The After Kingdom: UnOrdinary (Arlo x John)

Chapter 40

There were various drugs injected on John's neck and arms. All of it made him dizzy, and he found that he had a device wrapped around his neck. He attempted to speak to check what it does, and the moment he spoke, the veins on his body felt like it might explode.

He was surrounded with white walls, with his legs chained preventing him to move. The chains doesn't seem to be normal, as he couldn't break through it. His abilities are back, but he couldn't break the chains even when he tried to attack.

John couldn't tell where exactly he was now, nor did he know what the authorities are planning for him.

But one thing's for sure, whatever it is they wanted him to do, he couldn't disobey. He had a device on his neck, he knew that it could also possibly kill him if he acts up, although perhaps it won't, considering that he is a useful tool for them.

So for now, John does what they told him to do. There were times when they made him copy a certain ability, but recently they started bringing him 'prisoners' for him to dispose.

John didn't want to do it. To kill someone... He just couldn't. He doesn't want to be a monster, and he wouldn't let his own demons win.

To their dismay, John endured every hit, or every attack that he got. He endured the sensation coming from the device on his neck, and the punishments that he received from the guards.

However, the hallucinations are getting worse, and John was trying to fight it. He started hearing words, and everything was driving him more and more insane as each day goes by.

He was made aware that it was the side effect of the drugs, and that they also have the drug to counter those side effects, but they wouldn't give it to John unless he do what he was told to do.

At the start, he was fed thrice a day, then it became twice, until it came to the point where they feed him once every two days, giving him water only once every day.

The combination of his dizziness, hunger and hallucinations made him want to explode. He tried sleeping them away, but he struggled getting proper sleep just like before. He doesn't know if it was the side effects of the drugs too, or if it was because of his own self, but sleeping have become so difficult.

And when he does fall asleep, he had nightmares about Arlo leaving him, about his father, Seraphina, and Claire... He had nightmares about him being killed, or him killing those around him, eating their flesh.

He was seeing things when he woke up, and sometimes, he imagines being there, and it was so real, too real that he would have believed it if only he doesn't know how secured the place was.

"John..." Arlo's voice whispered, his arms wrapping around John's body, "I'll get you out of here."

John knew that it was fake, but maybe, he could hold on and hope.

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It had been more than two week, and Arlo didn't know where to find John. Everyday, he did his job diligently, and when there were orders from the authorities, he tries to comply.

He found himself involved with bigger stuff than he've dealt with before, and he saw more of the dirt of the authorities had been hiding just to remain at the top.

It made Arlo so foolish, and at the same time, desperate to see John again and to take him away from wherever he was.

They want John to kill to execute every single threat there is to prevent them taking over control, and for the current authorities to keep their throne as long as they can.

Perhaps, they want to take over the world, to be the most powerful above all.

Unfortunately for them, even with drugs, their strength and potential has it's limitations.

Maybe, this is why they took interest with John. He was already strong, almost a monster, and with the nature of his ability combined with drugs, he could be invincible. Arlo doesn't know if they want him to rule, or if they just want him to eliminate the threats, but whatever they were planning to do, Arlo was sure of one thing; they would be using John to commit crimes and they would keep breaking him until he obeys them like an obedient dog.

The thought scares the blond, but he had to be wise.

He've thrown away his pride, almost begging just to see John even if it's just for a second, but they won't allow him until John became perfect.

They know that they were lovers, and Arlo used it as his main point for wanting to see him, without having any other intentions at all. He does his best to convince them, and he made sure that he was trustworthy enough by agreeing with their views.

He was informed that John was misbehaving, and Arlo got an idea.

"If you'll let me see John, I'll make him do whatever it is you want." Arlo proposed, "Even if meant breaking him myself... I'll do it, I just wanted to see him again, even if it'll be the last time."

Although hesitant, they finally allowed the blond to see his lover. Arlo's eyes was covered by the whole trip to ensure that he doesn't know where the location was, but Arlo didn't mind.

Once they were there, his blind fold was removed, and he was pushed inside the room, locked for some 'privacy', although there were cameras inside.

He was given thirty minutes to convince or to do whatever he wants with John, and if he fails to make him obedient, his life would be on line.

The first thing Arlo does upon seeing John was throwing his arms at him, hugging him tight.

"John..." he whispered, "I'll get you of here."

"But not now."

The dark haired man was spacing-out the whole time, seemingly lost. He doesn't appear to believe that Arlo was there, and so, he grabbed him on his waist, kissing him gently.

John kisses him back, and soon, Arlo inserted his tongue, deepening the kiss between them.

They kissed as long as they could, until one of them almost couldn't breathe, and when Arlo pulled away, John still appears to be in disbelief, but he was just staring at the blond.

Arlo leans in again, this time, his lips moving near John's ears, "Don't believe anything that I'll say after this. Try to act hurt, and... Do whatever they want, please... John."

After that, he shoves John hard on the floor, surprising the dark haired man.

"Arlo..." his voice was weak, and he still appeared to be hesitant whether it was real or not.

"I didn't came here to save you, John."

"I wanted to confirm what my feeling for you really are and, maybe I was wrong." he said, "I've never been more at peace ever since you were gone and, I realized, that maybe... I don't actually love you like I thought I did."

John looked hurt over that, and it was the good sign for the blond. The dark haired man was following his lead.

"Were you disgusted by me after all? That kiss just now... What did it even meant?"

The blond didn't spoke, but instead, he walked towards the door, leaving John there.

The dark haired man stood up, attempting to chase after him, but he was restricted by the chains on his legs.

"Arlo--!"

"John, enough." the blond glanced at him, "Maybe, I just can't love a monster after all."

With that, Arlo left, not using his remaining time to talk more with the dark haired man.

It surprised them since the blond acted so eager to see John, but the agonizing scream that fell on the dark haired man's lips convinced them that Arlo did something.

He was blind folded again, and he tried his best to looked hurt once it was removed, and by the time he was completely out of their sight, he called Isen.

"I already inserted John the chip."

Even if they try to inspect John's clothes, they wouldn't see it. It was inside him, placed by the blond during their kiss.