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Zack lifted his head, his gaze slightly darkened. His eyes stared into the void as if something weighed heavily on his shoulders, then he finally broke the silence that reigned between them.
— So? What's the plan? he asked in a voice where a hint of annoyance pierced through.
It wasn't simply the present situation that irritated him. No. It wasn't because he had been dragged, against his will, into violent and dangerous stories that didn't belong to him. What triggered this much deeper feeling was something else: every time Lina's name appeared, every time she was involved in one way or another, he felt compelled to react. As if pushed by an uncontrollable inner force, an invisible promise that tied his hands and his heart. And that, Zack could not explain logically.
Perhaps, he thought, this answer eluded him because he had lost his memory. Perhaps his "former self," the one he was no longer, would have immediately understood the reason for this strange and oppressive feeling. But today, in his current state, he found nothing. Nothing other than incomplete fragments and this impression of emptiness, as if he were cut off from his very essence.
He lowered his eyes slightly. Thinking about what he might have been before, an unpleasant truth crossed his mind. What if his old self was someone detestable? After all, Lina had told him, almost as a warning: hurting or killing someone was "wrong." And yet, despite these words, he had felt, facing Lorenzo, a violent, bloody desire, a murderous impulse. This divergence disturbed him. As if a part of himself wanted to deny the existence of this imposed morality.
And then, there was that voice. That famous voice he had heard deep within his being. It wouldn't let him go. It haunted his thoughts, resurfacing every time he believed he had found a bit of stability. Just thinking about it, he felt a cold tension run along his neck.
Plunged into this inner turmoil, Zack got lost again in his reflections, as had become a habit. Every question he asked seemed to open an even wider abyss. Until he suddenly saw fingers moving right in front of his eyes.
— Earth to Zack, I repeat, Earth to Zack, do you read us? shouted Gon with a mocking smile.
Zack flinched slightly, pulled from his thoughts.
— … What are you doing? he asked in a neutral but annoyed tone.
— Eh well! I was starting to be afraid that you were so scared that you died! replied Gon, exaggerating his mocking tone.
Zack sighed.
— Wait, seriously?
— Yeah, I swear, I had time to knock out Anak and discuss the main problems we're facing, added Taeki, his expression impassive but amused by the scene.
Zack rubbed the back of his head, slightly ashamed.
— Sorry, I was thinking about personal stuff… So, what is it?
Gon's face became a bit more serious. He crossed his arms before declaring:
— The first problem is that, right now, even with all the bad faith in the world, I can't imagine a single parallel universe where we could win with our current level. He glanced at Taeki. Not to offend you, Taeki, but this guy is stronger than you even though he's only number 4. And given how he described the other three, well, there you go…
Taeki nodded, accepting the analysis without flinching.
— And the second problem is the numbers. Even if we had the level to face them in 3 vs 3, I can't see them coming alone. So we have to expect them to come with a lot more people.
Zack frowned.
— And the solutions? he asked, scratching his head, as if already trying to anticipate an answer he knew would be unsatisfactory.
Taeki sighed long before replying:
— For the first problem, we have a month to train. So we'll do everything possible to reach the highest level possible. After… we'll see.
Gon raised two fingers, looking more confident than his comrades.
— And secondly, we just have to ask the guys from school to help us. I think we can gather close to 200 guys. It doesn't look like it, but they're all strong.
Zack watched Gon for a few seconds, dubious. He finally shrugged slightly.
— Hmmmm, ok I see. If you really think so, then…
But before he could finish his sentence, an unknown voice rose behind him.
— That's rather impressive. I never thought you could beat Anak.
Everyone froze. Zack turned sharply, senses on alert.
— You! Who are you? Are you with that guy? asked Taeki, ready to act.
A young man calmly stepped forward, his steps measured, almost confident. He wore a red and black jacket and tracksuit. His curly hair, dyed in places bright red, contrasted with his piercing sky-blue eyes. He seemed roughly their age.
— My name is Nine. And no, I'm not with him. On the contrary, I'm with you.
Gon raised an eyebrow, wary.
— And why do you want to be with us? How do you even know about this matter?
— I have scores to settle with the Dragon Crew. Their number two, Yago, more precisely. So I'm following them to get my revenge.
— And? Gon continued, waiting for more.
— And when I learned that Anak had come to kill you, I thought it would be a good idea to team up with you, if you are capable of beating Anak.
Taeki frowned, arms crossed.
— And why do you think we'll team up with you?
Nine smirked.
— Because you need reinforcements, quite simply. Even if I initially thought we would be three… I now see that we will be four. His gaze then turned toward Zack.
Zack held that gaze without saying anything. His silence carried more weight than a response.
Nine, facing this cutting muteness, exhaled softly through his mouth and resumed, slightly provocative:
— Why are you giving me that look? I'm just asking. Or… maybe it's your way of telling me I'd better test for myself?
Despite the provocation, Zack didn't respond. He looked away and began to walk away, his steps heavy but determined. He only walked a few meters before stopping. His voice rose, cold, without him needing to turn.
— You say you've been following the Dragon Crew for a long time to get revenge. But if you haven't done it yet, it's because you know you don't have the level to handle it alone, am I wrong?
A heavy silence settled.
— … was Nine's only answer.
— I'll take that as a yes. Which means it's not you coming to help us, but the opposite. As for my level, you'll just have to see for yourself.
— You're exaggerating a bit, muttered Gon, shrugging.
Nine shook his head.
— No, leave it. He's right. Sorry for trying to intimidate you. It was just to see what kind of person you are.
Zack turned briefly, his eyes planted in Nine's, before continuing to walk.
— I want to be clear, resumed Nine. I'm not here to argue or anything. I want an alliance with mutual interest, beneficial to all.
Gon softened a bit.
— Yeah, I see what you mean. He scratched his head. We'll create a group chat, that way we can communicate.
— Uh… actually I don't have a phone, admitted Zack, slightly embarrassed.
— No problem, here! said Gon, tossing him a brand-new smartphone.
Zack grabbed the device, eyes wide.
— Wow… That's one of the latest generation phones Lina showed me! How did you get it? You don't look rich… You're not, right?
— Me, rich? You're kidding? I live at Taeki's, replied Gon laughing.
— Unfortunately, added Taeki wearily.
— So how did you get it? insisted Zack.
— Well, I stole it.
Sorry to break the atmosphere, but I would like to assign each of you your opponent. said Nine, interrupting them.
Bah, if you want. Gon replied.
Nine: Well then I'll start, for number 3 it will be Taeki to handle, and me number 2, and for their Dragon chief it will be Gon and Zack to handle.
Zack: So in the end you think I'm strong enough to fight them?
_ I knew from the start because… how to say, my instinct told me, and as I said before it was just to test your personality that I spoke like that._
Zack: Hmmm ok, I'll say I forgive then.
Gon: Well then this is where I leave you guys.
Taeki: You're going to <
Gon: Yep, you saw correctly.
Taeki: Well you know what you have to do, and Nine, do you accept to train with me?
Nine: … Why not, but know that it will be very difficult.
Taeki: That's fine.
Nine: Then we'll meet tomorrow.
Taeki: Yes.
Gon: Me, it's in a month.
Zack: And me… I don't have an idea yet how I'm going to train. See you later.
Zack pushed the front door and announced:
— **Lina, I'm home! Look, I was given one of the super expensive phones you showed me last time!**
— **Swear! Wait, I'm just beating this boss and I'm coming,** replied Lina from the living room.
Zack took a few steps forward and was surprised by what he saw. Lina, dressed in red shorts and a white t-shirt, was sitting on the couch, focused on her video game displayed on a big TV. But it wasn't her who surprised Zack… it was the TV itself. And the console. He had never seen that at her place before.
— **Eh… since when do we have a TV and a Play?** he asked, bewildered.
— **Arhhhh! I lost, damn! He's too strong…** Lina cursed, dropping her controller. Then, as if nothing happened: **Ah, that? It's thanks to the money I scammed from guys on Discord and social networks. I made them believe I'd meet them in person if they sent me money. And you? How did you get this phone?**
Zack hesitated a second before answering.
— **Ah, that? It's someone I met who gave it to me.**
Lina's eyes lit up immediately.
— **Someone you met? Is it a friend? You see! I told you you'd make a lot of friends at school!**
But Zack shook his head, dampening her enthusiasm.
— **Sorry to disappoint you, but it's not a friend. But anyway… I wanted to talk to you about something.**
— **Swear? Me too! Can I talk first?** Lina asked impatiently.
— **Yeah, go ahead.**
She stared at him for a moment, as if gathering her courage, then launched without hesitation:
— **When are you planning to leave?**
Silence fell. Zack felt his heart stop. His pupils dilated, his breath became short.
— **E… uh… w-why?** he managed to stammer, still in shock.
— **Listen, I agreed to take care of you for a little while. But you won't be able to stay with me forever.**
— **B-but… why?!** he repeated, voice trembling.
— **Zack, listen…** Lina began but stopped, trying to find the words while Zack felt his heart beating more than ever and feelings he felt for the first time and couldn't understand, and finally his emotions exploded.
— **YOU PROMISED ME TO BE WITH ME FOREVER! SO WHY? DAMN IT, WHY!
His screams tore through the room. His heart was pounding at a thousand beats per minute, cold sweat dripped down his forehead, and his legs seemed ready to give way. Zack did not yet know it, but what he was feeling was nothing less than one of the most primal human fears: the fear of being abandoned.
Lina stood up slowly, reaching her hand out to calm him. But Zack pushed her away violently.
— You think talking softly will fix this situation?! COME ON, ANSWER ME! WHY WON'T YOU KEEP YOUR PROMISE?! Zack knew what he was saying was unbelievably bad faith and completely wrong, but for some reason, he did not stop.
These words, full of rage and despair, made Lina break down too. She screamed, her eyes wet with anger.
— AND WHY NOT, HUH?! I'M JUST TIRED OF LIVING WITH YOU! I LET YOU LIVE HERE OUT OF KINDNESS, OK?! I HAVE THE RIGHT TO TELL YOU TO LEAVE WHENEVER I WANT!
Zack froze. His lips trembled, but no sound came out. The world around him seemed to wobble.
Lina took a deep breath, ready to continue, but suddenly her face twisted.
— M… damn… not now!
— W… w-what's h-happening??? stammered Zack, panicked.
Blood began to flow from Lina's nose, mouth, eyes, and ears. She staggered, her legs giving way beneath her, before collapsing heavily onto the floor.
Zack, eyes wide, remained paralyzed. The scene etched itself into him, brutal, unreal, as if the world had just collapsed beneath his feet.
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