The Dream 2
The basement is my sanctuary, a space built for one purpose: training.
Whether it’s shooting, fighting, escaping, or hiding, this place was designed for it all.
And I’ve mastered hiding—it’s my best skill. Though, honestly, it’s also my least favorite. I don’t want to be the one who vanishes when things get tough.
I want to be a fighter like Kai or a shooter like Salman. Those two—they’re Sebi’s left and right hands, always one step ahead of everyone else.
I load bullets into my gun, the smooth clicks filling the still air, and set the targets in motion. They whir and slide unpredictably across the space.
This is where I push myself. As each target moves, I calculate: where will it be the moment my bullet hits if I shoot now?
That split-second prediction, the perfect timing—it’s what I thrive on.
But as I fire shot after shot, my mind drifts, pulled back to the dream.
It always starts the same. Someone asks for my name, their voice cold and indifferent.
They tick it off a list like I’m inventory, not a person. “Follow,” they command.
The first few times, I fought back. I mean, I don’t take orders from anyone—not in real life, not even in a dream.
But after a while, I stopped resisting. It wasn’t worth the struggle. I’d follow, quiet and calculating. And then… nothing. A blank space in my memory, like my brain refuses to recall what comes next.
But I know how it ends. It always ends the same way.
I’m dragged into hell—or something that looks like hell. Darkness and fire all around me.
The sharp voice jolted me, and my next shot went wide. I didn’t have to look back to know who it was.
Kai
Don’t waste bullets. They’re precious,
Kai said, his tone laced with that usual mix of authority and mockery.
I lowered my gun just enough to glance at him.
Cairo
Bullets aren’t your concern, Kai.
He smirked, leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed.
Kai
You don’t need to know what my concerns are. That’s for me to worry about.
Kai
If you’re here to train, then train.
Kai
Otherwise, go back to bed and keep dreaming—like the school kid you are.
His words ignited something hot inside me.
Without a second thought, I raised my gun and fired.
The bullet hit the wall far from him.
Kai didn’t flinch, just chuckled.
Kai
That the best you’ve got?
I fired again, closer this time, but still missed.
Sebi’s voice rang out, sharp yet calm, like a parent gently scolding a child.
I froze, turning to see him at the stairs. His eyes were steady, piercing.
He said softly but firmly.
Reluctantly, I lowered the gun, my chest heaving. I glared at Kai, who stood there, calm and smug as ever.
I hated him for it. And I hated Sebi for commanding me.
Kai
You’ve been here an hour and still haven’t hit a bullseye?
Kai said, his lazy smirk cutting through me.
Sebi said, his voice gentle, but with a quiet authority.
I felt like I could spit fire and reduce them both to ash.
Kai ignored Sebi, his grin widening.
Kai
You should start packing. We’re leaving in 2 hours.
Cairo
Ask the butler to do it
Kai
Do your own things, at least the basics,
Sebi said softly, his tone laced with patience.
Sebi
Yelling won’t get you anywhere, sweetheart.
His words, as kind as they were, only made the fire inside me burn hotter.
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