Blue moved forward, his steps growing faster as if desperation was fueling his movements. His gaze wandered across the street he had once walked with Teodor, but now the surroundings seemed different, almost unfamiliar. He lifted his head, staring at the artificial sky resembling a late-evening landscape, where deep shades of blue blended with the gray of stretched clouds. Here and there, streaks of lighter blue appeared, as if the last remnants of daylight were battling the encroaching darkness of night.
The dark expanse of the sky was veiled by a misty layer of clouds, forming gray, smudged patches that obscured the stars. Gentle, cold moonlight pierced through some of them, casting an ethereal glow. It was as if the backdrop of this lifeless city was the only element still alive, contrasting starkly with the cold, sterile metropolis. White skyscrapers loomed around him with their sharp edges, neon signs pulsing indifferently, and people moving through the streets like automatons, devoid of emotion. Blue felt a slight pang of unease as a faint, piercing scream echoed from afar.
He turned sharply, his eyes landing on a small, crying child being held forcefully by a beautiful young woman. "Is that his mother?" he wondered, tilting his head slightly as if trying to decipher the scene. A tall man with Slavic features—a cyborg with empty, soulless eyes—scanned the child, while its cries grew increasingly desperate. Blue observed the interaction for a moment until—
The hair tie holding his long, blue hair snapped. He felt the strands spill over his shoulders, free and untamed. Sighing in frustration, he immediately started rummaging through his pockets for another tie, realizing too late that he had drawn attention to himself. People—cyborgs included—turned their blank stares toward his silver-blue hair, gently swaying in the artificial breeze. The child, who had been crying moments earlier, fell silent, captivated by the sight.
- Not today. - Blue whispered desperately, still searching for a hair tie.
Finally, with a last glimmer of hope, he checked the back pocket of his pants. Like a holy grail, he found a single, stretchy black hair tie. He quickly gathered his hair into a messy bun, feeling the weight of hostile gazes pressing down on him. Jaw clenched, he knew he couldn't afford any further delays. He picked up his pace, his steps growing faster until his muscles began to burn. With every stride, his heart pounded harder, and thoughts swirled chaotically in his mind.
Were Emi and Jaśmin already waiting for him? What had really happened to Nulla? Was Emi safe? And Jaśmin... Blue felt like he should worry about him the least. Perhaps it was because Jaśmin was traveling with Ignacy—the redhead seemed reliable, even if Blue couldn't fully trust him.
- Am I putting too much faith in him? - he mused grimly. Ignacy was keeping his brother close, though their dynamic felt more like cooperation than anything else.
His head throbbed from the overwhelming thoughts. He worried not only about what was happening with the others but also about what would happen next. What about Artur? And all of them? Finally, he arrived. Standing before the white building, he took in its irregular shapes, the slanted roof, and the balcony that seemed to protrude awkwardly from the rest of the structure. Blue scanned the area once more, ensuring no one had followed him. His heart pounded like a hammer. Taking a deep breath, he pulled the handle decisively. The door opened soundlessly, and Blue stepped inside. Silence greeted him beyond the door.
Slowly, he stepped forward, glancing around until he crossed the threshold into the corridor and entered the open living room. A man turned on the light, illuminating the empty room.
Blue sat down on the white sofa, his body tense and his thoughts scattered. With each passing moment, the silence unnerved him more; it felt out of place.
- Is no one here? - he thought, confused. But before he could dwell on it, he heard shouting from the back of the house. He shot to his feet, his heart racing. The voice sounded strangely familiar but was laced with a desperation he couldn't ignore.
Silently, he moved through the living room, careful not to make a sound. He crept down the hallway, his heartbeat quickening with every step. When he reached the white doors leading to the backyard, he gently pulled the handle, opening them slowly. His eyes immediately locked onto a sleek service vehicle hovering low above the ground. Its elegant design stood in stark contrast to the ominous, unsettling feeling that gripped Blue.
The tall man who stepped out of the car made Blue freeze. Tadeusz. He couldn't believe his eyes.
- Tadeusz... You? - Blue's voice trembled as he spoke. His heart thundered in his chest, and his hands began to shake slightly.
- Blue. - The tall man replied with a nonchalant tone that only deepened the confusion in Blue's heart.
- Why? - Blue hissed through clenched teeth, as if unable to grasp what was happening. His face was a mixture of thousands of unspoken emotions.
- Don't ask. - Tadeusz cut him off coldly, heading toward the vehicle's rear doors.
Blue watched as Tadeusz slowly pulled something out of the car. For a fraction of a second, he thought it was a dead body. His heart stopped, and an image of an injured Emi flashed in his mind.
He froze in terror, his thoughts crashing into him like a storm. *What if it's Emi? What if he's already dead?* Without hesitation, driven by pure instinct, Blue launched himself toward Tadeusz. His legs worked furiously, and the air seemed to thicken with every step. He reached Tadeusz, nearly colliding with him, but as he saw what the man was holding, his knees buckled. He stopped, stunned, a silent scream escaping his lips. Staggering backward, he collapsed onto the holographic grass, which bent mechanically under his weight.
In front of him stood Penelopa, leaning against the car, clearly exhausted.
Though Tadeusz tried to help her, the brunette pushed him away, as if rejecting his touch.
- What are you doing?! - he shouted, but his words were swallowed by a sudden wave of dread.
Penelopa barely stood, her body appearing broken as she leaned against the car. Her face was pale, and her eyes shimmered with unspoken tears.
- Pen... - Blue whispered, his heart breaking at the sight of her.
Suddenly, Leopold emerged from behind Penelopa. His gaze pierced through Blue. A mocking smile twisted his face.
- Bravo. - Leopold's scornful voice echoed. His gaze was like a sharp blade slicing into Blue. - You ruined everything. Again.
Anger flared in Blue, as if hot coals had been thrown into his chest. But his words caught in his throat. He looked at Penelopa, then back at Leopold.
- I… what did I even do? - he stammered, his cat-like eyes widening as he tried to understand the accusations.
- The fire. - Leopold growled, stepping closer to Blue, hatred gleaming in his eyes. - If it weren't for you, none of this would've happened. None of these tragedies.
- Stop, Leopold. - Penelopa interrupted, her voice weak but resolute. Blue looked at her, unsure of how to react. He didn't understand what was going on.
- It's… it's my fault. - Penelopa said, struggling to stay upright. - It really is my fault.
- Careful! - Tadeusz interjected, steadying her as she almost fell.
- I'm fine... - she replied stubbornly, trying to stand on her own.
- I still don't understand! - Blue furrowed his brows, his thoughts spiraling. - Why are you...? What's all this about?
Penelopa stared at him, looking as if she were on the verge of exploding. But instead of words, a sigh filled with pain escaped her lips.
- Let's go inside. - she suggested, though her voice trembled.
- Teodor... - Leopold's voice suddenly rang out, echoing through the silence like a bell. The name he uttered was a knife to everyone's hearts.
Blue blinked, as though snapping back from a distant place.
- Teodor. - Penelopa repeated, her gaze becoming uncertain, her tear-filled eyes fixed on Blue. - What about him?
- We should be more worried about Nulla! - Blue retorted, his voice growing stronger despite the tremor in his chest.
Leopold narrowed his eyes, glaring at him with suspicion.
- How do you know about her?
- Art told me. - Blue replied, feeling the tension in the air grow thicker. He knew he was treading a fine line, and one misstep could ruin everything.
Leopold's lips twisted into a malicious grin.
- Teodor is with Art. I thought the fire would be enough for you, but you still… - his voice dripped with disdain, each word intended to twist the knife deeper.
- Enough! - Penelopa suddenly erupted, her emotions finally overtaking her. Her eyes bore into Blue, silently pleading for an answer she couldn't articulate herself.
- Blue... - she said firmly, her voice shaking, but her resolve was clear. She needed to hear the truth.
Blue looked at her, stunned by her outburst.
- Damn it... - Tadeusz muttered, observing the scene from the side. Suddenly, the pieces started falling into place for him, too.
- Blue.- Penelopa repeated, running her hand across her face, as if trying to erase all the emotions from it.
- What?.- Blue replied, his mind slowly returning to reality.
- Please, tell me that... you... you...- Penelopa began, her voice breaking.
- Calm down.- Tadeusz said, trying to deescalate the situation, his voice cold and controlled, as if he was trying to convince not only Penelopa but also himself.
- Calm down?!.- Penelopa exploded, her voice trembling with pent-up emotions. Anger spread across her face like lightning, but quickly faded when her eyes met Tadeusz's pale, piercing gaze. Her body instinctively recoiled, and the anger turned into helplessness.
- Let's go inside.- Blue said, his voice composed, as if desperately trying to hold onto the last fragments of control. The air was thick with tension, ready to tear them apart at any moment.
Leopold glared at him with hatred, his eyes burning with cold fire. Yet, Blue didn't let that hostile gaze break his mask. On the contrary - he gave a slight smile, though his heart pounded like a hammer.
- I'm not that stupid, Leo.- He said with feigned casualness, putting on a fake mask of confidence. He could feel the words coming out of his mouth, but inside, he was trembling. He hoped he could lift everyone's spirits, even though he was barely holding himself together.
- You are.- Penelopa replied, looking at him with hope that seemed to fade with each passing moment. - Do you have a plan?.- she asked bitterly, though she didn't expect much.
- No.- Blue said simply, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
- Then you really are stupid.- Leopold sneered, his sarcastic smile slicing through the air like an icy wind.
Tadeusz turned on his heel, as if searching for support in the emptiness, trying to understand when everything had spiraled out of control. His face was a mask, hiding something deeper, something he wasn't ready to reveal.
- But I know where she is.- Blue finally broke the silence. His hand went into the pocket of his white jacket, as if he had the key to solving the entire situation hidden there.
Leopold narrowed his eyes, his hostile gaze becoming even more impenetrable, but he didn't speak a word.
- Blue...- Penelopa whispered, as if his words suddenly gave her the strength she had lacked before.
The blue-haired man gave a slight smile, but inside, he felt like he was walking on a thin line that he shouldn't cross.
He knew that every step he took was now being watched by Leo, and the responsibility he had just taken on was heavier than ever before. He was now responsible not only for Teodor but also for Nulla—whose fate he didn't truly know, yet felt that he had no other choice.
***
Upon stepping into the white salon, Ignacy lifted his gaze. His eyes immediately fixed on the four people seated on white sofas. The air in the room was thick with tension, as though each person teetered on the edge of an emotional eruption. Penelopa, the first to catch his attention, resembled an agitated mouse trapped with no escape. Her face was taut, and a flicker of fire in her eyes seemed to dim with every breath.
Beside her sat a man Ignacy knew all too well, his sharp features betraying a commanding presence.
– Tadeusz. – he thought. – Pen's boss.
His presence in this room appeared to be a surprise to everyone, including Ignacy himself. A lump formed in Ignacy's throat, and the words he wanted to speak lodged somewhere deep inside, unreachable. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man with a flawless posture and polished appearance approached him. The brunette's smile bore an unsettling mix of superiority and politeness that immediately irked Ignacy.
The man extended his hand, a gesture that seemed genuine but was undercut by something suspicious in his eyes.
– Leopold Lubiański. – the brunette introduced himself with a model-like grin. – I've heard a lot about you. – He continued, completely ignoring the confusion and unease that spread across Ignacy's face.
Jaśmin, standing just behind Ignacy, stared at the scene, mouth slightly ajar, as though he couldn't believe what was unfolding.
– But in person, you seem... taller. – Leopold added, as if it were a compliment, only to deliver the blow that followed. – I hear you've been second place every year? Though recently... two years in a row, first place, isn't that right?
His words had a slick, mocking undertone, subtle yet unmistakable. Ignacy took a step back, his shoulders brushing against Jaśmin, who also retreated as though the encounter was too much to bear.
– I... – Ignacy began, but the sentence trailed off. He felt like prey trapped in a snare, observed from every angle. His usual confidence, as solid as a rock, began to erode.
At that moment, a firm voice cut through the room.
– Leave him alone. – said Emi, appearing from the side. He brushed Leopold's hand away, which momentarily made the brunette's face tighten as if he were about to respond with something biting. But instead, Leopold merely returned a composed expression, his gaze scrutinizing Ignacy.
The room grew even more charged. Leopold, maintaining an air of nonchalance but with a sharp glint in his eyes, retreated to his seat, seemingly reclaiming his position as the center of attention in this uncomfortable confrontation.
Tadeusz, who had been sitting motionless until now, appeared as though he might dissolve into thin air. He resembled a shadow, becoming fainter with each passing moment. His eyes accidentally met Emi's, and for a fleeting second, something broke in Tadeusz – fear, uncertainty, maybe even shame, flickered across his face. But the moment passed quickly, and he resumed his cold, composed demeanor, seeking solace in the reflection on his phone.
– Him? – Emi asked, stepping toward Tadeusz with clear disdain in his voice. – Why are you still here? – His tone grew increasingly accusatory, as though Tadeusz's very presence was an unforgivable mistake.
– I said... – Tadeusz began, glancing toward Penelopa, as if pleading for support, for any justification to explain his presence.
– Sir... I think you should stay. – Penelopa interrupted, her voice calm, though her eyes glimmered with a strange intensity.
– Sir? – Emi repeated, incredulity dripping from his voice. His eyes burned with anger, and he spat the word with irony, as though it were the punchline of a bad joke. Rage simmered within him, threatening to boil over.
Ignacy stood silently, feeling the situation slip further out of his control. Every word, every gesture, felt like another blow. He knew he wouldn't find Teodor here; all this chaos was nothing but a distraction. His gaze darted around, searching for Blue, but Emi and Leopold obscured him from view. When their eyes finally met, Ignacy noticed that, despite Blue's outward confidence, he appeared just as lost as Ignacy himself. Their eyes exchanged an unspoken conversation – a shared understanding that both of them were walking a fine line.
– Ignacy. – Blue's soft voice broke the silence, hesitant, like a whisper in a dense fog. The quietness pierced through the layers of chaos, momentarily silencing the room.
In the silence, Ignacy felt waves of unease closing in around him. Emi's screams, Leopold's mocking words, Penelopa's accusatory glances—all of it faded away. Ignacy suddenly realized he had to escape. He glanced weakly at Jaśmin, but Jaśmin couldn't help him. No one could. Without a word, Ignacy turned and started toward the stairs. A hum filled his ears, turning every sound into a single, painful noise. He fled, unaware of when he had climbed the steps. By the time he reached the second floor, he accidentally stumbled onto a balcony. He stepped out, almost running, hoping no one would follow. He needed the silence, the solitude, just to breathe. For a moment, everything went still.
He could hear only his own breathing—labored and uneven. After a while, Emi's voice broke through the quiet behind him.
– Leave him be. He needs some time alone.
It was only after the words sank in that Ignacy rose from the cold, concrete floor of the balcony. He leaned against the doorframe, letting the chilly air hit him, and forced his gaze upward to the faint stars slowly emerging in the night sky.
Just two, but in the White City—awash with artificial light and lifeless spaces—it was a remarkable feat. It was as if those two tiny points of light were the only proof that something existed beyond this stifling, oppressive world. Yet even in this brief respite, Ignacy found no relief. Staring at the stars, which usually offered a sense of endless possibilities, he now saw only emptiness. His eyes couldn't focus on any of the distant lights. Inside, something felt broken.
Everything around him—the White City, the conversations he'd just had, the people surrounding him—felt like nothing more than an illusion. Nothing could pull him out of this state. He gripped the edge of the doorframe as if trying to regain control over his body, but it only heightened his inner turmoil.
He was there, physically present, yet utterly absent. Every word spoken, every gesture made seemed distant, as though he were on autopilot and powerless to stop it.
Time, like sand slipping through fingers, vanished entirely from Ignacy's awareness. He stopped feeling its passage. The two white stars, which moments ago had been separate points in the sky, now seemed to merge into a single, bright streak. Through tear-filled eyes, the redhead saw an extraordinary vision.
In the image, he saw a man—a forty-year-old with a weary yet gentle expression. The man wore glasses with oversized frames that gave him a slightly comical look. The man smiled at him from behind a thin veil of mist, and from behind the man emerged a warm, radiant woman. Her light-blond hair, motherly gaze, and calm gray eyes drew Ignacy's attention like a magnet. She looked at him with such tenderness that, for a fleeting moment, the redhead felt ten years old again, as though time had truly rewound to when life was simple, and he was just a child protected by these two people.
Suddenly, tears began streaming from his eyes uncontrollably, as if the vision had unlocked something long buried within him. A torrent of unchecked emotions shook his entire body, and memories from the past—a dream he had been trapped in—came rushing back with a force he hadn't anticipated.
Ignacy felt an overwhelming desire to return to that moment, to be in their presence again, but he knew it was impossible.
– I… – A quiet voice broke through the dense fog of Ignacy's thoughts, shattering the vision. It was Jaśmin. – I'm sorry… – he stammered, witnessing the redhead's emotional collapse.
Ignacy turned slowly, his eyes focusing on the young man whose figure reflected in his tear-blurred vision. Jaśmin stood there, a faint blush on his cheeks, visibly uncomfortable. He looked awkward but didn't avert his gaze. Seeing Ignacy in such a state made Jaśmin uneasy, yet he wanted to help.
– I just… – Jaśmin began, his voice soft and uncertain, almost breaking on the first word. – Wanted to check on you. – He added timidly, his tone gentle, as if every syllable was a struggle. – You know… the night is cold. – He tried to explain his presence, but his words faded into the sea of thoughts swirling in Ignacy's mind.
The redhead caught only fragments of his speech, as though the sounds bounced off the walls of his mind without reaching the core. "Blanket… Penelopa…" The words resonated somewhere within him but held no real meaning. They were merely background noise to the pain consuming his soul.
– I should go. – The sentence, spoken by Jaśmin, came through louder, piercing the mental haze. Ignacy, unaware of his actions, instinctively grabbed the boy's wrist, pulling him closer. His tears suddenly ceased, replaced by something new. Something rawer.
- Min... - whispered Ignacy, his voice trembling as if each word was a burden too heavy to bear. His eyes, glimmering like jewels set in a crown, were filled with a strange mix of confusion and desperation. - You need to take responsibility.
Jaśmin looked down at him, surprised. He didn't understand what Ignacy meant. His gaze lingered on the redhead's face, who was gripping his thin wrist tighter, as if afraid Jaśmin might vanish suddenly.
- Responsibility? - Jaśmin repeated uncertainly, his voice carrying not only the question but also concern.
- Ever since I met you, everything's been falling apart... - Ignacy spoke haltingly, his voice trembling, punctuated by uneven breaths. - And on top of that... I... I don't know what's happening to me. - He paused, searching for the right words, but each one felt like a stone he struggled to push out of his mouth. - I can't explain it. - Each word seemed to weaken him further, but he couldn't stop. - You're fifteen, so you should know that you have to take responsibility... for your actions... It doesn't matter if you're fifteen or twenty. One decision changes everything.
The redhead's words exploded like a grenade, filling the space between them with raw emotion. He felt he had gone too far. The sudden outburst of anger and pain morphed into a weight pressing down on him from within. He lowered his head, averting his gaze from Jaśmin. His grip on the boy's wrist loosened, and his hand began to fall away. But in the same moment, almost without thinking, Jaśmin grabbed Ignacy's other hand. His grip was stronger than the redhead's had been.
- What should I do? - he asked, this time completely serious. His voice was firm, and determination burned in his eyes. Ignacy looked at him in astonishment, his pupils dilating as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard.
- Like you said... I'm fifteen. - Jaśmin continued, his voice now steady with confidence. - I can take responsibility. - He spoke with conviction. He sat down beside Ignacy, his presence now closer, warmer, and tangible. - Tell me what I need to do. - There was strength in his words that Ignacy hadn't noticed in him before.
The redhead averted his gaze again, seeking the stars in the sky. He sat in silence, knowing he didn't expect any grand gestures from Jaśmin, only closeness. He didn't need words or assurances. He just wanted to feel his presence, his breath, reminding him that he wasn't alone.
- I'll do it. - Jaśmin finally said, ready for anything.
- Let's just sit in silence. - Ignacy interrupted him, not looking at him. Silence was all he needed now.
Jaśmin nodded, even though Ignacy didn't see it. But that no longer mattered. They sat there, in silence, their breaths—initially chaotic—slowly calming and synchronizing with the rhythmic pulse of the White City. Jaśmin's tear-glazed eyes reflected the shadows of nightlights dancing on Ignacy's hair. Almost unconsciously, he placed a hand over his heart, which suddenly beat faster. Why? He couldn't understand, but he felt something twisting inside him, triggering strange, unexpected reactions. This feeling wasn't bad—in fact, it was quite the opposite. Jaśmin felt an urge to rest his head on Ignacy's shoulder, as if the invisible force drawing them together was growing stronger. His body felt heavier, and drowsiness consumed him faster than expected. He glanced suspiciously at Ignacy, whose profile seemed almost perfectly sculpted, as if the redhead had been shaped from marble, reminiscent of Botticelli's paintings. Every detail was sharp, precise, and the longer Jaśmin looked, the more his head tilted, almost automatically seeking rest on Ignacy's shoulder. When he felt the warmth of the redhead's closeness, his heart pounded even harder. At that moment, the silence was abruptly broken by an unexpected voice.
- What are you two...? - Blue's voice pierced through the delicate atmosphere like a sudden snapped thread. Ignacy turned immediately, as if pulled from his thoughts, releasing Jaśmin's hand so abruptly the boy barely had time to react. All the emotions that had filled Ignacy moments before seemed to vanish instantly.
The redhead's gaze fixed on the Asian boy, who stood awkwardly, as though unsure if he should be there. Jaśmin straightened, turning his eyes away from Ignacy, trying to suppress the turmoil growing within him.
- I didn't mean to interrupt. - Blue said, his voice laced with uncertainty. The blue-haired boy looked uneasy, as if he wasn't sure what he had just walked into.
Ignacy didn't reply immediately. His gaze turned cold, his face drained of any emotion, as if the person who had been struggling with his feelings moments ago had become utterly indifferent.
- What do you want? - Ignacy asked flatly, his voice devoid of warmth.
Blue shifted his gaze to Jaśmin, his eyes darting nervously as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the right words.
- Jaśmin... he's been gone a long time. - He swallowed hard, his eyes wandering to the ceiling, as though searching for answers there. The brunette, noticing his state, raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.
- True. - Jaśmin added, as if suddenly remembering why he was there. - I was supposed to call you downstairs. - He tried to explain his silence.
Blue looked at him with a mix of frustration and unspoken emotions. His eyes seemed to say more than his mouth ever could.
Finally, he lifted his gaze and said, without much conviction:
- I think I've figured out what we need to do. - He turned his eyes away.
- Got it. - Ignacy stood up from his seat. Without another word, he turned, avoiding Jaśmin's gaze, who sat in stunned silence. The redhead, without stopping, headed towards the bathroom, leaving the two of them behind.
Blue waited, making sure Ignacy disappeared behind the white door, before he quickly smacked Jaśmin on the back of the head.
- Idiot. - Blue announced, his voice carrying a mix of irritation and weariness, as though that word was the only one capable of expressing what he felt at the moment. His eyes briefly glanced at Jaśmin but soon turned to the floor, as if he didn't want to look any longer at what had just happened.
Jaśmin, looking at Blue, shrugged as if the incident meant nothing to him. His eyes gleamed in the light, but inside, he felt empty. He didn't feel the need to explain himself.
- I don't know what you're on about. - He spoke slowly as he stood, his voice flat and emotionless. Brushing off his pants, he asked, as if it were just a formality: - So, what did you come up with?
Blue raised an eyebrow, looking at him with surprise, as if trying to figure out whether Jaśmin truly didn't understand the situation or was simply ignoring it.
- You're changing the subject. - He replied, his tone growing increasingly annoyed, as though hoping to provoke some kind of reaction.
Jaśmin, however, simply smirked faintly, as though the entire conversation was nothing more than a fleeting pause.
- I just want to know what you decided. - He answered as if Blue no longer mattered to him.
- You don't need to know. You're not one of the activists. - Blue hissed, trying to maintain a semblance of calm, but his voice betrayed his frustration.
- Are you scared of Penelopa again? - Jaśmin said it flatly, as if tossing a stone into the water, unconcerned about the ripples it might create.
Blue reacted instantly, shaking his head, and for a moment, a spark of irritation flickered in his eyes.
- That too... - He admitted reluctantly, barely moving his lips, only to realize what he had just said. - No! - He corrected himself firmly, turning his gaze away, as if that would erase his weakness. - I'm not afraid of her! - He added, almost shouting this time, as though trying to convince both Jaśmin and himself that his fear was just an illusion.
Jaśmin smiled slightly, his lips curling into the shadow of a grin, and the confidence in his voice became almost tangible.
- I see. - He said, nodding. - You'll tell me anyway. - He added softly, but his words were like a challenge, thrown out with such certainty that Blue froze for a moment, startled. He felt something inside him tremble, as if Jaśmin had more strength in that moment than he cared to admit.
The boy moved forward, heading towards the white stairs, and his steps suddenly seemed lighter, as though he was no longer afraid of what was to come.
Blue, despite himself, followed him, catching up in just two quick strides.
- By the way... - The brunette started, trying to adopt a casual tone, though his heart was pounding like a hammer. - Where's that guy? - He asked, as if the question could break the tension in the air.
- Who? - Blue looked at him, confused, his eyes searching Jaśmin's face for a hint.
- The one sitting with Penelopa. Emi kept yelling at him, and now it's quiet... - Jaśmin paused, as if wondering if it was even worth asking.
- Oh, you mean Tomasz? - Blue nodded, understanding. - He finally kicked him out.
Jaśmin furrowed his brow, his eyes wandering as if searching for an answer in his thoughts.
- That guy... - he began slowly, hesitation evident in his voice. - Isn't he the peacock prince you told me about?
- Yeah, that's the one. - Blue confirmed, though his voice suddenly seemed indifferent, as if the information no longer mattered.
The brunette was silent for a moment, a shadow of uncertainty crossing his face.
- And... isn't that his brother? - he asked finally, the words coming out as though he feared the answer.
Blue glanced at him and sighed deeply, as if the entire conversation was becoming tiresome.
- They're both the same. - he concluded with the same cold certainty. Then, suddenly, he pressed a finger to his lips, his eyes flashing a warning. - Quiet. If Emi hears us, we're done for. - he added, almost in a whisper, his breathing quickening at the mere thought of a confrontation. - I'll tell you everything later. - he muttered, a crooked smile appearing on his face as though the topic was closed.
As they crossed the threshold of the living room, their conversation was interrupted by Penelopa's calm yet firm voice.
- What's so funny? - she asked, raising an eyebrow, her gaze piercing through Blue as though trying to read more from his face.
Leopold immediately picked up on the question, his smile fading, though his eyes glinted with irony.
- Clearly, you don't take anything seriously. - he said, his tone nonchalant, though emotions simmered underneath. - Who would have thought? - he added, but when his gaze met Jaśmin's, it softened slightly. - Are you hungry? - he asked, looking at the brunet with a strange warmth, as if ensuring the boy was alright. - Everyone's already eaten. - he added, ignoring Blue entirely.
- Don't mother him. - Emi interjected, his voice rough as though he'd been battling his own emotions for too long.
Penelopa shot him a look of irritation, her voice as sharp as a blade.
- You shouldn't strain your voice. Seems to me you've yelled enough already. - she said mockingly.
Emi gave her a hard stare, his face tightening as if fighting to keep his anger in check.
- If it weren't for you... - he started, his voice laced with barely contained fury. - I wouldn't have to. - he added, his eyes burning with unresolved tension.
- Sure, sure. - Blue, attempting to remain calm, couldn't hide the fatigue etched on his face. He stepped closer to the others, his movements quiet yet confident.
- Where's Ignacy? - Leo asked, completely ignoring Blue as though he were nothing more than background noise.
Jaśmin, usually indifferent, appeared unusually uncertain this time.
- He... - he began but was promptly cut off.
- I'm here. Don't exaggerate, you've only waited a moment. - Ignacy's voice came from behind Jaśmin as he entered the room. He walked past them without looking at anyone and sat beside Leopold.
- Right. - Leo agreed with a trace of irony in his voice.
- Shorter than I expected we'd have to.
Ignacy ignored the comment, and an uneasy silence settled over the room. Finally, Emi pulled out his sleek, modern laptop, the screen hovering above the levitating keyboard. He ran a hand over his neck before speaking.
- I know where they are. - he said, his fingers tapping on the keyboard with mechanical precision.
Penelopa, always brimming with energy, couldn't hold back any longer.
- Give it to me! - she demanded, reaching for the laptop.
- Stop it. I don't want to hear you. - Ignacy cut her off sharply, not even lifting his head.
His words were cold, almost icy. Penelopa froze, staring at him in shock before lowering her gaze, her expression one of resignation. With a quiet sigh, she let go of the laptop, handing it back to Emi, who watched her closely as though noticing something others had missed.
Jaśmin, leaning against the wall, felt that something was off. He ignored it, attributing his unease to Ignacy's turbulent emotions. He focused on him, observing every slight movement of his fingers as if searching for answers within them.
- As I said. - Emi continued without taking his eyes off the screen. - We know where they are.
Ignacy stared at him intently, his brow furrowing.
- How do you know that? - he asked, his voice sharp and cold.
- We tracked Art. - Blue replied, avoiding Ignacy's gaze and instead looking at Jaśmin, who seemed lost in his own thoughts.
Ignacy nodded as if he found the response sufficient, but his expression remained unchanged.
– Fine, I've reorganized the teams. – Emi announced, his eyes scanning the group. The gazes of all four – Ignacy, Leopold, Penelope, and Blue – were fixed on him. Only Jaśmin remained indifferent, as always, letting Emi's words flow in one ear and out the other. – We'll split into groups of three, – Emi continued, his voice cold and pragmatic. – I'll go with Blue and Ignacy. Penelope and Leo will take Jaśmin beyond the fourth wall and bring someone to create a distraction. Just don't take Robert. – he added firmly. – No one wants to deal with his rats again. Thanks to him, the activists didn't even get close to thirteen reservoirs.
– I disagree. – Jaśmin interrupted suddenly. His voice, usually emotionless, now carried an unexpected firmness. – I... – he faltered as all eyes turned to him. All except Ignacy, who continued to ignore him, further aggravating the fifteen-year-old. – I should be HERE, – he declared, trying to sound confident, but his voice trembled with frustration.
Penelope let out a loud sigh, a clear indication of what she thought about Jaśmin's outburst. Blue opened his mouth to respond, but Leopold spoke first.
– Teenage rebellion, huh? – Leo remarked, as if talking to himself, his tone musing.
– It's not rebellion! – Jaśmin snapped, throwing a furious look at Ignacy, as though hoping for some kind of support. But Ignacy didn't even glance his way, fueling Jaśmin's irritation further. Finally, he turned his gaze to Blue, searching for salvation.
– You should go with Penelope, – Blue replied coolly. – We already have one problem... actually, we're drowning in them.
– You could at least speak properly, – Leo interjected dryly.
– Whatever, – Blue dismissed him with a wave of his hand. – The point is, we need to find Teodor and Nulla now. We can't afford an adrenaline-fueled fifteen-year-old.
– And you think you're an adult? – Leo chimed in, clearly enjoying provoking Blue. – Maybe the kid messed up, but who taught him all of this?
– Are you blaming me? – Blue shot Leo a sharp look, irritation creeping into his tone.
– I'm just saying it as it is, – Leo replied with a shrug.
Ignoring the argument, Emi finally turned back to Jaśmin.
– Either way, you're not going anywhere. – Emi concluded.
– You think you can stop me? – Jaśmin replied, his tone tinged with irony. – I'm going.
– To your room, maybe, – Blue quipped, cutting off his spat with Leo, who now observed Jaśmin with an amused smirk.
Penelope glanced at Ignacy, seeking some reaction, some form of support.
– I think... – she began hesitantly, trying to cut through the growing noise.
– SHUT UP! – Ignacy's voice thundered.
The words cut through the air like a lightning strike. The room fell silent in an instant, and all eyes turned to Ignacy, as though they had only just realized how angry he was.
– I'm not going there, – Jaśmin said, addressing Ignacy directly. His voice was firm, almost defiant. – I don't want to go beyond the fourth wall.
Blue opened his mouth, ready to retort, and Emi seemed poised to offer another lecture. Ignacy, however, silenced them first.
– Don't you feel like you're suffocating here? – Ignacy asked, looking at Jaśmin as if trying to pierce through his mask of confidence. – You said this place was like a dirty aquarium. Fish can't swim in murky water for long.
The others stared at him, surprised, as if trying to grasp the meaning behind his words. Jaśmin sighed, and though his voice was muted, it sounded more mature than his age suggested.
– I know, – he said, trying to conceal how deeply the words affected him. But his face betrayed the internal struggle he was fighting.
Ignacy didn't back down.
- You'll return with Penelopa and Leopold. It's not about sidelining you. - His tone was resolute, his gaze full of determination. - You're simply securing our rear. The truth is, by going with them, - he pointed at Blue and Emi, - you never know if I might start a second fire. - He tried to smile, though it was more forced than sincere. - Who will be able to manage Nulla then? Teodor remembers nothing. - His voice, though firm, had an oddly melancholic undertone, as though he himself doubted what he was saying. Jaśmin felt something tighten in his throat. His eyes began to glaze over, but no tears fell.
Noticing this, Blue finally broke the silence.
- I should say my goodbyes too. - he said, trying to ease the tension, but there was a hint of concern in his voice.
- Yes, please do. - Leopold smiled at him, trying to maintain the atmosphere.
- Looks like the division has been accepted. - Emi interjected, looking at everyone with cold neutrality. - Let's get back to more important matters. - His fingers swiftly moved across the levitating keys of his laptop, ignoring the silence that had fallen after his words.
- I think we should start being afraid. - Leopold chimed in with an ironic smile, as if just uttering those words amused him. Sarcasm oozed from his mouth like venom, and the look he threw at Blue made it clear he was never missing a chance to mock others.
- Just say what you mean. - Ignacy replied, staring directly at Emi, raising an eyebrow slightly. His tone was cold and devoid of any hint of amusement, and each word seemed to strike Leopold like an invisible blow. Ignacy wasn't in the mood for word games, especially with someone as irritating as Leo; he preferred to simply ignore him, hoping he would fall silent on his own.
Jaśmin, standing in the middle, felt strangely detached from the exchange. He felt foolish, almost like a child caught in an argument between adults. Still feeling the sting of the earlier argument, he almost automatically sat next to Blue, though his gaze drifted toward the redhead.
There was something more in Jaśmin's eyes, some unspoken emotion that he didn't release, but the redhead seemed oblivious to it.
- For now, I need to organize it all on the list. - Emi sighed, not looking away from his electronics. His fingers moved quickly over the keys, but frustration was growing in his voice. - Why do I have to do this?! - he snapped irritably, as if the weight of the world had fallen on his shoulders. - Blue always handled these things, - he added, not hiding his resentment.
- I would like to. - Blue responded with irritation, glancing at Leopold, who was lounging like a king, completely uninterested in helping. - But I can't. - His voice was growing increasingly weary.
- If he were doing it, I feel like there might be more kidnappings. - Leopold interjected with a mocking smile. His words cut like a knife, and the look he shot at Blue was full of superiority.
These words enraged Blue to the point that the Asian man suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with anger, as if he was ready to charge at Leopold.
But before he could do anything, Ignacy gave him a warning look, cold as ice, which immediately forced Blue to regain control. Leopold, though he briefly looked away, didn't seem like someone who regretted his words. He probably felt he had won another small victory. Penelopa sat silently, her thoughts battling within her, and every sentence she wanted to speak seemed to get lost in a tangle of doubts. Just as she was about to open her mouth, her gaze met Ignacy's cold, unreadable face. His eyes, dark as a moonless night, seemed filled with a mystery that paralyzed her every movement.
- Done. - Emi announced, and his voice held a triumphant tone, as if he had just solved the riddle of the universe.
- Can you finally tell us? - Ignacy asked, his tone terse, and his eyes showed exhaustion with the entire situation. He wasn't in the mood for lengthy discussions.
Emi looked at him from behind his laptop screen, as though pulled out of his own thoughts. He hadn't expected such a reaction, but quickly returned to his usual demeanor.
- Penelopa will leave the car. - he replied, turning his gaze toward the brunette. - Service cars fly, others are banned, and, most importantly, they are not searched. - he explained, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.
- You can start with us. - Leopold interrupted, dragging his words out, as if savoring each sound. - I really don't want to stay here any longer than I have to. - he added with false politeness, not bothering to hide that his patience was wearing thin.
- Excuse me? - Emi asked, clearly confused, and his frustration was starting to rise.
- Just start with them. - Ignacy sighed, nearly resigned. His tone carried deep exhaustion, as though all of this was just a tiresome formality. - We really don't have time. - he reminded.
- If that's how you prefer it... - Emi scratched his throat and looked at Leopold with arrogance. - Leo, Penelopa, and Min, the three of you will go to the fifth carriage of the 68. It leaves at 4:12. The train is carrying a shipment of hydrogen, you should be there at least an hour before departure. According to our data, synthetic hydrogen was supposed to be transported there, but the fire we caused yesterday means it left this morning. Most people don't know about it.
- And how are they supposed to get there? - Ignacy, without taking his eyes off Jaśmin, asked with a touch of cold calculation. Jaśmin quickly turned his head, as if afraid Ignacy's gaze would pull out the truth he didn't want to acknowledge.
- He. - Emi said pointedly, his voice betraying that he knew something no one else had figured out yet. - He should wait outside.
- What do you mean? - Ignacy raised an eyebrow, as if each word was becoming increasingly enigmatic.
- Peacock Prince. - Blue interjected, his tone so serious that it contrasted with the entire situation.
- My boss. - Penelopa corrected, but her voice suddenly faltered, as if she had scared herself with her own words. - I mean Tomasz.
- Then why isn't he here? - Ignacy asked, his voice growing harder, as if expecting an immediate answer.
- Someone should've translated this to that idiot. It turns out waiting in the car is better than completely driving him off. - Blue responded with a sneer that left no doubt about what he thought of the situation.
- Childish. - Ignacy summarized, shooting a look at Emi.
- Not just him, not just him being childish. - Leopold added with a smile full of disdain, looking straight at Blue.
- What next? - Jaśmin suddenly spoke up, breaking his gaze from Ignacy. His voice, though quiet, seemed to resonate in the air, as if everyone was waiting for the question.
- Exactly. - Emi nodded, continuing with slight weariness. - Back to the plan: outside, HE is waiting. His signature will be enough for you to safely reach the third zone.
Penelopa rolled her eyes but said nothing, though her face showed clear dissatisfaction.
- If he says not to check the carriage, you won't do it. Then you can ride to the main station in his car. - Emi explained.
- Why does that sound so strangely simple? - Leopold raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm. - Maybe I should organize three helicopters, in case that's not enough. - he added, lifting his brow and casting a disdainful glance at Blue.
Blue snorted with laughter, covering his face with his hand as if he couldn't hold back a burst of laughter.
- Great. - Emi replied, ignoring the Asian. - But today we don't need more mess caused by the prime minister's son. - he added, hiding his ironic smile.
Ignacy looked at Leopold, his gaze sharpening as if in that moment he understood who the brunette really was.
- You'll get there by train. - Emi continued, looking at Leo. - You have one task: don't stand out. Pretend you're just an average person.
- Great. - Leopold responded with clear sarcasm. - I'll be less visible than a shadow in the dark.
- Never mind. - Ignacy replied indifferently, not looking up. His tone was so indifferent that Jaśmin momentarily felt lost, as if something had slipped past him.
- He'll transport us beyond the fourth wall. - Jaśmin repeated, trying to give more weight to his words. There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. - I mean...
- It means he'll be in the trio. - Emi stated, shifting his gaze from the laptop to them. A slight spark of irritation appeared in his eyes, as if all these questions had already been explained. - You'll probably meet the fool there. - he continued, ignoring the confusion on Ignacy's face. Ignacy looked at Emi, trying to hide his brief confusion, but the brunette seemed to pay no attention. - He should be in his pseudo-studio. - Emi said matter-of-factly. - He should figure out what to do if you explain it well to him. He'll also notify the rest of our situation, after all, everyone got our message. - Emi added, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.
- And what if... - Jaśmin began uncertainly, his thoughts wandering in search of answers that weren't coming.
- Follow the plan! - Emi interrupted loudly, his voice filled with sudden firmness, as if he was done with any more questions. - He'll help us later, but that...
- That's the next part of the plan. - Blue interjected with a tired tone, as if he'd heard this a hundred times before. - You've explained this to us like a hundred times. - he added, resting his head on his hand as if lacking patience.
- And you still have trouble remembering? - Leopold asked sarcastically, grimacing with pity. His smile was cold and superior, and his words, laced with chilly sarcasm, aimed to strike Blue at his most sensitive spot.
Blue, clearly offended and tired, simply turned away from the brunet, clenching his teeth. There was something of resignation in his movement, as if he knew further verbal exchange was pointless.
- This is the first time I've heard it. - Jaśmin spoke, his voice soft but determined. He looked at each of them in turn, as if searching for confirmation that it wasn't just his mind getting lost in all this confusion.
- You should've not run to Ignacy. - Emi added with a slight malicious tone. But as soon as he finished speaking, the redhead threw him a look that made Emi immediately withdraw. He swallowed loudly, realizing he'd crossed the line. - That's why I'm repeating it. - he added with clear embarrassment, trying to fix his mistake.
- Then say it. - The redhead said, his tone cold, as if every action he took had the weight of a decision upon which everything depended. Ignacy looked at Emi, not taking his eyes off him, and a tense silence hung in the ai
- It doesn't make sense. - Leopold interrupted, his voice cold, as if everything had already been decided. - Everything important has already been said. - he added, looking at them with superiority, as if there was no point in wasting more time on discussions.
- He only talked about the part that concerns you. - Blue retorted, his gaze full of frustration.
- Exactly. - Ignacy agreed, grimacing with disdain, as if he didn't want to get involved in unnecessary arguments.
- We can't end it here. - Jaśmin spoke up, a bit more firmly. His voice betrayed his determination to learn more.
- I think Leo is right. - Penelopa spoke quietly, almost whispering, but loud enough to catch Ignacy's attention. His gaze landed on her, surprised by her sudden agreement. - There's not much time until four, we should sleep for at least two hours. - she announced, as if her words were a reasonable solution.
- You want to sleep now? - Emi asked, his voice clearly filled with disbelief. He couldn't believe anyone would think of resting at this moment.
- No one will sleep now anyway. - Jaśmin declared, resigned, his eyes speaking in silence as if he had already accepted the inevitability of it all.
- You. - Ignacy responded, alternating his gaze between Penelopa, Jaśmin, and Leopold. His tone grew hard, almost commanding. - You can actually go rest. I'll listen to what he has to say. - His eyes shifted to Emi, and an unsettling sharpness appeared in his gaze. - What Emi has to say.
- But... - Jaśmin seemed confused, his thoughts wandering, unsure how to react to Ignacy's stone-faced expression.
- You should go get Tomasz. - Ignacy turned to Penelopa, his tone cold but caring. - He should rest too.
- He's in the car. - Emi interrupted, trying to understand why suddenly everyone should be scattering.
- Go get him. - The redhead ordered Penelopa, his gaze leaving no room for objection.
Penelopa, grateful for this brief escape, without waiting for the others' reactions, headed straight for the back door, leading out to the yard. Her steps seemed heavy, as if each one cost her more than the previous.
- I don't agree! - Emi protested, but his voice lacked its previous strength. He felt like he was losing control of the situation.
- Bring him upstairs immediately! - Blue shouted after the disappearing Penelopa, his impatience echoed in every word.
- Don't blow up the house. - Leopold said, getting up from his chair, stretching with exhaustion. His ironic smile lit up his tired face.
- Where are you going? - Jaśmin asked, his eyes widening in surprise. - Why...? - he added, looking at Ignacy with a grotesque expression.
- You should go too. - The redhead announced, his voice unwavering, as if the decision had already been made.
- I don't want to. - Jaśmin replied defiantly, his childish rebellion clear in every word.
Blue abruptly rose from the white couch, then forcibly pulled Jaśmin up, making him stand. There was something harsh in his movements, as if he wanted to end this situation quickly.
- Go. - The blue-haired one muttered, pushing Jaśmin out of the room without further ceremony.
Jaśmin turned once more, and in his chocolate eyes, the figure of the redhead reflected, as if he wanted to understand something in him, something that still eluded him.
- You can get him bandages for a change. - Blue whispered softly, pushing his younger brother toward the door. There was more to his words than just a simple request.
The minimalist interior flooded with light, creating almost a white void, resembling two connecting points, as if the world were slowly dissolving into non-existent space.