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"Mama is so persistent. My apologies, Hyde. She went too far." Arnest frowned as he and Harper followed him back down the hill that led back to the dojo.

"Not surprised," Hyde mumbled to himself.

"Are you still upset?"

"No shite." Hyde spat. He turned to face Harper with a scowl. "You. Don't you get any weird ideas. If you had supported the baby properly, I wouldn't have had to pull your weight."

"I wasn't— okay." Harper took a deep breath.

"I'm livid I missed it, again." Arnest groaned, trying to lighten Hyde's mood. "Eight times. That's gotta be a world record. Missing my sister's labor eight times."

"Where the heck were you all day?"

"Taking care of a situation." Arnest left out any details, so Harper wouldn't catch on about the Westonian officials.

"A little word in advance about your whereabouts would be nice to know." Hyde seethed. "It comes across as if you're sneaking around."

"Oh. No. Not at all." Arnest shook his head. "I'd never do that to you. You know that."

Hyde rolled his shoulders around. "Shite. I need a smoke."

"If you guys are done, I'm going to go back," Harper mumbled.

"You don't get to leave until I dismiss you." Hyde snatched her arm. "Continue what you have to do. Update me in the morning." He commanded Arnest.

"Where are y-you taking me?" Harper gasped when he dragged her forward and in another direction.

There wasn't a response from him. They went through an alleyway, moving around the neighbors' things like trash bins or crates left out.

Down some stairs and across another courtyard that was built over the water, there was an open area full of market stalls. Hyde's fingers were still wrapped tightly around her bicep.

The decor of the place was very similar to Arturo's restaurant. Street lamps and candles, as well as colorful lanterns, illuminated their path toward the bustling market.

An unfamiliar smell alarmed her. Harper couldn't tell if it was the smell of something burning or baking. On her left, she saw a man dressed in a dark leather robe guiding a short line of people forward to his stand full of concoctions.

On the right, a woman in a baggy dress was waving her hand at some customers nearby, and she was fanning the smoke from whatever she was cooking on a grill.

The language they spoke was colorful as they called out to people. And while she couldn't understand any of it, Hyde spoke to them firmly. So many sellers dispersed immediately after hearing a simple command from him.

They walked by more shops, until Hyde stopped in front of an actual cabin building, rather than a stand. He opened the door and walked in.

Once Harper entered as well, the first thing she saw was a young woman with baggy clothes, huge round glasses, and a short bob cut. She was smoking a cigarette and reading a book, but the moment she saw Hyde, she raised a brow.

"Oh. It's just you."

"Where's Gidone?" Hyde looked over her head, partially joking with her. The woman was almost Hyde's height, but occasionally he mocked her for it as if he didn't see her sometimes.

"Shut up." She simpered. "What do you want this time?"

"Another pack, make it two." Hyde pointed to the cigarette boxes behind her that were in a display case.

"You should really stop smoking."

"Maybe you should too."

"Oh hush, I started because of you. Sometimes it takes away stress, but I'm gonna be the wiser one here and say it ain't that healthy."

"It doesn't have any effect on me." Hyde shrugged. "You know this."

"Lucky dastard. I'm talking about your hygiene. You smell like a dead rat's arse. Your stink ain't healthy for me."

Hyde raised his arm playfully. "I don't smell anything."

"You're Westonian..." Harper voiced aloud, interrupting the two and their playful banter. Not only in the voice but in the woman's accent she could hear it.

"No, hon, I ain't. I'm Itarian born. My Father is a Westie."

Harper frowned at the slur.

"Is she another plaything of yours?" Gidone smirked at Hyde. "She's cute. Doesn't look dumb like the others."

"No, I'm—" Harper tried to clarify, but Hyde wrapped his arm around her and pulled her toward his chest.

"She's my wife."

"Wife? Woah. You got yourself a wife?" Gidone chortled. "Little Hydeous grew a pair and decided to settle down. I knew you'd overcome your fear of commitment soon enough."

"I ought to slit your throat for talking shite." Hyde growled at her.

"Calm down big boy." Gidone grabbed two packs of cigarettes and placed them on the counter. "300 Silver is your total."

"Do you have any vital links left?" Hyde leaned forward with a scowl on his face.

"Vital link?" Harper whispered. She had never heard of that specific term, but she knew it had something to do with keeping updated with someone's vitals. It was a medical tool.

"I can go check for you. We may have some in the back." Gidone nodded before leaving the two alone.

"What do you need a vital link for?" Harper asked.

"How's the kid lately?" Hyde redirected.

"I asked you first,"

"That's not how this works, Vixen." Hyde turned her to face him. "That child hasn't been around you as much. I'm sure it's gotta hurt."

Harper pressed her lips together. It did hurt her a lot, but she felt content that Yanpu was able to explore a bit more. Yanpu was curious by nature.

"I—"

"Our deal was that you'd keep him in check so that he would stay out of my way. Right?"

"Well—"

"No back talk." Hyde shushed her. "That was our deal. What you're going to do is track the kid's heart rate. If there are any abnormalities, you'll report them to me."

Abnormalities? Harper thought about it. "Wait... what are you talking about? Did something happen with Yanpu?" She couldn't figure out why he was suddenly asking this of her.

"Doesn't matter. Do what I say, and..." Hyde's eyes roamed to the window. There was a shop across the road, one catered to women. There were lots of necessities and plenty of feminine products for hygienic care.

There were also a few clothes as well.

"I'll buy anything you need for the remainder of our stay here."

"I can't just report Yanpu's vitals to you."

"Why not?" Hyde clenched his jaw.

"I don't have the necessary equipment. I... Yanpu needs more than just a vital link. Monitoring his heart rate isn't substantial evidence to conclude anything."

"Then you'd better figure it out."

"Even if I could, I wouldn't give you any information! That's... I'd be breaking the law, and risk losing my license! I can't sit here and betray my country for—"

Hyde grabbed the back of Harper's neck, and she yelped. His hand titled her face to look at him, and his red pupils began to grow and shrink.

He was trying to control his anger. "I wasn't asking."

"It hurts!" Harper whined. "I wasn't talking back! Please let go!"

"You're going to do whatever I say, whether you like it or not." He moved his thumb down, putting more pressure on his hold. Harper grabbed onto his arm to protect herself.

"Hyde... I can't..."

"You said you wouldn't run away. What makes you think that you'll be losing a license? As of now, you don't work there anymore. So there's no risk."

"No..."

"That was part of the deal. And you know I don't like deceit. If you want to break your promise, come out and say it, be ready to handle the consequences. Yanpu... for example..."

Harper groaned, trying to let out a scream for Gidone to hear, but Hyde pressed his hand over her mouth.

"You wouldn't want him to accidentally end up with his head on a platter, do you?"

With teary eyes, Harper gave in to his demand. She shook her head, and he finally let her go. She stumbled forward, but Hyde made sure she didn't go too far by putting his hand on her shoulder, holding her in place.

Gidone returned, and she saw the fear-stricken look on Harper's face. "Found what I was looking for. Everything alright with you guys?"

Harper wanted to answer and beg her for help. But she couldn't. The more Hyde brought up the stupid deal she made, the more worried she became. Yanpu's life was at stake.

"You're shaking, hon." Gidone frowned. "Like you saw a ghost."

Hyde only pulled Harper close to him again, and flashed her a loving smile, even though Harper knew it was fake. "She's just cold-natured."

Hyde placed a kiss on top of Harper's forehead, letting his lips linger for a moment while he embraced her. "Isn't that right, wife?"

Harper glared at him, but fear was preventing her from speaking up. The kiss burned her skin. She felt like a thousand tiny needles were pricking her head.

A dastardly deed. That kiss was the gateway for more horrors to come.

"Right," Harper mumbled.

"200 silver with this. So 500 in total." Gidone placed the vital link, a small band made of rubber with buttons on it, next to the cigarette packs.

"Keep the change." Hyde slid the money over. "It'll cover the cost."

"You and your wife have a great night. Ima close up and hit the hay."

Hyde nodded and grabbed the items he bought. The moment they exited the building, Harper jumped away from Hyde.

His smirk was still there. Rather than reacting to her standoffish behavior, he continued straight ahead. "Let's go."

"H-huh?"

"Pick out whatever you like. I'll pay."

"I don't want to." Harper wanted to go back to the Dojo, where Yanpu was safe and sound.

"So you don't need clothes? Shoes?"

"Of course I need them, you monst—" Harper paused before continuing. "A minute ago you were threatening me, and now you're saying you'll treat me—"

"This isn't a treat. I never said it was a treat. Treats are rewards that go to people who are on their best behavior." Hyde placed his hands in his pockets. "This is payment. Because you'll be working your arse off for every silver piece I spend."

"It's not payment if I'm forced to do it. Either way, I would've had to—"

"Pick out what you want. I'll give you 10 minutes. You'd better hurry because you'll be too busy to come back."

Harper pressed her lips tight and placed her arms at her sides.

"Times-a-ticking." Hyde gestured, pretending there was a watch on his wrist.

Harper quickly darted towards the rack full of clothes hanging. There were many shirts and skirts that catered to the Itarian culture, but she held them up to her body to see which ones would fit.

Harper tossed a few of them over her arm.

"5 minutes."

"I might need more time."

"That's not happening." Hyde snorted. "Don't make me cut your time short."

Harper seethed and rushed over to a bucket full of soaps, perfumes, lotions, and creams, a necessary haven for hygiene. She grabbed 2 large bottles of shampoo and conditioner, that would most likely be great for her hair type.

With full hands, she even reached for sanitary napkins. Things started to tip over, and with her eyes, she asked Hyde for help. But he just stood there without a care.

He tapped his foot impatiently and crossed his arms. "Is that all?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

"Do I have more time to pick out some things?"

"Nope." Hyde grinned, before looking at the person in charge of selling. "I'll take everything she's holding." He tossed a pouch full of silver coins onto the counter nonchalantly.

"Si! Graci!" The woman smiled in response.

~~~

Early the next morning, before Yanpu was about to go and follow the other kids of Arnest's family to school, Harper stopped him briefly.

Yanpu stared at Harper apprehensively, wondering why she was placing a small band on his hands. They hadn't had a formal study ever since leaving Westona. He thought it was weird that she was doing this now.

"It's just to track your pulse. I want to make sure everything is okay." Harper smiled at him and pressed a small button. The band began to vibrate, signaling that it was on.

The vital link was going to be used to track his pulse as well as movement for the whole day. When Yanpu returned home, she would be able to take it back and see when his heart rate elevated or dropped.

Then she would write a formal report, using the tablet Hyde had given her the day before. She was extremely nervous about doing this. If she were caught, Bomb would suspend her from her position at the facility immediately.

This literally meant the cost of her way of living. She would be a traitor, an enemy of Westona. But in order to protect Yanpu, she felt it was worth it.

"Do I have to wear it?"

"Yes. It's not too tight is it?"

Yanpu shook his head.

"It's comfortable, right? I just wanna make sure you're comfortable. Don't lose it. Okay?"

"Why?"

"It's necessary."

"No. Why do I have to wear it?"

"Yani, please..." Harper sighed. "Just... please do what I tell you. I usually am tolerant of your behavior, but this is serious. It means your life, and mine. I can't sugarcoat anymore."

Yanpu's eyes widened in surprise.

"No, I meant..." Harper grabbed his shoulders. "I'm worried. There are a lot of things going on right now that you don't understand. But do what I say this time without arguing, or going off to do your own thing. Don't take it off."

"Okay."

"Promise me, that you won't take it off."

"I promise."

"Good. I'm glad you understand." Harper kissed his forehead. "Be safe when you go. Don't talk to strangers. And be mindful of who you associate with at school. If you have any questions that you need to ask, come to me, don't ask your teacher. I haven't said it before, but these people don't know where we are from. Just nod your head."

"Huh?"

"I love you." Harper nudged him toward the line of children outside of the Dojo. Giada smiled when she saw both of them.

"Eyu ready to go?"

"He's ready. I was just giving him a reminder." Harper faked her smile. "Bye Yanpu."

Giada's grandchildren, along with Yanpu all went on, following after Giada as she took them down the stairs.

Before Harper could go back, she heard tusking. Surprisingly, Hyde was wide awake and leaning against the door frame. His usual dastardly grin spread on his face.

"I didn't think you'd actually do it. I watered you down, eh?"

"I didn't have a choice."

"Darn right, you didn't. Especially not now, since you've got a nice load of shampoo and shite."

"Why are you up this early?"

"Why else? To see you breaking the Westonian law."

"I didn't break any laws."

"Mm..." He licked his lips. "Not yet you haven't."

"I don't have time for this." She mumbled to herself. She wanted to start her day in peace. With Hyde up and ready to go, it would be difficult.

She grabbed a half-used can of water that was sitting by the door and watered her plant. Hyde watched her and took note of the new item. "You're stealing flowers now too? Little Vixen, that's daring of you."

"I didn't steal it."

"Aw, that's too bad. I got excited. I like 'em bad."

"Anna gave it to me." Harper rolled her eyes.

"So? You're gonna keep it?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"To show my appreciation."

"Huh."

"Despite my circumstances, I'm willing to acknowledge that Giada and Anna have treated me kindly. There's not much I can do to repay them. But I want to do this. Hopefully, once it's bloomed, I can give it back to her as a gift."

"So you're a gardener now? That's just like you. Kissing the dirt that people walk on to show loyalty."

"What?"

"A little word of advice? Don't trust people so easily. You never know when they'll rip the ground from under you."

"Are you calling me a kiss-up?"

"You're naive."

"Hyde, I—"

"Anna and Giada are only doing this because they pity you."

"No, they care."

"Think about the story we've created for them. You're married to a sick man. Most other times, they'd never welcome you in this easily. I see how they look at you. They think you're odd."

"If they think that about me, they think that of you too! You're just as odd, we both are Westonian—"

"Vixen, it's been so many years since I've left, I've no right to claim it."

"You chose to leave! You abandoned us! Our country has been at war for so long, and you, one of our best fighters, disappeared completely!"

"You're raising your voice." Hyde sneered. "How am I supposed to take that?"

"No. I..." Harper took a deep breath. As always, he was testing her. "Hyde, do you realize how worried everyone was? You vanished all of a sudden. It was broadcast everywhere on the news. Everyone back at home cares for you!"

"Yeah, right." Hyde scoffed. "I left, and I was immediately labeled an outlaw."

"Because you killed people! You killed hard-working scientists who wanted to do good for Westona! Believe it or not Hyde, you may have changed, but the morals we were raised on are still the same—"

"I'm nothing like you." Hyde snatched her shirt collar upward, raising Harper off the ground. "Don't you compare me to you, or those people who put me in this position."

"What are you t-talking about?" Harper heaved. What position? Who put him in what position?

The two watched each other for a moment. Hyde's nose flared and his grip on her shirt tightened.

As she studied his eyes, she tried to identify the emotion in them. But she couldn't. It was difficult to do so.

"What position are you in Hyde?"

Hyde shifted his gaze away from her and placed her down gently.

"Are you talking about your illness—"

"I want the first report by 6 tonight." Hyde changed the subject.

"Wait—"

"Do your job right. I won't tolerate it if you screw this up."

"I can't finish a report by 6! Yanpu gets back at 2. It'll take me more than a couple of hours to get the results from the band, and then make a close to accurate conclusion! I—"

By the time Harper looked up, Hyde had already gone out of sight. He ignored her and went back inside.

~~