c.o.m.m.u.n.i.t.y. is {family} -crystal-

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden glared at him, his eyes so full of hatred it was like he was trying to set Mark's head on fire with the power of his will.

[~echo~]

He smirked again and watched the driver, certain that they were out of danger.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

A few muffles sounds came through the gag. Braden was trying to talk.

[~echo~]

"What was that?" Mark asked with a gleeful grin. He took Braden's gag off and watched him expectantly.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"You're going to regret this," Braden spat out once the gag was removed. "I promise you."

[~echo~]

"Am I?" he replied sarcastically. "I think not."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"Just wait," Braden said. Then he repeated it in a softer voice. "Just wait."

[~echo~]

Mark smiled. Later, they arrived at their reinforced fort, where Mark grabbed Braden and forced him into the fort.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden didn't resist. No, there'd be plenty of time for that later. He led Mark lead him, his eyes sweeping back and forth, already planning his escape.

[~echo~]

Mark shoved him into a room which was dimly lit with one bare lightbulb.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden looked back and sneered. "Really? Isn't this a little cliché even for you?"

[~echo~]

Mark ignored him. "You'll be fed once a day until you decide to join us again."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"I will never decide to join you again," Braden said. "And especially not like this." He paused and shook his head, his lip curling up in disgust. "I can't believe I once called you a friend."

[~echo~]

"Then you'll stay here." He closed the door and posted five guards around the door.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden sat down and bowed his head. How was he going to escape this?

[~echo~]

One of the guards sneaked a peek at him through the barred window.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden raised his eyes and met the man's gaze. The coldness in his eyes was disconcerting, even for the strongest of heart.

[~echo~]

He looked positively brainwashed, but something glinted in his eyes. He looked... curious.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

Braden's hate-filled gaze faltered. "What do you want?" he asked, weariness creeping into his voice.

[~echo~]

"Who are you?" he whispered, still looking curious.