Chapter Twenty: The Mercenary with Absent Memories

He was in a sullen mood after he sustained the drastic loss at the hands of Zach. Ivory bandages stained with blood covered the majority of his body as he rested in the infirmary. Leo Ombra wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do now that the tournament had ended for him. His faded grey induced eyes glanced over to the side; his semi-blurred vision began to pick up the form of what appeared to be a man standing in the middle of the doorway. Leo slowly tried to move up from his bed in order to greet the man that was now glaring at him. It took a lot of his strength if not all of it to even move a few inches.

“You’re Leo Ombra?” The voice softly spoke breaking the awkward silence.

Leo nodded as his weakened arms quivered from the weight it was holding. “I am…and you’re….” His vision began to focus slightly as his fingers rubbed the sockets of his eyelids. Once in focus he gasped once he was able to identify the figure. “…you’re Adam Novus…”

“I see…well that speeds things up a bit then if you know who I am.” Adam replied.

“Depends I guess…why are you here?”

“Nothing too drastic, I just would like to talk is all.” Adam replied as he cautiously entered the room. It was like any other infirmary room, painted a bright bleached color with pale plastic chairs and tables to match.

“So what do you want to talk about? I don’t even know you personally; you’re just the Azure Knight to me, a figure wrapped around the demise of the Chimera.” Leo replied.

“I see…well I’m not looking to become personal acquaintances. Tell me what you know about Genesis...”

Leo’s eyebrows arched in intrigue, he wasn’t quite sure where Adam was going with this nor was he aware of any prior relationship with Genesis.

“I’m aware that they’re the primary manufacturer of MFs and are the driving force behind this tournament.”

“I see…what about Caleb Prodito.”

“Caleb…I’m sorry but I don’t know who that is.” Leo replied.

The replies were not the answers Adam wanted to hear, they were just infuriating him. It was hard to take anything that Leo said seriously after the conversation he had with Caleb before Rebel killed him. Slight sounds of chuckling began to emanate from Adam’s mouth as he slowly trotted towards the bed. The white sheets began to wrinkle as Leo’s body moved frantically trying to find a single comfortable position.

“Well, sorry if I don’t believe you, but it’s kind of hard when Caleb mentions you specifically.” Adam replied.

“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about…” Leo stuttered his words, his tone cracking with innocence and confusion. 

“I think you do, you’re just trying to hide it. Caleb told me some things….specifically connecting you to the death of my friends two years ago.” Adam replied in a strong somber tone. His friends were a hot button for him, and if what Caleb said was true, if Leo was the person responsible for it then he didn’t know what he might do.

“2 years ago….I….” His hands firmly clutched onto his forehead, a throbbing sharp sensation tore through his mind. The clarity that was in his vision faded replaced by distilled blurred images, he couldn’t focus anymore; he couldn’t even hear Adam yelling his name in concern.

“Shit…” Adam mumbled. He quickly pressed the alert button on the side of Leo’s bed calling for the nearest nurse. Within seconds two nurses ran into the room pushing Adam aside. Adam just watched as the two nurses began to take hold of Leo’s quivering body. He knew he wasn’t going to get any answers out of him at this rate.

“(Damn it…)”

            A youthful looking man slowly walked through the corridors after finishing up at his temporary job at one of the restaurants. His alluring blonde hair wiped through the air pumped out of the vents. As he continued to walk he slowly passed one of the coffee shops on the edge of the food court, Ashley, Heather and Sharon sat perpendicular to the window enjoying their coffee. At the sheer sight of Sharon’s face the man began to smile. His hair was brushed to the back of his scalp in order to look presentable. His eyes stared into the window reflection of his face and smiled.

“Perfect.” He mumbled. Before he could even realize what he was doing he entered the shop quickly locating Sharon and the others.

            “Has Adam been acting strange lately or is it just me?” Heather blurted out as she placed he cup of searing coffee onto the coaster. Both Sharon and Ashley rolled their eyes.

“He’s been on edge lately….I guess he just wants to win the tournament.” Sharon replied.

“It’s not that simple trust me. I’ve seen this before. Granted we were kids at the time but I can tell he hasn’t changed a bit.” Ashley replied sarcastically.

“What exactly do you mean by that?” Heather interrupted.

Ashley began to laugh, her hands flying fervently in the air. “You see when we were in grammar school he was extremely competitive. If someone got more attention doing whatever he began to act like that person and attempt to do it better. By doing this he thought he was giving people what they wanted to see from him, but in the end all he was doing was playing a role, and each time he played that role he lost a bit of his own identity. I can tell that this Rebel guy has become his infatuation, he’s trying to steal the attention from him and by doing so is inadvertently acting like him.” Ashley replied.

“You really think that’s what’s been going on?” Sharon mumbled.

“I’m pretty sure that’s part of it. I would also like to say that he still feels some level of guilt for what happened to his friends. I wouldn’t know first hand as I wasn’t around when it happened, but when I brought it up to him about a week ago he seemed pretty defensive.”

“That’s Adam….he’s always trying to hide his emotions like he is the only one whose ever sustained a loss.” Heather replied.

“No…I’m sure he knows we’ve all sustained losses, but at the amount he has in such a short period of time and for them to all be close friends. That has to add a new level of strain, I can attest to the fact that I’ve never dealt with that before….” Sharon replied.

“That may be true, but he needs to learn to just trust us. I mean we’re his friends….” Heather replied.

“That’s the problem…I think he’s afraid that if he gets us too tied up in whatever he’s dealing with that he might lose us too. And I don’t think he wants to sacrifice any of us.” Ashley replied.            All three of them became silent, their lips just brushing softy across the edge of their cups.       

“How much longer do you think he’s going to be like this?” Sharon asked cautiously.

“I can’t say…I haven’t been around him long enough lately to be an accurate judge. He needs to find what he’s looking for and fast if he ever wants to move on…”

“Excuse me ladies…” A vibrant soothing voice interrupted the girl’s chat forcing them to suddenly turn their heads and attention to the young man standing before them.

Sharon’s eyes seemed to widened as she quickly recognized the man as the person from the other day, Gabriel.

“Yeah, can I help you with something?” Heather replied harshly but in a tone that was masked in purity.

“I apologize for the intrusion, but my name is Gabriel Calquez, I’m friends with that exquisite young lady right there.” He mentioned winking his eyes in Sharon’s direction causing her to blush instinctively.

Both Ashley and Heather turned towards Sharon with blank expressions covering their faces.

“We met the other day….I kinda…ummm, ran into him on the way down to breakfast.” Sharon mumbled.

“Ohh, so that’s what took you so long to get down here huh?” Ashley replied sarcastically. She was kidding of course; she knew that Sharon wouldn’t flirt with another guy.

As Gabriel pulled up a wooden chair next to Sharon he began to smile revealing his gleaming white teeth void of imperfection.

“No….it was an accident.” Sharon was quick to defend waving her hands trying to emphasize the accident.

“Well it wasn’t a big deal, we both just weren’t paying much attention and whoops, it just happened.” Gabriel replied.

“Whoops huh? Hehe, just an accident. A pretty young woman like Sharon and you just happened to accidentally run into her. Happens all the time.” Ashley replied. Her sharp tongue is what usually gets her in trouble but Gabriel just laughed it off.

“I can’t lie, she is beautiful. If we didn’t bump into each other then I don’t think I would have ever had the guts to introduce myself.” Gabriel replied with a calm demeanor just smiling back at Sharon. His face and his mannerisms made it hard not to chuckle or laugh or just feel at ease.

Heather just looked back at Ashley; they couldn’t believe that this guy would show up seemingly out of no where and just start flirting with their friend, who was in the middle of what they believed to be a serious relationship.

“Hey Sharon, it’s already 5:30, we’re supposed to meet everyone for dinner in a half hour. I think we should head out and get ready.” Ashley replied.

“That’s right; she needs to make herself look extremely attractive for Stephen.” Heather replied with a smart ass attitude.

“Ugh…get over yourself.” Ashley bitterly replied.

Gabriel laughed at the fun loving display of innocence that the two of them were putting on.

“Where you guys eating?” Gabriel interrupted.

Ashley and Heather cringed; their ploy to drive Sharon away seemed to fail.

“Heh, we’re not sure yet. We decided the other few nights; it’s the men’s turn to come up with concrete plans.” Heather replied.

“Men huh, your boyfriends?” Gabriel asked. With every question he began to pry into their private life. Ashley knew what he was doing right from the start, most guys play this game; try and ask if the girl they have a crush on has a boyfriend but do it in a way they doesn’t make them seem obvious.

“Yeah, something like that.” Ashley replied.

Just as Ashley’s lips began to move Gabriel turned his attention towards Sharon ignoring the other two. “If it isn’t too much trouble do you think I could borrow her for the night? I would like to take her out for dinner in order to apologize for the other day.” Gabriel replied.

“….” They couldn’t find the words to express their emotions or thought processes. He didn’t even ask if she had a boyfriend, he just automatically assumed that she was available.

“Umm….I assure you it’s not necessary.” Sharon replied modestly.

“No, I think it is. It was rude of me not to pay attention to my surroundings. I must insist.” Gabriel replied.

“No….it’s fine don’t worry about it.” Sharon replied.

“Hey you guys. I saw you and Heather in through the window so I thought it’d be best if I met up you two. Stephen called; he said that he and Mario wanted to try that Chinese place on the other end of the food court.” Adam’s voice echoed through the café. Both Ashley and Heather sighed in relief, they weren’t sure when the last time was that they were so happy to here his voic.

“Hey Adam! Great timing.” Ashley screamed. Sharon’s skin went pale nearly translucent at the sound of his voice and mention of his name. Gabriel noticing Sharon’s awkward and surprised expression glanced over his shoulder arching his back. He then smirked as he recognized Adam and slowly lifted himself out of the chair. Adam’s head tilted to the side just noticing Sharon sitting down next to this gorgeous looking man.

“And who is this?” Adam asked approaching the table.

Gabriel just smiled back at Adam extending his hand.

“My name is Gabriel Calquez.”

“Hi…” Adam then glanced at Sharon who was sitting with her eyes staring at the ground. “Hey Sharon.”

“Hey Adam.”

“Oh, you two know each other?” Gabriel mumbled.

Ashley and Heather looked at each and began to chuckle. Ashley’s hand covered the front part of Heather’s ear as she began to whisper.

“This is going to be interesting.” Ashley said softly through the Heather’s ear lobe.

Heather simply nodded.

“Yeah you could say that.” Adam replied still refusing to look at Gabriel in the eyes.

“I see, well your friend is a stubborn one. I’m trying to offer to take her to dinner, but she just insists on turning me down.” Gabriel then approached closer to Adam’s ear so that none of the girls could hear him. “Do you have any advice?”

This just managed to infuriate Adam a bit; he smirked and moved away from Gabriel walking up to Sharon.

“Adam I wasn’t going to go to dinner with him you know.” Sharon replied softly.

“I know. You think I don’t trust you? Heh, give me more credit than that!” Adam replied as he swung his arm around Sharon’s shoulder bringing her closer to his body. Gabriel could take a hint, normally most people would feel ashamed at flirting with another man’s girlfriend, but it didn’t seem to bother him.

“I apologize, I was unaware.” Gabriel said.

“It’s alright, can’t blame you, I mean she is gorgeous.” Adam replied in a sarcastic tone of voice.

Gabriel nodded and began to head out the café but stopped just before his right foot left the shop.

“I dream too you know. Maybe sometime we’ll get the chance to discuss these dreams of ours.” Gabriel said just as he left the café. Sharon’s soulful brown eyes widened, suddenly she felt a chilling sensation sprint down her spine. For an instance her vision faded only to focus on a surrealistic environment one like in her dreams.

“You ok?” Adam mumbled. The sound of his voice dragged her back into reality.

“Huh? Oh, yeah I’m fine.”

“Good….about that guy.”

“I gotta admit, he’s pretty good.” Ashley said.

“What?” Adam instinctively replied.

“Yeah, he’s got charm that one. I’d be careful he’s obviously got a thing for her.” Heather interrupted.

“Please, like I have to worry about the likes of him…”

“Well you obviously have some form of concern, what were you about to say about him?” Ashley asked.

“Oh, yeah that. Well you see he just beat Dante in the 2nd round. He’s my opponent for the 3rd round.” Adam replied gazing out of the coffee shop as the man known as Gabriel slowly walked into the distance.

“What?! He’s an MF pilot?!” Heather and Ashley screamed in unison.

“Yeah he is….and a skilled one at that.” Adam replied.

“I see…OH! That reminds me! How’d Stephen do?” Ashley became curious it could be deciphered in the tone of her voice.

Adam glanced at her smirking, his eyebrows arched.

“Oh, interested in my brother huh? Well he won his match. He moved onto the 3rd round as well.”

“No….no…not like that. I was just curious.” Ashley replied in quick defense of her feelings for Stephen.

“Hehehe, whatever. Anyway, I section has finished and the entire 2nd round has been completed. So we have 2 days to rest before the 3rd round is underway.” Adam replied.

“Hey Adam, do you know why there isn’t a ‘G’ section in the tournament, it goes from ‘A’ to ‘F’ and skips ‘G’ and goes right to ‘H’ and ‘I’?” Heather asked.

“Hmm, guess I didn’t realize that before. I honestly have no idea.” Adam replied.

“Can we hurry up I’m getting really hungry!” Sharon interrupted forcing everyone to move.

            “Ugh….why….why can’t I remember?!” Leo screamed in his sleep. It could hardly be considered sleep since he spent the majority of his time staring at the cracks and lines in the ceiling. His mind couldn’t rest peacefully, not since Adam Novus appeared in his room interrogating him.

“Why can’t I remember?!”

“Don’t worry yourself over such trifles Leo. Some people would love to have the opportunity to not remember certain events. But then again…the grass is always greener on the other side I guess.” The soft intimidating voice loomed over Leo who quickly jumped out of his sheets to see a tall man drenched in the shadows of the night.

“Who…who are you?” Leo began to mumble in fear.

“Ah, you’re memories are that distorted that you don’t even remember my voice.”

“You….” Leo began to mutter. His vision once again became distorted, he felt as if he was floating, floating in an endless sea of nothingness. Soon images, distorted images began to run through his mind like a slide show.

“Will you just stay still…I have no problem doing this the hard way…”

The voice echoed, it sounded familiar….it was his own voice. But he wasn’t sure where it was from or when.

            A young man’s eyes flooded with tears as he stared at a girl’s lifeless body. She twitched on the ground as a pool of blood slowly outstretched over the at one time cleanly tiled floor. Another girl was hysterical, she couldn’t control her emotions; no one could. She fell on the ground with her arms shaking over the fallen body of her friend. She burst out into tears mixed along with partially high pitched screams. The man then burst out from his chair and reached for the gun that Genesis provided him on the day of his employment. The three men just glanced at one another and without any hesitation pulled the trigger. Three chrome bullets pierced his body causing an uproar of blood to spew into the air. The remaining girl quickly turned around only to watch her boyfriend fall to the ground covered in blood as well.

            “SEAN!!!!....Oh my God…oh my God…why…..why ARE YOU DOING THIS?!!!”

Suddenly Leo snapped out of his trance staring at the mysterious figure that was still present.

“I see you still can’t recognize my voice….fine. My name is Luscious Malum. And the advice that I’m offering you is to disregard the shattered pieces of your memory. You’ll be afraid of what you find if you continue to look.”

“Do you…do you know what happened to me? A young pilot... came in here asking me about something that happened 2 years ago…”

“Adam Novus….(hmmm, I guess Caleb leaked this much information to him. There’s no telling what else he knows about.)”

“Yeah…Adam, the Azure Knight.” Leo replied.

“I see…well get some rest Leo. You need it. I’ll stop by in the morning to see how you’re holding up.” Luscious replied as he closed the infirmary door behind him.

            “So? What happened?” Rebel358 soon leaned out of the shadows covering the corner next to the door. Luscious smirked.

“Adam is already looking. It appears that you were a bit too late.”

“So he knows about Leo then…” Rebel muttered.

“I’m not sure if he knows everything, but I’m pretty sure Caleb told him to check up on him….Caleb always liked to play games with people. Give them the pieces but never the complete set, in the end the puzzle was always missing one or two pieces. He always felt that it wasn’t any fun if he gave people all of the answers…..heh, I liked that about him. Kind of makes me regret having him killed.” Luscious replied while Rebel just stared outwards into the deep serenity of space.