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The metal doors slammed shut as the officers left the room. Sylus kept his head down. Not in an act of defeat, but as a way to protect his eyes from the heavy florescent lights. The shackles that bounded his wrist and ankles felt heavy. The collar around his neck itched. ‘Anti-Evol technology has truly come a long way,’ he thinks. His aether core hummed uncomfortably behind his eye. Sylus could feel his power weakly tingle at his finger tips. He tries to reach for it. A jolt of electricity hits him and that tiny bit of power recedes back into the depths. Sylus growls and curses the collar and then himself for ending up in such a position.
Protocores. It always came back to protocores. An old supplier he’s been working with for years had informed him of the new supply. He was honest, some were definitely unstable, but there was at least two aether cores within the batch. All for him to have at the right price. So Sylus and the twins met them. And everything was normal, or at least seemed normal. Once the price was negotiated did Sylus feel a sudden prick on his neck. The dart was small and Sylus just glared at his old associate. The dealer was eviscerated right as the police and Hunters broke through. He got the twins out of the building right before the sedative, which was surprisingly more potent then normal, kicked in. Sylus fought, but the drug made him clumsy. Clumsy enough that another dart implanted into his arm, and back, and leg. A lucky explosion sends him into a nearby wall. The impact along with the drugs leaves him vulnerable enough for a lucky Hunter to plant the collar on him. A shock ran through him then and consciousness quickly began to fade. Sylus had then awoken, chained, in an extremely bright room with two very smug officers sitting across from him.
That was twelve hours ago; at least that’s what one of the officers had mentioned. Twelve hours with florescent lights beaming down on him. Twelve and a half hours since his last meal. Fourteen hours since his aether core had last eaten. His aether core hummed again as the reminder crossed his mind. Sylus assumes they’re trying to weaken him enough for transport. As if the drugs and collar weren’t already enough; no they had to starve him and his core. It honestly surprises Sylus just how far these people where willing to go. How easily they are able to cross certain lines. Sylus can’t really blame them. He is the most wanted criminal in Linkon. Maybe such drastic measures are necessary for someone like him; despite the inhumane aspect of it all. The officers don’t mention the twins. They must have been able to evade them. At least that’s what Sylus chooses to believe.
Something flickers in his peripheral. Sylus ignores it believing it a trick by his overly exhausted mind. He ignores the next flicker. The lights in the room flash in unison and that’s what finally catches his attention. The second time it happens two officers burst into the room. “You’re being moved,” he clocks his gun, “Behave and don’t try anything funny.”
The lights die as the guards approached. One of the men curse under his breath, “This is Officer Lee. Lights have completely shut off in the prisoners’ holding. What is the update on the generators?” Lee questions as the two activate the lights attached to their uniforms.
“Generators need to be manually activated. Officers in progress as we speak,” another voice comes through the radio.
“The generators should be turning on automatically.”
“If the whole building or 50% of total power is down the generators are set to activate. Only the 4th and 3rd floors are locked down and without power.”
“Then that would mean the intruders are targeting…”
“Exactly. Ignore previous directive. Remain with the prisoner until power is restored or until backup reaches you.”
The room go’s silent afterwards. Sylus could feel the eyes on him. He hears one of the officers move towards him, “Whoever is coming to free you must be a complete idiot.”
“Williams,” Lee’s voice echos with caution.
“I bet it’s the masked ones that follow you like lost puppies.” Sylus grits his teeth at the mention of the twins. “They slipped through our fingers back there,” Williams clocks his gun, the sound echoing in the dark room, “This time they wont get away.”
Something deep with Sylus rumbles. He can be threatened, stabbed, betrayed, arrested, and even tortured. But no one, NO ONE threatens his boys. In an instant the room is lit with red energy that surges towards Williams; wrapping tightly around his body. Sylus hears the collar activate and with what little strength he has pulls. The sicking snap of the officers’ neck is quickly followed with the crackle of electricity as the collar activates. Sylus grits his teeth as the pain shoots through his body. Thirty seconds feels like an hour, but eventually the collar finishes his punishment. Sylus leans his head back as he heaves in breath after breath. Logically, he knew using his Evol at this moment wasn’t the smartest move. Knows how much he’s screwed himself in the moment.
The click of a radio goes off and the remaining officer, Lee, speaks something Sylus can’t decipher in his dazed state. What Sylus does hear is the echo of slow, but careful footsteps. They’re loud enough to catch Lee’s attention; just as the intruder intended. The officer clocks his gun and aims it at Sylus as he walks towards the door. A radio pings in the hall and Sylus smiles as the idiot officer opens the door just slightly enough to let the raging inferno into the room. Lee goes down fast and quiet. The flames dance around the room illuminating Sylus’ frame but never touching him.
“This is unexpected,” Sylus huffs out.
“What, not happy to see me? After having to cancel my most anticipated gallery appearance? How hurtful can you be Sy?!”
“You’re welcome.”
“You owe me for this!” Rafayel tells him as he steps over the bodies of the officers and starts undoing Sylus’ chains.
“Of course,” Sylus says as he rubs his now freed wrists.
“I was thinking dinner. Expensive of course. The dear prince can take care of Thomas.”
Sylus’ attempt at standing fails, but instead of hitting the ground a new pair of arms wrap tightly around his shoulders, “Easy.”
Sylus smiles as he leans into the embrace, “Hello Love.”
“Don’t talk,” Xavier half snaps as he carefully, but effortlessly, lifts Sylus into a bridle carry. “Raf.”
“Yeah, yeah,” the artist says as he places a hand on the princes’ shoulder.
In a flash of light that blinds their rescue the three are suddenly outside. Sylus remembers being hustled into a car and the winding and swerving as they book it out of where ever they were parked. Remembers another, very concerned, voice in the car. Remembers Rafayel arguing with said person but not what they where saying. The last thing he remembers is Xavier’s face. He could see the worry buried in his eyes. Sees him mouth something; probably some iteration of ‘sorry’ or ‘you’re safe now’ or whatever Xavier thinks is enough to convince himself that it’s all over and that Sylus was going to be fine. Xavier places a hand over Sylus’ eyes; their sign to tell the other it was okay to rest. Sylus holds his wrist firmly to let him know he’s fine as he slowly let his body succumbed to the exhaustion.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Sylus awakens to the familiar sight of the bed room in one of his frequently visited safe houses. It’s quiet all for the pitter-patter of the rain outside. Slowly, Sylus positions himself so he could push up from the bed. He gets a few inches up before his weak limbs forsake him. He groans in frustration and finds his throat to be particularly dry. The door opens on his second attempt followed by hurried footsteps.
“What do you think you’re doing? Lay down!” Zayne’s voice is firm as he places his hands on Sylus’ shoulders and pushed him back into the bed. Sylus gives him an agitated look, “Don’t start. The drugs are still making their way out of your system.”
“Water,” Sylus is surprised by horsed his voice was. Zayne sighs as he moves over to the mini fridge and grabs a bottle from it. He lifts Sylus’ head to make it easier as the man gulps down half the contents. “I’m surprised you’re here Doctor.”
Zayne hums, “It’s my day off.”
“Lucky me then.”
“Very,” Zayne comments. “Do you remember what happened?”
Sylus takes a moment before responding, “Deal turn ambush. Being stuck in an “interrogation” room for hours before Rafayel and Xavier showed up. That’s about it.”
“Good,” Zayne nods as he takes a mental note.
“So, how did you and the fish get roped into this?”
“The twins called me in a panic,” Zayne shakes his head, but Sylus could see the small curve of his lips. “Xavier showed up unannounced right before they got home and found out what had happened. He was moments away from a one man rescue that could have turned ugly very quickly.”
“But you talked him down.”
“I talked rationality into him.”
Sylus nods, “I’m impressed by the swiftness of it all. Twelve hours to plan and execute with zero issues? Tell me dear doctor are you…”
“Like I’ve said before I’m happy with my current job Sylus,” Zayne cuts in making Sylus shrug.
There’s a knock on the bedroom door before it’s swung open. Rafayel walks in with that casual smile he always has, “Well, well, well. Look who’s finally awake!” He makes a scene of plopping himself on the couch, “Took you long enough.”
“Rafayel,” Zayne chides him.
“What? It’s true, geeze.” The artist comments as he pulled out his phone.
Zayne sighs as he rubs the bridge of his nose, “Where is Xavier?”
“Talking to Thomas and explaining why I couldn’t make an appearance at the oh so important new gallery.”
“You left Xavier in charge of that?” Zayne questions.
“Hey,” Rafayel points at him, “He owes me for this last minute rescue.” Zayne opens his mouth to say something but quickly decides the effort wouldn’t be worth it. Thankfully Xavier wanders in just a quickly.
“Yes, yes, of course I’ll let him know. Okay. Hope the rest of your day goes better,” Xavier speaks before hanging up the phone. “It’s done. He sends his condolences.”
Rafayel smiles, “Thank you!” He stands and walks over to the bed, “Hey you know how I said you owe me dinner?” Sylus nods already knowing where this was going, “Cool. So ima borrow your card then; you don’t have to tell where it is I already found it earlier.”
“Rafayel!”
“Don’t worry Snowy I am going to bring it back. Besides,” he wraps an arm around the doctors’ waist, “It is still your day off and we get so little of those.” Rafayel says as his breath brushed against Zayne’s ear.
Sylus laughs. A full on laugh that has him coughing by the end of it, “As much as I appreciate the rescue I think it’s best for you two to get out of here before Xavier and I have to witness whatever you normally do on your days off.”
“And I couldn’t agree more!” Rafayel says as he starts to pull the doctor towards the door.
Zayne, face slightly flushed and definitely embarrassed, looks at Xavier, “Please call if his condition starts to worsen.” The Hunter nods as he escorts the two out.
“How are your feeling?” Xavier questions.
“Much better now that you’re here,” Sylus says holding a hand out to him.
Xavier walks over and takes it. He kisses the knuckles as he sits, “You are an insane foolish man.”
“I did what was needed once the situation showed its true colors.”
Xavier sighs as his other hand cups Sylus’ cheek, “I know.” It trails down to the bandages wrapped around Sylus’ neck, “I should have been there sooner.”
Sylus takes his wrist and brings it back to his face. He nuzzles into the hand and basks in its warmth, “I’d rather you take your time planning then jumping head first into it and risk being capture as well. The last thing I want is for any of you to get caught because of me.”
“They wouldn’t have caught me.”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s not something I want you to risk.” Sylus reaches a hand up to Xavier’s face. He caresses his fingers against his cheek and through his hair, “I’d rather come home beaten and bloody but find you asleep and safe in bed. Not in some prison cell or torture room disguised as an interrogation.”
“And I rather find you stuck in a meeting with people who bore you then the twins freaking out about a setup and how you were arrested.”
Sylus chuckles, “And while I do agree, I can’t help but admit that you coming to my rescue was very fun to say the least.”
Xavier tilted his head and raised an eyebrow. “You found it hot didn’t you,” It’s not a question.
“Oh very much so.” Sylus smirks, “My handsome knight in shinning armor.”
Xavier rolls his eyes at the comment and instead leans down so their lips could meet. It’s soft, but Sylus could feel every bit of emotion Xavier puts forth into it. Fear and relief. Anger and joy. Most importantly love. Xavier pulls back fully as he goes to remove his boots and crawls onto the bed. He doesn’t bother with the blanket as he sneaks an arm under Sylus’ head. Xavier curls into him making Sylus hum contently.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Xavier reaches into one of his pockets and pulls out a pouch; placing it on Sylus’ chest. “These should help.”
Sylus dumps the little pouch and out rolled five little crystals, “Protocores.”
“And two aether ones I was able to snag while Raf was making his way to you. Figured you’d be hungry after all that time.”
Sylus picks up a crystal that quickly goes dim. “Could have pulled from my personal collection instead of taking the chance.” Xavier gives him a flat look, “But thank you for considering anyways.”
By the time the final crystal goes dim Sylus could say for certain that he was feeling better. His migraine had turned into a subtle ache now that his own aether core was fed. He sighs as the stress of the past twelve plus hours finally settled in. Xavier nuzzled against the side of his head, “Sleep. You need it. The twins are safe and just tying up any loose ends we might have left. They’ll be here later and you are going to need to be in good condition to handle them.”
“Thank you for coming for me.”
“Always will.” Xavier kisses his hair, “Just don’t make it a habit or Rafayel might just bleed you dry with his expensive dinner requests.” Another chuckle finds its way past Sylus’ lips. “Also I may be old, but the last thing I need is to develop some white hairs from all the stress.”
“If such a thing were possible I think you’d look nice. We would match.”
“You’d like that wouldn’t you?”
“I like you”
Xavier kisses his lips, “And I you. Now go to sleep. I’ve got you.” And who was Sylus to argue with that as he slowly closed his eye and fell into a dreamless sleep in the arms of his lover.