Lyfers: Amnesia

Chapter 26 - Thnks fr th Mmrs

 – How can you be so sure this is her, Jaw?

– After all these years, her life flow still smell the same. It is different from before, but the scent remains identical. I promise you, Master, this is her.

The bulk, red-haired man stood in front of Atlas in a straight, military posture, arms crossed as he fixed his only eye onto him. His yellow gaze was fierce, and it amused his superior; him too hadn't changed, after all these years. Jaw was still the perfect soldier; more emotionless than Venom, more stable than Dusk, more silent than Phase, more violent than Blaze, more discreet than Ether. And no matter how he cherished Dusk as his right-hand man, Atlas still preferred Jaw when it came to matters like this one. He had weaknesses, of course, and his Lieutenants could overtake him easily, but he was a man of trust. The blue-haired one ultimately acquiesced, crossing his legs onto the black sofa.

– So she is not her reincarnation, after all...

He sighed at his own words, in a manner almost nostalgic, then locked his gaze back onto his man.

– I believe you, Jaw. But do not do anything to her, do you hear me?

– Yes, Master. What is your plan?

He shrugged, slightly raising his mask to get a sip from his red wine's glass, revealing in the process a mouth heavily scarified and partly burned. He lowered it as soon as he was done, putting his glass away.

– She has no memories from this time, only flashbacks and nightmares. As long as she does not remember, then there is no problem. Having such a high-rank pureblood with us will be way more of an advantage than a burden, and she seems promising. She'll bring a lot of money, too. When the other Lieutenants will have taken care of the Morphine problem, I want her to have a promotion. We can not risk losing such a powerful element; Amnesia will need her.

– Understood, Master. But... What will happen if she remembers?

A silence created, making the atmosphere around her suddenly heavy, until Atlas began to laugh wholeheartedly, even catching the redhead off-guard; his laugh was so sinister it almost sounded psychotic, and regardless all the respect he had for his leader, Jaw was still shocked by it everytime. A few moments elapsed until he finally calmed down, heavily breathing and passing a finger under his mask to wipe out amused tears.

– Oh, I haven't laughed like that since ages. Jaw, you silly one... We are not called Amnesia for no reason.

He lifted his mask again, this time to finish his entire glass in one go, then got on his feet. He threw the glass above his shoulder and descended the stairs to get closer to his man, who did not move by an inch; Atlas, although he was relatively thin, was way taller than him. He grinned under the covering, tilting his head to the side while staring at the redhead.

– If she remembers... Then we will make sure she forgets about it all, definitely.

__________

– Fuck, this psycho didn't go easy on you.

– I thought you hated that word.

– Only when it's used on me.

Venom finished to treat Dusk's wounds, rolling the used gauze and putting it away onto the coffee table in front of them. The blue-haired man had that look in his eyes his friend knew too well; that mix of sadness and helplessness, of a desire to fight back and to disappear, of fear and bravery. He was patting a large white rat's belly, focusing on it, mostly to look away from the blonde. He was well-aware of what happened nonetheless, and frowned.

– That bastard did it again, didn't he? He lowly growled.

– Did what? Hit me? Fuck off, you saw it, Ven.

– No. Mess cleaning.

These words were enough to make him flinch from the memories it brought, and he comforted himself by picking up the pet, hugging him close to him, eyes closed.

– Hat's one of the best rats ever, right? He softly said, desperately trying to change the subject.

– He can't continue to humiliate you like that, Dusk. He's going crazy.

– No, he's a good leader. Amnesia's one of the most important districts, money's flowing, work's easy, and we're respected.

– Not by him.

– He's not always like that, Ven.

Venom groaned, leaning back against the couch, frustrated; after all of this, Dusk was still defending Atlas. His loyalty was flawless, and although the blonde would usually admire him for that, he couldn't stand seeing his brother injured.

– Hey, started Dusk. Why didn't you warn me about Dove?

– Was it why Atlas beat you up?

– Answer me first.

He sighed, even more annoyed; if he was right, then it was his fault his friend got hit, and that mere idea put his nerves on the edge.

– I'm sorry, bro. I should've tell you, but...

– But?

– But I don't like to bring it all up.

They stayed quiet for a while, Venom now petting a smaller, immaculate rat since he went to nestle onto his lap, while Dusk was still caressing Hat. After watching for some seconds the phrase tattooed onto his left forearm, saying I never forgot, I never forgave, the blue-haired one was the first to talk again.

– I didn't say a thing back there, but... It's crazy. The resemblance is really crazy. I felt like... Like Dawn was there, right in front of me.

– Yeah. Same here. First time I've met her had been a shock.

– But that's not her... Dawn would've told Ether to fuck off with her trainee bullshit.

– True.

They chuckled, eased by the happy reminiscence that got into their minds at this thought.

– Dawn would have loved her, exhaled Venom. Dove's both strong and kind, just like Dawn.

– She'll make a good Lieutenant for you, then. Especially 'cause it's been months since your last one. Remember that poor boy, by the way?

– He was a wuss, honestly.

They shared another laugh, until Dusk's expression went back to a serious one, as he observed the blonde.

– Should we tell the entire story to Dove?