LOST

Chapter 14

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Violence/mention of kidnapping/foul language

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sitting on the steps of an old decrepit home polishing one of his knives, Alex lets out a soft breath. He had been sitting there for hours polishing each one of his weapons. He always took his time with them, making sure each piece came out shiny and new. With the quietness of the area around him, he found it the perfect time to be alone with his thoughts. As he worked away, a warm breeze blew past bringing with it the familiar scents of vanilla, juniper berries, and apples. Which could only mean one of two things? One, He had only imagined it as he was starting to grow hungry. Two, Vincent could be standing there waiting for him to take notice of his presence – as this fragrance was one of Vincent's signature scents. As Alex slowly lifted his gaze, he prayed that it was the first option. Unfortunately for him, it wasn't.

Standing before him was Vincent with a devilish grin plastered on his face. Whenever Vincent grinned like that, it always sent shivers down Alex's spine. This time was no exception. The tingling sensation started from his neck and crept slowly down his spine and down to his feet. Alex feared what his commanding officer would say, as nothing ever good came to him when Vincent smiled like that.

"Alex," Vincent said sternly.

"Vincent," Alex replied calmly, "What's got you in such a good mood?"

"Lady Ahri has given us a task to complete," Vincent said.

"Us? I'm assuming she just assigned you the task and you want my help?" Alex sighed.

It was always like this. Whenever Vincent was given an assignment from Lady Ahri, Alex was always the first to know. It was like that the night they kidnapped Ji-Yeon. And even before that. Maybe it was because Alex was only a few months younger than Vincent. Or maybe it was just Alex always followed his orders faithfully. There were times when Vincent wouldn't give out the full details, and Alex would follow blindly behind him.

Alex believed in Vincent and in Lady Ahri. He had sworn his loyalty to them the day they formed their team. With the exception of having his little sister join. He had argued with, not only her but with Vincent. After accepting the fact that she was going to be joining them, Alex vowed to protect her, as any older brother would.

Alex let out a quiet sigh and studied his commander. Vincent's eyes were glossy and bright, his grin stretched from ear to ear and his posture was somewhat relaxed. Alex could only come to one conclusion. This assignment had something to do with Ji-Yeon.

Alex couldn't figure out why Vincent was so attached to that girl. He had to admit though, Ji-Yeon was pretty. Her hazel eyes had caught his attention the night he saw her. But the terrified look in them screamed at him that they were doing something wrong. Alex shook his head. To make matters worse, Alex remembered the night Vincent had come back covered in cuts, blood, and dirt. That girl was in trouble.

"You're going to help me," Vincent commanded.

"This has something to do with that girl. Doesn't it?" Alex asked.

"Ahri is moving her plan into action," Vincent started, "For that to happen, we need that girl."

Alex could hear the irritation in his commander's words. Alex knew that wherever she was, Wonho was sure to be behind her. But the one question on his mind was, how would they get the two alone? For this Alex figured Vincent would have a plan.

"Luna and Yuki return today," Vincent said.

Alex rolled his eyes. No doubt she'd want to go see Wonho first, rather than see her older brother. Not that he had been worried about her these past few days. As Alex thought further on the fact Luna would see Wonho first, his eyes widened.