Stolen ✓

Chapter 04: A fateful encounter

CHAPTER FOUR:

A FATEFUL ENCOUNTER

{aeira ysvette zephyr's point of view}

    WHERE AM I?

    I think I am lost in the midst of darkness, in the pit of agony and pain. I do. I do honestly think so, without a doubt. My eyes wander around the place as I convince myself that I was all alone and doing just fine. Yes, I think I'm lost — but I do know that deep inside me, I was willing to be lost.

    Actually, I might need to rephrase that. 

    Because no, I honestly don't think that I am lost.

    To be considered as someone who is lost, you need to have a place that you need to go — your destination. And I, as pathetic as I can say it, don't even have that. From the day that I decided to get out of the house and handle my own problems, I already know that I don't have a decent place to stay.

    Stay.

    I don't even have the luxury to stay to a place - let alone call something a home.

    From the second I step out of my home, I already know that I have lost one thing: a place to call home.

    I know this is temporary that sooner or later, I will need to go home after I have fixed everything. The last thing that I needed is getting my parents tangled in between the danger that I had made to myself. I will never forgive myself if my parents were in any way shape or form damaged all because of my own stupid mistakes.  

    Why do I need to be too trusting? 

    My feet were throbbing as the pain continue to consume me. And still, there is still no houses to see in a distance away from me or even a fragment of people around the area. I do understand why that is the scenario present before me. 

    It is the middle of the night and only a stupid person in the province would be out at this unholy hour. At least, that is what I seemed to notice from the countless days that I had stayed here. Even Rah was cautious from the first day that we had stayed here - he always made sure the house was shut down by at least 6 pm. I wasn't actually sure why. 

    Trees surround the whole area and even the light that the moon provides doesn't help. Not one bit.

    I release a soft sigh, tired from the hours of running away from home.

    I need to continue walking even with my predicament, I just have to. I need to get lost in this place, never letting people get familiar with who I am or what my value is in the world. That is what I need at this very second. I need to be away from everyone and anyone that wants to be affiliated with me. But, isn't that what I have right now? 

    I'm alone, with no one to hold aid to.

    “No, I need to stop these rambling and run away,” I convinced myself, letting my pace to double, “We can do this, Aeira. We can do this s**t!”

    My mind diverted back into Rah. He must be awake at this second, furious at finding me out of my room as I escape his grasp. He can reach me. No, I shook my head at the thought. He can't catch me... he can't.

    He shouldn't catch me.

.

.

    “GET UP, WOMAN.”

    I groaned, pushing my head back as I stir in my place, “Give me five more minutes”

    “I won't wait for another f*****g minute! Get up, woman!” 

    I stiffen upon hearing a strict noise that somewhat made me stir from my sleep. The voice was from a man, it was hoarse and looked like someone who had run a marathon. The very fear inside me was waking me up but still, there was a foreign feeling from inside me. I gulp. No way, did he already find me? 

    He came to find me? 

    As stupid as it sound to actually feel things just because my kidnapper chased before me was just f*****g nuts. There is an obvious cause that he would chase me, as I am a hundred of billion worth of dollar just running away from him. 

    Anyone with a mind would chase before me. 

    “Wake up!” Another scream hollered near me, jolting me to sleep. 

    My eyes followed the voice and I almost released all of the breath that I was holding as I saw an old man grumping at me for occupying the whole bench in the park. The small part of me was somewhat displeased upon not seeing the familiar set of eyes to console me in a way of annoying the s**t out of me - but as crazy as it sounds, Rah had managed to make me feel things that I never did from anyone.  

    I'm talking about the way he was able to console me without even realizing it. From usual stand point, one would be able feel bad about you whenever bad things would happen to you but to his perspective - he would always cast my mind out of it.    

    Which in turn, it makes me question as to why I even think about useless stuff like that.

    Moving away from the old man, who I had disturb from his rest in the bench. Ever so slowly, I bowed slightly to show my respect before I can even continue to walk away from that place. I wish from my soul that my cap that hides my blonde hair wouldn't fall, seeing that it would be the centre of attention at this kind of place.

    It would be around six or seven in the morning and I'm glad that Rah still didn't get a chance to find me. Not that it would be easy, that is. There are a couple of ways that I could run and countless paths that I could take.

    I just wish that he wouldn't reach where I am by this point.

    He needs to live.

    I take a look around, and I almost flash a smile upon seeing the beauty of the park at this time of day. There's a different vibe of this place that makes someone appreciate their childhood. There wasn't really a "normal" park vibe that I know. From the very second that I was out of the womb, every media outlet was aware of how I live my life.

    That is why, I never had a normal childhood outside my home.

    Which is why it's my safe haven - one that would always keep me safe whenever bad things would happen to me. From a young age up until now, I see it as a place where bad things never really visit. My mother build me a park in our garden in which she would spend most of her time playing with me.  

    I never really realized that this is what a park would look like. 

    It seems cheerful, with hundred of kids swarming around the place and their laughter continued to dance around the place. Mothers were talking to each other while there are some people who are jogging on the background.     

    The place looked like there is not any single problem from the world. I remember when I was still in this state - the one where there were no problems served on my plate. When I was nothing but a kid, I thought everything was perfect from how my parents would show me the world. 

    It was all unicorns, rainbow and everything is all colorful.

    But as you grow up, you would realize that all of that is a lie. As you finally wake up from reality, you would see how your childhood deceived you and every so slowly - it would take away all the laughter from you. There were tons of problems that surround us, but none of them shows their existence to you. 

    For me, that's just bullshit.

    They already made us feel the pain of not having the reality that we saw.

    “Miss! Miss!”

    My thoughts wander out of serenity from the second that a little girl walked right into me. She was small, possibly reaching my hips, her hair was made into pigtails and there was this adorable smile printed in her lips. With a smile, I crouch down as I take a good look at her. She showed a small flower into me, that she probably picked somewhere from here. 

    “You're pretty!" She announced, showing me her missing teeth, "I haven't seen you before!”

    I smiled softly, “I just got here, maybe that is why.”

    “Really?” she cheered before hollering into some kid that was left on the sandbox. He bounced towards us with a smile presented into his charming face, “He's my best friend! His name is Kevin!”

    I almost bite my lips as the name bring some huge gash of pain in my heart. Kevin, the man who used to be my best friend. The man who used to be my aid and my older brother. The man, who torn my heart and trust apart.    

    My heart knew better than to trust someone who can only smile and act nice. 

    Flashing a smile, I let my mouth to talk along with these two kids. They seemed like genuine good kids who wanted nothing but a company of someone to play with them. It would seem like not a good fraction of kids want to do anything from them. With my help though, not even a minute later - a couple of kids huddle around me, making me laugh at the attention that I was getting. 

    It seems like the two kids before me were happy to make new friends - even I am glad that I managed to show them the childhood that they should have. My laughter bubbled in a genuine way from the way they were paying attention to everything about me. 

    I don't mean it in a way that I wanted attention, I just love being surrounded by these adorable kids. Seeing kids was a new thing to me since I am the only child in the house and there are hardly ever kids that visit the house.

.

 .

{zero jefferson's point of view}

    THE ATMOSPHERE WAS dark, letting it be complimented by the light that is somewhat forbidden in this forsaken place. No source of light was emitted in this place that you would thought the light never found their way to this place—which is, I admit is the truth. This place is ruthless, a place for the garbage people who choose to live in this place.

    I wasn't even sure anymore as to how I managed to find a place this secluded from the civilization. All I was instructed to do was to let them cower in their own fear of being seen. He was smart - fulling knowing that until a person is suppressed to a place, he will continue to fear of being seen. 

    Especially these f*****g idiots. 

    If it wasn't for that guy, I would have left this place already. This is nothing but a waste of land and space. I even wondered why he's still willing to keep this place going - if it was up to me, their fear was already enough to kill every single one of them. But still, that was just me. He would always have some f****d up ideas that even I couldn't have thought about. 

    Everybody wanted this place down - and fast. Besides, the people living here with me are nothing but idiots. Living with these constant hoodlums makes me want to risk my life in the field rather than getting dumber as the second pass.

    These idiots are a bore and a waste of air, I can be assured of that. 

    If I didn't manage to keep my mental simulation going, I would have lost a couple brain cells from hanging out from them. 

    As the light flashed open, the four boys who stay rooted in their couch almost screamed at the sudden invasion of the light. It seems like they don't know what light is anymore—like they were trapped into their den, not letting themselves away from this hellhole.

    Just like before - I knew it. They are already scared as f**k. No need another second to waste.

    I mean, I do understand why they wouldn't go out of this place.

    Because stepping out of here would mean physical death to them. They were dumb enough to get loans from dangerous man all over the globe without even thinking that they don't hold a proper job. Their own stupidity didn't even made him act on his own - all they did was create a grave for themselves while he paved the way. 

    It didn't even take long before little by little, it's starting to bite them in the ass. 

    All these motherfuckers are drowned in nothing but debt. 

    Thousands and thousands of dollars in debt.

    “Boss! I saw a girl back in the park.”

    I hold my breath to stop the snicker from escaping from my mouth. 

    Boss, my f*****g feet. Looking to who is addressed, I did a great job at suppressing the laugh that badly wanted to escape from me. f*****g hell. He'll probably see it as something comedic to know that some goon is taking his title as the "boss" in this little group that he had forced to make. 

    The man, to which he calls bass, look back at him, “f*****g hell! Do I look like I have time to tap some slut? We're hiding from Max!”

    “Hell yeah, do we look like we have time to play when we're cowering in fear!?”

    "Man, Max is going to impale a bullet in our skull when he caught us." 

    The man, however, looked pleased with their answer which somewhat catches my attention to whatever he's supposed to say. Somehow, I hope that his words are my key to finally flee this place and help the other to locate her perfectly. 

    From the second that I had heard that she made some decision, that is when I grew wary of the situation. It was a real struggle to have everything handled by a single person and knowing her - it would take a huge ton of people to track her perfectly. Grabbing some pictures that he managed to capture, he showed it back to the four men who huddle around the phone. 

    As soon as I saw the blonde hair, I released a relieved sigh. 

    f*****g finally!

    It's been too long since I hogged in this f****d up place. 

    “I don't think she's just some girl. Do you even see that hair? That girl is money, boss!”

    A chuckle almost escaped through my lips. This place is indeed isolated from the city, enough to not have a single blonde in this province. It became incredibly rare that a different hair colour, one that you would consider as natural in the eyes of almost everyone, would have the attention of everyone.

    “Give it to me, you useless f**k,” One of the animals muttered as he takes hold of the phone. You would see how entertained he's been seeing that he was now alert, “Ah... she's sexy. I wonder if she's a minx. I would f*****g like to tap that round ass.”

    “You f*****g creep! We don't have time for your fantasies!” this "boss" man gritted his teeth before grabbing hold of the photo, getting familiar with the blonde locks of the woman, “I think I know this little woman.”

    That's it. I don't have for games and I don't think I can wait for another day. Whatever they have to do, they should just do it. He dragged me here soon enough and my job will be done here soon. The man should know that I have my impulses. 

    Especially when it comes to her. 

    “There is it,” I let my voice speak which lead their eyes on me. Flashing my computer back on them, I shrugged, “Princess Zephyr, the only daughter of Austin Tristan Zephyr owner of the Zephyr Co., one of the most successful businessmen in the Western Region.”

    “So, this girl is important,” he muttered which almost made me roll my eyes at the dumb that he muttered. Didn't I just mention that she is the only daughter of the most successful businessman? He nodded his head, “I like where this is headed.”

    “It would seem like the girl is missing,” I voiced out before taking a good look at them, “She's reported missing almost a month ago. Seeing how important this girl is, I would have to say she's worth a couple of million.”

    And from there, I already know that I managed the way to flee from this sorry for a place.

.

 .

{aeira ysvette zephyr's point of view}

    “I'M ABOUT TO get you, little one.”

    I laughed as soon as I heard the kids giggling as I try to run towards them. My feet do somewhat faltered as I chase them, seeing their little feet were no competition from mine. As I turn to my right, I managed to grab hold of Cynthia as I tickle her softly.

    “Got you!” I cheered, laughing at how adorable she was getting.

    Everybody walked towards us, joining our laughter with smiles presented into their faces. I continue to laugh without even noticing that my cap was nowhere near my head and everyone was aware that I was a blonde girl who acts rather classy.

    Despite all of that worries that used to eat me alive, my senses just urged me to continue playing with the kids no matter how long I wanted to. Kids do have the power to make someone forget about time as I didn't remember playing this long with them. 

    “You're even great at playing hide at seek, what can you not do?”

    I faked a thinking face as I let my index finger to touch my temple, “I don't do well with running.”

    Yeah, right. That's all you ever do, a small voice inside my head muttered softly and I almost slam my head repeatedly into the wall as I heard that thought. It had been true that all my life, running had been a favorite thing of mine. I never really knew how much I'll be applying that to my present life. 

    As the kids ran away from me, their giggling radiate from their lips with glee. It was fun, running around with kids and forgetting the thoughts of problems for a while. It's almost afternoon and the thought of Rah entered my mind. Yet again, if I might. I wish he already given up to the idea of chasing me.

    My eyes flutter closed.

    I can't be weak now.

    Not at a time like this.

    Why would I even think that he would waste another thought and run back into me? He's nothing but a kidnapper—and I, well I am nothing but a prisoner. A kidnapper doesn't care to what their prisoner feel, they just care about what their prisoners are worth after the transaction. However, what did he gain by losing something as valuable as me? f**k, that's all he'll care about. 

    But why do I feel like this?

    Like I want him to care about my needs? It's been a month since I spend my time at his care, but he never really seems to think to hand me back to my parents or to call them to say my worth so they could give him the money that he needed. My father already mentioned that issue on the news. All they have to do is call him and they would give the money that they desire which then stirred the whole people apart. The investigators were nothing but precaution, so they would know if the call is real or now.

    What is Rah's real purpose in here?

    Why is he giving me confusions?

    No, I wouldn't come back in his care.

    Why would I even go back to the place that I run away to? He would just see it stupid, he would just think that I am stupid. Besides, what can I even say when I did come back to his care? That I was just lost? That I was just loitering around?

    Nothing.

    I rather am lost in vain than to be stupid in his eyes.

    As all the giggles and the chatter died down, I let my eyes open and gasped as I saw a man right in front of my face. Everybody was out of the park and there's just nowhere else in here as a couple of men that look... well, dangerous. The scar on this man's face was revolting and it doesn't say much about how dark his face looks at this moment. I take a small step back, but a hand just push me back into my original place.

    “You seem lost, your highness.”

    I let my feature stay still, “Who are you, people?”

    “Us?” The man grinned and can I just say—don't. I can see the evidence of not having a single necessity such as a toothbrush in his teeth, “We're the people who would be rich because of you, Ms. Zephyr.”

    I rolled my eyes but before I could even do some damage, a brunette man makes an appearance, making my eyes squint at him. Somehow, he seems vaguely familiar to my eyes. I feel like I saw him before... I just couldn't put my finger on it. 

    “I would rather not do that, Ms. Zephyr,” the man carefully laid out, his words were somewhat comforting but his eyes were restricted from any emotions. Nodding his head, he continued his words.

    His eyes flutter to the man with him before speaking in fluent french. He told me that these men have the power to make me feel pain in a way that I didn't felt before. The way he spoke in fluent French made me gulp visibly. The other seems to know nothing of his words which made me confused. I take a good look at him, completely unaware of what I should do at this moment. He might be fluent in French but he still did say that they can hurt me!

    “What other languages.”

    His forehead creased but then his eyes light up, “Enough to understand your words, Ms. Zephyr. Please do not struggle.”

    As three hands managed to grab hold of my wrist, I continue to trash around, thinking of ways to get away from them. I continue to scream, asking for help that seems rather hard at this current moment. The man seemed agitated in his words, continuously asking me to never anger these men. 

    His expression seemed blank and if I didn't know french better, it would seem like he was threatening me. However, he was nothing but warning me to the dangers of getting into their wrath. It seemed like he was warning me about something - but I am too panicked to even think clearly.

    "Laisse-moi partir," I muttered softly as the exhaustion starts to corrupt my body. My words simply say nothing but for him to let me go. 

    He shook his head, continuously telling me to calm myself. However, I didn't listen. My body thrashed around in nothing but fear, never knowing the problem that will consume me when I did reach their lair without but trust to this man as a foundation of my confidence.

    I don't even know him.

    If I didn't know better, he could be working for that jerk. 

    The boss seems infuriated since he grabs hold of my cheeks before glaring at me, “Don't worry. All we need from you is some cash, like what everyone wants from you. I can see why your past kidnapper let you go. You're nothing but a nuisance.”

    As a something painful landed on my stomach, something inside me stirred. The man who spoke fluent French seems surprised, seeing that someone just punched me. One man grab hold of a cloth, putting it in my mouth and as soon as I intake the drug inside the cloth, everything seems hazy.

    And all I can ever think of was... Rah.