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Harper felt like her heart was going to jump out of her chest. Hyde dragged her away and pressed her against a tall bin, out of the soldier's sight. The two men walked by them, carrying on their hearty conversation.

"Make a sound, and I'll pin your body to this case and leave you until you've bled out," Hyde warned her and brought his hand away from her face.

"I w-wasn't going to!" Harper lied. Her pitch was higher than usual, so Hyde wasn't buying it.

"Stay close." Hyde flicked her chin and she flinched away. "What size are you?"

His fingers nipped at the side of her dress. With the formal attire she wore, he knew it would draw a lot of attention. "A 14?"

"Um... no!" Harper felt her cheeks flush. "I'm a size 12... not that it's any of your business."

"You're not a size 12..." Hyde snickered. "Don't lie to yourself."

"And how exactly would you know?"

"I've met a lot of women..." Hyde eyed her body up and down, and Harper scoffed before shielding herself with her arms. "One could say I'm an expert at female anatomy... but I think that may be too much."

"Well, your guess is wrong. Some expert you are." Harper slid away from him awkwardly.

Hyde grabbed long robes and raggedy pants that were lying in a nearby crate. Then he shoved them into her front.

"Strip and put these on."

"Ew! I'm not going to take off my clothes here! This is a public place!"

"There's no one around." Hyde studied the area. They were well hidden behind the bin and a market stall.

"YOU'RE here!"

"You don't have anything I haven't seen before."

"Excuse me?"

"I was the one who cleaned your wounds and wrapped those bandages at the Capital."

Harper's jaw dropped. "You... you sick dastard! You looked at me while I was... I was..."

"Just put the darn sheet on..." Hyde groaned.

"You're so vile! Disgusting!"

"How so?"

"You touched me! You looked at me! All while I was unconscious!"

"Did you want me to just leave you to die of blood loss? It would've been a lot easier."

"That's not my point! I'm a woman, Hyde! I think I deserve some boundaries!"

"Oh... I get it now." Hyde smirked. "I don't know how many times I have to say it. You're not my type, you'll never be my type. I don't even consider you the slightest bit attractive."

Harper pressed her lips thin, giving Hyde another reason to tease her.

"Aw, what happened? Don't have anything to say now? Are you mad? Upset? Disappointed?"

"I'm not." Harper huffed. "Why would I ever be disappointed about you... not... well..."

"If you do your job well, and behave like a good little vixen," Hyde tilted her head upward and leaned dangerously close to her, "I'll show you a good time. But you have to earn it."

"So... disgusting." Harper clenched her teeth.

"Don't be shy..." Hyde slammed his palm by the side of her head, jolting the tall bin, and stirring anxiety within Harper. Her face started to warm up. "I'll go easy on you."

"You just said you would never find me attractive." Harper shot back.

"You're right. But a free ride doesn't sound too bad... I'm a little curious to see what you'll look like... would you shrivel in fear or would you beg for more?" Hyde's lips were only an inch away from her mask.

It wasn't until his other hand slid up the side of her neck and caressed her face that she could hear her heart beating against her rib cage.

She hated to admit it, but those red eyes of his were very alluring. And his tone switch wasn't at all expected.

"Are you scared?" Hyde whispered suggestively.

"N-no."

"You should be." He pressed his body against hers. "No one is watching. If I wanted to, I'd play with you right here and now."

"You're crazy."

"And you're fascinated by that... Hm?" Hyde chortled, and Harper almost melted. Whatever he was doing was witchcraft. She wanted to curse the effect he had on her. "How about it? If you're good for the rest of the evening, I'll reward you well. All we need is a room."

"N-no thanks."

"Are you sure?"

"Get off!" Harper shoved him away, her face covered in red.

Hyde laughed when her face got all pouty, aggravating her even more.

"You think you're so funny."

"For a naive scientist, a loyal pawn, you're a little fun to mess with." Hyde chuckled softly. "Only a little."

"Did you just call me a pawn?"

"Mhmm."

"Are you implying that the facility is using me?"

"I wasn't implying shite. I'm stating a fact."

"Okay, I've had it," Harper grumbled. "Listen here, you conniving, murderous, selfish, dastardly, piece of filth, you big-headed oaf." Harper poked his chest with every insult.

"I don't care if you dislike me, I don't care about your vendetta with Dr. Bomb, but the facility works hard to create a better future for Westona!"

Harper heaved. She was about to shed tears, but she was trying her best to hold back.

"Don't downplay my intelligence, don't mock the motto I live by and work for! Dr. Bomb and our team have all accomplished more things in ONE year than you have wasted 10 years out of service because of your mental issues!"

Hyde's eyes darkened with fury, but he allowed her to continue.

"I'm not stupid. My team isn't stupid. Dr. Bomb isn't stupid! If anyone is dumb as rocks, it's you! Seriously, what kind of coward are you? You're selfish! You ran away and hid, like the scum you are, for a decade... all because of what? What did Dr. Bomb ever do to you that was so bad—"

Harper felt Hyde's fingers clasp around her neck before she could finish. Seconds later, she was pressed against the wall of a container, with Hyde choking her.

Her tears finally fell.

A droplet landed on the back of his hand and trailed down his wrist.

"Who's the coward now?" Hyde seethed.

He raised her up slowly, and all the clothes fell out of her hands. Harper grabbed onto his arm and kicked her feet.

"Look at you. I hadn't even cut off your air supply yet, and you're already crying." Hyde mocked her and pushed his thumb against the center of her neck. "What's that? I can't hear you... not over you gasping for air."

"S... st...op...."

"Huh? You want it to stop?" Hyde narrowed his eyes. "I don't think so. You already said I'm selfish. Who's gonna stop me? I can just end you right now."

More of her tears trailed down his arm. Harper felt herself losing consciousness. Her grip loosened and her arms went limp at her sides. Before the darkness shadowed her vision, Hyde released her.

Harper dropped to the ground and began coughing heavily.

Hyde crouched down and snatched her arm in his, and Harper yelped.

"Before you label me as a coward, make sure you're not in the position to cry like a baby. It gets your point across much better." Hyde skimmed his eyes to the clothes that fell at her feet. "Strip, and put these on."

"Y-you're... I-insane..."

"I know. Want me to test it?"

Harper was shaking as she took off her dress. Quickly though, she placed the long robe over her head and pulled the pants over her bare legs. The pants were tight, but she disregarded the issue, not wanting to confront Hyde anymore.

"Hey, you!" A man came stumbling out of the container. "You've gotta buy those!"

"Run," Hyde commanded.

"Huh?"

"Run!" He grabbed onto her wrist and pulled her in the opposite direction. Harper's feet carried her as fast as they could. It was then she realized that Hyde had stolen the robe, and had gotten her involved with the crime.

"Catch them!" The man shouted after them. The two servicemen from earlier turned around to see all the commotion. "They stole those garments! Get those thieves!"

"Shite." Hyde turned the corner. Harper almost tripped and fell over her own feet. Hyde was significantly faster, and she knew if he wasn't holding her hand, he would've been long gone by now.

"Keep up!" Hyde shouted.

"If you... hadn't stolen these clothes... we wouldn't have to run like this!" Harper panted heavily.

"If you weren't so weak and slow they wouldn't have seen us."

Harper was too tired to talk back. She felt like her lungs would collapse if she kept running. Harper wasn't fat, but she wasn't in shape either.

Back at the Facility, she had eaten a little too many pudding cups from the vending machines. This was her sign to lay off the sweets.

"Hyde!" Harper whined. "I need a... break!"

"Of course you do." Hyde rushed around another container with a stack high of crates beside it. He yanked Harper close and waited for the servicemen to get close. He saw one of their uniforms in a glimpse.

They took one step forward, and Hyde kicked the stack of crates as hard as he could. They all came tumbling down on top of the servicemen.

"W-what the!?" One of the soldiers jumped back in awe. He glanced at Hyde.

Hyde smirked and flipped the bird at him, before grabbing ahold of Harper's wrist and running away.

~~~

"You're back," Arnest announced when Hyde and Harper approached him. He was smoking a cigarette, and Yanpu was sitting next to him falling asleep. "In time too... I just booked us a place to stay for the night."

"Where?" Hyde brushed back his hair.

"Follow me." Arnest nudged Yanpu with his foot, who fell over and opened his eyes. "Let's go, kid."

"Don't treat him that way!" Harper rushed over to Yanpu and helped him to stand. "You don't kick children, you prick!"

"I didn't kick him. I moved my foot." Arnest rolled his eyes. "You know Hyde... it would've been so much easier if you kidnapped a man instead. Westonian women are a pain in the arse."

"I beg your pardon!"

"Just show us where we're staying." Hyde sighed, not wanting to deal with either of them. To him, all of them were acting like children.

Arnest was the first to start walking. The others followed. They were led to a tall stack of shipping containers, with windows and lighting inside. The entire thing was built like an apartment.

Arnest opened the rusty doors, and a small modest living room was revealed. There was a stairway on the left.

Arnest strolled up the stairs with everyone behind him. "Looks nice so far doesn't it?"

"Nice isn't how I'd describe it." Hyde scrunched up his nose. "It reeks. Smells like a cat pissed in here."

"Is that any worse than how you smell?" Harper mumbled under her breath. Hyde knocked one of her feet away swiftly, and she lost her balance.

"Ahhh!" Harper missed the railing and tumbled back. Before she could fall down the stairs, Hyde grabbed her by the front of her robe. He held her over the set of stairs with a menacing grin.

"Pull me up!" Harper panicked.

"Did you think I wouldn't hear you?"

"I wasn't talking about you!"

"Oh? Then who were you talking about?"

"Arnest!" Harper lied.

"Drop her." Arnest frowned.

"Don't!" Harper whined. "Hyde please!"

Hyde pulled her back on her feet, before shoving her ahead. "Go, before I change my mind."

She scurried up the stairs like a nervous puppy. Arnest was there first and he opened the first door on the left.

The room was a nice suite with a beautiful view of the market. There was a king-sized bed and a long couch, enough to fit two people.

There was a master bathroom on the right.

Yanpu was the first inside. He ran in and climbed on the bed, before jumping up and down excitedly.

Hyde walked in next and let down his hair. Then he took a seat on the couch and rested his head back against the cushion.

"I'm going to go into the market and look for some supplies to make another batch of the antidote." Arnest glanced at Hyde.

"There are servicemen lurking all around this village. Don't cause trouble." Hyde warned him.

"You scouted the area? That quickly?"

"How long will it take to reach the mines?" Hyde crossed his arms.

"It's nearby, so no longer than an hour on foot. If we leave early tomorrow morning, we'll get there when daylight arrives."

"Good." Hyde kicked his dirty boots onto the coffee table. "You're dismissed."

"I'll be back later." Arnest nodded and walked out of the room.

Hyde whipped out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.

"You can't smoke in here." Harper furrowed her eyebrows.

"I can smoke wherever the heck I want." Hyde retorted. "Who's gonna stop me?"

"Can you please just show a little decency? There's a child here—"

"He's alive, isn't he? He's not dying. The smoke won't bother him."

"Unbelievable. I can't deal with you. You're so frustrating. And get your dirty shoes off the table! What are you? 7?"

"Maybe you do need to get laid." Hyde scoffed and removed his shoes.

"Excuse me!?"

"A little toss in the hay will probably do you more good."

"I... how could you... I just... you..." Harper stammered desperately trying to gather her thoughts. Hyde pushed himself off the couch and removed his shirt.

"I'll be in the shower." Hyde nudged her out of his way. "Don't answer the door for anyone, or SO help me..."

"I know. You'll kill me." Harper mumbled. Hyde disappeared into the bathroom after putting his cigarette out. Soon after, the water began to run.

When it was just her and Yanpu alone, she sighed and began playing with his hair. She parted it and braided one side before working on the other. She wrapped the two braids around each other, keeping them tied back.

"Are you sleepy, Yani?"

There was no response, but he started to doze off and nodded his head back. That answered her question. She helped tuck him under the sheets and kissed him on the head.

"Sleep well."

"Goodnight, Harper," Yani murmured lazily.

"Goodnight, Yani. I love you." Harper smiled at him when his eyes shut and his breathing softened. Seeing him at peace reminded her of everything she wanted to do for Yanpu.

She wanted to protect him.

This whole experience was a lot for Yanpu. He had been secluded in a white room all his life, and now he was being exposed to the outside world in such a vile way, no thanks to her kidnapper.

Harper realized she needed to control her tongue around Hyde. But he was making it hard for her to do so.

The doors to the bathroom opened and Hyde walked out shirtless with a towel over his head. He made his way over to the couch and plopped on it, before rubbing his wet hair with the cloth.

"Vixen,"

"Not my name." Harper scowled.

"Vixen," He repeated mockingly. "Grab the remote and turn on the TV."

"I'm not your servant. Do it yourself."

"I don't have to keep you alive."

"You are so..." Harper growled and snatched the remote off the nearby nightstand. She turned on the television and slammed the remote onto the coffee table where he could see it. "Are you happy?"

"Nope."

"Stay that way." Harper rolled her eyes and sauntered back over to the bed.

Hyde kicked back as the News channel with a report popped up on the screen.

"Reporting Live from Channel 1. The President has released a statement, regarding the lockdown of our country's Borders. The officials are debating whether to pass the order, due to a cause of massive setback for shipping issues."

Hyde crossed his legs with a smirk.

"The order was given because of the National attack at the primary Science and Research Facility. Many have rumored that the attack was carried out by Kragite terrorists, but Dr. Lee Bomb has revealed that a serviceman believed to have been missing for a decade has returned."

Harper turned to look at the screen once Bomb's name was mentioned.

"Dr. Bomb explains that the infamous soldier, Hyde has come back to carry out a vengeful attack on all of Westona. It was mentioned that Hyde is responsible for stealing important resources meant to improve Westona's future. Along with that, he's kidnapped a scientist."

"He knows..." Harper smiled.

"A national search team has been ordered to locate Hyde. He is armed and a high-level threat. The President has requested that no one other than the Search Team should engage with this murderer. His motive is unclear. Steer away. Keep your doors locked. It's suspected that Hyde is seeking to destroy all of what Westona has become."

"I like the sound of that..." Hyde clicked his tongue.

"Is that your goal?" Harper seethed. "To Run this country to the ground?"

"The media thrives on exaggerated stories." Hyde shrugged. "I'm not opposed to it."

"You would really kill everyone in this country? For what? What did WE ever do to you? There are millions of innocent lives out there!"

"You're blocking the TV."

"Why are you so angry with our country!?"

"That's none of your business."

"It is my business if your goal is to kill everyone in sight! I... I have a family. I'm not only worrying about myself! I have to support my mother!"

"That's too bad..." Hyde stood and towered over her. "Looks like she and many others will meet with the Overseers earlier than expected. If you believe in those fantasy stories... you shouldn't worry."

Harper reached for his belt and snatched out one of his swords. Then she slung it at him. Hyde ducked and grabbed her wielding hand before turning her around and shoving her face down onto the couch.

Harper released the sword when he twisted her arm. Then he pushed his weight against her back and grabbed a handful of her hair.

"Okay. I'm not gonna lie. That was hot." Hyde chuckled ruthlessly. His leg twitched just thinking of her managing to grab one of his weapons. It caught him off guard. He was pleasantly surprised.

Hyde pulled her up and into his lap.

"I'll admit I wasn't expecting that."

"You son of a—"

"You're so mouthy these days. To think, I did consider offering you a night of fun one more time. But you're not following orders."

"Pervert."

"Keep it up, and I'll chuck that brat out this window."

"You wouldn't."

"Don't test me, Vixen." Hyde released her and picked his sword back up. "You ruined the mood." He frowned. "Now all I think about is slitting your throat."