He's right there ~ qsmp

8

"You've lost your friends now too."

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    I froze in my tracks as I heard the voice speak.  I turned to see Cucurucho leaning against a tree a few feet away from me.  He had a dull expression on his face as he stared at me.

    "What do you want?" I questioned.

    "I want you to come back to the Federation," Cucurucho stated. "Before you say anything, I want to help you in return.  I'll help you figure out how to get your invisible buddy back."

    "Like hell I'd believe you," I spat.

    "It's not like anyone else is going to help you," he stated. "Let alone believe you."

    "You have tried to kill me multiple times!" I yelled.

    "I know!" my brother yelled back. "I'm trying to make it up to you because believe it or not I care about you!"

    "Bullshit!" I spat.

    "My experiment," my brother said. He never talked about the experiment that changed his literal being. "I accidentally mixed something into it.  It creates this thirst for violence.  It's main target was you.  Probably because your my brother.  However, I have finally found a way to ease that thirst so I won't go after you anymore."

    "How do I know you're not lying?" I asked.

    "You don't," Cucurucho said while shrugging. "Rejoin the Federation and find out I guess."

    "Can I have the day to think about it?" I asked after a moment. Am I seriously considering working with the person that tried to kill me multiple time?

    "Yeah," he said with a nod. "I'll meet you here same time tomorrow."

    With that Cucurucho left and I continued walking home.  I got home and immediately went to my room without saying a word to my dads.  I thought about what Cucurucho said.  From his failed experiment to the solution to his deal.  On one hand, he tried to kill me multiple times.  On the other hand, no one else believed me anymore except him.   I put my thoughts on hold as I heard knocking on my door. 

    "Mind if I come in?" Papa asked as he opened the door slightly.

    "Not at all," I said as I sat up.

    "How are you feeling?" Papa asked as he sat next to me.

    "Honestly, I don't know," I said, looking at the ground.  "My body feels fine now that's it's healed.  My mind, on the other hand, is scrambled."

    "Scrambled as in Cucurucho still has control?" Papa asked carefully.

    "Uh? No no," I clarified.  "I've just got a lot on my mind."

    "What are you thinking about?" He asked.  "Maybe I could help you figure it out."

    "It's nothing really," I said.  "Just thinking about Techno."

    "Chayanne," Papa sighed, "what you did was really cool.  I mean it's not every day you get to see an illusion like that.  But I think it's time you drop it.  Techno, the Techno I know, is gone.  It's time you stop playing with an imaginary friend."

    "Seriously?" I scoffed.  "You saw him!  Everyone saw him!  It wasn't an illusion!"

    "Okay," Papa said.  "If you can really see him then where is he right now?"

    I looked around hoping I would be able to see Techno again.  Unfortunately for me, I couldn't find him anywhere.  I hung my head in defeat and heard Papa sigh beside me.

    "You see what I mean Chayanne," Papa said. "This isn't healthy for you. You need to stop."

    "You know what else isn't healthy for me?" I spoke quietly. "Getting kidnapped by my brother and not being rescued for a month."

    "We told you already that we were doing everything we could to get to you," Papa said as he placed a hand on my shoulder.

    "I know but that doesn't disregard the fact that I got hurt," I said as tears formed in my eyes. "You and Pa swore to protect me no matter what. But you weren't there and I got hurt."

    "Chayanne," Papa spoke softly, "I'm sorry we weren't there.  I promise I'll always be there from now on." I didn't truly believe him but it's whatever. "Wait did you say Cucurucho is brother?" I looked at Papa with slight confusion.

    "Yeah," I said slowly. "What about it?"

    "First of all," Papa said, "you two look nothing alike.  Second of all, your brother operates the Federation. The place that runs this entire island."

    "First, he didn't always look like what he looks like now," I stated. "Second, I know that."

    "Wait so your brother tried to kill you?!" Papa said.

    "Yep," I said. "Ever since it went wrong he's tried to kill me."

    "It?" Papa asked.

    "His experiment," I said.  "He never told me much about it.  All I know is that his appearance changed and it altered his behavior."

    "Okay," Papa said quietly.  "Well it's getting late and you should get some sleep."

    I nodded and Papa left my room.  I laid down and stared at the ceiling for a while.  I couldn't stop thinking about Cucurucho's offer.  Should I take the offer and get the help with finding Techno?  Or should I just try it on my own?  I fell asleep with an ongoing debate in my mind.

867 words
:)  Love y'all <3