<< Chapter 12
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My vision blurred. Spending countless of hours in front of the computer had caused my eyes to become hazy. I tried to scratch out the fog, but it only made it worse. Instead, I closed my eyes and focused my viento to heal myself.
Dadier lifted me up, then set me down on the ground. He tapped on the kibo and seemingly commanded the whole contraption to shut down.
I reached for damaus, lifted it up and discovered that it, too, powered down. The parts of the computer not only functioned together, but it somehow depended on each other to live. That is, if "live" was applicable in reference to machines. Interesante.
Unbeknownst to me, Dadier swapped his armor for a black-colored, sleeved tunic. He slipped on footwear that extended up to his Achilles, and stomped on the ground.
"Come on, Ledd," the giant urged, nodding his head slightly. "Let's go down."
He didn't even attempt to lift me up. Instead, he motioned towards the stairs and commanded me to follow him. This was a surprising development. Far be it for me to not take advantage of this rare occasion.
"Lead the way," I replied, as I glided through the wooden floorboard.
The staircase was steep, and the steps were far apart from each other. It was a perilous descent, but the giants always seemed to make short work of the narrow walkway. The design seemed intentional, and it appears as if it's purpose was to prevent us from exploring on our own. This fortress had its secrets that us prisoners weren't privy to.
I bent my knees as I traversed one rung to the next. It wasn't the first time I made the descent on my own, as Mamie usually allowed me the opportunity. But, the experience didn't make the journey less harrowing. The wooden steps creaked beneath my feet. I peered down the side to catch a glimpse of the lower depths of the fortress. My eyes were only met by a fathomless pit of whispering shadows. I shuddered at the thought of stepping over the edge. My stomach churned and my head felt hollow.
"No, don't look down," warned the giant. "Watch your step ha, anak."
It was good advice, and completely uncharacteristic of him to say such. Considering that these giants had a grander plan for me, it made sense that they wanted to protect me from harm. That is, until the moment that I served my purpose.
And, what did that mean? "Ha anak." Such an odd word. Was that in reference to my escape, and eventual recapture? Was that a term used for fugitives or recaptured prisoners? It certainly had a ring to it. I could definitely spin that into an honorable title. "Ha anak, the spark of the uprising!" Yes, that'll work.
For every step I took, Dadier made two. He made sure to keep a close eye and not let me stray away again. Little did the giant know that not escaping fell in line with my new strategy.
We made our way out of the fortress and into the prison yard. Dadier woke Coche up, while I strolled lightly toward the other prisoners.
Cloud Source
They all stared at me, with different reactions plastered across their faces. Some were at awe of my feat, while others seemed to mock my recapture.
"I don't see any of you doing any better," I shouted. "I may have been recaptured, but at least I escaped, unlike you miserable lot."
"If it were me, I would never allow myself to get sent back here," one prisoner claimed.
"Well, why don't you?" taunted another on my behalf. Others joined in and shared their sentiments. Muted arguments littered the air, as the tension started to rise.
"Yes, please," I interrupted mockingly. "If you can escape and evade capture, then do so! Teach us how to properly do it."
Other prisoners crowded around as I walked slowly towards him. The prisoner stayed silent, but didn't avert my gaze. I pressed on until we were face to face. The other prisoners continued taunting him.
"Or, just shut up, and let us doers do. It's way too easy to throw around claims. Talk is cheap. Back it up and prove that you that you could do better. I dare you, comenzar el plan."
Clenching my fist, I could feel his breath on my face. Even without my viento, I felt like I had enough fighting prowess to take him on. I could see him seething, trying his best not to come at me. The other prisoners were prodding us to fight. I was waiting for him to throw the first punch, before I would unleash a barrage and destroy him.
"You're not worth my time," he dismissed before turning his back and walking away. "Golpe fuerte."
"Don't you turn your back on me," I commanded. "If you could do better than I did, then show me. Show us!"
The other prisoners jeered. His posse surrounded him as they made their retreat.
Somehow, I understood where they were coming from. It was easy to claim something that you have yet to perform. Time and again, I often thought that I could topple the giants in a test of strength and skill. Even before I first attempted it, I foresaw the outcome swinging in my favor. No one could ever convince me otherwise. When I finally decided to try, it didn't go my way. Attempt after attempt, it all ended the same.
From a distance, I could see the giant Nehney carrying Eddie. He looked at me with those unnerving doe eyes of his. It was apparent that he was able to observe the whole confrontation. The little mongrel offered none of his thoughts regarding the matter. Not that it held any weight.
"Hey, Ledd," Nehney called out. She manipulated Eddie's hand to make it seem that the wretched little creature was waving at me. He can't even lift his arm by himself!
Coche purred, and Dadier walked towards me as he beckoned. The giant lifted me up then strapped me inside the hollow, metallic creature.
As soon as I stepped inside, Coche instantly blew a glacial breeze my way. The gentle beast knew that I was a Sachaphoyan. It took it upon itself to always make me feel right at home whenever I boarded it. It was the special bond that we shared. If I were to be honest, it might just be the closest thing I have to a friend here in the prison.
Cloud Source
Dadier sat just behind Coche's head, right before we began our journey. It was only the three of us this time. Usually, Mamie, Teten and the pudgy little creature they called Eddie accompanied us. I didn't know where we were going, but I trusted Coche will bring us there safely.
The giant steered left, then steered right as he held on to Coche. The tender creature followed every command without hesitation. Dadier would sometimes slap Coche when there were giants along our path. In turn, the delicate critter would scream in pain. There were many times when I wanted to strangle the giants when they hit it. Fortunately for them, my restraint prevented me from inflicting them pain. I asked Coche if he was alright after the abuse, but he refused to show any signs of pain. Perhaps, that was a show of force to let the other giants know that they were in complete control of their beast.
Coche slowed down until it halted completely. It had been a quick journey, but I wasn't quite sure where we were. Dadier released me from my restraint, and stopped for a second to see what I would do. The giant was wary that I would attempt another grand escape. I looked back at him and grinned.
"Not this time," I quipped.
The giant breathed a sigh of relief, as if he was half-expecting my attempt at a getaway. If I needed to take these giants by surprise, I needed to throw curveballs like this, time and again.
<< Chapter 12
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