A booming voice grabs their attention. Python looks at them angrily as Kai gives a devious smile. As Ann begins to panic, she is surprised to find Nicholas throwing back a smile just as devious. Blocking the path is Kai and Python who seems to be struggling trying to keep his composure. Ann coughs a few times with Nicholas stepping in front of her shielding her.

“Let’s make this easier,” Kai says without wasting a moment. “You come with us and we’ll let the lady go. Deal?”

“Sure,” Nicholas answers in an arrogant tone. Ann looks at Nicholas surprised but he continues, “Here’s a counter, you come with us and get what you deserve.”

“I will give you…,” Python stops like an obedient slave as Kai raises his hand.

“Or, we’ll just take the girl and show her exactly how cruel life can be.” His words send shivers down Ann’s spine.

“Drop dead,” Nicholas says under his breath as Kai begins laughing.

“You were right,” Python says smiling. Ann doesn’t notice the serious expression on Nicholas’s face as he stares at them, like a predator ready to pounce. However, his sense of responsibility holds him back like a leash, deciding not to act on impulse he simply lets out a growl.

“Py…”As Python is about to take a step forwards, Nicholas throws something at them and it sprays out a green gas. What follows is a huge commotion of insults, coughs and even screams as everyone scrambles trying to keep their focus. Nicholas doesn’t waste time getting Ann out of there, as they both cough and run out of breath, Nicholas throws Ann over his shoulder and runs to the rooftop. As he sets her down, Ann who is still coughing, gets angry.

“What is…. wrong with you?... How… can we…Escape…” as Ann is about to raise her voice Nicholas covers her mouth.

“Don’t shout they can still find us,” Nicholas says allowing her to catch her breath as he steps away from her. They stand there silently enjoying the fresh air and after a few moments Nicholas continues. “I had Oscar smoke out the building. That was just to lure them out. You don’t have to worry, it’s all under control. The plan will work out perfectly and those two are definitely going to get caught.”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“Why?” Ann says softly. “Why did you do it though?”

“So I should have just let them kill you?” Nicholas asks sarcastically turning to Ann. His black hair slowly moving in the wind as his eyes now turn gentle. He has so much to say but doesn’t know where to start or if Ann even wants to talk to him anymore. If Kai did tell her the truth, he feared she probably never wanted to see him again.

“Do you…,” Ann says trying to find the words. “When you were at the cabin, did you really forget or was it all just an act?”

“Yes,” Nicholas answers in one word. “I really didn’t recognize you or Ben or anyone else at first. I didn’t know what it was but I just knew I could trust you that I would be safe with you.”

“Safe?”

“Yes,” Nicholas says sighing. “When I didn’t remember, I just kept having these weird gut feelings. When I saw Kai that day, something in me was screaming that I shouldn’t trust him.” Ann gives a very small smile as she is happy to know he feels like he can trust her. After another pause, she continues to question him.

“But why the name Andrew?”

“That’s my real name,” Nicholas replies as Ann looks at him surprised. “You didn’t think I would have given you my real name, did you?” Ann looks disappointed though his statement makes sense. There are another important thing Ann wants to ask but is nervous about the answer.

“When did you…”

“Remember?” Nicholas smirks. “After I moved out, it was strange but memories slowly started coming back bit by bit. I didn’t tell Emma though, but eventually I had enough information to know what’s what.”

“So it just came back all on its own?” Ann asks curiously.

“Maybe,” Nicholas replies. “There were a few things here and there that helped. Difficult to point it out, but the way I felt after I left was a huge part of it.” They both stand there silently with Nicholas seeming to contemplate something. Ann isn’t sure what else to ask though she has many questions. “I ran into Kai a few days ago, pretended I didn’t remember, I had a feeling he was onto me but I didn’t think he would hurt you,” Nicholas says and then pauses for a moment. “Then again, that man is just blood thirsty and will say anything to keep that big lug around. I regret that it was your cabin I passed out at that day Ann, all I have done is be a nuisance to you and Ben.”

Just as Nicholas finished these words Ann rushes up to him and raises her hand.