Chapter IV
Title: New beginnings
FLASHBACK - 5 years ago
Arnold's POV
As the plane jerked and started its descending procedure, I clenched my fists and closed my eyes too tight. I really didn't have any choice, did I? I can't go back either right? Why didn't I tell her? Maybe she should have stayed either way, she wasn't any fond about parents. Heck, her own didn't even recognize her at all.
But then again... I miss her. I miss her so much already that I can't hold back my tears. The passengers around me must think I must be somekind of a wuss but I really don't care.
The plane landed in San Lorenzo, Brazil. I took my bag of full of clothes and stuff, dragged my foot to the airport and waited on line. I gave security my passport, my reason for visit. All that shit. It's been hours... Eduardo told me he would be heading over here 30 minutes after I landed. Wonder what happened to him.
Suddenly, a Cruiser Explorer van parked right in front of me. Eduardo got out, followed by two bearded men heavily guarding him. He looked nervous. A third one dressed in fully white, a red beard, and a serene face got out. He approached me, scanned me, and smiled.
"You're Arnold, all right" the man said. "We've been expecting you". He extended his hand but I didn't even move a muscle. The man's smile faded. "I get you're too confident about yourself. Do you even know who I am?". He snapped his fingers and the two guards grabbed Eduardo and started forging with him. One of the guards took out a sword.
"I don't know who you are all right. But I don't care. Leave Eduardo be himself and let's get this over with as quickly as possible." I said, looking straight at the guy with so much rage I would burn the forest along with him.
"Why yes I take it you accepted this in order to pay the rescue. But, are you willing to take the risk?" The man clicked his fingers and the two guards dropped Eduardo to the ground.
"Anything for the ones I love", I replied, but I know as soon as I said that, I would regret this in the future.
"The villagers weren't kidding when they said you have such courage on you. I'll tell you what. I want the boss to know you first and then... we will do the arrangements", the man argued. He extended his hand again, hoping this time I would take it. "Deal?"
I shooked his hand without hesitation. "Let's do this".
Eduardo watched the scene in full horror and silence. I looked at him and I knew he was hiding me something. I prayed he would eventually be alive to tell me. We boarded the van. Eduardo was driving, I was at front and the three others were in the backseat.
"The name is Ishmael Al-Fatay, by the way". The man introduced himself. "To make things easier for you this deal will determine if you're what the Green Eyes told us are true, then there's a chance your parents will live".
I snorted. "I know if I don't you'll be dissapointed and kill me".
"No, I will not because I feel something we can take out of you, that spirit. That rage you have. Your determination. That oblong head that's perfect for one on one combat. The list goes on". Ishmael explained.
"Why thank you but I got a girlfriend, ya know" Damn can I keep my mouth shut for a second?
He chuckled. "And I know she's doing fine right now". What the fuck? Are they keeping an eye on Helga? "But as I was saying, the boss will determine your skills and decide if he lets your parents live. Not me. Now I will give you a warning."
"And what is that?" I asked, already knowing what he was going to say.
"You piss him off, he will rip your head off. You insult him he will shoot your head off. You try to be a wise guy, he will kill you and your parents. You try to escape, he will hunt you and kill you. Respect is everything. Just be at his service" he took a serious tone everytime the word kill was pronounced.
"What are you guys, the Italian mafia?" I blurted out.
He laughed hard. "Too many movies, Mr. Arnold Shortman".