King

CHAPTER XL

After Al graduated, he became an intern at the lab for half a year. In these months, he was alone but knowing that he could get Zynrick back after everything that happened kept him going.

“Diane,” He called a previous friend who was served by his parents.

“What is it?” Diane asked through the phone.

Al felt embarrassed to ask for a favor but since he doesn’t have anyone he knows who can help, he had no choice but to reach out to someone who he wasn’t in contact with for years.

“I need your help,” He said. He could feel his face heat up in embarrassment but there was no other choice.

“What help do you need?” She asked. Al couldn’t understand the tone of her voice.

“I need someone to prove that I can take care of someone,” He answered. He knew that he sounded stupid for what he was saying but he didn’t mind.

“What are you talking about?” She asked. Al felt more embarrassed but it was for Zynrick so he just had to bear with it.

“You see, I’m in a tight spot right now. I’m trying to gain custody of Zynrick and one the High Commission of Magic Regulation’s requirement is for me to have people to testify that I am capable of taking care of a mythical person,” Al answered. He was fidgeting as he waited for Diane’s answer. His heart was beating erratically as doubt started to devour him because of the silence.

“I see, how old is the person?” Diane asked.

“Twenty,” Al answered and he heard loud laughter from the other side.

“Why would you want custody over someone who’s twenty? Is it a girl?” Diane teased. Al didn’t know if he should feel relieved that Diane had time to tease him or if he should be disappointed that she assumed that he was doing this because the person’s a girl.

“The person’s actually a guy,” Al answered awkwardly. He heard a gasp coming from Diane.

“Are you gay?” Diane asked making Al facepalm. “I have no problem with that. I’ve always wanted to be friends with someone who’s gay,”

“No, I just want to have custody over Zynrick because I’m in the dark with what they’re doing to him,” Al answered seriously. There was silence on the other end of the line.

“Is that the kid your parents adopted,” Diane asked and Al nodded even though she wouldn’t see it.

“Yeah, it’s him, will you please help me out,” Al pleaded. He heard Diane sigh on the other end of the line.

“I will but you need to meet me at Love Mattet,” She said which made Al’s eyes grow wide.

“You’re here?” He asked in excitement. It’s been so long since he interacted with a friend. He’s been stuck with his higher up and it wasn’t fun being with them.

“Yeah, I’ll see you later,” She said and hung up.

Al excitedly fixed himself and headed towards the café.

“You’re early,” Diane said when she saw Al sitting in one corner. “Are you that eager to see me?” She asked and giggled.

“To be honest, yeah, I’ve been surrounded by old people. They’re way too serious,” Al answered. They ordered and had a small chat. They told each other stories before Diane finally asked about Al’s favor.

“This Zynrick kid, he killed your parents didn’t he?” She asked which made Al look at her in shock. He knew that his parent’s death was out in the public but the people from the lab were able to alter the cause of death of his parents.

“How did you know?” He asked because he can’t remember telling her.

“Well, your parents came to me and told me that if something happens you’ll either you, your parents, or that boy Zynrick will reach out to me,” Diane answered.

Al understood why. Diane’s someone who’s working underground and she has a lot of connections and resources. So, Al wasn’t surprised that his parents relied on her.

“I’ll lend you a few of my people but we need to make sure that the story would make sense. We don’t want them to have the tiniest doubt. A small doubt can destroy everything, you know?” She said and showed Al a few documents. “These are their profiles; you can pick which of them you want to use,”

Al looked at Diane with amusement. Only three hours had passed after he called her and she came prepared.

“What’s with the amused expression?” Diane asked while looking at Al.

“I’m just amazed that you’re this prepared,” Al answered honestly as he scans the documents.

“Well, I am used being asked to meet with clients on a whim. Being prepared is one thing I learned from working underground,” She answered after a giggle.

“Thanks, for doing this,” Al thanked after almost three hours of staying in the café.

“This is nothing compared to what your parents did for mine,” She said and got in her car. “I’ll be going ahead. You better take care, Al, see you around,” She said and drove away.

Al finally acquired the custody over Zynrick and he was so happy he asked Diane to celebrate with him.

“You sure are happy,” Diane commented when he saw the huge grin on Al’s face.

“I finally got custody for taking care of Zynrick. What’s there not to be happy about?” He answered and downed his glass of wine.

“I’m amazed that you still fought for custody over the person who killed your parents,” Diane commented. She saw a sudden shift in Al’s expression. “I didn’t know that what I said would affect you this much,” She said and took a sip of her wine.

“I’ve heard that countless times.” He said and looked at the glass sadly, “I know that no sane person would do what I’m doing but I can’t despise him when I know everything happened because I chickened out from being a test subject,” Al answered as tears start to fill his eyes.

“So, you’re doing this because of guilt,” Diane said and watched Al’s expression.

“Probably, but I want to believe that I’m doing this because I see him as my brother. I love him that’s why I’m this,” He said which made Diane smile.

“There’s nothing wrong with what you’re doing,” Diane said and walked up to Al. She cupped his face and said, “If I were you, I would’ve been scared to be a test subject as well. I mean, who would be happy to become a test subject, especially if you know you might die. Also, there’s no guarantee that everything wouldn’t have happened if you were the one who turned into an artificial progenitor,”

Diane took a step away from Al and smiled after saying, “If you’re feeling responsible for what happened then what you’re doing is right. I’m sure your family would be proud of you where ever they are. So, chin up, don’t regret anything. Don’t listen to the people telling you that you’re insane for saving your brother, okay?”

Al couldn’t help but cry when he heard what Diane said. She was the first person to tell her something positive. Ever since his fight with Tyrone, all he heard were discouraging words. People were telling him that he was insane, he was stupid, and he was betraying his family and a whole lot more.

“You must’ve been through a lot, come here,” Diane said and hugged Al. She could feel him trembling and she felt so sorry for the boy. He cried his heart out and had a tight grip on Diane’s clothes.

Minutes passed and Al finally calmed down. He looked at Diane before looking away.

“Thank you for comforting me,” Al said without looking at Diane. He felt so embarrassed to cry in front of her but doing so made it feel like a heavy burden was taken off of his shoulder. “You made me feel better. I feel like all the heavy feeling I had is gone,”

Diane smiled at Al, “It’s bad to keep everything to yourself so call me if you need anything, okay?” She said and Al nodded.

It was the next day and Al was allowed to see Zynrick. It’s been two years since he last saw Zynrick. He was feeling anxious because he doesn’t know how Zynrick would react. He hasn’t seen the progress in Zynrick’s condition so he didn’t know what would happen.

“Dr. Al, you’re allowed to enter,” The nurse said and Al thanked her before going inside.

He didn’t know what to expect when he entered the room but he was surprised by what he saw.

“What the f**k is this?!” He yelled while seething in anger.

Zynrick was covered in wounds. He was sitting in one corner. The room was dark and there was no light. He also looked thin and frail. Zynrick’s eyes opened and he covered it with his hands.

“I don’t want to eat,” He said. His voice was hoarse and Al didn’t know what to feel.

“Zynrick, it’s me, do you recognize me?” Al asked and took a step towards Zynrick.

Zynrick stared at him and tears started to fall from his eyes. Zynrick stood up and attempted to walk but he fell forward the moment he took a step.

“Zyn!” Al yelled and lifted Zynrick. His eyes went wide when he realized how light Zynrick was.

“You’re so light,” Al couldn’t help but whisper. He heard Zynrick chuckle so he looked at him with a confused expression. “Why are you so happy?”

“I’m glad I got to see you. I thought I was going to die without seeing you again,” Zynrick said which made Al feel sorry.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to see you sooner,” Al apologized and hugged Zynrick. He could feel Zynrick’s bone when he hugged him and it broke his heart even more.

“It’s okay, I’m glad you don’t hate me,” Zynrick whispered and sobbed. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I didn’t know what I was doing, I feel like I’m making excuses but I’m telling you the truth. I know this won’t bring them back but I just wanted to tell you. I’m sorry,” He said and repeatedly apologized.

I hugged him tighter and gulped. “I know, it’s not your fault. I’m not blaming you,” Al said.

“Al, times up,” He heard someone say outside. He turned around and saw the guard standing outside.

“I have full custody of Zynrick. You don’t have the right to tell me that time’s up,” He said and faced the guard.

“Dr. Alystair, you have the right to visit Zynrick but he’s still in the laboratory so there’s still a time limit.” The guard answered politely. Al balled his hands into fists and clenched his jaw.

“I’ll bring him home then,” He said through gritted teeth.

“You can’t do that doctor,” The nurse who allowed him to enter said, “He’s still unstable. No one knows what might happen if he’s set free,” She added.

“Why are you treating him like he’s some kind of animal?” Al asked furiously.

The nurse gulped and took a step back, “I’m sorry, doctor, but that’s what the other doctors and researchers order me. Please, don’t release your fury to us, we’re just workers who are following orders.” She said which made Al sigh.

“You’re right, I’m sorry,” He apologized and looked Zynrick.

“It’s fine, I’m fine with seeing my brother even if it’s just for a few minutes,” Zynrick said with a genuine smile on his face.

Al hated the fact that Zynrick was fine with the setup but he had no choice.

“I’ll come back tomorrow,” Al said and Zynrick nodded.

Al spent the night looking for documents regarding Zynrick. He was looking in the lab’s library but there was nothing that made him feel frustrated.

“What are you looking for a young man?” A researcher asked which made Al turn towards his side.

He saw a man who looked like he was in his thirties. He had strawberry blond hair and a gentle smile on his face.

“Stop looking at me, you’re making me feel uncomfortable,” He said which made Al look away.

“I’m doctor Francis, you are?” He asked and held out his hand.

“Doctor Alystair Flynn,” Al answered and took his hand.

Francis had an amused expression on his face when he heard Alystair’s answer.

“I guess being tied to this place runs in the family,” Francis said with a smile on his face.

Alystair furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, “Excuse me?” Al said which made Francis chuckle.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that I can’t help but notice that your whole family is linked to this laboratory. I mean, your parents led the research for creating a progenitor. You’re here as a doctor and your adoptive brother is here as well,” He explained and Al nodded. “Though, I am amazed that despite the tragedy that happened to your family, you’re still here,”

“I get that often if you don’t have anything else to say then I’ll take my leave,” Alystair said. He had it with the topic of Zynrick killing his parents. It’s as if his parent’s death was the only topic people can open when they’re talking to him.

“I’m sorry if that offended you but I believe that I have what you’re looking for,” Francis said. Alystair stopped for a second but then shook his head and walked away.

He didn’t want to believe Francis.

“You’re looking for the compiled researches regarding Zynrick, right?” Francis said which made Alystair stop. He turned around and saw that Francis was holding a familiar book.

He knew he’s seen it before, it was a book similar to what his parents would bring with them when they go to the lab.

“How did you know that I was looking for it?” Alystair asked. He was suspicious of Francis. No one has ever approached him nor has anyone shown interest in helping him.

“I heard you ask for it when you were talking to the librarian. Also, I figured that you’re looking for it because of your brother,” Francis said. Alystair stood in front of Francis without uttering a word so Francis waved the book in front of Alystair.

“Earth to Doctor Flynn,” Francis said. Alystair came to his senses and looked at Francis intently. He wanted Francis to know that he wasn’t in the mood to mess around.

“Why do you have that book? Also, give me a reason why I should trust you,” Alystair said. Francis sighed and looked around the area.

“I’m part of the research team your parents created,” He answered and smiled. He opened his mouth to say something when he saw someone pass by. He smiled and waved but it seems like it was just so wouldn’t look like a snob.

“I want to talk to you somewhere else, somewhere private if possible,” Francis said and Al nodded.

They went to the rooftop of the laboratory since it was the most private part of the lab.

“So, why are we here?” Alystair asked impatiently.

“I don’t want people to hear what we’re going to talk about,” Francis answered and looked at Alystair seriously.

“I already told you that I’m part of the research team your parents created, right?” Francis asked and Alystair answered with a nod, “Good,”

“The people you’re with aren’t the ones your parents picked to help them. It was your parents, Dr. Hernandez, Dr. Jacinto, Dr. Ramirez, Dr. Carter, and I.” He said but before he could continue, Alystair interrupted him.

“You were working with Dr. Carter?” Alystair asked and Francis nodded.

“Why?” Francis asked.

“Well, they’re my friend’s parents,” Alystair answered honestly.

Francis didn’t seem surprised, “That’s to be expected since your family and his are close,” He said.

“To answer your question, yes, I was working with Dr. Carter until he was killed during a field mission,” Francis said and Alystair nodded.

“By the way, why do we have to hide?” Alystair asked.

Francis smiled at him before sighing, “You know ignorance is bliss but it can also be a curse,” He said which made Al furrow his eyebrows.

“What’s your point?” Alystair asked with his eyebrow raised.

“After your parents died, the High Commission of Magic Regulation deemed us unworthy of handling the research,” Francis said.

Alystair could see how Francis was trembling. He looked at his hand and saw that he had it balled into fists.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what happened?” Alystair asked. He doesn’t know what happened in the laboratory nor had he any clue of what happened to Zynrick after his parents died.

“The researchers who took our place in continuing what your parents started were cocky motherfucking who don’t know what they’re doing. We’ve been researching how an artificial progenitor would be able to control its progenitor side. After a person is injected by a progenitor’s blood the person will start to lose control of its consciousness once it starts starving. That person will start by feeling sick. If he manages to get over the hunger even though he’s sick he’ll temporarily return to normal before he starts to fully lose control of his consciousness and kill.” Francis said.

Alystair gulped and he could feel beads of sweat falling from his forehead. “How can an artificial progenitor control its hunger?” He asked hoping this would help him.

“We still don’t know that but we’re currently looking for a woman named, Ellesmiere, she’s said to be the only person who’s knowledgeable of how to control a progenitor. It’s even said that she can tame one,” Francis said. Al lifted his head and Francis saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

“Where can I find her?” Al asked.

Francis smiled and ruffled his hair. “We’re still working on it so don’t tell anyone, okay?” He said and winked at Alystair.

“I won’t,” Alystair said. He knows better not to trust anyone but he was confident that he could tell Francis.

“For now, take care of Zynrick, the researchers handling him aren’t feeding him. They won’t give him human food nor will they give him animal blood for him to quench the thirst he has for human blood,” Francis said.

“I can give him animal blood?” Alystair asked and Francis nodded.

“Yeah, but that won’t always work, someday he’s going to need to drink someone’s blood,” Francis said.

Alystair wanted to ask more questions but they had to stop when they heard footsteps coming.

“I’m counting on you, Alystair,” Francis said and walked the opposite direction leaving him alone in the hallway.