As I lay awake surrounded by darkness, my thoughts are filled with the ways of the past and how hectic those times were. I find myself glad to be rid of such power and burdens. A simple life with simple needs: a home, a wife, and a workshop. Having nothing to want for. A stray light from a car passes, lighting the room to show the plain furnishings of a small bedside table and dresser, the room itself small with the helpings of scattered clothes and leftover dishes yet to be brought to the kitchen. A darkened corner refuses to accept the flash of light. As the light fades I wonder if my mind has simply created an image in which to try and focus on. As I stare into the corner I find myself more and more certain that this is simply not my imagination at work.
A sigh passes through my lips, “Hello brother, I had hoped you would leave my answer as it stood.” I whisper. The shape more pronounced than before appearing as though the form was absorbing the darkness itself. “You were well aware of your importance in our plan, this could not be avoided,” said the man in darkness. I sit up slowly in my bed to gather my thoughts and determine if I should run, fight or surrender. The first two options would be easier in normal circumstances, but this was no normal circumstance.
“Can we not just accept the hand we have been given brother? Must we push so hard for the times that have passed to return?” I ask. The man in darkness steps forward. “We can no longer stand the memories, and we cannot adjust to what you so easily fall into. We have to take action.” As he steps beside me out of the darkness, his pale complexion seemingly azure in the moonlight as he places his hand on my shoulder. “You will be detained as to insure you behave as needed brother, I am sorry but you have left us no choice.” His grip tightens and the pull in my gut nearly has me retching as the room shoots out from under me. “It would seem your powers are returning already brother, I half expected you to drive me to my new prison.” I say as my wave of nausea passes, before my vision clears and I can even think about seeing my surroundings. An over powering chemical smell fills my nostrils.
I look around to find my vision in a blur of shades of grey. The overwhelming vapor of the room making its way into the back of my throat, making it difficult to form words without coughing. “You will grow use to the smell, you won't enjoy it but you do not have a choice.” He say as a wry grin finds his lips. I stumble back into a small arm chair barely big enough to hold my husky frame. The room is far larger than I initially felt, regaining my vision and slowly breathing into my sleeve-covered hand I finally realize where I am. The fortified morgue instantly squanders my thoughts of escape. A raspy chuckle escapes my brother's lips. “You clearly recognize your own design don't you? This place was built directly from your blueprint specifications. Even you can't get out without the proper equipment. We took no expense on making sure you give us what we need.”
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The feeling of despair creeping its way into my throat, more sickening than the taste of the formaldehype in the air. “Why do you need me? Why go through so much trouble?” I plead. The man walks towards a silver table lined with dissection tools, his tall thin frame nearly gliding with no audible steps and picks up a scalpel as he turns and leans against the table while expertly spinning it between his fingers with unfathomable speed. “Our eldest would never say it out loud, but you are better than all of us at creating weapons. We need very specific tools and you simply are the only one who can produce them within our timeframe.”
“And if I refuse to build them and just sit here until I die?” I ask. He stops spinning the scalpel and glares wickedly, a moment passes and that frighteningly playful smile returns. “I'm aware you are no stranger to torture my dear brother but perhaps you should consider how well your wife can hold up against our families methods of persuasion.” My heart sinks into my stomach; I never thought they would go so far as to harm her.
“I'll build whatever you need, just leave her alone.” Knowing I have no other option. “My poor brother, so predictable. You know she probably won't even notice you're gone, she is rather self absorbed.” He says as he makes his way towards the hall. “She cares for me more than you realize, she will look for me!” I yell. Him saying that struck a nerve, I know deep down she doesn't think highly of me but she is my wife and I can only hope she will look for me. He opens the door, turns and says, “I wouldn't bet on her brother. I'll be back with your to do list.” He closes the door behind him and all that remains is a faint light from a flickering fluorescent bulb. I lower my head into my large scarred hands feeling drained and defeated and all I can bare to say aloud is my wife's name, “Aphrodite…”