After gym time and medication for Lux, it was time for the briefing. Remington sat as calmly as possible hoping the briefing would be over quickly. He could not let himself be worried about the situation. He would be in charge of how the fake delusion of Skyler in the room behaved now. If discovered there would be an all out confrontation to the death over it. Not that he felt very threatened by this. He was confident now that without Skyler to help them he would be able to handle things. He also had all the help he would need. Ava could mimic Vezaias's ability to cloak everyone's talents, and he could also mimic Skyler's talent's if absolutely needed. Then there was Lux who now had his own set of skills and with his talent to conduct energy and use that to regrow his limbs, and who knows what else once he is able to develop his talents more, Remington was not worried about a full scale confrontation. However confident in his team's strength he was worried about being discovered because that would mean he failed at the mission Vezaias trusted him to accomplish. He wouldn't want to disappoint Vezaias, if he wanted him to trust him again. The meeting began and progressed rather quickly and soon Sigil was shifting his focus to Remington's mission.

  “You have not made any progress in your mission.” He pressed.

  “Uh! Well no but I'm still trying.” Remington said softly.

  “We will tolerate giving you more time but only because Skyler has informed us that he has seen Vincent and thus proving your efforts are genuine, however if he is not freed soon we may choose to seek out our own way to release him.” Remington was suddenly irritated but tried to control it.

  “I am trying my best. It is much more complicated this time.” Remington said, choking back his irritation. He felt Lux reach nonchalantly and brush against his thigh to calm him.

  “It just doesn't make sense. Why would Creepy Twin make it so easy to release me, and Stumpy Twin, but make it so difficult to release his father. It just seems pretty fucking suspicious to me.” Maxwell said, fueling Remington's irritation.

  “He never explained it to me! I have no idea why he did it like that!” Remington said urgently.

  “You have already given this excuse. You would think you could have figured out why by now.” Maxwell pressed.

  “Maybe he didn't want his father to ever be free again! Maybe it was because his father was a complete asshole and Vezaias hated him! Do you know how hurt he was after Vincent pointed a gun at him and threatened to kill him! It was horrible! I didn't blame him at all for it because I fucking killed my own abusive father! So how the FUCK do you expect me to judge him over this?!” Remington was on his feet now and shouting at Maxwell. Maxwell only remained quiet and serious.

  “Perhaps your own father issues have compromised your desire to free Vezaias's father. Maybe we should assign someone else to figure it out.” Sigil spoke up. Lux was now trying to pull Remington back into his seat.

  “That's not going to work! He told me that I would be the only one who could break anyone out of the delusions! And I am not going to give up, I will continue to work on this, because it is what I am supposed to be fucking doing!” Remington shouted, unable to hide his frustration.

  “I feel like you are getting defensive and it makes your loyalty to Vezaias much more obvious.” Maxwell said accusingly.

  “Of course I am still loyal to him! It's never going to go away! And it kills me to wake up everyday knowing he won't be there lying next to me!” Remington shouted back. Lux stood up and jerked him to make eye contact.

  “Remington, you are in need of emotional support, true or false?” Lux said seriously. Remington immediately cringed and then crumbled. Lux caught him before he collapsed completely to the ground and began to sob.

  “Shhh Remington, it's alright. I am going to help you because you have been helping me so much. It's okay, everything will be just fine.” Lux hushed him. Remington turned and sobbed into his neck.

  “I just can't do this! He just put together this whole thing and didn't bother explaining anything to me! It's like I never mattered to him! Was I just along for the fucking ride?!” Remington cried harder. Everyone let him cry until he was able to calm down.

  “We will give you another 24 hours to show us some sort of progress, otherwise we are going to implement another way to figure out how to free him.” Sigil said seriously. “You are all dismissed.” Remington got up and left quickly followed immediately by Lux. He landed in his bedroom where Remington quickly dropped himself into the bed and began to scream into the pillow then punch the mattress repeatedly. Lux sat at the desk and lit a cigarette. He smoked it slowly while Remington struggled to calm himself.

  “I hate this place! I hate it! I just want to leave and never come back!” Remington sobbed. Lux sucked in the smoke and let it waft out over his head.

  “Yeah?” Was his only reply. It was a long moment before anyone spoke.

  “Should we go? Or wait for Ava?” Lux asked. Remington sat up now as he was nearly calmed and finished crying.

  “We should wait, but if he doesn't show up soon I'm getting the fuck out of here.” Remington said angrily.

  Ava left to his bedroom and waited a short while. He desperately wanted a fix, but he wouldn't be able to indulge until he returned to his room later. It was time to replace Skyler's delusion and go to the secret meeting. He got up and made sure to make his physical transition just as he stepped through the portal. He arrived fully as Skyler now and prepared to tackle people joyfully as Skyler always would have. Eventually the meeting would start and he stood confidently and listened.

  “Putting pressure on Remington is definitely making him crumble from the weight of his assignment. It is either needless or purposefully. I cannot decide which yet.” Zexich said in consideration. “What is your analysis, my love?” He turned to address Sigil.

  “He has been very honest up until now but suddenly today he has made a shift. I noticed immediately he now feels guilty deep inside. He hides it well. Of course he could be feeling this way for a number of reasons but why suddenly today does he feel this way? He also now is becoming less truthful.” Sigil said seriously.

  “He is lying to us?” Demetri asked quickly.

  “I wouldn't say he is flat out lying. But he felt less honest during the heated conversation, then of course the obvious defensiveness and aggression that he couldn't hide anymore.” Sigil explained.

  “I did notice the way in which he worded the things he wanted to say. It was very suspicious to me.” Zexich said seriously.

  “Spit it out Zexie.” Maxwell said seriously.

  “For example Remington said he would continue to work on freeing Vincent because 'It is what he is supposed to be doing.’ It is a peculiar way to word it. He did not say 'because it is the right thing to do.’ or 'because he shouldn't be trapped.’ he didn't give any indication that he wanted Vincent to be free, just that this is what his current mission is. It was a very generic thing to say.” Zexich mused thoughtfully.

  “This was also a moment he seemed less honest than before.” Sigil highlighted.

  “He also said 'it kills me that I will wake up and Vezaias will not be there laying next to me.’ instead of saying 'it kills me that I will never see him again.’ or 'it kills me he is gone forever.’ as he has stated in times of overwhelming emotional turmoil before. It almost seems like he is wording things so they are not technically lies. Perhaps he does get upset that he wakes up without Vezaias, but that could also cover up the fact that Remington knows that he still exists out there somewhere. This is what he is to be working on, however perhaps his goal is not to free Vincent, but only appear to be working on it.” Zexich elaborated. Everyone considered this.

  “If that is true, then he cannot hide it from us forever. The moment I get confirmation of it, or if I find even a moment of aggression and hostility from him, I will end his life myself. Do not expect me to refrain from this.” Lucius pressed angrily then with that notion he left. Ava watched him go wishing he could follow, but he had to stay in character.

  “Tomorrow after the briefing, we will come up with a plan to figure this out.” Sigil said seriously.

  “If you need me I will be brainstorming.” Maxwell said then he wandered over to his favorite table to hop up on and cheerfully swing his legs and whistle a joyful tune.

  “What is taking him so long!” Remington was very impatient now pacing back and forth. Lux was calmly smoking another cigarette. He ignored Remington's impatient behavior for the most part. “We should just leave without him.”

  “Let me finish my cigarette.” Lux said mildly. It was just before his last drag that Ava walked into the room via portal while looking very posh.

  “Is it time to go on our mission?” Ava said cheerily.

  “Ugh like forever ago! What took so long?!” Remington snapped at him.

  “They had a lot to talk about.” Ava said simply. “Then I went to my bedroom to um……freshen up.” He said, swishing his long hair behind him. Remington looked irritated but opened a portal to leave.

  “Let's go.” He ordered. Lux put out his cigarette and quickly got up to exit out of the portal followed quickly by Ava. They landed in Gran's house and continued on until they were in the safe room and shifting to the hiding spot. Remington charged up the stairs to find Vezaias just where he thought he would be in the kitchen. Vezaias let Remington tackle him in desperation and they immediately began to kiss.

  “Rem, I'm so glad you are safe.” Vezaias mumbled as they continued to tangle up together.

  “It was horrible. I can't stand being there anymore!” Remington sobbed into his neck. “Please don't make me go back there!”

  “Aw Rem, don't cry. I promise it won't be much longer. You are doing great, just a little bit longer, alright?” Vezaias soothed and rubbed his back as he cried. He then noticed Lux standing in the doorway looking mild and sad. “Can I help you?” Vezaias said flatly. Remington shifted in his arms to see Lux looking at them both.

  “I'm gonna go with probably not.” Lux said with downcast. “I'll be outside having a cigarette.” He added before walking away. Vezaias turned back to look at Remington pulling him into his arms to hold him. Remington dug his wet face into Vezaias's neck and soaked in the moment trying to enjoy it, while slowly calming down. It was a while before Vezaias interrupted the moment.

  “We have objectives Rem. We need to get to work.” Vezaias said mildly. Remington nodded softly as Vezaias took him by the hand and led him out into the living room. Lux was already back from his cigarette break and sitting on the couch with Ava.

  “Time to get to work.” Vezaias pressed with authority. He pulled Remington down the stairs and into the safe room, followed by Lux and Ava. Once they were inside Vezaias turned to address his team.

  “There are several things I'd like to accomplish today, but first I want to know; how did the masquerade go yesterday?” Vezaias asked them looking at Ava who would need to report.

  “Ugh, it was dreadful Vee.” Ava said in disgust. “Being Skyler is the worst thing ever!”

  “I don't give a fuck how much you enjoyed it, I want to know if they fell for it and what did you find out!” Vezaias pressed.

  “Of course they believed it, obviously!” Ava said, throwing on thick attitude. “I found out that I absolutely hate females.” Ava rolled his eyes and crossed his arms in protest.

  “For fuck sake Ava, you know that's not what I'm talking about! Did you find out anything useful or not?!” Vezaias raised his voice.

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  “Oh I found out all kinds of useful information.” Ava paused looking amused. “Like for one, they are very suspicious that you are still alive.”

  “What reasons did they give for this?” Vezaias looked serious.

  “Well, because Maxwell knows that if you die, it should shatter whatever delusional junk you created, and yet that hasn't happened. They just cannot prove this is true so they are searching for more solid evidence.” Ava said humdrumedly, while raking out his long hair with his fingers. Remington and Lux both looked concerned over this.

  “They also noticed that Remi is a terrible liar and is suddenly acting guilty and wording the things he tells them in a way that makes him seem untrustworthy and suspicious.” Ava said smugly, glancing at Remington who suddenly looked afraid. Vezaias also glanced at Remington in irritation.

  “I tried my best! It's not easy! They were drilling me about why I haven't made any progress and the only reason they are giving me more time is because they believe Skyler came here and saw Vincent behind the barrier! They are expecting progress or they are going to take matters into their own hands!” Remington sputtered out as he soaked in fear.

  “So basically you are saying that the leniency you are getting has nothing to do with how well you are holding up under pressure!” Vezaias snapped at him angrily. Remington cringed and nodded fearfully. Vezaias calmed himself looking serious.

  “See Rem, this is why I cannot tell you anything. If I did you would FUCK EVERYTHING UP!” Vezaias snapped angrily. Remington jolted and stifled the urge to cry.

  “I'm sorry!” He apologized immediately.

  “Don't fucking apologize! Just do fucking better Remington! Ava is there lying through his fucking teeth, pretending to be a whole other fucking person! He isn't having this same fucking problem now is he?!” Vezaias shouted

  “No, but he has had way more practice at deceiving people and lying!” Remington rebuttaled. Ava looked smug and giggled at this observation. Vezaias sighed deeply.

  “You're right. How can I expect you to be as fucking manipulative as this dirty whore? My fucking bad.” Vezaias said sourly. Ava only giggled more and swished his hair behind him.

  “What else did you find out?” Vezaias asked Ava.

  “Hmmm, well I found out that when I am Skyler, they can tell that 'Ava' is not at the base. My emotional pool and energy vanish to their surveillancing talents, so now I have to make excuses as to why I am not there during my undercover moments.” Ava said seriously. “And I can only come up with so many acceptable excuses so it is a fucking problem.”

  “I will arrange a decoy for you.” Vezaias said seriously. “What else?” He pressed.

  “Hmm, the group is also tracking how Remi and Lux are feeling about each other.” Ava cooed. Remington and Lux both suddenly looked afraid. Vezaias looked very serious now.

  “And did they mention what those feelings are?” Vezaias asked seriously.

  “They are in love!” Ava gushed joyfully, clasping his hands together near his face. Vezaias slowly looked at Remington who was falling into panic.

  “Zay, I'm sorry!” He stammered in fear.

  “Very good Ava. I knew I could count on you. Go upstairs and watch TV, and whatever you hear, just ignore it.” Vezaias said with increasing maliciousness.

  “Thanks Vee!” Ava skipped off and up the stairs. Remington was draining of color now.

  “Zay I…”

  “Shut the fuck up Remington.” Vezaias interrupted. Remington quieted immediately.

  “You know, I knew this would happen. I knew it was only a matter of time when I decided to put you two together that you would end up betraying me again..”

  “I didn't do……!”

  “I SAID SHUT THE FUCK UP REMINGTON!!!” Vezaias snapped. Remington cowered and began to shiver in fear. Lux only stood frozen staring at the floor.

  “…..so I knew this was coming,” Vezaias explained seriously. “and I know Rem, that you grow feelings faster than an unkept lawn grows weeds.” He added. Remington was now actively crying and shaking like a leaf. He had hurt Vezaias yet again and he couldn't stand this.

  “So if you knew it was going to happen…but…why would you….” Remington stammered.

  “I put you both together because I know you need each other. This isn't going to be an easy mission that we are on and I know neither of you can do it alone.” Vezaias said seriously. “So I've already accepted this consequence.” Vezaias said seriously. Remington and Lux both seemed to feel a bit relieved at this. “But that doesn't mean I won't punish both of you.” Vezaias said with an eerie smile. They both fell back into fear. “Did you act on your feelings yet?” Vezaias asked. “Please be honest or the punishment will be worse.” Vezaias pressed. Remington was near hyperventilation now but swallowed his panic away to answer.

  “Yyy….yes.” Remington answered meekly.

  “I was trying to distract him. He was in a suspicious mood.” Lux said softly.

  “Very good strategy Lux, I approve of your choice, but there will still be a punishment.” Vezaias looked amused. “There are going to be rules from now on. The first rule is that both of you belong to me. Obviously Remington is my first priority, but I love both of you, and you both will put me before each other unless I tell you otherwise. Got it?” Vezaias said seriously. They both nodded.

  “Next you can do whatever you want with each other, especially if you have a decent excuse like trying to distract Remington from his poor attempt at hiding his incriminating emotions…..as long as you are willing to also accept my punishment for doing so if I am not there to witness your indiscretions or without asking for my permission first.” Vezaias pressed. They both nodded weakly.

  “Next, Ava is off limits and not included in this deal. If I find out either of you are doing anything with my brother, I will fucking kill both of you for good fucking measure. So keep his dirty fucking hands off of you.” Vezaias said sourly. They nodded again.

  “Last, if you do indulge in each other while I am not around I will accept it, as long as you accept the punishment I decide to give you. You will not try and hide what you did, and you will not complain about it, you will just take the punishment like the dirty sluts that you are, no matter how painful I make it. Understand?” Vezaias said looking deadly serious now. They both looked afraid but nodded in compliance.

  “Now tell me, what exactly have you done?” Vezaias asked, looking calm and serious. Remington opened his mouth to speak but no words seemed to come out.

  “We kissed…..and I uh…..” Lux swallowed nervously. “I gave……. Remington some oral last night.” Lux stammered in fear. Vezaias seemed to look amused by this.

  “And did you enjoy that Rem?” Vezaias asked smoothly. Remington was streaming with tears and nodded softly. Vezaias paused looking very smooth, then suddenly he shot forward, clamping onto Remington with a vice grip around his waist then sinking his teeth into Remington's shoulder hard enough to draw blood. Lux was horrified but only stood frozen and watching.

  “AHHHHHHHH!!!!” Remington screamed as Vezaias seemed to bite as if to rip a chunk of flesh from him. He sunk to the ground under the crushing grip and pain. Vezaias shoved him to the ground and began to smash him where the bruises wouldn't be visible under clothing. He didn't stop until Remington fell limp and began to sob and choke on his pain response. Vezaias stood up calmly now with his mouth soaking with blood that he seemed to be licking clean as if it were absolutely delicious. He wiped his mouth with his hand licking it clean then turning to look at Lux. Lux instinctively backed away in fear.

  “Now Lux if you do not accept the punishment….” Vezaias began maliciously. Lux froze in place hoping Vezaias would be quick. “I think you need more practice only with larger body parts.” Vezaias said in almost a joyful tone. The fear seemed to take over and Lux turned to run, but he only got a few quick steps away when Vezaias lunged towards him, and swiping a machete at his leg and chopping just below the knee nearly severing the limb with a loud SLLLLPOP of the bones. Lux hit the ground screaming in horrific pain. He grabbed for his leg as it dangled and flopped. Vezaias watched him rock back and forth as blood gushed out. A moment later Vezaias approached and wacked the machete through the remaining flesh, taking the leg in his hand.

  “Now you better get to regrowing that before you bleed to death.” Vezaias said, looking amused. “Remington, keep him awake.” He ordered. “I will be right back.” With that he left the safe room locking them both inside. Remington scooted over pulling Lux into his arms who quickly lost consciousness.

  “Lux! Shit….Lux wake up!” Remington sobbed. “Please wake up!” He began to slap Lux's cheek to wake him. Lux woke in a panic and gasped for air then jerked uncontrollably while sobbing in pain. “Lux! Please focus! You have to regrow your leg!”

  “Maybe I don't want to!” He sobbed.

  “No Lux! Please don't give up!” Remington cried. “Please don't leave me!”

  “Ughh…. Rem…..it's just too much flesh to grow…..” Lux choked out as he involuntarily jolted from the pain.

  “Take my energy Lux.….use it to regrow your leg……..please!” Remington begged him, taking his hand and holding it as an offer. Lux swallowed back his pain and began to flare up with electricity while drawing Remington's energy out. Remington surged in pain as the suction debilitated him. Soon Lux's leg was regrowing quickly and fully formed only a few moments later. Lux released Remington from his electric grip who immediately collapsed backwards unconscious. Lux struggled to sit forward through the muscle pain and pulled Remington into his arms.

  “I'm sorry Remington! I know it was a lot!” He sobbed. He shifted around holding Remington in his arms and patiently waited for him to wake up. A short while later Vezaias returned. Lux was instantly afraid as he came over looking down at them both very lovingly. It was disturbing to see his mouth smeared with more blood as if he had left and went upstairs to eat something bloody the way an animal would. He wiped his mouth again looking very smooth and paused. Lux swallowed nervously, holding Remington tighter in his arms.

  “Wake him up.” Vezaias said seriously. Lux complied immediately and began to shake Remington urgently trying to wake him. Remington slowly woke, looking weak and scared.

  “I think I need a demonstration. Lux, show me exactly how much Remington enjoyed your mouth on him.” Vezaias looked very interested. Lux looked struck for a long moment. Was he asking Lux to go down on Remington right here in front of him? “I HAVEN'T GOT ALL FUCKING DAY LUX!” Vezaias shouted, snapping Lux out of his stupor. He quickly laid Remington down on the floor and began to work hastily at unzipping his pants, which was difficult because his hands were shaking. Remington only lay frozen in place breathing heavily and anticipating what was about to happen. The traumatic situation beforehand made it very difficult to feel aroused as Lux struggled to unbutton his pants.

  “Aw common Lux, make it enjoyable for him, I know you're not a fucking machine.” Vezaias cooed at him. Lux swallowed hard and worked up the nerve to do a better job. Lux crawled over top of Remington and leaned into him to kiss him tenderly. Remington tried to relax and let this feel good.

  “That's it. Make him want it Lux.” Vezaias encouraged. Lux took direction well now and began to kiss deeper and grab Remington's neck and hair and shoving his tongue to lick and smack and taste more. Soon he was kissing and gnawing down Remington's chin then neck, then with a rough jerk, yanking Remington’s shirt off and then diving himself into grinding their bodies together in desperation to have more on top of wanting to please what Vezaias expected of him. Soon he was passing down below the navel and Remington was now gasping in pleasure and forcefully thrusting wanting to feel the hot juicy mouth around his aching stiffness. He threw his head back with a loud moan as Lux took him deep into his mouth finally. He worked slowly at first letting Remington's natural reaction take over, feeling him clutch his hair and thrust in and out audibly making his satisfaction known. Lux was now choking with every press and Remington shoved his head up and down as he neared the end. Lux worked faster and harder until it was over. He pulled away, swallowing hard and wiping his mouth as Remington lay breathing heavily, satisfied but worried. Lux shifted to look at Vezaias hoping for some sort of horrible approval. Vezaias looked amused, and Lux hoped this was a good thing.

  “Did you enjoy that?” Vezaias asked curiously. Lux could only nod.

  “And you Rem? Did you enjoy that?” Vezaias asked.

  “I did.” Remington panted.

  “Now it's my turn.” Vezaias said. He closed in on Lux quickly biting down and drawing blood from Lux's shoulder and looked as if he were lapping it up like a dog would drink water. Lux screamed for several more minutes Vezaias pulled away and dropping him to the ground as if he were a meat carcass ready to be butchered. He stood up licking the blood and wiping with his hand savoring the taste as if it were a delicacy. Then he turned towards Remington who jolted in fear and froze.

  “I am very aroused by watching Lux do that to you. I thought I'd fuck you since you are my soulmate.” He said. Remington felt his heart flutter at this but also the fear tripled as Vezaias approached the giving Remington extremely violent treatment until finally he was finished. He dropped Remington who was sobbing in pain by the time it was all over.

  “You both have one hour to collect yourselves, shower, eat and be ready for the mission I am sending you on. It's important so you better hurry the fuck up.” Vezaias said firmly, then he left the safe room. Remington desperately retracted his tears and scrapped himself off of the floor as fast as he could manage. One hour just wasn't enough time for this, and he didn't want to make Vezaias angry again after the vicious attack they both just endured. Lux on the other hand was sobbing still and holding the bloody bite mark on his shoulder. Remington crawled over and pulled Lux into his arms.

  “Lux we have to go.” Remington said softly, but with an urgency in his voice. Lux only continued to sob.

  “He really is a zombie!” Lux sobbed harder, “Did you see what he did?!” He was near hysterics now. “He is eating people and I think he drank my blood!” Remington didn't want to acknowledge this reality yet.

  “Lux, I know it hurts, but I know I deserved it. We hurt him by loving each other. We should be punished for that. He only hurts us as much as he knows we can tolerate. It will make us stronger. He is trying to make us stronger.” Remington was nearly begging Lux now to get to his feet, then dragging him towards the stairs which wasn't easy because they both were collectively in tremendous pain and shaky, as well as coming down off of the spike in adrenaline. Remington helped Lux into the shower and did most of the work to get them both washed and clean of the blood, sweat, and mess they were both splattered with. Lux only quieted his sobbing and seemed to blank out as Remington washed him then helped him rinse off before handling his own bathing. Eventually they were finished but without clothes. Remington made Lux sit on the bathtub while he left the room to get clean clothes then returned quickly to get them both dressed. Remington then pulled Lux to his feet and out of the bathroom to the kitchen. Vezaias and Ava were already sitting at the table eating. Lux half expected to find Vezaias eating human flesh and was soaking in fear as if he would be on the menu as he shakily sat down. Remington sat just as fearfully and began grabbing the prepared food of scrambled eggs and bacon, to fill his plate then helping to fill Lux's plate with food. Lux looked drained of color and frightened.

  “Please eat.” Remington said softly with urgency. Lux could barely comprehend the request. Remington grabbed him by the arm making him jolt. “Now Lux.” He pressed. Lux only nodded in fear and picked up his chopsticks and began to attempt to eat with his shaking hands. Remington was satisfied with his compliance and sat down and began to shovel food in his mouth quickly but as politely as possible.

  “Took you long enough. I thought you were both going to miss our family meal.” Vezaias said amusingly and he crunched on a strip of bacon.

  “I tried my best.” Remington said very meekly after swallowing his large mouthful of food.

  “Heh, sure. Great job. When you are both done eating come and find me. We have shit to do.” Vezaias pressed, then he got up and took his plate to the sink. “Ava it's your turn to do the dishes.” He said before leaving the kitchen. Ava groaned and began to pout. Remington only sat quietly eating in a mild hurry. Their hour was nearly over.