Chapter Text
„What do you mean by that?” - Ewron was now standing, walking from wall to wall in the cave that they found. That would mean that the rest won’t come tonight, because Ewron will be too immersed in his thoughts and he won’t lay down even for a minute. That was also the only thing that wasn’t a success in him, the Federation thought so. For them he was too loud, bright, energetic. He couldn’t sit for a minute in silence because that would mean he would be bored or he would analyze every second to find out why someone is quiet.
„What the fuck does it mean that you knew me before all of this and we were bestfriends. I don’t even know you. W co ty kurwa pogrywasz?” What game are you playing?
The polish language was a slip that Ash managed to notice before Ewron tried to hide it. Thankfully the communicator that he received had a function to translate it. It was new for Ash to hear Ewron speak in polish, they never talked about their roots. They only knew what they were in the white walls and laboratory devices. No one was curious what they were before. Maybe that was a good thing after all? The thought of wanting to come back to their family would be enough for them to go after Feds. That’s why they also did a great job shoving it under the rug. Ash shifted his legs and now he was sitting in front of a nervous Ewron.
„I will tell you everything. But not now.”
”Then when?” - the scream came out and Ash felt like his body was shaking more than he wanted. The sound was too familiar for what he heard before. He hated screams, especially when it came to Ewron. It only reminded him about the tapes. Those memories were buried deep in his mind and no amount of effort would make him forget about them. They were too forceful. He saw that Ewron was pissed. Could he blame him? It wasn’t natural to hear from someone, when your brain tells you you see for the first time, that you’ve met already. Ash must’ve looked insane. That’s how he also felt. The cave went quiet and the silence was only breaking when the water drops were falling from the rocks over them. The staring contest had started because none of them wanted to break eye contact. They flinched every time they heard some unusual sounds but none of them changed their position. What was sure about the two of them was that they were both too stubborn. The tension was about to blow when both of them heard the explosion. Ewron swiftly rushed to the entrance trying to find something that was placed in the sky. Ash didn’t know what to do but was more than sure that he needed to be close to Ewron. Otherwise he would never forgive himself if something would happen to the redhead. Mostly that he is his best friend. The sky started to show pictures of ’’dead’’ experiments. The difference was that under the photo there were hearts that were about to disappear, but they still left a grey mark. Three for each one of them. And of course they weren’t named Ike they used to be. The Federation gave them names, something, to make them more human. To make them feel like they belonged to someone and they weren’t placed in the tubes for most of their life. The identity that they could hold onto in dark times and something that the Federation could quickly take them away. They made them feel like they were wanted, which could turn into something to Feds control and they could take advantage of that. How can you make the strongest soldiers if they don’t have something worth fighting for? The show ended with the Federation anthem and Ewron still was looking at the sky. He almost looked sad.
„You know” - he started turning to him - „I met Jeremy when we were put here. He’s such a sweet soul. It’s horrible seeing him lose one of his hearts. He will be dead if he loses another. And I will never see him again.” - he looked extremely sorrowful talking about Jeremy. Ash however knew him as 17 as an owl hybrid. He was very good at connecting dots and thinking about stuff. He was one of the smartest. Always ready for a new conclusion, idea, even if that wasn’t something he was asked for. Later they would hear about his solo classes. When he covered his ears trying to remember an information he was given to connect it with another which made him lose his sane mind. The only one who could talk to him was 5 at that moments. He just sat with him through his episodes, helping him solve the puzzle made in his own brain. However with them, in classes for all of them, Jeremy never used a weapon, always tried to talk it through. Maybe that was his problem?
„Who else did you meet?” - Ash asked, trying to read Ewron's expression. It was hard as a matter of lack of light. The moon was the only thing they had at the moment. Ewron broke eye contact and focused on rubbing his hands, it was obvious that coming to the island was a topic that brought some unpleasant memories that Ewron didn’t want to acknowledge. A small breath escaping Ewrons' mouth was enough for Ash to stop digging this topic. He quietly took Ewron's hand and guided him back to the cave, they needed to rest. When they finally laid down Ash needed to look at the other one for the last time that day. He wanted to be sure that Ewron was safe. It was his new job. To keep Ewron alive, because he didn’t know what he would do if he lost him for good. Now he had him, maybe in a different font, but he was still there. Just lost in the hallways of his own head and lack of any memories before this disaster. Such a shame that Jeremy could lose another heart and be gone forever. Ash needed him to solve one more thing. How to remind Ewron everything without hurting him?
The sun hit Ash’s face and he woke up almost like he was hungover. His head was pounding, he was sweating and his throat went dry. The birds were too loud, the sun too bright, the heat ridiculous and no Ewron in sight. That was the worst of this. He got up and ran outside. He screamed his lungs out ignoring his burning throat. He looked around in panic trying to understand why he even fell asleep in the first place. He should’ve kept an eye on Ewron. He was sure that Ewron disappeared because of Ash’ stupidity for bringing up the topic of their relationship and now he will be again in this fucking building surviving the tortures again.
„For what are you yelling your ass off?” - the voice appeared behind him with a note of cockiness. He turned to see Ewron’ face with a grin on it holding a handful of blueberries. His favorite fruits. The relief was the first thing Ash felt - „Something told me that you may love them.”
”I do” - Ash’ heart beat started going faster than ever before. This small gesture made him believe that deep inside Ewron knew about their friendship. About their genuine connection that started with blueberries. Everything was almost like at the beginning. They met when Ash was yelling his heart out because of the pain from the DNA tests. Naturally nothing could stop his sorrow, but the fruits that Ewron gave him made him focus on something else than the burning feeling inside his chest. This time the pain wasn’t physical, Ash mentally felt tragic for not seeing his best friend. He took one from Ewron’ hand and threw it into his mouth. The taste was sweet and it came with a bit of sourness at the end. They didn’t have much food which only made the flavor better. The sound of pleasure came out of his mouth and he received an unexplainable look from Ewron. What does it mean? Unfortunately they didn’t have time to talk about it. They needed to find the Polish Cave. Ewron was determined to find it considering that there were his friends. For some reason Ewron remembered that they are a family. They definitely said it to him on the first day of Island. Every person in the Polish Cave came together to the Federation. They had different numbers, but came in one train. God knows where they were before. They were supposed to be promising objects because of their strength. No one except Ash knew about it, Ewron told him that back in the classes. He never mentioned what type of strength but Ash never pushed him to tell it. Now it was too late to discover that. They started walking in total silence trying to figure out what will happen next. They were in denial that everything will be fine as long as they will stay together. The forest elongated in front of them and it was familiar to the corridors leading to the room with tubes. The difference was that his time had life in it. Nothing here was still or quiet. The birds were singing, the leaves were moving along with the wind and the sun rays cupped their faces between trunks. The path was visible which helped them to acknowledge where they are. In the dirt they could see some animal prints. Probably fox’. Ewron was going first, holding a map and scanning the area. His sword and his bow were slightly pulled out and Ash believed that this was for Ewron to quickly pull the weapon out. The noise of their steps filled the awkward silence between them. They didn’t talk too much, scared that someone would hear them. Suddenly Ewron stopped and showed Ash to do this as well. Ash didn’t know what was happening until he pricked up his ears, there was a whistle. Soft one. Ewron looked around trying to figure out where the sound was coming from. His ears were moving along with the whistle. Ash prepared his hatchet and was ready to fight if it came to that. When Ewron raised his head he smiled and calmed down Ash with a gesture of his hand. That made Ash look up too. There was 3. One of the closest ones to Ash in the Federation. 3 was always willing to help him when it came to climbing the trees or making sure to creep in a total secrecy. In the end they always end up laughing when Ash stepped on a leaf and his whole immerse ended up falling. The red bandana that he was always wearing stayed on his forehead even now. His round glasses were broken but the smile he had was still there. It reminded Ash of the old days. The green shirt interblended with trees and his brown shorts were matching the trunk.
”No one ever thinks to look up” - 3 laughed joyfully at their confusion. Then Ash remembered that this was something that he used to say in their training sessions so he quickly finished the sentence.
”Until there’s a sound” - 3 smiled and jumped off the tree landing carefully. His genes were connected with cat one so it was normal for him to be perfect at getting off. Ash wasn’t surprised that this was the thing that 3 chose. To be just peaceful in the leaves and hiding himself from the danger. 3’ ears twitched and his whiskers were moving with his nose trying to check if it was safe down there.
„I’m Juan” - so that was 3’ name. Ash tried to remind himself where he first heard that name, but nothing was coming back to his mind. Almost like he forgot who said it first. Maybe it was someone with an orange hospital gown? Juan smiled warmly at them and adjusted his glasses. One thing they couldn’t fix in the process of DNA swamp was his vision. -„I believe I know you”
Ewron shot Ash a look of confusion but he rehabilitated himself when he remembered they weren’t alone. Ewron didn’t know Juan, he couldn’t. For him it was a possible threat that could kill them easily. However Ash trusted Juan. He couldn’t betray them, not if he knew Ash and most importantly knew both of them. Their only real threat was the Federation.
”Hi Juan, I’m Ash-”
”Of course they would give you this name.” - Juan disrupted him -„Everyone knew this nickname you know? And surely this is Ewron. Am I right?”
Ewron only confirmed Juan’ words, still not knowing what was happening. He stayed in the same position, eyeing Juan, trying to understand. Ash didn’t know that the nicknames were so popular in their „family”, he thought that this was only their thing.
„Fucking awesome. They play in our fucking faces.’’ - Juan was furious. Nobody blamed him, if his memory wasn’t washed out Ash couldn’t blame him. - „You assholes, if you think I will be following the rules, you are deeply wrong!”
This was a powerful move to call out the Federation. In the past it didn’t end well and Ash knew that those who were brave enough to do it, ended as a mute or in the best scenario dead. But what could the Federation do now? They won’t kill Juan, they will wait for something or someone to kill him. This act, in the eyes of the Federation, could be an act of rebellion, not of tiredness. In reality they were tired of everything that was happening, they weren’t angry. Just exhausted. Both of them knew that this wouldn't end well, but they had to have hope. At least they had hope. From the three of them only Ewron looked confused. He had so much in his brain and Juan only made it worse. Because what could it possibly mean that Juan knew him? He didn’t die so his name wasn’t in the sky. They don’t have a list of people on the island. They hadn't met before so how was it possible?
„How do you know me?” - Ewrons' voice came out shaky and on the edge of panic. Ash noticed but decided to not say anything. Juan definitely knows that some people here don’t know their past. Shock started painting on Juan’s face and Ash knew that this won’t go well. Ewron now was aiming at Juan with the arrow so Ash had to act swiftly. He ran in front of Juan, trying to calm down the situation. Ewron tripped him up and Ash knew that he didn't play about it. - „I won’t repeat myself. Answer.”
Juan looked more disturbed than before. He didn’t know how to respond to that without making Ewron’ thoughts spin even more. The only thing that came to his mind was to mention Jeremy as he saw them talking when he first woke up.
„Jeremy told me who you are” - he said trying to act confident even if his mind was racing. Ash shot him a look of gratitude and got up from ground. Standing between them he had an ideal view of two worlds colliding. First, that believed everything that was happening was his entire life and the second that happened to survive everything that Ash survived. He wished for Ewron to cross the line of the second only to understand what they were before. They were something more than friends, more like soulmates that found themselves in the darkest times and brought some light to each one of them. They were best friends for fucks sake. Ewron dropped the bow and his ears twitched. Ewron heard something and by reading his expression Ash knew it was something important. The red panda hybrid sent Ash an alarming look. Ash knew that the other had to follow this sound. Ash nodded and watched as the other stormed through the woods. Ash decided to gave Juan a hug and whispered apologies only to run after Ewron. He called after him, chasing the redhead at full speed. He was fast, but the hybrid was speeding his way through this green maze.
„Ewron slow down!”
That didn’t help. Ewron wouldn’t slow down and Ash knew it. Because he knew him like the back of his hand. He only would go faster just to prove that he was better. As they were running the glimpse of copper hair. This seemed like something familiar that Ash saw before. However Ash couldn’t figure out where he had seen this color. It was a pretty peculiar shade. You wouldn’t forget it if you saw it once. It only lasted a few seconds to see it because it disappeared in the darkness of trees. They were still speeding without the map, without the knowledge of what they were doing. Every time Ash almost caught Ewron, the second would turn around, smile at him and run faster. They were having fun, even if their situation was horrendous. Normal people wouldn’t trust animal instincts, not in this situation. The glitches started to appear on Ash’ face when he saw that Ewron slowed his rhythm. He stood at the edge of a cliff and onwards there was a huge skull in the mountain. When Ash caught up and tried to take a breath he understood. In the entrance to the cave there were standing three silhouettes calling Ewron’ name. The red panda had to hear it when they were standing with Juan. This was most probably the Polish Cave. Ash pointed to the small path leading down the cliff, Ewron was eager to follow it.
„Let me go first okay?” - Ash breathed, trying to still norm his breathing. He wasn’t an animal hybrid, his body wasn’t accustomed to this type of physical effort. He was more of a strength guy. Ewrons' tail was swinging behind him, betraying his excitement.
„Yeah, sure, after you” - sarcasm was dropping from his tongue. Ewron wasn’t really pleased that Ash would lead, but he wasn’t in the mood for another fight. He tried to keep his humor focused on meeting his people. They all met on the second day, immediately clicked and decided that three of them would find a place for a base. They understood that Ewron had to take care of Ash who was unconscious at that moment. Till this day Ewron asks himself a question why he had this feeling to look after this person. Ash told him that they’ve met before, they were best friends. Was it possible that at the furthest place in his mind, he knew that?
The stroll ended when their feet touched the bridge. It led straight to the mouth of the skull. In those few days the Polish Cave got a shape, thanks to all of them. Ash saw the experiments that had numbers 6, 7 and 24. 6 was a bat hybrid with huge bat wings in his back. In the Federation, he was always interested in laboratory stuff. The Feds were delighted knowing that someone would probably continue their legacy, they regularly gave 6 instructions. Most of the objects hated him for that, but some were very thrilled to help 6 with his research. Next to 6, 7 was standing with hands in pockets. His nonchalant posture went ideal with his lynx tail and personality. His glasses were sitting on his nose, when he was observing both of them from a distance. The only one who moved from his place was 24, the dog hybrid. His tail was shaking and he almost threw himself on Ewron. Ash felt a twitch of jealousy. He didn’t know where it came from, but seeing Ewron hugging 24 stronger made him feel like he might throw up or punch 24 in the face.
„Nexe!” - Ewron screamed and laughed, the sound that made Ash’ jealousy show more. His face was red like a tomato and his hands were shaking on both of his sides. Ash was sure that if they won’t stop showing affection to each other, he will blow out. The bomb was ticking.
”Ewron! It’s so good to see you. Kurwa w końcu” Fucking finally
Again polish language was something new to Ash. He didn’t know that they all had the ability to speak in this language. He felt excluded from the conversation when they all started talking in polish. Fine, he had the translator but they spoke in such a rush that Ash couldn’t keep up with the translation. The only thing that he catches was that 6 and 7 were in effect Multi and Graf. Ash was surprised by these names but wasn’t quite sure if he should bring this up when Ewron is around. That could tangle his thoughts more than Ash wanted.
”This is Ash, the mysterious guy from the Tower. I hope you remember him.” - Ewron introduced him to his mates with a pure smile and gentle tone. Three pairs of eyes started to analyze his whole appearance and Ash caught the glimpse of pity in Multis’ eyes. They were probably aware of the whole memory loss situation. Or only Multi knew.
„Nice to meet you guys” - he faked his smile the best as he could, not knowing if this tactic will work. They were all tense and nervous about how to handle it without spilling too many details that they already knew about each other. - „Glad to be in your team”
Graf raised his eyebrow, trying to figure out why he was lying. Multi covered his mouth to not get caught on laughing and Nexe focused on conversation with Ewron and keeping up to his stories. Finally Multi calmed himself down.
”Great to know that we have another mouth to feed.” - Ash gave him a meaningful look, glad that Multi went with his story. It would be embarrassing for him to excuse himself from this lie to Ewron. Their relationship could end as quickly as it started. When they all entered the cave, Ash saw how much work was to put this together. The beautiful interior wasn’t the only advantage of this place, it was also practical and convenient. In the center there was a circle where they kept their pets, safe from the chaos around them. Around it there were several old-fashioned tenements in different kinds of colors. The paintings that were made by Graf were hanging in every blank space that was left after the building. Ash felt overwhelmed with the beauty of this place. On the left he could see the elevator that was still in the process. He knew that all this work was Grafs’. He was one of the best builders in the Federation and most of his time he spent on working for them. He constructed amazing training places for them and he had an amazing experience when it came to the details. The rooms were always thoughtful, adjusted completely for their needs. Ewron was so immersed in the conversation with Nexe that Ash didn't know where to put his hands. He had to do something, otherwise someone would lose one of their hearts. Graf must’ve noticed it, because he shook his hand and showed him to follow him.
”This tenement is yours.” - Graf pointed to the one that was made from purple and red materials. What a coincidence that this was made with his and Ewrons' favorite colors. - „And Ewrons’. Of course.”
”How did you know that I will come with him?” - Ash whispered, trying to make his words secret. He couldn’t let Ewron hear this. Although when he looked at him, he saw him laughing at some stupid joke Nexe said. He mindlessly smiled at this view, he missed when Ewron was his joyful.
„From the moment we saw you with him, we knew you wouldn't leave him. You were best friends in the Federation and with his memory-„ - Graf cut himself up. Definitely he wasn’t ready for this talk. No one was. Not even Ash. - „We just knew”
Ash agreed silently watching his new home. It was for sure better than the tube in every way, but the thought of having space with Ewron made him nervous. They never lived together, it was forbidden to sleep in another place than this green tube. Now everything was about to change.
”It’s rude to talk about someone behind his back” - Ewron laughed while joining them. He threw his arm around Ash's shoulders almost making him lose his balance. Ash catched him in the waist trying to find a way of not falling down.
„We didn’t talk about you”
”You were” - Ewron' s teasing voice jumped in Ash's ears like an unwanted visitor. It sent hover down his spine that came with the memory of Ewron' s constant need of flirting with Ash in the worst places possible. Like in the middle of the fight, in the training he would just unshamadely talk to Ash like that trying to win. It always worked. Ash’ hand stayed in Ewron’ waist pulling him closer, scared that he would lose this print of Ewron he knew. Ewrons’ wide eyes only betrayed the shock that was coming from this action. The next second Ewrons’ claws were on his hand trying to hurt him and push him away. The next thing Ash felt was the fist on his face. The fight had begun. They found their natural rhythm in this and Ash almost felt like he was back in the classes. In the heat of battle Ash only noticed the blood coming from his wrist. They were wrestling on the floor and Ash wasn’t quite sure why they were doing it and why Ewron decided to do it. The answer was in his eyes. They were all red, his pupils wide and the stare was focused on Ash’ face. Ash put him down to the floor trying to calm himself down and address the situation.
„What are you doing, Ewron?!”
„I thought we should fight like in old times”
What’s that supposed to mean?