Once Again

Snake Eyes

"You shouldn't've treated him that way," Echo said softly, wincing as he tried to ignore the fading pain.

"What, Braken?" Nitro said coldly. "He deserved every word of it."

"No one deserves to be attacked like that. Physically and verbally. He's my friend, Nitro, and he's told me things -"

"You can't believe anything he tells you. All he does is dig down and spill your biggest secrets."

Echo knew that even though Nitro was furious on the outside, he was only hurt and broken on the inside. Echo couldn't imagine the pain he would feel if he was the one to kill his family. He knew what it was like to lose family, but this was an entirely different story. "I'm sorry you feel that way. I really do, but I can't sit here listening to you rip him apart. Please keep your thoughts to yourself."

"Oh, I'll keep them to myself alright," Nitro growled. "Until Braken comes back. Then I'll make sure he hears exactly how I feel about him."

"He doesn't like reading minds," Echo said, pulling his knees up to his chest. The wire still connected them, and he dragged Nitro's hand across the ground doing so.

"Then why did he take out my jammer?" Nitro demanded, yanking his arm back.

"Because he had to! He's forced to follow Tristam whenever he says his name. Didn't you see how he fought it? He didn't want to hurt you!"

"I don't believe you!" Nitro shouted, his voice cracking again. "He's got you right in his trap!"

"Have you ever been in there?" Echo demanded. "In Haven? I barely lasted four days, and he was there for four years! He was right about everything in there, and he's told me things he's told no one else! I can't trust you guys, can I? He's the only one I've got!"

The door suddenly burst open, flooding the dark room with red light. Both prisoners jumped a little in surprise, staring at the visitor. It was Braken, and he was panicked. His movements were jerky and shaking, his eyes were red and frantic, and his cheeks were tear streaked. He was wearing his mask on the side of his head.

"Braken," Echo said in relief. "Am I glad to see you! Come on, get me out of here before Nitro murders me."

"I am not going to murder you!" Nitro hissed.

Braken shifted his weight uncomfortably and suddenly rushed in, kneeling next to them. He held a long knife in his hand and with shaking hands, he began to cut the wire connecting them.

"Braken? What's going on?" Nitro demanded.

He didn't answer. Instead, he managed to saw through the wire and snap it, freeing the two prisoners. Without waiting for an answer or a reaction, he grabbed Echo's hand and pulled him to his feet, dragging him to the door. He started to run, and Echo stumbled.

"Braken, what are you doing? Are you okay?" he asked.

The other boy didn't answer until he'd led him all the way outside of the camp. By then, the sun had set, but the stars weren't out and the moon hadn't risen, leaving them in darkness. A nervous feeling crept into Echo's chest and he glanced around.

"What's going on?" he asked again, softer this time.

Braken couldn't keep his hands still, and he wouldn't meet Echo's eyes. He kept shifting and crossing his legs, rubbing his neck and the massive, discolored scar that was usually covered by his scarf. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice shaking. "I'm really sorry, but I have to do this. You wouldn't understand. I can't do it again. I'm not strong enough, but you ... I ... I wish I didn't, but ... you're my only friend, and I have to do this to you. I'm so sorry, Echo. I'm sorry."