382
Jedayton town was about ten kilometers away from Dellmoor, a mere distance that should not have felt significant. However, as they arrived, the air grew heavy with an eerie sense of otherworldliness. The car trudged through the muddy roads, sending dust swirling into the air. Dilapidated remnants of a war-torn past littered both sides of the desolate path, their haunting presence a testament to the horrors that once unfolded here.
The sight before them was enough to stir a deep well of emotions within Tony and Ben. They had never truly comprehended the poverty and suffering that plagued these people until now. It seemed that, in their dire circumstances, the townsfolk had surrendered to their fate. There was no fear or envy in their eyes, only a quiet resignation to the cruel whims of life.
The realization struck Tony and Ben like a bolt of lightning, rendering them speechless as they stared at each other. Thalia, however, was no stranger to such despair. Her eyes flickered with a mixture of pity and familiarity as she parked the car and warned the boys, “Be cautious. Chaos is not uncommon in a place like this.”
Their senses jolted back to reality, and they nodded in understanding. “Let’s go,” Thalia declared, stepping out of the car, followed closely by the brothers. Together, they embarked on a path that seemed to lead to nowhere.
In that moment, Ben couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer. “Thalia, have you been here before?” he inquired. Thalia shook her head, a somber expression painting her features. “No, but I have been to places even worse than this. To these people, their next meal is the least of their worries. Their priority is simply surviving to see another day.”
The weight of her words hung heavy in the air as Tony and Ben absorbed them in silence. They were granted a life of comfort and peace, a luxury these people could barely fathom. Thalia’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “What’s the matter with you two? Has the realization of your own fortune finally dawned upon you?”
Indeed, compared to the destitution surrounding them, Tony and Ben were truly blessed. They shared a silent agreement, an unspoken pledge to cherish each day as a precious gift. Their gaze shifted around, taking in the sight before them, brimming with a newfound understanding and a tinge of pity.
Their thoughts were interrupted when a figure emerged from the crowd, vigorously waving in their direction. Ben caught sight of him and questioned Thalia, “Is that the guy, Thalia?”
Thalia fixed her gaze on the figure before them, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded. “I believe so. Let’s go meet him.”
With renewed determination, the trio quickened their pace towards the man. “My savior!” he exclaimed with a genuine smile as they drew closer. “I can hardly believe my luck to see you again.”
Thalia struggled to place his face, the passing years distorting her memory. “Yes, Justin. It has been quite some time.”
“Six or seven years, to be exact,” he replied, his eyes drifting towards Tony and Ben. “Are these two your children, savior?”
Thalia shook her head, a gentle smile crossing her lips. “No, they are my… brothers.” Justin’s eyes softened as he directed his gaze towards the kids. “A pleasure to meet the two of you.”
A warm exchange of greetings followed, and then Justin invited them to his humble abode. The house stood partially battered, its concrete walls crumbling and broken furniture scattered about. Despite the desolation, the floor surprisingly sported a clean carpet.
“This is the best I can offer,” Justin apologized, spreading a piece of plastic bag on the floor for them to sit on. Thalia took in the meager surroundings and sat down gracefully, prompting Tony and Ben to follow suit without hesitation. Justin’s smile faltered slightly, his desire to serve refreshments quashed by the absence of any provisions. Thalia, sensing his unspoken intentions, reassured him, “Justin, it’s alright.”
Resigned, Justin settled down in front of them. “I truly have nothing to offer all of you. I apologize, savior.”
Thalia, deep in thought, turned her attention back to Justin. “I recall that you didn’t reside here before. What happened?”
Justin shook his head, his eyes filled with despair. “I don’t know anyone by that name,” he lamented, disappointment etching itself onto Tony and Ben’s faces.
“He’s not from around here, like me,” Thalia interjected, hoping to jog his memory. Justin shook his head once more, a gesture of defeat.
Thalia pursed her lips, her anticipation of a bleak outcome proving accurate. She had prepared herself for the worst on this journey, knowing that nothing was ever simple in this world.
In the midst of their conversation, a noise emerged from the chaos behind them. Justin turned to tend to his father, prompting Thalia to rise to her feet in anticipation. Tony glanced at her, concern etched in his features. “What’s wrong?”
“Justin’s father claims to have encountered Theodore before!” Thalia exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency. With that, she strode over to Justin, and Tony and Ben quickly followed suit.
Justin’s father, immobile and disfigured, lay before them. His legs were gone, leaving only his upper torso intact. Yet, his mind remained sharp.
“Ms. Jacoway, the Theodore Jackson you spoke of, he was a Chanaean, correct?” Justin’s father inquired, his eyes locked onto Thalia. She nodded, curiosity mingling with hope in her gaze. “Yes, how do you know that?”
Justin spoke up, offering a piece to the puzzle. “My father was one of the earliest members to join Midnight Fang Pack. He was unable to leave me behind, so I became part of the pack.”
A flicker of realization crossed Thalia’s face as she turned her attention back to Justin’s father. “What else can you tell me about him?”
“He was a kind man, different from the rest of the pack. He held a prominent position, but he genuinely cared for the people. A truly good man,” Justin’s father reminisced.
Thalia pressed on, her voice filled with urgency. “What else do you remember?”
“He spent about a year in the base. One day, he had a confrontation with someone and vowed to leave. I saw him packing up his belongings, and I never laid eyes on him again after that,” Justin’s father revealed.
Thalia’s eyes narrowed, determination shining through. “You never saw him again?”
Justin’s father nodded solemnly. “That’s correct. After his departure, the base relocated, and he seemed to vanish from existence.”
The air grew thick with anticipation as Tony and Ben exchanged meaningful glances. This revelation held the potential to unravel the mysteries they had long sought answers to.
Thalia looked thoughtful, her lips pressed tightly together as she considered what to say next.
“Why are you asking about him, Miss?” Justin’s father inquired, his tone filled with concern. Thalia paused for a moment, then sighed softly, “He’s no longer with us.”
Justin’s father seemed surprised, but not entirely shocked. “Aren’t you surprised?” Thalia asked, wanting to understand his reaction.
Justin’s father looked at her, his eyes serious as he explained, “You see, if anyone tries to leave our pack, there are severe consequences. They might harm us physically, taking away our ability to walk, see, hear, or even read. Some might even be killed.”
Thalia’s expression grew cold as she furrowed her brow. The Midnight Fang pack, unlike their organization, seemed to be ruthless and dangerous. She clenched her fists, anger rising within her.
They’re like monsters.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
Trying to push past her anger, Thalia continued her questioning. “Do you know what Theodore’s role was in the pack? And who was the man that fought with him?”
Justin’s father frowned, trying to recall. “I don’t know his exact role, but he always carried around a laptop. It seemed very important to him. And as for the man he fought with, he’s already passed away.”
Thalia was taken aback by this revelation. “He’s dead? How did he die?” she asked, shocked.
“He was shot in the heart during a riot,” Justin’s father shared. Thalia couldn’t hide her astonishment. “Are you absolutely sure?” she pressed.
“I was right beside him when it happened, so I saw it with my own eyes,” the elderly man confirmed. Thalia fell silent, the weight of the news settling in. Tony and Ben, on the other hand, looked concerned.
Breaking the silence, Justin questioned, “Savior, why are you so curious about Theodore? Was he related to you in some way?”