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Work. For the past two days Graf's mind has been constantly occupied with work. He was in and out of the mines for most of his day, gathering Lithium for Multi's big project. His muscles ached and his back hurt from traversing the deepest caves in the search of the rare metal. However, in the back of his mind a quiet hope kept him going. Multi promised he could bring Juan back, and if that meant Graf would have to spend days, weeks underground searching for that fucking piece of rock, he would wear down his bones and muscles to achieve it. To have a chance at bringing him back.
Graf's body tensed in a brief moment of clarity. He shoved the realization of how desperate he was to the far back of his mind. He didn't have to think about it now.
The sun was already setting when he got out of the mines. As he was entering the Polish Cave, the light was hitting the surface of the water near the entrance, illuminating the cave with its reflection. For a short moment, he stopped to admire the dancing lights on the facades of the colorful tenement houses lining the cave's walls. He remembered they were still waiting to be furnished inside.
He massaged his arm before gently playing with the end of a red bandana tied around it. I wish you could see this too, he thought. Suddenly he felt a wave of tiredness weighing on him. He hasn't slept much lately, to say the least, but he knew he wouldn't be able to fall asleep now. Maybe if he took a break by decorating inside the houses he wouldn't feel like he was wasting time.
Suddenly, he heard a familiar sound of a waystone activating, followed by a croak of a crow. He turned his head and saw a dark figure materializing before him.
It took Graf a second to realize who it was. A wave of dread crashed on him as he stared down at the figure, which was now staring back at him, eyes wide open.
"Hola Aldo." said Graf, his voice low but steady. His eyes pierced the man in front of him as he felt dread turn into a different emotion. His face still expressionless, inside Graf's chest slowly grew a deep rage.
"Graf! Que tal!" the corner of Aldo's mouth raised, his eyes narrowing. He put both of his hands in his pockets, giving Graf an empty stare back.
The silence between them felt hostile, like they could start tearing each other's flesh off any second. Countless thoughts bounced around Graf's head, making him feel like he was about to pass out.
It was him. He did it. It was his fault. I know it. I feel it.
I should kill you.
He knew it was impossible.
"It's been a while Aldo. How about we catch up." Graf said in a quiet, monotonous voice. He couldn't help but clench his fist behind his back, cracking fingers with his thumb. His breath quickened as he quietly observed Aldo's moves.
"I'm here to see Multi, I don't have any business with you." Aldo said coldly. Graf saw his hand reaching towards the handle of his sword, resting on top of it. Graf mirrored his moves and put his hand on the handle of his sword as well, not tearing his gaze away from Aldo's face.
Graf took one step closer. "I insist. I haven't been able to reach you. And I have some questions for you," he pushed. He let his eyebrows furrow and scratched the handle of his sword. His feet shifted nervously.
Aldo laughed with an exhale, giving Graf a cynical smile. He slowly stepped closer, facing the other man and taking off his sunglasses. He stood in front of him with arms crossed on his chest.
"I don't think you need me for anything," he said, looking straight at Graf before his eyes turned to the bandana on his arm. Graf felt his entire body tense up. "You already know what happened don't you?" Aldo reached for the bandana with his fingers. "Judging by that little piece of clo-"
The moment Aldo's fingers touched Juan's bandana, Graf's fist shot towards his face, punching Aldo under his left eye. He didn't even think a single second about it. He felt like he blacked out for a moment, his mind was completely blank. Aldo got knocked a step back and Graf felt tears gather in the corners of his eyes. With his fists clenched, vision getting blurry, and his teeth grinding he glared at the other man who looked both surprised and amused.
"Well, look at that! Our calm and collected Graf showed teeth! At long last!" he laughed maniacally before quickly regaining his composure. He took out his sword and swung it at Graf who answered by parrying the attack with a sword of his own. His eyes turned yellow. The swords chinged against each other, blades clashed. "How about we test it a little further?" Aldo continued through clenched teeth.
Graf didn't hesitate and pushed Aldo back, who swung at him in return, aiming at Graf's side. Graf jumped back, before blocking another attack, this time aimed at his neck, and another one aimed at his head.
Graf's heart was beating like it was about to jump out of his chest. Normally he wouldn't put his fighting abilities to question, however he knew he hasn't practiced in a while. Meanwhile Aldo had months of regular training behind him. He started weighing his options.
He didn't have much time to think though, as another vicious swing came from Graf's left. He tried blocking it again, however Aldo's sword narrowly nicked his side. Graf groaned at the sudden pain, but stood his ground. He observed Aldo's moves carefully before cutting in with a kick to the other man's stomach, followed by a quick swing of sword. While the swing missed, the kick successfully knocked Aldo back, which gave Graf an opening for another attack. Aldo Reacted, blocking a swing at his stomach, however the block redirected Graf's sword right onto Aldo's thigh slitting it slightly. A glimmer of satisfaction and hope rose in Graf's chest.
Suddenly, he winced under a sharp pain in the back of his head, strong and pulsating. He cursed under his breath. He knew what was going on immediately.
He's near.
Before he could realize, Aldo's sword dragged over his right leg. The pain made Graf step back. He blocked another few attacks, feeling the pain in his head worsen. He was keeping up with incoming attacks, before pushing Aldo again, with a kick to the knees. Before he could do anything else, Aldo was already in air. Graf could see a mace appearing in his hand.
However, what Graf actually realized was something far more crashing.
Even if he managed to defeat Aldo, through his aching head, fresh wounds, and hurt pride...
... It doesn't change anything.
Graf fell to his back, knocked by the heavy weapon. He wasn't sure if the pain he felt was still the same one as before or was it enhanced by the impact. All he knew was that he was tired. Extremely tired. Everything hurt.
Aldo towered over him, pointing at Graf's neck with his sword and smiling widely.
"Honestly, I underestimated you. It wasn't as terrible of a fight as I thought." Aldo said, and Graf wasn't sure if his tone was sarcastic or not. "But Graf, dear Graf. You need to realize. You're dealing with things way bigger than yourself. I thought you of all people would get it, you're smart right?" Aldo crouched down, leaning onto his sword. "Juan didn't realize it in time. I tried to warn him, but he didn't listen. And ended up paying the highest price for it."
Graf looked at Aldo. He could hear a hint of sadness in his voice. He felt rage building up in him again.
You killed him. You killed Juan and now you feel sorry?
"It doesn't matter now. I know I can't kill you. And even if I killed you a million times, it won't give him his life back. I'll find a different way to end you." Graf said before giving him a short laugh with an exhale. He reached for the end of the bandana on his arm, squeezing it.
Aldo squinted. Graf felt a spark of satisfaction at that.
Suddenly Aldo picked up his sword and wordlessly prepared for a strike.
"What the fuck is going on here??" the familiar, raspy voice made both of them look over. From an inner cave came out Multi, his expression akin to confusion or disgust. "What are you, 14? Why are you fighting?"
Aldo put his his sword back in and lowered his eyes. "My bad doc. We had a... small disagreement."
"I'm not dumb, I know the only thing you two could fight about. Get over yourselves, you're playing in the same team now." Multi commented sharply before turning around. "Come with me Aldo. Graf can you get up by yourself?"
Graf looked at him weakly. He focused his strength and got up, the pain still splitting his head open.
"Yeah," he said quietly "I can tend to my wounds myself."
Multi nodded and walked deeper into the cave without a word, Aldo following right behind him, not looking back.
Graf limped to the storage and took out some bandages and medicine. He sit down on the floor and squeezed Juan's bandana again.
I'll avenge you. If I can't bring you back, I'll make them pay for the pain you suffered.