was so mad…”

Aaron closed his eyes, letting out a little chuckle.

“...But then, you know what this crazy guy said?? He told me to help him. Said he wanted to change things...Said he would change things...And you know what else??” Aaron opened his eyes, a soft smile on his face as he recalled those memories. They were precious to him. “...I believed him. Without a single doubt. I thought ‘Ahh. This is the one.’ It was so strange, but...More than anything, I wanted to be by his side. I wanted to see the world he would create.”

Even now, Aaron was so certain...So certain that it would be a wonderful, bright place.

Cai let him speak, from start to finish, seemingly thinking over his story.

...He thought it sounded just like something Syrus would do.

“...It’s about time that you showed your true feelings.” He spoke up quietly with a seemingly satisfied smile. The faintest of them, but still visible.

Aaron thought it was a somehow surreal experience to witness.

“...Alright then.” Cai nodded, standing up and walking over to Aaron...And offered him his hand. “I can accept a reason like that, and if you truly feel that way, then continue supporting him. To the end. I plan to be right there beside you, doing the same.” He said, holding Aaron’s gaze...And for once, Aaron didn’t feel the urge to look away. “It’s important to you, isn’t it?” He questioned. “This single, ray of Hope that we have left.”

A ray of Hope...Yes, that’s exactly what Syrus was.

To them...That’s precisely what he was.

Somehow, Aaron felt a newfound sense of resolve. He didn’t feel as uncertain...Like the pieces finally fell into place.

And so...He took Cai’s hand, meeting his gaze with a firm nod.

“...Right!!”