They Called Me FIVE

LANCE

Before I could lash at him again he slammed the door to my face and walked away. I clench my teeth. He's bothered alright. By what? Because I stopped Magnus from killing him? Because I was determined to keep him by my side rather than let a stranger murder him in front of my eyes?

Doesn't he realize I chose him over the Seeker who's supposed to train me? I betrayed Magnus for him. It wasn't supposed to be like that. Yeah, I know. But can he blame me? He's the only family I have left. I don't want to be left alone again.

I let the shower's water sprinkle my body in soft pitter patter. Another new place, another new hurdle. What a great turn of events. Just a second ago he said he's proud of me for defeating that Red Beast… Now he's on his another streak of undeterminable weirdness of wanting to die..

It's as if he's determined to leave me by my own.

Can't he understand the reason why I go through such lengths to follow his every whim? I'm willing to do anything in order for us to stay together. Because that's what family is for. You don't get to hesitate. You act on impulse. You prioritize their safety above everything else.

I twist the knob for the hot water and grit my teeth for the scalding heat hitting my skin. My shoulder blades, my legs, my joints, all begun to ache after that ridiculous fight was over.

For the whole time, I was absentminded. My mind is fully booked, contemplating about the crazy things that have been happening in my life these days. Starting from the mysterious black liquid flowing in my veins, to the weird dream of Moon rose with her dead loved one. And to the Red beast with creepy grinning face…

I didn't notice I've been standing in the shower for hours my fingers began to wrinkle. It was bright and the sun is already batting his heat in the glass window when I emerged from the bathroom. I can smell pepperoni pizza microwaved in the kitchen. And a new smell of noodles takeout.

My stomach is grumbling for pizza, but my mind is hesitating. What am I supposed to say after our episode? It's clear he's agitated. What if he'll have another panic attacks? If I'm anxious by this whole mess we're in how much more him?

Just a few days ago he thought he was Dan Augustus, after the Mark appeared in my arm, his memories came flashing down like draining pipes with trash barricading its flow removed. The shock must have been too muxh to handle.

I marched back to the staircase leading to my bedroom.

No, I can't prolong this. Whatever suicidal thoughts Dad has I must convince him to spill the beans to me. Or what am I here for? A supreme hot troubled teenager for neighbors to gossip? I reached my bedroom door and twist the knob. My wet hair dripping droplets into the wooden floor.

My room is dull. Except for the damaged bed, everything seems like a prison cell. Grey white empty walls, metallic grey cabinets, and windows that have been exposed to heat and cold. I told myself I'm used to sleeping in different places. No matter how dreary or colorful my room is, I can feel at home if Dad is around.

But if ever a day comes when he's not here... Will I survive?

Downstairs I heard Dad called my name. I responded and put on the clothes he gave me. When I come down I saw another man sitting in the purple sofa facing the fireplace with Dad. They're having coffee.

I know it's morning but what's with this new guy? He looked like he got up on the wrong side of bed. He has wiry black hair that jiggled everytime he crossed his feet or shuffle his body in the sofa chair. His face has frost spots as if he just spends the snowing night walking in the streets, alone and naked. But the thing that struck me as weird, is his strabismus eyeballs.

It must have been my imagination but the one facing the left rattled like a baby's toy. All the more when I come near. Dad spotted me and he beamed.

"Oh, good. Come here son, I want to introduce this man to you."

I take a hesitant step backward. The tug in my gut is there again. Not the adrenaline rush thing. But the feeling that screams at me to run or leave the place for danger. I stop my nerves from agitating my composure.

"Yeah, sure." I said.

I came face to face with the man who has extra elongated nose it almost touch the tip of his upper lips. Not to be rude but Squidward has nicer lazy nose than his.

"Hello, Lance. I'm Lista." He offered his hand, I took it and shook. When our fingers brush his left eyeball wiggled twice it's intensity and a pang of ache struck my forearm. I quickly withdraw, clutching my arm.

That's when I realize the part that ache is actually the Mark of Five.

"What did you do?" I asked. Lista looked startled by the contact and rubbed his palm.

"I- I didn't do anything." I yank the collar of his dirty trench coat and inch my snarling teeth closer to his trembling nose.

"Liar. Shall I use my life draining power for you to reveal your true self?" Lista raised both his palms in surrender.

"Please, don't." His strabismus exotropia eyes kept darting to me and Dad. As if he doesn't understand why I'm acting cranky and got really scared.

Dad caught on his fear and stood between us.

"Lance, stop. Lista is not what you think he is." Now he's defending him, great.

"Oh really Dad? What do you know about him that made you so sure of that?" I challenged. Dad glanced at Lista, who whimper at his gaze, then at me.

His expression became unreadable.

"Lista is my comrade who came to human realm with me as a slave." He said grimly.