4 Chapter IV

"Hey, wake up," Jaycent whispers as he patted Ekon's shoulder.

Ekon would groan as he slowly opens his eyes.

"Where are we?" Ekon asked as he looks around. He can see that trees are surrounding their car, and he could also see the Appalachian mountains.

"Welcome to Virginia, buddy," Jaycent Answered.

"Now, C'mon, get out of the car and follow me" They both soon exit the car, and Jaycent went around to the trunk of the car to pick up some stuff from the bag.

Ekon would begin to admire his surroundings since he never been inside the woods before. He then turned around to look at Jaycent standing there behind him with a smirk on his face. "C'mon, we got some hiking to do."

"Hiking? really?" Ekon asked

Jaycent chuckled a bit before answering, "Don't worry, it is not that far, just a half an hour hike" he then proceeds to grab a bag from the trunk throw's it to Ekon before shutting the trunk of his car. He then began to walk past Ekon before saying, "C'mon lazy bones."

Ekon sighed and began to follow him.

They hike for what it seems like half an hour before reaching a clearing.

Ekon, at this point, felt exhausted. "Wanna Take a break?" Jaycent asked, looking at the now worn out Ekon. "Yeah, sure," Says Ekon as he started to sit down on the log beside him.

"How come you still look fresh," Ekon asked, with a confused look at Jaycent.

Ekon then giggled before answering, "Boy, if you been moving from one place to another for a long time to avoid getting hunted, you'll get used to it eventually."

Ekon was shocked, knowing what Jaycent have to go through. For years he only knows him as a guy who always tries to protect as if he was his little brother.

"Anyways, are we almost there?" Ekon asked

"Well, just a few minutes walk, and we would arrive there," Jaycent answered.

A few minutes later, they would continue their journey to the Resistance HQ, few minutes have passed, and They both could begin to see a structure. It was slightly hidden between the trees.

They got closer, and they notice it was a tower, suddenly two armed men would appear out of nowhere and pointing their guns at them. "Don't move!" one of the men yelled.

Jaycent recognizes the man and began to lower his hands before saying, "Easy Mike, it's me, Jaycent" Mike soon narrows his eyes at him before realizing who he was. "Jaycent, it's been a while," Says Mike as he embraced his friend.

"Who is this?" Mike asked

"His name is Ekon," Jaycent answered.

"Nice meeting you," Ekon greeted

"So what brings you two here?" Mikes asked, looking at Jaycent

"I need to talk with the Chief," Jaycent answered.

Mike nodded before answering, "Follow me."

Mike soon escorted the two towards this large Cabin. As they both walk, Jaycent could see a familiar woman that he hasn't met for a very long time. The women noticed Jaycent and looked at him with shock before walking towards him. "Jaycent? It's been a while."

"Hey, Lucy," Jaycent giggled.

Lucy then looked towards Ekon before asking, "Who are you?"

"He's my friend, and we need to talk to the chief." Jaycent answered, "Why?" Lucy asked.

"Well, we will explain there, so please, can we just meet him?" Jaycent pleaded. Anna then smiled and nodded before escorting the two to the chief.

They both went inside the cottage to see a man sitting on the couch while reading.

"John, we have someone here who wants to meet you," says Anna. The man soon looks up to see them. "Jaycent? is that you?" The man rose and began walking towards Jaycent before embracing him. "It's been a while, my boy" They both soon broke their hug. "It's been a while, old man," Jaycent replied.

"who is this" John said as he stares at Ekon.

"My name is Ekon, sir." Ekon greeted

Jaycent then interrupted by saying, "Ekon here needs help, an urgent one."

"Come with me," John ordered the two.

They both soon followed John into his office. Once inside, he then points the two to two chairs, signaling them to sit down.

"so, what can I help you with?" John asked as he sat down and began to fold his hand. "His girlfriend had been taken hostage by Bluelight." John soon looked at Ekon with a distressed look. "Did they tell you where they took her?" Ekon then sighed before answering, " I don't know, but what I do know is that they expect to meet me at Central Park 11 hours from now."

"Don't worry son, We'll help," says John. He then looked at Lucy, standing beside the door, and wave at her, signaling her to come closer. "Yes, sir?" Lucy asked, "Could you please these two to the Blue room? And send Keyo, Carson, and Daniel as well? I'll meet you all there." Lucy nodded and escorted the two to the Blue Room."

"why is it called the Blue Room anyways?" Ekon asked

"You'll see," Lucy smirked.

They soon arrived in this, Large Cabin. They then entered the Cabin, and Ekon looked around and realized that John wasn't lying when he says "Blue" Room.

This is because almost everything inside the Cabin was colored Blue besides the furniture and some shelves. They then entered this one room filled with maps, images, and blueprints attached to the wall.

"Well, I guess you guys weren't lying about this being "Blue Room," Ekon chuckled. "Anyways, you guys stay here, I'll be right back." Lucy then walked out of the room, leaving the two alone.

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Lucy would return a few minutes later, along with three men following her from behind. "Jaycent?" one of the men says. He was rather good looking, blond hair has a little scar on his left eyebrow, and quite muscular compare to the other two.

"Hey Carson, it's been a while," Jaycent greeted. "Who's this guy?" Carson asked, "Well, this is Ekon," Jaycent answered.

"You mean the guy who you like to talk about a lot?" Carson asked, resulting in Ekon giving him a confused glare. "How much did you tell?" Ekon asked, "Just the basic's" Jaycent answered.

"Anyways, what can we help you with?, I heard it is urgent." Carson asked.

"Well, we have a situation, hostage situation to be precise," Jaycent explained.

"Who's the hostage." one of the men asked.

Jaycent soon tilted his head a bit, as if he was pointing it at Ekon. "His women."

"Who took her," Carson asked with a confused look

"Bluelight," Ekon answered.

"Then why didn't you say so? it's about time for some action!" One of the man says

"Easy there, Danny, we still need planning, don't we now?" Carson chuckled

"So, what's the plan?" Daniel asked, looking at Jaycent

Jaycent then proceeds to grab a map from the desk behind him. He then opens it before starting to point at the map where Central Park is located "in exactly 10 Hours, Bluelight would be expecting to meet him at Central Park." says Jaycent

"Now there won't be a lot of people there considering it's 11 PM and it's due to close at exactly 1 AM as we all know."

"Mind if I interrupt," Danny asked while raising his hand. Jaycent nodded, and Danny steps forward."How exactly do we know when will we be meeting them?"

Jaycent let out a sighed "We don't, and that's the problem, but I'm guessing the people we would be meeting would use their Bluelight uniforms."

"So, what do you want us to do?" Keyo asked

"I'll take over," John said as he enters the room.

"So the meeting would take place at Central Park, isn't it?" John asked.

"Yes," Ekon nodded.

"Keyo, I want you to take positions on the roof of the 101 Central Park West Apartment. They would need cover in case those jackals intend to do something stupid," John ordered.

"You two, I want eyes on the ground, Danny you would be staying at the Truck for the exfil while you Carson, I want you to take up a position on where you seem fit overlooking the meeting, in case things go south," John Ordered as he glared Daniel and Carson.

"Any questions?" John asked. Keyo soon raises his hand, which John notices and nods at him, signaling him to speak.

"Do you think all of this is kinda....fishy?" Keyo asked

"In what way?" Jaycent asked

"Well, because we are saving. a girl we barely know and might as well has no sorts of importance for our cause, and besides, they wanted him, which makes me wonder if all of this is a trap which, for that matter, would be a trap."

Ekon then gave him a furious stare, but before he could walk forward to confront him, Jaycent stopped him.

"What's in it for us anyway?" Carson added.

"Carson, can I speak with you? Alone" John asked, staring at him.

"Yes, sir" They both soon walk outside, leaving Danny, Keyo, Jaycent, and Ekon alone.

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"Where are they going?" Ekon asked.

"I don't know, but what I do know is that this girl of yours could be our demise," says Keyo, giving him a smirk.

"Listen, I do not want trouble, but she is the only family I got," Ekon answered.

"Why? You don't have parents?" Keyo asked.

"Well, my mom was killed by Bluelight all because they thought I know something about them, which makes me wonder, How exactly did they know where I was or who I was," Ekon Replied as he turns around to look at Jaycent.

"Listen, if you think that I was responsible for this, I don't, and I would never do so, but if there is one thing I know about Bluelight, is that. They see all, but even so, I'm sorry," Jaycent answered.

Ekon sighed. "It's fine."

"Now that you say it, I'm starting to consider to help you, maybe that's because of my soft side. But if what I'm guessing is going to happen is true. You're to blame, deal?" Keyo knows the fear of losing love ones, hence why he feels pity, and knowing that Ekon has to suffer losing someone for something he didn't do or don't know about gives him reason's to consider helping Ekon.

"Deal," Ekon answered.

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John and Carson would come back a few minutes later.

"Aight, everyone ready?" John Asked

"Yeah," Danny answered.

"Good we, will be moving soon," John replied before leaving the room shortly afterward.

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The four would begin their 6 hours drive back towards New York, passing checkpoints after checkpoints.

"Don't worry. We'll get your girl back." Carson patted as he tries to convince the still worried Ekon.

"Mind if I ask something?" Ekon asked as he turns his head to look at Carson

"What were you and John talking about when you both left?" Ekon asked as he raised an Eyebrow.

"Well, he tried to knock some sense on me regarding my attitude towards you before. Sorry about that?" Carson answered

Ekon gave him a slightly suspicious look. "Okay?".

"You should get some rest. I'll wake you up. Once we arrived," Carson suggested.

"Okay" Ekon then gets into a comfortable before he dozed off.

Ekon awake in a strange and dark place, and he can hear echo's around him. He then saw a flashback of the day when he and Anna had their big argument ages ago.

"W..what...just happened-" her voice was trembling, I didn't want to scare her, ever. I hugged her and patted her back so she could feel safe.

"I'm sorry you had to see that. This is the reason why I told you before--"

"I understand," Anna answered without hesitating. Her hands were on my face to check up on me. Her eyes were almost tearing up, and it made me feel worse. "If you feel this is the best for us, then I'll do it."

"Not only for us, but it's also for your safety" I smiled at her.

I took her back home, escorted her to the bed, and still saw the shock in her eyes. I decided to make a cup of tea for her, wishing that it could calm her down. As I poured the hot water into the cup, I sensed a figure standing behind me, I swiftly looked back, and there she was, standing, with my phone screen on.

"Explain what the fuck this is."

"Anna-- you should be resting!"

"Ekon, please," shouted Anna. I have never seen such a gaze from her eyes. I then put down the cup to the table and walked toward her as I handed the phone. She opened a chatroom message of my friends and me.

"Hey hey, how's our act?? amazing, right??"

"Are you guys okay? I'm sorry I had to hold your girlfriend..."

"Let us know if the mission is a success!! We demand a treat for dinner!!"

"You knew those people, didn't you," asked Anna.

"...." really, I couldn't think much. I stupidly let her know that it was all an act.

"Do you know how worried I was when you went to a scene with those guys? Do you know that my heart was shattered that I thought today would be the last date for us? and do you know how much hurt I get after realizing it was on purpose to make me change my mind? You want to get rid of me so much??" Anna kept on shouting with her eyes tearing up. I didn't want to see that. It's the last thing I wanted to see in my life.

"I'm sorry. Look, I just wanted to protect y--"

"Shut up!!! This is just too much. I can't believe you" she shook her head and stormed away from the kitchen. I ran toward her and held her hand to stop her from leaving.

"Let me go, please!!!"

"Please just understand what I was doing!!" I held her arms tight, and I didn't realize that I also had tears flowing out from my eyes.

"I can only understand that you're the worst right now!!"

"Why are you so hot-headed, Anna!?!?" Suddenly everything went black again.

His eyes shot wide as he woke up from that dream of his and turned around to look at a concerned Carson. "Nightmare?"

"Yeah," Ekon then, "Every damn time," he muttered.

Carson then let out a slight smile before saying, "I know that this isn't my concern to have but, do you mind telling me what is it about? maybe it could help you out."

"Sure," Ekon Replied.

Ekon sighed before explaining his dream." Anna and I were never always like what we were now. There was a time where I hurt her just because of my ignorance and just for me wanting to spend time alone."

"Why?"

"Well, the thing that annoy's me the most when it comes to her is her overly protective personality. She won't leave me alone but at least that changes eventually" Ekon smirked.

"and that is why we both leave each other for sometime before, she found me badly injured, and she took me in even after everything I did to her" Carson let out a smile. "Well, no wonder you are so eager to get her back. You are lucky to have her."

"Yeah, maybe I do," Ekon chuckled.

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Few hours passed before eventually, the four arrived at Central Park.

"You all know the plan, Danny, you stay here" Danny nodded, leaving the Keyo and Carson to take the positions as Ekon enters the ParkPark.

Russian Soldiers guarded the Park. The Russians turned much of the place into checkpoints months after the invasion.

As Ekon walks through the ParkPark, he saw a Man, Dark hair, had a short beard, and was wearing a T-shirt with Bluelight markings on it. The man waved as he saw Ekon walking towards him.

"You Ekon?" The man asked

"Yeah, now where is she?" Ekon Spat at the man

"Easy there, son, follow me." Ekon then followed the man as he started to walk towards the exit on the park's other side. As he approaches the exit, he could see a dark SUV waiting.

The man walked towards the SUV and opened the door. "Get inside," The man said.

Ekon was hesitant at first, but he knows this would be the one chance to meet Anna, so he got inside the car, and the man soon follows him inside afterward.

"Where are we go-" suddenly Ekon felt a pinprick on his right shoulder. "What the?" He then felt dizzy before everything went blurry, and he fell unconscious.

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Ekon slowly opens his eyes to see that he was in a room similar to the one he was in a year ago.

He then notices a woman sitting on the opposite end of him. He then narrows his eyes to see that it was Anna.

"Anna?"

"Hey Ekon," Anna greeted.

Ekon was overjoyed meeting his lover again, but then he felt something was rather odd. He looked at the clothing that she wears and noticed a marking that he knows all too well.

Ekon opens his mouth to speak, but as he about to let out the words he wanted to say, a man came in.

"I'll take it from here, Anna" Ekon was shocked due to what the man said. His feelings of Joy suddenly faded away and were replaced by confusion, anger, and sadness.

Anna then got up from the chair and walked towards the door before turning her head around towards Ekon. "I'm sorry, Ekon." She then left the room, leaving Ekon and the man to go on with their "Business."

The man then sat down on the chair. "We thought you died." Ekon didn't respond as millions of thoughts flooded his mind. He felt betrayed, He felt alone, he felt rage starting to grow within him.

"Now, what should I do with you," The man said as he got up from the chair and began to pace back and forth while looking at Ekon.

"Whatever you want to do," Ekon muttered.

"I know you would say that, and killing you would be rather. not fun for me, considering it's starting to get boring," The man chuckled. "So I might as well send you to the camps to join all the worthless people this city has to offer." The man then grabbed a nightstick from the table behind him and walked over to Ekon before eventually hitting him in the back of his head, and everything went black for him.

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