Chapter 3- Conforming to the Circus Comradery
A/N: Hey guys, I'm still progressing this plot of Bryn Wesley Harkin. Hope it makes sense... This will be a songfic.
These four lonely walls have changed the way I feel
The way I feel
I'm standing still
And nothing else matters now, you're not here
So where are you?
I've been callin' you
I'm missin' you
Where else can I go? Where else can I go?
Chasin' you, chasin' you
Memories turn to dust
Please don't bury us, I got you
I got you
Runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'
Runnin', runnin', runnin'
Ain't runnin' from myself no more
Together we'll win it all
I ain't runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'
Runnin', runnin', runnin'
Ain't runnin' from myself no more
I'm ready to face it all
If I lose myself, I lose it all
I've outrun the fears that chased
They're standin' still
I'm runnin' still
I'm runnin' still
And every voice that cried inside my head, forever drives
Forever drives
I've killed the lights, oh
Where else can I go?
And where else can I go?
Chasing you, chasing you oh
Runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'
Runnin', runnin', runnin'
Ain't runnin' from myself no more
Together we'll win it all
I ain't runnin', runnin', runnin', runnin'
Runnin', runnin', runnin'
Ain't runnin' from myself no more
I'm ready to face it all
If I lose myself, I lose it all
If I lose myself, I lose it all
If I lose myself, I lose it all
If I lose myself, I lose it all
Runnin' (Lose It All)
Naughty Boy
Bryn and Marik were still waiting for the others but Casper was waiting longer than they expected. "Would you like to come in, sir?" Bryn was to break the long silence. Marik was holding the goldenrod that was glowing.
Marik looked tired but forced a smirk. "I thought you'd never ask…I'm going to stay here tonight actually. I've told Odion to cancel our hotel booking. I believe your parents are always abroad."
"Yes Master Marik, y-you're w-welcome to stay." Bryn stuttered and clumsily retrieve his keys from his pocket and drops the bundle. Marik rolled his eyes and picked it up to march straight to the door.
"Little Bryn, you must take a moment to breathe. For you to stutter and your pathetic attempt to retrieve an item will cost you many missions." Marik knew which key belongs to the front door while holding his folder and box of desserts. He continued to glare at the young child. Once he unlocked the door, he entered and waited for Bryn to come in after him. Bryn really couldn't believe what was happening, he's letting the leader of the Rare Hunters enter his home.
Marik looked around to find a very well kept home. Even for two siblings without their parents, they're interdependence made this house livable, tidy and clean. The vanilla aroma encapsulated the large space.
"I'm s-sorry Master, it's not as grand as the h-hotel." The Irish Nepalese boy bit his lower lip.
"It will do. Make me a cup of long black espresso." Marik spotted the information he left about Rare Hunters. Then he heard a dog whining. "Yes, sir."
"Hey Casper, I'll feed you," Bryn said cheerfully as he opened the fridge.
"Starve the dog tonight," Marik said nonchalantly. He had said enough to shock Bryn by challenging his morals.
"B-but I-I can't!" Bryn shouted.
"That is an order, Bryn! I am your Master and you are my servant." Marik glared at the young lad. He walked over to Bryn who was retrieving Casper's food. He slammed the fridge in front of Bryn and stared down at the child. Marik wrapped his hands around Bryn's tiny wrist tightly as the boy winced. "I do not tolerate foolish disobedience!" Marik roared.
"Y-yes M-master M-Marik." Bryn was about to cry, the teenage blonde is a hard case to crack. He wonders why he can't feed his dog.
"My orders will challenge your morals and ethics, little Bryn. I assure you that we will have prisoners, hostages and enemies living amongst us. I will not have you act with compassion for them for it is not your role to accommodate them without my approval." Marik released his wrist. Bryn understood straight away however he looked at Casper with great sympathy. Bryn is being taught the ways of a Rare Hunter by the boss himself. "Now, my espresso if would take the time to prioritise me over your useless mutt."
Bryn frowned, as he prepared the espresso machine and ingredients. Casper was scratching at the door whining and even pleading and started howling. Marik chuckled as the poor dog was forcibly ignored.
Bryn knew not to anger Marik so after he made the espresso, he opened the fridge for a chocolate bar and he sliced some watermelon. His new Master fits the description of someone who wants a way to be absolute, as his monk teacher had once mentioned.
"Master Marik, how did you find out my location after leaving Nepal?" Bryn had to know.
"Your monk teacher found us as we were travelling. That is all you need to know. He was a Rare Hunter if you were wondering what that vision was from the other night. He is also part of another weak criminal group and we happen to know them as Kenosha. The Kenosha are compassionate people unlike us and they take money from the Temple you were in." Marik leaned forward. "They fear us, you see." Smirking as he relayed the truth to Bryn. Marik continued drinking his espresso and then just noticed the extra food and made him grin.
"Oh… why didn't you punished him for switching over? If he was a Rare Hunter that is." Bryn was wondering what was Marik's relationship with Phi Long.
"It is no concern of yours… and the answer is very obvious too." Marik furrowed his eyes.
"You paid him to become a Kenosha to take care of me until you meet me personally?" Bryn's jaw dropped.
"Well he wanted a high paying position as a retiree as well and Nepal happened to be in our connection, so yes I did pay a former Rare Hunter to look after you but he is also a genuine monk from Tibet. What he taught you to control anxiety is helpful is it not?" Marik knew about Bryn's old anxiety problems on the contrary to Bryn initially believed to be a secret.
"Wait, how did you know I had anxiety?" Bryn asked.
"He reports to me, you fool!" Marik rolled his eyes just as he had finished his watermelon.
"Wow, that makes him a greedy monk!" Bryn pouted at the thought of him being a commissioning project.
"Greed is freedom, freedom is not always used by greed as it isn't true freedom at times. It's just easier to obtain with greed. Hypothetically speaking." He placed the paper to Bryn with the Rare Hunter Information. "To understand this organisation, you have to complete all my tasks I will be assigning you."
"What happens if one fails?" Bryn asked nervously. Marik death glared at Bryn.
"Just don't fail me!" Marik hissed. "If you want to know what happens when incompetency comes to past, you will observe that in my ranks enough to stay clear of that notion. Failure happens when lazy buffoons neglect their duties with simple idiocy. I believe a group have already failed me today and you will observe the consequence, first thing tomorrow morning as a perfect example." Marik gritted his teeth and growled. He then smirked sadistically as he mentioned punishment.
Marik continued consuming his food and espresso as Bryn read the information thoroughly mainly because Marik was just in front of him. Bryn got frightened again by the teenage Egyptian and quickly changed the subject. "Wow, they are taking a long time…" Bryn placed his chin on the palm of his hands as he leaned forward.
Marik chuckled; he placed his hand on Bryn's shoulder and grinned, "Bryn, you may go upstairs to rest. I know which room you intend for me to stay and I will clean up after my mess as well." Marik used his golden staff again. One thing Bryn doesn't understand yet. He used it to revive him from his coma two years ago, talked about sending one to a realm and communicating to Odion without a phone. Are they connected somehow?
"Okay, goodnight then." Bryn just naturally bowed.
"Night…" Marik nonchalantly replied as he glanced back at their contract.
Bryn climbed up the stairs and unbeknownst to Bryn, Casper was still whining and howling at the new blond human youth. Marik was attempting to ignore the dog as he was reading Bryn and Abbey's files. Abbey was an Animal Activist until recently. This was too much for Marik.
"You insufferable runt… this is for you before the children blame me for animal cruelty." Marik hissed as he placed the chilled minced chicken, which Bryn was intending to feed him. Casper wagged his tail and intended to lick the teenage blonde but he ran in and closed the door with a slam of the door.
The next morning, Bryn saw Abbey pack downstairs. Odion was helping her with the two boys. Jun Yoon and Bailey also stopped by as they have packed. It leaves Bryn unpacked.
"I doubt anyone is going to help pack for you…" Marik says from behind, he smirked eying down the boy in pyjamas.
"I didn't realise it's going to be this soon, sorry…" It is only half past six as he reads from the clock.
"Yes, I have a preference for early starts even if I am not a morning person." Marik evidently also just woke up but not as obvious as Bryn as he was already dressed.
Bryn giggled and went back to his room. He carried his guitar first and placed it on the bed from the wardrobe and tossed his luggage and stuffed the essential toiletries and clothes with a laptop. This made a simple two-bag, his guitar and clothes. Marik furrowed his brow as Bryn carried only bags.
"Is that all you're bringing with you?" Marik leaned on the door-frame.
"Ay! Simple and quick." Bryn showed his nervous grinned.
"Ay? You mean you would reply 'yes, Master Marik'. The way you address me is horrendous. You must be Irish, it is an elegant accent when you are nervous, little Bryn."
"No. You do realise you are not coming back here for a very long time and I'm not going to go shopping with you to purchase things that you deliberately leave out." Marik said pointedly to Bryn's deck, pillows, shoes, blanket, his books and all the other clothes that remain in his wardrobe including his casual accessories.
"Do I have to bring them?" Bryn gawked at the idea of bringing so many things to a foreign place." Bryn pouted as Odion came in. Marik allowed his servant to assist.
"Odion will assist you with another luggage. Packing lightly is foolish, boy." Marik said nonchalantly.
"In that case, could I bring my comic books, my movie collections, my music collection, bicycle and Casper too?" Bryn asked nervously. Marik glared at Bryn and this time his starring down and his approach towards to boy step back.
"So you think this is a joke, boy?" Marik pushed Bryn. "Do you think bringing those will make you a reliable Rare Hunter? Bryn fell on his bottom.
"Master Marik, the bicycles are already deported to the ship. The other children insisted it was the only way to get them accomplish errands." Odion placed quilt into the extra luggage.
"That was not part of the plan, Odion. We help them pack essentials and then we leave. Now little Bryn, will you stand up and get your belongings before I make you ride your bicycle as a circus performer with all your entertainment!" The Egyptian teenage almost yelled and Bryn jumped up figuring that Marik is forbidding him to bring any form of entertainment. However, Odion winked at Bryn and went ahead to pack those.
"Is that how it's going to be… fine! Hurry up and make breakfast Odion!" Marik demanded his brother to be faster. He helped Bryn up as he said earlier; he was definitely not a morning person.
"Master Marik, I could help with breakfast…" Bryn offered.
"No, you will not. Your pathetic dog will be taken care by your neighbour as I have sent a note last night. He is not my concern." Marik saw Bryn struggle with the total of four bags. He made Bryn bring more items because that's he would do. Bryn kept placing a bag down and carries it to balance until the poor boy gave up.
"Sorry Odion could you help me bring some bags down?" Bryn asked politely.
"Yes-" Odion was yet to make breakfast. Marik placed a finger out in front of Odion to continue his task.
"Come on Bryn, how hard could this task be…" Marik carried two bags and walked in front of the boy. It was easy for him as the bigger teen just wanted to go as soon as possible.
They went downstairs as Abbey, Bailey and Jun Yoon greeted Marik with a bow. Although he had never spoken to them personally, Bryn was more or less enough to acquaint. He didn't want to be approached too carelessly.
Breakfast was waffles with chocolate syrup. Bryn was starting to learn a few traits of Marik are similar to his when it comes to food.
"You three will be going with my other Rare Hunters. I will be taking Odion and Bryn with me to the ship." Marik said as they were sitting together for the first time with Rare Hunters. Bryn wanted to say something to Bailey.
"Hey, did you take your bass?" He whispered.
"Yeah, dude-" Bailey stopped mid-sentence as Marik stared at them as he poured more chocolate syrup.
"Jay, did you bring your keyboard too?" Bryn asked Jun Yoon and he nodded, as he was also afraid of their new Master. Marik didn't like sitting with them, so he took his food to the living room.
"Bryn, join me…" Marik invited Bryn to be in his company. They all looked at each other.
"You are to help me search for the new technology for Industrial Illusions. Your family are involved are they not?" Marik asked as he cuts his waffle on the sofa.
"I know what they are, sir and their next exhibition are in Belfast joining with the most advanced IT technicians and my father wanted me to be part of because it was a prospective opportunity." Bryn knew this because of his father's previous proposal.
"And what of this event? Why didn't you join your parents to be one of those technicians?" Marik glanced at Bryn mistrustfully.
"It's well a bit too challenging for me." Bryn looked sad. The boy was thinking about his last conversation with his father.
"What is it? What makes the task is too challenging?"
"No, I just wanted to be in a place with little tension…" Bryn shook his head and noticed a glow behind Marik again from his back. The golden stick was glowing.
"Paternal pressures are what you have been going through. Despite your mother being supportive to be pressure free, your father's expectations never falter. You avoid following your father's because you do not want to suffer anxiety without your friends, am I right?" Marik smirked.
"Are you some kind of psychic?" Bryn as his shocked turned into indignation. Marik simpered as he watched his new lackey's confusion.
"Answer me first, little Bryn then I might answer yours in return," Marik said advisedly.
"Yes, you are right and stop invading my privacy!" Bryn felt antagonised.
"Why I'm your boss now, my dear child, it is my right to know." Marik sneered as he said it sarcastically.
"No, you don't! You have no right to know anything about my family's business!" Bryn was feeling invaded. He whimpered. The poor boy slammed his fork down and tears were shedding.
"Just as I thought… my Millennium Rod never fails me-" Marik said simply. He patted Bryn's back. Bryn shrugged him off and walked away with his plate. Marik felt rueful for the boy. He used the Millennium Rod at a wrong time, he sighed as decidedly will not toy with Bryn that way.
He heard the other children asking Bryn whether he was okay. "I'm fine guys, we should head to work soon guys," Bryn said bitterly.
Bryn looked at his house from the outside and realised this is beginning a new journey. "You can't stay mad at your boss now, little Bryn. Let me know the information about Belfast and I won't ask of your personal relations with your father unless you come to me you come to me willfully." Marik whispered to Bryn glared at him but Marik found the boy too cute he squeezed his face and yet gave him a stern look.
" Yush Musto Murik…" Bryn replied and watched as the teenage Egyptian smiled. Marik placed two hands on the boy's shoulders and look at him straight in the eyes.
"If something upsets you, my dear little Rare Hunter, use your words and fight your fears. I will not allow the display of weak emotions in my presence. Anger is an evidence of one's failures and defeat." Marik said as the rest of the children went into the second car.
As they set off, Bryn decidedly sat in front. Marik was mainly having a conversation with Odion. He found it uncomfortable with Marik. He wanted to be with his sister and his friends in the other car.
Bryn walked behind both Odion and Marik as they ascend to their ship. He quickly joined the rest of his friends and sister at the dock. They were fearful of the large ship filled with robed figures. They have made it to the place of crime.
"So many men in this organisation." Abbey latched her arm to Jun Yoon. She was clearly afraid of them. The Rare Hunters stared at all four held their trolley of bags. As they were about to go up, a Rare Hunter sneered at them.
"What do we have here? Kiddies coming for trouble?" A bearded sinister Rare Hunter approached the children with a dagger. All four backed away. As Bryn looked up, Marik wasn't around the ship.
"We're one of you guys now," Bryn said cheerfully. The group of Rare Hunters cackled.
Marik glanced behind to see whether Bryn was following him. To his surprise, he wasn't around. He sighed, "Odion, I will make Kenosha pay if I had to, they are still much more capable than us. Where are my little Rare Hunters?" Marik heard a scream from Abbey.
He looked down as Bryn and his very own crew trapped his very own new recruits. " Look we don't want any trouble, sir… we're really Rare Hunters." Bryn said. Marik heard the other Rare Hunters laughed again smirking and taunting them. One decidedly pushed their bags over.
"You don't belong here little twerp, our master wouldn't recruit little peeps like you." Another Rare Hunter uttered. Before they were able to lunge at the children, Marik held his Millennium Rod. While alighting the ship the Rare Hunters that were about to attack the children were stilled like a mannequin challenge scene, laced with a golden aura. Marik glared at his fearful Rare Hunters who were about to deliver their assailant to his younger ones and smirked. With false sympathy her smirked and chuckled at the older man.
"To answer those pathetic question, Randall… I have recruited them to replace fools like you. Why, are you implying that they are incapable of my tasks?" Marik pointed once more to the man and he flew across the ground, landing on the other Rare Hunters. Not long Marik banished his soul to somewhere of eternal darkness
Bryn covered his eyes and so did the other children. They were scared of Marik's assault on his own Rare Hunter. Marik swerved towards them and glared directly at Bryn and his expression softened. "Quite amusing isn't it? You two, take those bags to the ship." He instructed the two Rare Hunters as onlookers to help bring those items.
"Now children stay close to me, we wouldn't want people to think we have underage captives here now, would we?" Marik uncovered Bryn's eyes.
"Is it over?" Bryn timidly asked.
"The assault from your colleague was about to inflict on you or my rescue in a nick of time? I banished his soul to a nether realm. He's now in the Shadow Realm." The children stared at each other as Marik said it so nonchalantly with his trademark smirk.
"You mean… you can sentence us to death with that golden thing?" Abbey asked.
"Well, he just killed that guy!" Bailey yelled.
"And we're next! Shit!" Jun Yoon shouted.
"He's really dead? Should I perform CPR Master Marik because he's not breathing?" Bryn panicked and placed checked his breathing; he walked away from the body to Marik again. Marik just rolled his eyes, waiting for his young employees to figure out.
"CPR or any medical attention won't bring him back and it will be an undoing even if it is possible. He deserves to stay in the Shadow Realm to learn his place." Marik indignantly dusted off some dust from his baby blue tank top.
"What's the Shadow Realm? Is it purgatory?" Bryn curiously and yet nervously asked. Marik ignored the boy's question.
"Enough! Just take heed, not to cross me." His glare was enough to turn one into stone as he spoke tenaciously to the four. "As for you four, we will have a fitting of your new…robes." Marik snickered as he was dusting his own as he was clutching it around his arm all the while.
Bryn saw his robe was elongated and dragging the hems like a mop. The hood was draped over his head and he can barely see what was in front of him. Even his sleeves were lanky and he swore he wouldn't want to let the others see him daggy. All three were laughing as they waving their sleeves maniacally.
"Master Marik, this robe, it's humongous!" Bryn explained as he giggled brushing his hood off and he waved his sleeves around and letting the material flow while Marik waiting outside. Marik stepped in with a room full of dilemmas. The children were too small for the robes, except for Abbey who was already ahead of them in settling her bags with Odion.
"Silence!" Marik growled and he smirked at the image of them running around in an oversized robe was amusing. He looked at Bryn's robe, it was definitely too long and he smirked with amusement. He started rolling the boy's sleeves. "I see you three have continued with your childishness. Yes, you will grow out of this and just don't trip from the extended hemming, I will arrange for a tailoring fitting for a temporary fixture-."
"We're supposed to wear this now? It looks so cool!" Bryn asked and with amusement, he giggled.
"That was rather rude…" Marik snarled while scowling at the boy. Almost sounded like a jeer as he furrowed his thin platinum blond brow.
"Sorry, sir." Bryn humbly said.
"I'm glad you're learning your place… we have a meeting after this to come to the throne chamber of this ship." Marik leered. "You four will introduce yourselves to everyone else," Bryn watched Marik's smirk appeared again and he exchanged with a subtle sullen look.
"B-but, I don't have anything interesting to say about myself!" Bryn panicked.
"You are currently the youngest Rare Hunter, which makes you our child to be raised. Also, Odion is going to bring something for all four of you, which he does not want to share with me yet."
As Marik finished, he strides to his throne as he watched the assembly of his goons waiting for him and his newly recruited boys to stand by him on the throne. As Odion came in, he had a bag full of their instruments and Abbey in a purple dress. She helps Odion place them on the ground.
Marik barked, "What's the meaning of this, Odion?" He sent his glare at his faithful servant and within seconds, Bryn pranced to Abbey and Odion to retrieve his guitar. So did Bailey for his Bass and Jun Yoon for his keyboard. "Bryn, come back here!" Marik hissed as the oversize robe was dragging to the ground as the little boy cheerfully opened the guitar case. The other rare Hunters couldn't stop but laugh but Marik silenced them with his glare. Bryn took heed of Marik's advice and carried his guitar back.
"Sorry Master Marik, I didn't mean to-"
"Hold on to your guitar and do not think for a moment you will play a single note! Odion, I command you to take those back to their rooms after this introductory meeting. Perhaps Bryn may be able to entertain us with his introduction?" Marik ridiculed Bryn but Bryn ignored it and thought it was a good idea to get his friends to sing something.
Bryn came forward in front of Marik and squeaked a "Hi". He then cleared his throat and his friends came forward too. "I am Bryn, this is Jun Yoon and this is Bailey. The girl next to the tall guy Odion is Abbey. We are new recruits I think… um well, we like to duel and sing and play our instruments so without further ado… we will be singing!"
"Oh Ra…" they heard Marik muttered and he palm faced.
"What are we singing Bryn?" Bailey asked.
"We're are doing a mash-up of "Higher Ground', 'Superstition', 'One Love', Swing Low Sweet Chariot and 'Do I Wanna Know?'. Since Marik doesn't want us to be holding all instruments, could you Jay use beatboxing and Bailey I could help you with base but I have my own guitar-"
"Are you finished with your discussions, or do I have to call off our little show?" Marik was definitely annoyed as he growled.
"Yes Master, we're starting now!" Bryn quickly smiled as Marik scowled and tapped his foot impatiently.
As they sang, Abbey cheered and she was bopping and lip-synced. The Rare Hunters were not supposed to applaud them. The performance ended so it was an awkward silence from the assembly. It wasn't an awful performance, it remains a formal meeting, and Marik got off his throne and announced, "Well clap you, buffoons!" As they did, Marik kept a straight face until Bryn gasped at Marik's rudeness to his Rare Hunters. Marik furrowed his brow with amusement.
"Very charming little Bryn…"
"Do you like it?" Bryn asked Marik jovially before Marik sighed.
"Little Brynny, may I remind you that this is not a concert. I thought you had the gall to dichotomize a sarcasm to a suggestion." Marik said snidely.
"Oh, what's the meeting about anyway?" Bryn tried to shrug the awkwardness.
"Stand with your sister and Odion, go on!" He knew Bryn was enthusiastic but the overenthusiastic boy can be seen as sarcasm itself. "We'll have a chat later." His last sentence was more menacing and Bryn gulped. Marik made sure the three have stood aside as he glanced at them from the corner of his eyes. He sat back on his golden throne.
"I will now embark on our journey to Ireland Belfast. There are a few crucial tasks that I must assign to the rest of you. Continue to capture Kenosha members. They are the only organisation still standing in our way of forming new allegiances."
"What!?" Bryn shouted. That was his country, where he feels he has to face pressure. It's the last place at this moment to start his life.
"Silence!" Marik pointed his Millennium Rod at Bryn. Bryn puts a handout and mouthed 'sorry' to Marik. Marik continued, "Now, the Irish Authorities have been alerted by the Canadian Federal Authorities, the swifter with a take on our nemesis, we will reap abounding rewards. Incompetency in your allocated groups will not be tolerated."
After the meeting, Bryn forgot that he was meant to Marik, instead, he went to Jun Yoon's room and hung out with the others.
"I don't think we belong here, it's not like school, you saw what he did to the Rare Hunter that tried to attack us and the one just after the meeting," Bryn said.
"It's a bit too late to go back to Toronto now. We're on our way to Belfast… ironically a coincidence isn't it?" Bailey pondered.
"It wasn't a coincidence, when I was sitting with Master for breakfast he was using some kind of metaphysical power to read my mind. It could be the same golden Millennium Rod that sends people to a limbo state." Bryn told them.
"I can't believe we got ourselves into a strange situation." Abbey sighed.
"Even worse, he told me exactly how I refuse to be part of the Information Technology contest because I have anxiety and he is aware of my weakness. Would he use it against me?" Bryn bit his bottom lip. An employer could do anything to the weakest.
"It just means we got ourselves into a very dangerous hand, with a dangerous boss. He hasn't really spoken to us beside you Bryn. If anything happens, we're here for you", Jun Yoon sat on his new bed.
"Yeah, we'll be here for each other. This environment is a very lonely place…" Abbey sighed.
"Abbey, it's your birthday on Wednesday, we should celebrate our time as newbies in this thug life!" Bryn laughed.
"Well, Odion is nice. The whole time we were with him, he treated us with ice cream, went to a hotel to cancel a booking, and we just sat down at a café to discuss on matters regarding the organisation. It was simple and we learnt a fair amount about the ranks. There are approximately thirteen ranks; we are of course in entry-level so we are in the thirteenth rank. Marik the Boss is the first, Odion is his direct second and the third is known as 'The Elite'. They specialise in many things. Odion says we will not be subjected to severe punishment when we move past forth rank." Bailey said as he took out his notebook from his pocket.
"Then, I'm kinda done with this organisation. We have to climb our way to 'The Elite' in this estrange notorious organisation just to stay safe. Not to mention, there might be paedophiles and serial killers on this very ship we're on." Abbey sighed.
"We're very different though, these criminals won't do their job as Rare Hunters. They are lazy employees, Master Marik said so himself." Bryn corrected Abbey.
"I think we should explore and do our best to help this organisation like we did in school. That way tables will turn. We need to work on our physiques, train our duelling and continue working on our expertise. Monk Phi Long has told me that once, however indirectly." Bryn pondered.
"I agree with Bryn…" Jun Yoon dawdled.
"Can you imagine playing anything other than Duel Monsters? I brought Uno and my X Box." Bailey snickered.
"Don't get in trouble Bailey…" Abbey warned him.
"I won't…" Bailey sighed.
"What do you say we grab some lunch guys?" Bryn said.
"Weren't you suppose to meet Master Marik after the meeting?" Abbey panicked as she shook her brother.
"Holey Moley!" Bryn tripped on his oversize robe as he stood up. "Ow!"
Shape
Bryn was carrying toddling around the ship with his oversized Rare Hunter robe like a bride trying to find Marik. He admitted that he is now officially lost and his stomach was growling. He checked his watch and it was quarter to three. Every level looks rather identical. If he went outside, he might get an idea where he is. He peered through the window, remembering that the Throne Room was at the top. He widened his eyes wondering how many levels has he gone down. He started counting.
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8… oh damn it." Bryn laughed at himself. He definitely didn't pay attention to which level they all alighted on the elevator.
"Hey little kid, you wanna duel?" A shady Rare Hunter smirked.
"Ugh, nope I gotta meet the boss." Bryn met a man, looking intently wanting mischief.
"No you don't, I want your cards shrimp to give to Master Marik." The man said hastily.
"Hey man, leave this kid alone Rivah." Another Rare Hunter came.
"I just want to have a little fun with the kid, that's all." Rivah left disgruntled and mumbled under his breath.
"Thanks uh-" Bryn said.
"Rinehart, Oliver Rinehart. Stay away from Rivah, he's a bit…You know…" He signalled crazy as he used a finger to wind around his head.
"Oh sure, what is at this level?" Bryn asked Oliver
"Boring recreation with a single Duelling Simulator with a large open space which can potentially be a fun place and a function room but it just ain't fun at all, a gym, a pool, transport storage on the left. You're looking for Master, right?" Oliver asked.
"This is kind of tricky if you don't have a pass. Use that elevator over there with the oculus symbol will take you straight up there. The regular elevators won't take you there. Here this is the pass. I have plenty." Oliver handed him a card with the same Oculus symbol and only certain ranks have them. He spotted a neon light with the same symbol. "Just don't tell anyone you have one." Oliver hesitated.
"Sure thanks. I'm Bryn Harkin by the way." The boy smiled.
"I'll remember you kiddo. See you around because I'm usually here." Oliver saluted. Bryn copied him and gave a thumb up.
Bryn looked at the operative system on the elevator. It has a golden button that was coated for that room. He scanned the golden card and pressed the button. As he figured that was the only thing to do. The elevator door shut and led him straight to the place.
As the door opened Marik was just about to enter and to his surprise, Bryn was in Marik's elevator with an oversize robe draped along the boy's tiny frame. "Well, if it isn't the boy that ran off. How did you even enter in here?" Marik glanced at Bryn's golden card and Bryn quickly hid behind his back.
"That wasn't subtle little Bryn… you're not supposed to have that card." Marik held his hand out.
"What card?" Bryn smiled innocently. Marik tsked.
"Don't play dumb with me, boy. I'm not a fool, believing you could miraculously enter this level without the assistance of a pass." He tried to look for the card from Bryn's back.
Bryn sighed, "Yeah sorry, I'm in trouble…" He took his hand out and Marik glared at him snatching the pass.
Marik said nothing and scanned the card and pressed another button. It opened and it looked like a hallway. Marik used a key to unlock the door in the centre. It was Marik's bedroom of course and Odion was already inside.
"Well go in… I was waiting for you and I wonder who gave you this pass?" Marik said nonchalantly. Bryn didn't want to reveal and just pretended to look around and being in awe of the large luxurious bedroom of the Egyptian teen possesses.
"I could search for the answers that I seek if you don't tell me…" Marik took out his Millennium Rod.
"I- please don't punish him or me, I was trying to find you, Master Marik." Bryn quickly bowed.
"Only fifth ranks are allowed that pass," Odion said.
"I forgot to go through ranks with you too, I believe it is Oliver Rinehart who gave you that card. He's one of my more loyal Rare Hunters is in the fifth rank; I'll have a word with him for this action though. Anyhow, little Bryn will know many things from me." Marik took out a parcel with a specific code.
"What is that?" Bryn asked.
"Thought you'd never ask… it's your robe that needed replacing and yes I have ordered this as a prototype." Marik said as he used the end of his Millennium Rod's dagger to slice the seal to pull out a small size, Bryn size Rare Hunter robe.
"I like this one though, it's cosy… How come you have a tiny robe here?" Bryn giggled.
Marik sighed, "I was your size, you fool…"
"Oh, it looks like yours but I'm only a bottom rank." Bryn dawdled.
"Am I fussing over ranks now? Take off your current one." Marik instructed him as he turned around.
Bryn stepped on the oversize robe again and tripped. "Ow!" Marik quickly turned around to see his young lackey planked on the ground.
"Charming little Bryn…" Marik helped Bryn up. He later chuckled and helped Bryn take off his robe still trying to avoid looking at him. Bryn then got out of the oversize robe. They exchanged the robes and Bryn slipped into his Master's smaller robe, which fits perfectly. Bryn looked around and glanced at the mirror that Marik convenient had. Posing to get a better view from top to bottom.
"Well? What do you think?" Marik asks nonchalantly.
"I look like you…" Bryn smiled.
"You are my Rare Hunter after all. Go sit on the chair over there, you want answers about why I chose Belfast for our destination and ranks. You will not receive any missions until you are settled." Marik pulled a chair next to him and looked straight in his eye.
"I guess I am…" Bryn nodded and heard a sudden pattering of rain. He looked out and it was only the ocean. The city of Toronto is no longer his home.
Marik rolled his eyes as the boy kept saying 'I guess' with little confidence. His stomach growled. The usual confident Bryn must be hidden because he is nervous with his Irish accent again.
"Hungry are we? Odion, make some Molokhia for both of us, a coffee for me and a chocolate milkshake for little Bryn." He smirked as Bryn blushed with his embarrassment.
"Yes, Master Marik." Odion left.
"I have gathered that the Kenosha, who is the current standing organisation is taking control of the Industrial Illusions' Information Technology. This includes the little contest your father have been raving about." Marik places more documents and his laptop in front of Bryn.
"What do they want with Industrial Illusions of Belfast, some lucky card?" Bryn ridiculed.
"I know you do not have a mission yet but your tasks are just as important. You have to pose as a Kenosha member to enter their mainframe. Hacking and infiltrating their system to make it normal and we could hijack Kenosha in return." Marik showed him the report. He quickly analysed the information.
"Thought you said they are weaker than the Chasseur Rares- I mean Rare Hunters…" Bryn bulged his eyes.
"I know what I said, in truth, I was analysing their movement and they were weaker than us. Until recently someone who knows our contact with you was disclosed." Marik sighed.
"Do you think it was my monk teacher?" Bryn bit his lips and cracked his knuckles.
"I don't think it is Phi Long, for he was captured by us. Fine, more like reconnected and he is currently in Egypt. He has his ways to be a fluid double agent and even with that, I don't trust your monk teacher fully." Marik set his face on his right palm.
"Frankly, they are fluid and they infiltrate organisations too often and that makes any organisation less reliable," Odion added as he placed they foods on the table.
"Thank you, Odion…" Marik managed to clear the table on time.
"Go raibh maith agat Odion!" Bryn said in Irish smiling at the delicious food. "So for now, you want me to pose as an imposter Kenosha and hack into their system. Cool this job is easy!" Bryn clarified.
The thirteen-year-old Marik snickered and look at him sternly, "Oh no not just that. You have to accomplish your chores such as installing Wi-Fi, security in some rooms, connect most of this system to our main quarters in Egypt, clean the deck and my throne room, laundry for the robes and cafeteria duties." Bryn's jaw dropped. Marik started
Bryn burrowed Marik's laptop and started typing all the chores. Marik allowed him to print the chores and the timetable. As he did, Marik saw his persistence in planning mentally and was impressed. This child thinks fast with purpose.
"Wednesday is free this week as I understand that Miss Abbey has a birthday?" Odion said, Marik, rolled his eyes disagreeing with their free day.
Bryn looked up wondering why he was let go because of just a birthday, "Oh yes it is her birthday but we will take afternoon and evening off for the celebration, so we do not need for the full day, sir." He kept writing plans until he had a clear pattern.
"Excellent Bryn, your current rank is 13th rank. Rank is promoted only through duels, resulting by stripping one's rare card and the accomplishment of missions with specialized tasks. This golden pass is yours, however, because of your specialized task, you are now in 12th rank. Don't let me down, little Bryn." Marik placed his golden pass in the boy's palm. Bryn figured his Master is a man of his word.
"I won't fail you, Master Marik, I truly will accomplish everything on this ship." And beyond this timetable. Bryn smiled innocently.
