PERFECTION: Brotherhood

Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past (Part 1)

Markov discreetly entered through the back door as the officer and his team searched Mr. Luther's house. Caith, confused and worried, covered for Markov when questioned by the officer. Markov, observing the situation, whispered to Caith that the officer was involved with the killer and that he had solved the case. As the officer descended the stairs, he noticed Caith's absence, leaving him puzzled. Markov then led Caith to a nearby forest to discuss the complexities of the unfolding conspiracy away from prying eyes.

Markov and Caith sprinted through the forest, with Caith eventually needing to catch her breath. She stopped by a tree and gasped, "Wait, Markov."

Markov, glancing back, responded urgently, "The police are right behind us. Let's go."

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows, Markov and Caith continued running deeper into the forest. With each passing moment, the darkness enveloped them, distancing them from the city lights and leaving the pursuing police far behind in the encroaching shadows of the night.

In a sudden shift of direction, Markov altered his pace, prompting Caith to question his move. "WAIT, WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" she exclaimed. Markov responded, "I know a place. Follow me."

As Markov opened the old door, it creaked loudly, protesting against its age.

The solitary room flickered to life as Markov ignited a candle on the desk beside him, casting dancing shadows against the dimly lit wooden walls. Markov insisted that Caith take a seat on the chair while he settled onto the cold, wooden floor.

"I'm sure you've got plenty of questions, and I'll answer each one," Markov assured. 

"We've got the whole night, haven't we?" Caith asserts

"Indeed. Let's begin with today's events."

The Murder at School:

"Do you recall the officer, the one attempting to frame your father? He was in league with the killer. But how, you ask? Well, remember when I discreetly distanced myself from you and Mr. Luther in the crowd? It was a strategic move to observe all the officers from a distinct angle, providing a clear view. I had this hunch that the murderer had connections with the police. It felt as though they were the perpetrators. So, we ventured into the campus, encountering the victim's locker. As I examined the keypad, it bore recent fingerprints. What did that signify? Someone had accessed the locker before us. That particular officer, whom I suspected, was indeed the accomplice of the killer, the last one seen entering the campus while others remained outside. I confirmed it, by confronting the real killer "

"The Real Killer? Who is he? Who is this Arch-Nemesis of yours?" Caith asks

"Caith, I've been mistaken all along. Our enemies are always just a step away from us. We simply can't see them."

 "What are you implying?" asked Caith. 

"What I mean is that my adversary isn't just a single person. I suspect it to be a more organized team."

"Organization? Just who are you exactly?" Caith questioned. 

Markov lay down on the floor, turning away from Caith. 

"What? Didn't you say we have all night?" 

"I need sleep," Markov dodged the question and drifted into slumber.

Markov, while lying down, gestures toward a mattress, saying, "There's a mattress there. You can sleep there."Caith goes over, noticing many cockroaches and rats in the corner. Nevertheless, she decides to rest and eventually falls asleep.

As Caith settled onto the mattress, her gaze naturally drifted toward the small, dusty window in the corner of the hut. The darkness outside contrasted with the dim candlelight within, creating a mystical atmosphere. Despite the rustic setting, she couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, the twinkling stars above caught her attention. The night sky, adorned with myriad stars, painted a breathtaking spectacle.

In the calm darkness of the hut, Caith strained to hear Markov's murmurs. Amidst the indistinct words, she caught fragments like "Russia," "Slavoj," and "Markos." As she listened, she couldn't help but wonder about the connections between these seemingly disparate elements, deepening the intrigue of the night.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Caith cautiously approached the slightly ajar wooden door. To her astonishment, she witnessed an unusual sight inside the dimly lit hut. Markov was seated at a table, engrossed in a game of chess, except there were no physical pieces on the board. Bewilderment crossed Caith's face as she observed Markov making gestures as if moving invisible chess pieces. Perplexed, she couldn't help but question his sanity, wondering, "Is he okay?" 

Caith continued to watch in silent fascination as Markov played the imaginary game of chess with intensity. As the game reached its conclusion, Markov, seemingly frustrated, shouted at himself, "Markos, I'll beat you in no time."

Caith observes Markov's peculiar behavior, contemplating whether he might be grappling with a hidden mental disorder or some other psychological challenge. Concerned for his well-being, she silently ponders the need for him to seek help. Despite her reservations, she chooses to keep her thoughts to herself as she returns to rest.

However, a nagging realization lingers in Caith's mind—Markov is not an ordinary boy.

On the other side of the door, Markov rested his head on the table, muttering to himself, "Markos, the night is not over yet. Our father is waiting for us. I'll put an end to that bastard, Slavoj myself."

Markov drifted into sleep on the table, the candle still flickering beside him. Meanwhile, Caith pondered her father's situation as she rested on the other side.

In the dream, Markov found himself in a familiar setting – the house where he resided with the old man. Confused, he stood outside the door, questioning his presence in this dream realm. Suddenly, a voice echoed, revealing, "This is my mind theatre. I come here every time I am unable to solve something."

Markov questioned the voice, "What was I going to solve?" The enigmatic voice responded,

 "The old man's mystery. Think, Markov. What drove him to kill that boy?" 

Markov, feeling perplexed, stammered, "I-I don't know." 

The voice urged him, "Think harder, think harder. There must be something in your mind palace."

"Take me there," Markov demanded. 

Following this conversation, a charismatic and innocent-looking boy, younger than Markov, appeared. 

"I will take you there," the boy said.

Determined, Markov braced himself, saying, "Alright, Markos. Take me to that hell."