Ashes

Chapter 7: Mind Games

Phuwin was led deeper into Pond's sprawling compound, an architectural marvel that loomed over Bangkok like a fortress of power. The sleek, modern design of the building was a stark contrast to the traditional Thai architecture that surrounded it, a testament to Pond's dominance and influence. Inside, the compound was just as imposing, with long corridors lined with expensive art and high-tech security systems that monitored every inch of the facility.

Phuwin was taken to a luxurious chamber at the top of the compound—a room that could easily be mistaken for a penthouse suite. The walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city below, but Phuwin knew that this view was just another form of control, a reminder of the world that Pond ruled.

The room was furnished with the finest materials—silk sheets, plush carpets, and elegant furniture—but it felt cold and sterile, devoid of any warmth or comfort. Phuwin was alone, with nothing but his thoughts and the oppressive silence that filled the space.

The heavy restraints that had suppressed his powers were finally removed, but even with his abilities restored, Phuwin felt powerless. He was trapped in a gilded cage, far from his mother and at the mercy of Pond, who had been watching him from the shadows for far too long.

It wasn't long before Pond made his appearance. The door to Phuwin's chamber slid open with a soft hiss, and Pond entered the room, flanked by two of his guards. He was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his every movement exuding confidence and control. His eyes, however, were what drew Phuwin's attention—the cold, calculating gaze of a man who saw everyone around him as pawns to be manipulated.

"Phuwin," Pond said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Welcome to your new home."

Phuwin remained silent, his jaw clenched in anger and defiance. He had been expecting this moment for a long time, but that didn't make it any easier to endure.

Pond walked around the room, his eyes never leaving Phuwin. "I've been looking forward to this. You've been quite the elusive target, haven't you? But now that you're here, we can finally have that conversation I've been waiting for."

"What do you want from me?" Phuwin asked, his voice laced with disdain.

Pond's smile widened, but there was a predatory edge to it. "I think you know the answer to that. Your powers... they fascinate me. You're the only one I've encountered who's immune to my control. That makes you... unique. And I'm very interested in understanding why."

Phuwin glared at him. "You think you can break me? You think you can turn me into one of your puppets?"

Pond chuckled softly. "Break you? No, Phuwin. I don't need to break you. I just need to... guide you. You see, you and I are not so different. We both have power, and we both want to shape the world in our own way. The only difference is that I've embraced my power, while you're still fighting yours."

Phuwin's fists clenched, but he forced himself to stay calm. He knew that Pond was trying to get inside his head, to plant seeds of doubt and manipulate his emotions. But he couldn't let that happen. He had to stay strong, for his mother's sake and for his own.

Pond continued, his tone smooth and persuasive. "Think about it, Phuwin. Together, we could do great things. We could reshape the world in our image, eliminate the weak and corrupt, and build something new—something better. All you have to do is stop fighting me and embrace what you are."

Phuwin met Pond's gaze, his eyes filled with defiance. "I'll never be like you."

Pond's smile faded, replaced by a look of cold determination. "We'll see about that."

After their initial encounter, Pond left Phuwin alone in the chamber, but the psychological warfare had only just begun. Days passed, and Phuwin was kept in isolation, with no contact from the outside world and no sign of his mother. The luxurious surroundings began to feel like a prison, each piece of elegant furniture and each beautiful view from the windows serving as a reminder of his captivity.

Meals were delivered by silent servants who avoided eye contact, and the only other human presence was the ever-watchful security cameras that monitored his every move. Phuwin's only company was his thoughts, and that was exactly what Pond intended.

Pond would visit periodically, each time trying a different tactic to break down Phuwin's defenses. Sometimes he would be friendly and coaxing, offering comfort and promises of a better life if Phuwin would only join him. Other times, he would be harsh and threatening, reminding Phuwin of the consequences of defiance.

Pond played on Phuwin's fears, especially his fear of losing control of his powers. He would subtly suggest that Phuwin's abilities were a curse, that they would only bring harm to those he loved. He planted doubts in Phuwin's mind, making him question whether he was strong enough to resist the pull of his powers.

As the days turned into weeks, Phuwin found himself struggling to maintain his sense of self. The isolation, combined with Pond's relentless psychological attacks, began to wear him down. He started to doubt his own resolve, wondering if Pond was right—if he was destined to lose control of his powers and become a monster.

Phuwin's powers, once a source of strength, now felt like a burden. He feared using them, afraid of what might happen if he lost control. The flames that once danced at his fingertips now seemed dangerous, threatening to consume everything around him.

But even in his darkest moments, Phuwin held on to the thought of his mother. He knew that she was somewhere in the compound, and he couldn't let her down. He had to stay strong for her, even if it meant enduring Pond's mind games.

One evening, after yet another exhausting encounter with Pond, Phuwin sat alone in his chamber, staring out at the city lights below. He was tired—tired of fighting, tired of resisting. But as he sat there, lost in thought, something clicked in his mind.

Pond's power came from control—from manipulating others and bending them to his will. But Phuwin's power was different. His strength didn't come from controlling others—it came from within. His powers were tied to his emotions, yes, but that didn't make them a curse. It made them a reflection of who he was, of his heart and soul.

Phuwin realized that the key to resisting Pond wasn't just about controlling his powers—it was about embracing them on his own terms. He didn't have to fear his abilities; he had to own them. They were a part of him, but they didn't define him. He could choose how to use them, just as he could choose to resist Pond's influence.

With this newfound clarity, Phuwin felt a surge of strength. He wasn't broken. He wasn't defeated. And he wouldn't let Pond win.

The next time Pond visited, Phuwin was ready. He faced Pond with renewed confidence, his mind clear and his resolve stronger than ever.

Pond, sensing the change in Phuwin, narrowed his eyes. "You seem different today."

Phuwin met his gaze without flinching. "You'll never control me, Pond. I'm not like you."

Pond studied him for a moment, then smiled—a cold, calculating smile. "We'll see."

But deep down, Pond knew that Phuwin was stronger than he had anticipated. The mind games hadn't broken him—in fact, they had only made him stronger. And that made Phuwin even more dangerous.

As Pond left the chamber, Phuwin knew that the battle wasn't over. Pond would continue to try to manipulate him, to break him down. But now, Phuwin had a new weapon—his own inner strength. And with that, he knew he could resist whatever Pond threw at him.

The war for his mind had begun, but Phuwin was ready to fight.