Reason to Live II
Chapter 9: Retracing Your Footsteps
(Frederick's P.O.V)
"Hey, get him out of here!"
Those voices…they're echoing in my head…
"Frederick! FREDERICK!"
I know…I'm here…I think I'm still alive…
"Send him for repairs at once! Where are Edward, Triela, and Petrushka?"
Thanks, but my life won't last long; so don't bother…they've escaped the agency with Triela if you're asking…
"Alessandro! HOI! You're alive!?"
He's alive, don't worry…he has a longer life span than I am…but I have a better chance of survival…
"…FREDERICK!"
…Triela…?
March 4th,
Relief Center, Social Welfare Agency,
1300 hrs
Waking up with a jolt, I immediately notice I'm not in my usual bedroom, and it is raining lightly from the sound outside. The room is painted white, and there's an open window beside me where a cool breeze enters the room. Is this paradise? Am I basically dead? Where am I? Those questions were immediately answered once I look outside this white room and notice a very familiar figure playing her violin by an open corridor that links this structure with the next.
It's Henrietta and her violin, playing one of Bach's music pieces…
I'm still alive. And this here is no other than the Social Welfare Agency's Relief Center. I don't remember what had happened before; not much. All I could recall is when Edward and Petrushka escape the Agency, taking…
…Triela!
She's taken by Edward; I mean John Michael; I mean John! So why am I doing here still lying down in this bed? My memories are kinda' fuzzy, and I was hoping that someone would come to my room and try to brief me or tell me what has been going on around here! Answers wouldn't come if I stay here…though I think it would be a waste if I decided to hop out of bed right now and waste Henrietta's beautiful performance accompanying the rain drops. It sounds perfect in my opinion…
The door swung open a minute later, and there stood the girl with glasses and her friend the Israeli; Claes and Luke. Both came for a visit, probably checking my current condition. I can assume that the bouquet of flower Claes cradle in her arms is for me. They're expression from a near silent full of worry turns into sunny sun shiny faces the moment they saw me awake. Claes came up to me, while Luke rushes a different direction to spread the news. But truthfully, I don't want any attention at this point; too much attention that is. But hey, you can't waste something when you've acquired an attention right?
"How're you feeling?" Ask Claes pulling a nearby stool to sit in "Feeling better?"
"Yeah…I've never been better!"
"That's good; because you've been sleeping for the past three days!" Her tone changes into a sudden anguish "You've made all of us in the Agency worried!"
"…Sorry…" Is that all I can say right now? Sorry? "I…failed to prevent them…it is all…"
"It isn't your fault. We can't do anything about it…"
"Yes we can!" I reply raising my voice "If only I can do better! If only I'm stronger! If…if only…"
SLAP! That's the next thing I knew when I tried finishing my sentence. A red hand mark in my left cheek is the proof of what had just recently happened. Stunned, I wonder what had just hit me; obviously, I know it is Claes' but….what for? I didn't do anything wrong…did I?
"This…" She said with tears forming in her eyes "THIS ISN'T THE FREDERICK I KNEW!! THE FREDERICK I KNEW WOULDN'T GIVE UP SO EASY LIKE THAT! HE WOULDN'T BE SO WEAK!!"
That hit me right in the head like an alarm do to most people. It was then I realized that I was being carried away by my own emotions; by my own desperation and depression after what happened to Triela, and figuring about John's attempts. Now why am I here in the first place? I should've go outside, and find a way on how to find John Michael and get Triela back! This is not the time tolie down and mourn about past mistakes! Right now, I have been missing three days; I'll be making up for those three days and find that son-of-a-bitch!
"Thanks Claes…."
"Excuse me…?" she replies sobbing "I…I didn't hear…"
"Thank you. You're the wisest sister around. That's one wake up call you gave me…thank you"
Moments later, the rest of the party arrives in my room and check my condition. After discussing and telling them where John is, we decided to bring this into the board for our future operation. Jean contacted Lorenzo soon after, requesting me to be pulled off from the Hospital bed and returned into service. He agrees after a short evaluation in the obstacle course on my current capabilities. All I can do when I overheard him said that is grin.
…that is too easy!
(John's P.O.V)
March 4th,
Warehouse Alpha, Near Coliseum square,
1521 hrs
No sign of Frederick again today. Did he cower and decided to left her here? No…that's impossible. I knew Frederick for quite some time; he's not the type who would leave someone that important to him rot and die! Well…at least I've had my fun for the past days. I still could go on today until tomorrow, that would be fun. But then again, I still need to keep her alive until Frederick's here…right?
I turn my attention towards Triela, chained up in a standing position. Her condition worsens everyday and brings smile to my face each time I saw her face cries! Each time he calls the name 'Frederick' over and over as I do my biddings to her! No, it's not something taboo; besides, Petrushka wouldn't let me go too far. She did stop me once in a while, and I listen and stop…
…for five seconds!
I examine her from feet to toe of my work of art. She was bloodied, and bruised. Open wounds and cuts; as well as deep ones. Wires; barbed wires were tied on her arm and legs as a replacement of the regular iron cuffs. A thin wire is tightened all around her body, giving very deep cuts as blood still leaks out until now. Her face is bruised due to the effect of my constant beating and kicking in the earlier phase. Of course, I placed a soaked rag and put it up on her face and tightens it; then use my tools to torture her as painful possible! She couldn't breathe easy, and she lack oxygen after a day putting that rag in her head so I released it from her.
I love it! Her left eye is blind after I pierce a car key into it. Her eyes widened soon after and she begun breathing heavily; probably because she remembers something…perhaps someone else has stabbed a key into her left eye? No matter. I let it open. I let it bleed. Yes! More blood! I want more! I want to see her suffer! I want to see Frederick's face after he saw what I have done to her! I want to see Frederick's agony! She fainted during tortures, I woke her up with a good smack from a steel rod to her face or to her body; whichever suits me that time. She cried over and over all night with one eye dropping tears; the other dripping blood. Oh! I love it! I want to see more!
"So…Triela, how're you feeling now?" no response came from her "C'mon…say something. I know there's something in your mind."
"…Frederick will be here…" I chuckle hearing her response; it's always about Frederick "And he would kill you for what you've done…"
"HAH! He could try! It has been three days; THREE DAYS and no word came from him! Don't you think it's about time you let him go?"
No response came from her again. I grin devilishly at the sight of a helpless Triela as tears starts rolling down her right cheek. Circling her, I let out a little laugh as I play and fidgets with my tools. Her fear and breaths grew as I circle her for the second time, fingers fidgeting and eyes set on her. I haven't given her anything to eat or drink for the past three days, so I wonder how long will she hold. I say, she's a strong girl indeed I give you that.
During the first two days of the agony, I thought up as many ways to make her cry for his help. I don't care whether her scream can be heard from the outside as it will give Frederick more…lets say, 'adrenaline' to fight me. I use heated steel rod for a start and hit her all around giving her that burnt scar all over her leg, body, and neck. Then I use salt blocks I found in crates and rub it to her like soap as a start. Oh! How I love her, screaming 'Frederick, Frederick' over and over while clutching her fist until it turns white, hoping to ease off the pain. It's a pity there's no way around to neutralize her medication…something that would increase her pain.
The wire torture is also my favorite, and it keeps hard headed Padanias open their mouths yapping when I interrogate them. Using a thin strip of wire; piano's wire, I usually tie the wire around a person and tightens it each minute. Yeah, the blood starts gushing out as the wire makes the cut slowly…layer by layer. I swear that's one of the most effective ways on torturing pricks!
…and it works well on her too…
Like an ornament, the wire is hung around her like a Christmas tree. The tighter I go, the deeper the wire cuts her. She screams in anguish and pain as it goes deeper and deeper into her flesh. I know the medication will sedate the pain, but if I kept it open for and continue with the torture…can she stand the pain? No matter…I'm actually enjoying this myself. And I swear this can go on for days if I have to…
"Say Triela…" I start with rather light tone "Have you ever heard what the Japanese gangster do to their underlings?"
Triela's eyes widened as I pick up a dagger; one of the many tools I use for interrogation
"No…please…don't…" she starts to tremble even further, trying hard to move anywhere possible as I circle her once more
"Ah…I guess you knew." I said tossing the dagger once in the air and catches it "Yes…they cut fingers."
"Please…don't…no…no…no…!"
Tossing the dagger once more and catches it, I walk up towards her for another day in which I call…fun!
March 4th,
Social Welfare Agency,
1600 hrs
(Frederick's P.O.V)
If my memory serves me correctly, John and Petrushka is somewhere near Coliseum square. I'm not even sure if this information is true or not; could be hoax! But there's no time doubting things now. All I need to do is retrace his footsteps; where John did go to. The 'evaluation' test the Agency devised will take place three days from now. I can't wait that long…and I won't wait that long. That's why this time; I'm taking matters into my own hands.
After the others left, only Claes and I were left in the room still discussing about the way I am earlier. And so I said to her:
"Claes, I'll be looking for Triela. Don't tell them where I went off to."
Claes nods in agreement. Nothing is said from her. Soon after, I climb out of the window and jumps down. The mechanical body assisted me on the fall, preventing any injuries. Soon after, I was scurrying the Agency's armory and managed to get a hold a certain weapon I'm saving with an extra belt round to assist it. My presence out of bed shouldn't be known right now, which gives me quite the trouble trying to get to my own room. It didn't really matter after I get there. The Mauser C/96s were found safely secured in the case with its 9mm Luger Parabellum restocked in the drawer. I don't need any other weapon right now besides the two side arms.
Soon after, I use the window in my room to escape the agency and find her; which leaves to where I start right now. Right here outside the Agency's walls. Using an AMATI cello case, I concealed my primary weapon from a certain extent of exposure. The weapon itself is heavier than the case, but it'll hold. Right now, my primary objective is to find Triela…
…and John Michael
The image of him before he left the agency that day kept popping in my head. If what he said is true, then there is no other place I should look for. Taking a long sigh while walking towards my destination, I knew that the fight between Yank and I are unavoidable. It's either sooner or later. But what I can't accept is the fact that he involves others around me to be part of this mess. I'm the one, who assassinated his father; then what does Triela and Hillshire have to do with it? They're not involved in this! So…why? My life is near perfect; with or without the existence of my real parents. I've faced many difficulties before in my life, but I move on and never turn back. I have failed to protect my handler, Koch, during the second assault by Padanias to the agency. He died as my hero. He died as my mentor. He died as a friend. But most importantly, he died as a person whom I call 'father' after what I've lost. From that time on, I swear to myself that I will protect the ones I love from harm; to protect Triela from harm. That is my reason to live: to protect.
Taking a deep breath as I try hitchhiking to Coliseum square, I knew that this will be my longest day…
(Claes P.O.V)
"Where' Frederick?" ask Jean after he noticed his disappearance
"I don't know…" I answer, trying hard not to look at him in the face
The agency figured it out soon after he left. Henrietta returns for a visit to him with José and were surprised to know that I was there, alone in the white room reading my typical romance fiction. Henrietta asked where he went. I keep myself silent. José called for help soon after, gathering all the staff members of Section 2's handlers in one room; not in Frederick's room, but in Hillshire's and Alessandro's. Hillshire let out a little sigh after hearing the story, noting that Frederick is always like that when it comes to Triela.
"He's unstoppable." He said with a confident tone "No matter how hard you'll try to talk him out of it, or how hard you force him wait; he won't listen."
The others agreed on Hillshire's opinion as he has become the supervisor of Frederick for more than 3 months since he has returned service. Jean is desperate, not wanting to lose another operative so quickly after losing three of what Section two considers part of the 'top 10'. Henrietta is one of them as she is an excellent assassin. Of course, I wasn't part of it due to my lack of combat experience. I do remember using a handgun three days ago and last year during the time when the Agency's struck by this unfortunate event. It's amazing how many times Padania attempted to take over this facility.
Pia and Arnester are the first.
Both defected from the Agency before Frederick went into service. I don't remember the details, but from what I heard from Henrietta, they're one of the toughest, most effective, and the most intimate couple that the agency has. Henrietta remembered her fight with Arnester and told me once how determined he is to take her down after a debris collapsed on her during Pia's duel with Henrietta. Pia died soon after talking with Arnester; and Arnester, blinded by vengeance, died in the hands of Henrietta after fighting so hard and receiving so many shots. They're bodies are now buried in Government owned cemetery where Elsa and Lauro Fratello team were buried; along with Carol, Terra, Koch, and recently, Sylvia.
Vengeance…
Seems like that's what most of us here were after. I don't know what's wrong with Edward, or John, or John Michael; but I do know that it has something to do with that. His eyes were the eyes of those who've seen the lies hidden by the Agency; the lies that supposedly buried his rotten past. I noticed it after a glimpse I took the day when Sylvia's killed in action. The way he glared to Frederick is different than a sarcastic glare; it is much more described as a death glare; which brings me to the conclusion that Frederick has to do with an event in John's past.
"Let's go after him." Suggest José "This might be his problem, but here we're talking about one of our own rogue operative."
"José…" Interrupts Henrietta, his junior operative "This is…similar to Pia and I. I think we shouldn't interrupt them."
Henrietta's words are understandable. However, things didn't go that way today. A minute after, Lorenzo issued José and Henrietta Fratello team, along with Jean and Rico Fratello team to go after him and assist him as much as possible. Henrietta disagrees with it, but she has not choice at all. All we have to do now is to wait for the outcome…
(John's P.O.V)
March 4th,
Warehouse Alpha, Near Coliseum square,
1615 hrs
Triela stayed dangling by the pipe like meat, tied with barbed wires and piano wire above a pool of blood; her pool of blood. I notice that she can't handle it anymore today, so I decided to stop; spare the kill after Frederick arrived. But of course, I still think a few more whip will satisfy me momentarily. The longer he took to get here, the slower I'll end her misery. I can't wait to see what his face would be like after he witnessed my handiwork. Of course, I did all sort of countermeasures to stop her from killing herself or everything will be ruined.
"If you die right now, what would Frederick think?"
That's all I have to say when she attempted to bite her tongue off to death. It always works on her. She's not ready yet to die. She's not ready to part with her 'oh-so-beloved' Frederick Heckler! Now I'm beginning to doubt if he'll ever show up and left her here for dead. On the other hand, I began to think the Agency had stopped him from coming here without proper recovery.
…no matter
I don't care how many Section 2 cyborgs they bring up against me. I don't care how powerful they are. All I want is for him to show up. I want Frederick to be there in the crowd! The rest of the agents can be dealt with Petrushka and the rest of the Padanias here under my command. But for Frederick…I want to take him personally! Maybe hoping things like this is too much…maybe, the chances for him to be here is quite low. Well, maybe he died that very day after I shot him 7 times with a .45 Caliber pistol. If that's so…then why am I still here? Why am I still torturing her? I guess it's because I became too fond of seeing her suffer that I've decided to think of waiting for Frederick forever…I will wait him, however; even if it takes him forever.
"Edward!" calls Petrushka. Besides my original name I've told her, she decided to use my given name instead "We got contact."
(Frederick's P.O.V)
The sky's dark cloud appears as the rain begun it's decent upon this foul planet even harder than before. My own personal investigation led me here, to Warehouse Alpha, abandoned by many of its owner after a serious amount of complaints for unknown reason. Recently, however, some pedestrians claimed to have heard the screams of a young girl inside the warehouse. No one bother to check inside. Rumors spread about a 'ghost' haunting the warehouse, giving it a curse to anyone who owns it. Some tourists I encounter even claimed the girl screamed in German. 'Bitte hält auf, Es verletzt…AAAAUGGH!!' …is what they heard recently. But again, they're afraid to contact the officials in fear that; just like the locals mentioned, its just 'ghosts'.
I close my eyes and tune my ears, ignoring the sounds from the rain and focus myself towards the warehouse and listens intently. Around me were conversations and sounds of vehicle passing by. In the warehouse's compound, I can hear the purr of an engine; a truck, probably. I can tell the difference of them all despite the heavy rain. As I listen close, I hear the sound I never wanted to hear…
A scream from a young girl…
Looking up in the rain while carrying my weapon still secured in the AMATI cello case, my eyes burns of rage and fury as I step into the compound
"Ich habe Sie gefunden..." (I found you…)
To be Continued