Ethan knox - October 2120
Kai, Edmund, Ray, Thomas, Isaac, and I are all crammed into Edmund's office. The air feels heavy, thick with unspoken questions and the weight of what we just learned.
Kai leans against the wall in his usual spot, arms crossed, calm and unshakable as ever. It's almost comforting, seeing him there, steady, like an anchor. But the tension in the room makes me realise even he's holding back something.
We've just told them everything we learned from Katie, her fragmented words, the memory of Christopher's voice, the connection to the counterfeit vials.
And in return, Kai had told us what had happened while they had been at the barn.
Now, the room is silent.
I can't help but glance at Ray. He's standing a little apart from the rest of us, arms crossed, gaze fixed somewhere far away. He's quiet, brooding. I've known Ray long enough to know how strong he is, snapping someone's neck isn't difficult for him, yet he's learned restraint. That's why the news that he accidentally broke the neck of our main lead still surprises me. I can feel the weight of it on him, though he won't say a word.
"So… what now?" Isaac breaks the silence, the first to speak. He pushes his sunglasses up slightly, a faint edge of frustration in his tone. "We have two separate people, both close to the vials and both seem to be pointing back to Christopher."
Kai shifts slightly, still leaning against the wall. "But Oswald is a board member for GeneX. It doesn't make sense. He's too high up. Why risk that?"
I watch Thomas in the corner. He's quiet, thoughtful, eyes darting between everyone as if he's connecting invisible dots. "I've heard from Dr. Williams once that Dr. Langford and Christopher Oswald have clashed multiple times," he finally says, voice low. "Could this be linked to that?"
Edmund shakes his head, fingers tapping lightly on the desk. "It would be reckless, and highly unlikely, for him to risk his reputation and position just because of a personal rivalry." His tone carries the weight of experience; he's seen people make foolish choices, but rarely ones this blatant.
Isaac smirks faintly, leaning forward on the edge of the desk. "Then why don't we just go ask him ourselves?"
I take a step back, letting my mind race. My chest tightens slightly, not from fear exactly, but from that familiar spike of unease I feel around Christopher. I can almost see the way he'll try to twist the conversation, belittle anyone who confronts him. He has a way of making you feel small without even raising his voice.
Kai shifts slightly, uncrossing his arms to fold them in front of him. His calm voice cuts through the tension. "I'll go and speak to him."
Ray doesn't speak, but I catch the faint tightening of his jaw.
Edmund leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers, his gaze sharp. "Fine, but remember, we still need him alive."
I really, really don't want to talk to Christopher. Not one bit. But… I will not, cannot, let Kai go alone. Not when I know exactly how horrible he can be, how good he is at hiding things, and how easy it would be for someone like Christopher to twist the conversation.
"I'll go too" I say, stepping forward, trying to sound casual even though my stomach is already doing little somersaults.
"Ethan-" Kai protests, his voice low, calm, but there's that edge in it.
"No," I cut him off gently but firmly. "I know him best. I can tell when he's lying, when he's hiding something. I… I have to be there."
Kai's jaw tightens slightly. I can see it in his face, the flicker of irritation. He doesn't say anything, but I know exactly what he's thinking. Me and Christopher in the same room. He hates the idea and my chest tightens a little at that, but… it also makes me want to protect him all the more. My Kai. My steady, unwavering Kai.
Before I can say anything else, Isaac steps forward, hands casually in his pockets, that lazy smirk on his face.
"You?" I ask, mock surprise, raising my eyebrows. "Mr. lazy Isaac… suddenly wants to get involved?"
He strolls past me and places a hand on my shoulder, and I can feel that quiet strength of his even through the simple gesture.
"Maybe I just want to throw one punch at that smug face of his," he says with a grin, just enough playfulness to make me chuckle despite my nerves.
I laugh, shaking my head. "Fair enough. I can respect that."
Edmund clears his throat, bringing the attention back to the plan. "Okay. Go and see what you can find out. Ray, Thomas…" He turns to the others, giving them a pointed look. "We'll investigate the body of the man."
I glance at Kai, my heart squeezing a little. My chest warms instantly. I step closer, brushing his shoulder lightly with mine.
"Don't worry," he murmurs "I won't let him get anywhere near you"
My lips twitch in the faintest smile, and that's all the reassurance I need.
Isaac claps me on the back, grinning again. "Future boy, keep that charm handy. It might be useful."
I laugh, brushing imaginary dust off my shirt. "Don't worry, I'll charm the truth out of him yet. And if not… well, we've got other methods."
We walk down the narrow stairs toward the basement. I keep my hand close to Kai's shoulder as we descend, not because he needs protection, but because I need the reassurance. Just feeling him near, steady and unshakable, calms the storm in my chest.
Isaac walks beside me, sunglasses reflecting the dim light, his expression unreadable as always.
We walk towards Christopher cell and as we enter he is sitting inside, feet crossed, arms resting casually on the bars, as if he owns the place.
Kai pauses a step behind me, his arms crossed, jaw tight. I glance at him and give a small, teasing smile. "Relax." His eyes flicker briefly with gratitude before he tenses again. Typical Kai, hiding it all.
I push the door open with a soft click, stepping forward. Isaac is right behind me. Kai follows, silent, statuesque.
"Christopher!" I call, letting my voice carry, warm and slightly playful, trying to offset the tension in the air. "We need a chat."
Christopher lifts his head slowly, the corner of his lips twitching into that smug smirk that makes my stomach tighten. "Well, if it isn't Ethan… and friends. To what do I owe this… delightful intrusion are you taken me up on my offer from before?"
I grin brightly, stepping a little closer, tilting my head like I always do when I want someone to feel just a little off-balance. "Oh no, I just thought we'd come by to… you know… talk about some little rumours floating around. You. And some counterfeit Lunex vials."
The smirk doesn't falter, but I see the slightest narrowing in his eyes. Good. We've got his attention.
Kai steps up beside me, voice low and even. "We know you're involved. Explain yourself."
Christopher chuckles, leaning back lazily against the wall of his cell. "Involved? That's a strong word, 004. I'd call it… curious experimentation. Just like your father, am I right?"
I bite my lip to keep myself from snapping. The man always tries to push buttons. "Curious experimentation, huh? That's a fancy way of saying you're screwing with people's lives. Care to be more… specific?" I ask.
Isaac leans casually against the wall behind me. "We're not here to play games. Start talking, or this gets unpleasant." His voice is calm, but there's steel in it. Christopher's smirk twitches slightly.
"Unpleasant?" he echoes, tilting his head. "You're in a basement, gentlemen. I think you've already got a head start on unpleasant... and I have to stay here"
I glance at Kai, feeling that familiar twinge in my chest, the part of me that wants to step forward and defuse everything, that wants to protect him even before the threat hits. "We're not here to fight… yet," I say lightly, though my eyes never leave Christopher's. "We just want answers. Why the counterfeits? Why risk your status?"
Christopher finally leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His smirk softens just enough to be readable. "Ah… you want to know why I would risk everything, eh? Why I'd cross GeneX?"
I tilt my head, letting my playful smile stay plastered on. "Yeah, that's exactly what we want to know. Enlighten us."
He chuckles, but there's something darker now, something I can feel at the edge of my foresight. He's proud. Confident. And maybe a little… dangerous.
"Because," he says slowly, savoring the pause, "sometimes you have to break a few rules to show the world who really holds the cards."
I blink, trying not to react too quickly. That's… vague. Too vague.
Kai steps closer, voice sharper this time. "We're not interested in riddles. The counterfeits. The vials. Why?"
Christopher's eyes flick to Kai, then back to me. He smirks again, but there's a glimmer of something like caution now. "Oh… you'll find out soon enough. But not from me. Not yet. Some lessons… need to be learned the hard way."
I feel the tension in the room coil tighter. Isaac's fingers twitch slightly, ready to do something, anything, if Christopher makes the wrong move. And Kai… Kai's eyes are cold, assessing, waiting.
"I'll ask nicely one more time," Kai says, voice calm but carrying that subtle edge that makes the hairs on my neck stand up. "Why the counterfeits?"
Christopher smirks, but I can see the flicker of annoyance, or maybe fear, behind his eyes. "I've already told you, Kai. I don't answer to you, or your little entourage."
I step forward, putting a hand on Kai's arm, trying to keep him grounded. "Kai… don't, just let me handle this." My voice is gentle, but firm.
Kai's jaw tightens. His shadows stir. Not aggressively, but the air around Christopher seems to shift, subtle tendrils curling along the floor, wrapping around the edges of the cell like liquid smoke. I can see Christopher's smirk falter just slightly.
"You really don't want to play games with me right now," Kai murmurs, voice low, almost a growl. "I will get what I need from you."
Christopher swallows while he shifts uncomfortably. And then, slowly, the shadows creep closer, tendrils tightening just enough to make the room feel smaller, claustrophobic. My stomach flips, watching Kai work. I've seen him use his power before, but seeing it on someone like Christopher… it's unsettling.
"Fine," Christopher hisses, voice rough. "You want to know why? I am so sick of all though old boring men that think they could look down on me"
I glance at Kai as Isaac stands silent behind me, tense and ready.
Christopher continues, voice shaky now. "They think they are better than me, and do you know whats worse... you Langfords think you are so much better than everyone else. You, your father, even that brother of yours"
Kai steps forward the instant Christopher's voice drops the mention of his brother.
"You all deserve to be taken down," Christopher spits, sneering, "and once I've proven these counterfeits are better than the original, I'll destroy the board members, your father, your brother, and all the others who looked down on me and there's nothing a dog or a slut like you two can do to stop it."
That's it. The words cut sharper than any blade.
Kai's shadows stir instantly, coiling around his feet before surging forward like living smoke. In a heartbeat, they wrap around Christopher's neck, yanking him hard against the cold metal bars of his cell.
Christopher gasps, trying to draw a breath, but before he can, Kai's fist connects with his face. A sickening crack echoes, his nose bursts, and dark, hot blood splatters across the floor. Kai doesn't hesitate. Another punch and another. Rapid, precise, fueled by every ounce of fury that the words ignited.
For a moment, I just stand there, frozen. It all happened so fast my brain struggles to keep up.
Just as Kai winds up for another strike, I shout his name.
"Kai!"
His fist freezes midair. He doesn't look at me, but I feel the tension in the room like a live wire. His entire body vibrates with restrained anger. I can see it in his eyes, he wants to strike again, but instead, he swipes his hand, and the shadows fling Christopher backward, letting him collapse in a heap across the floor.
"If you ever call him a slut or threaten my brother again" Kai hisses, voice low and deadly, "I will break more than your nose."
Then he turns to me. The fury still radiates off him, but his gaze softens slightly as he focuses on me.
Isaac steps closer, peering down at Christopher sprawled on the ground, clutching his bloodied face. "Damn… I wanted to at least get one in" he mutters, half in awe, half amusement.
"You bastard!" Christopher shouts, voice hoarse and ragged.
I step forward and take hold of Kai's arm, guiding him toward the door. He doesn't protest, but I can feel the storm of anger still simmering beneath his skin. I just need to get him out of there before it escalates further.
As we exit Christopher's cell, I notice Katie standing near her bars, her eyes wide, hesitant.
"Ethan… I…" she starts, pausing, fumbling with something in her hands. "Take… take…"
She holds out a piece of paper. I reach for it instinctively, but before I can, Kai's shadow swoops in, gently plucking it from her fingers and placing it into my hand. His gaze flicks to her, wary, protective, he's clearly nervous she might hurt me again.
"What is it?" I ask softly, glancing at the paper.
On it is a simple drawing, a blue house, with stick figures of a family beside it. My chest tightens.
"My… family… I… I remember," Katie whispers, her voice trembling.
Her eyes dart back toward the door we just came from. She must have heard everything that happened inside Christopher's cell.
"I… I want to… help… I… want… to help you," she manages, each word broken but earnest.
Kai steps a little closer, but I can see him relax just slightly, letting her presence ease the tension, while still keeping an invisible shield around me.
"Okay, I will come and talk to you again tomorrow, Katie" I say softely "Okay?"
She nods in response.
I guide Kai down the corridor and outside to the fresh air.
"Kai," I say softly, "Hey, look at me."
He doesn't meet my eyes at first, jaw tight, fists clenched. I can feel the anger radiating off him like heat. I don't need him to say anything. I know exactly why. The way Christophere threatened Noah and the way he spat those words at me. He doesn't even care that he was called a do and that aches my heart"
"Kai…" I try again, gently lifting his chin with my fingers. "I know. I know why you're furious. You're angry but you've got to breathe, okay?"
His eyes flicker to mine, stormy and unreadable. I can see it, he wants to strike, wants to tear into Christopher again, but he's holding himself back for me.
He swallows hard, his chest rising and falling rapidly. The shadows around him twitch, restless, threatening to lash out at anything nearby. I step closer, letting my finger interwine with his.
For a brief moment, his eyes soften just a little. I can see the tiniest crack in the wall he's built around himself, the part that trusts me, that leans on me.
I let out a small, teasing sigh to break some of the tension. "You know… if I'd let you punch him, you'd probably make him wish he'd never been born. But… that's not the point. We're smarter than that, remember?"
"Come on. Let's go for a walk. You need it… and I need you to stop vibrating like a shadowed tornado before I start panicking too."
He lets me lead him towards the clift as the sea breeze ruffels our hair. I watch him take in a shaky breath, letting the shadows around him settle slightly.
"Better?" I ask gently, nudging him lightly with my elbow.
Kai finally lets out a shaky laugh, low and rough. "Yeah… better."
I grin, relieved. "See? You didn't explode. You're impressive even when you're trying not to be." I poke him teasingly in the side, and he swats my hand away half-heartedly.
I step closer, tone softening again. "Kai… I know Christopher… he got under your skin. And I know he threatened Noah. That's enough to make anyone see red. But you… you're still in control."
Kai exhales slowly, shoulders loosening just a fraction. He doesn't say anything, just lets me stand there with him, hand on his arm, letting the moment stretch.
I watch him stare at the ocean, then lean over to kiss his cheek.
He turns, and I press my lips to his. He is hesitant at first, then his arms wrap around me, pulling me close.
His kisses are fierce, desperate, and I can't help smiling. Strong, powerful… yet so impossibly sweet when he protects me.
"I love you so much," I murmur.
He leans back, gazes at me, then presses gentle kisses along my forehead, cheek, and neck, resting his head on my shoulder.
"I love you too."