forum Traitors Never Win // Closed// O/O

Started October 08, 2020 by @gracehustle

tune

Nym shut off the shower when she was done, squeezing the excess water out of her hair before she stepped out and grabbed the nearest towel she could find. Wrapping it around herself, she grabbed her clothes, straightening them out before she got dressed once again. There didn't seem to be an extra towel around, and so she used the same towel to dry her hair.

Being the mess that her hair was, it didn't dry much further than being damp, but that was good enough for her. Even if she couldn't put it up in her usual braid. Rael might be scared by the tangled mess, but that thought made her smile gently. It would definitely be a change from her usual hairstyles. She draped her jacket over her arm with that thought, hanging the towel back up and finally walking out back to the kitchen to meet her travel partner.

"Ready to go?" She asked calmly, hoping it was enough to announce her presence in the room. Usually, she could walk into a room without anyone hearing her, but that wasn't something she wanted to do right now. From how deep in thought Rael seemed, it didn't sound like a good idea.

Rael took the keys from the table. Removing the apartment key, he sat it next to the phone parts. He wouldn't be coming back anyways, so there's no point in keeping it. The key lanyard was wrapped around his fingers as his fingers fiddled with them.

Without delay, he stood up when hearing her. Although it did take him a couple of moments to process the question. His mind was occupied on other things for some minutes, so he had to pull himself back into reality. First he nodded eagerly in response but immediately hesitated right after. The beam on his face faded as he realized something. Medical supplies. It'd be terrible if something happened and they didn't have anything. "Hold on, babe.Give me a second.", he asked.

Getting the bag, he rushed back over to the bathroom. When he turned the light on, he started taking the supplies they used on him and stuffed it in the bag. He also went into the cabinet for extra bandaids and such.

Finally, he zipped up the bag and went back into the kitchen. He gathered up everything from the duffle bag, food, and first aid kit. Again, Rael gave the same confirming nod, "Okay, now I'm ready."

She raised her eyebrow at the even newer nickname, a tiny hint of a smile pulling onto her face. She didn't mention it though, just waited patiently and nodded when he was ready. Nym nodded to the various things he was bringing with, "Do you need help carrying anything?"

Just from her stance, she seemed much more relaxed after her shower. She was nowhere near completely off guard, but there was a new calmness. Though that also might have been from the fact that she was now far away from the cell she had started the day in.

"Any sign of anyone following us or warrants out for our arrests?"

Nym walked over to him and the supplies, eyeing up the food silently while doing so. It was the first reminder that she hadn't eaten since yesterday, seeing as the lovely prison food didn't come until late in the day. Still, she didn't touch it or even bring it up, wondering silently if the food was for later. It would make more sense to eat once they got to their first destination anyway. She didn't want to ruin whatever Rael planned anyway.

"I would've had these taken care of if it weren't for the drastic change of pace.", he frowned, "How about you take the first aid kit and the food with the blue ribbon. Would you mind?"

Rael snorted. At this point he isn't the military's prized strategist captain anymore, he's officially a traitor. And Nym is a wanted enemy spy; what a duo they make. The realization made him laugh. According to his assumptions, they escaped over two hours ago or so. That should be enough time for them to create an emergency broadcast and new stories. Public security and the secret service probably have been called in. He shook his head while setting the things down on the table.

Pushing the curtain forward, he slowly moved his head forward to look down. The weather outside was still gloomy. All he could see was some school children and a mom with her toddler. Nothing that could be revealed as danger for them. "I don't see anyone of our concerns outside.", he said, "Although I wouldn't be surprised if our faces are on the news right now. We can turn on the car radio to listen to the broadcast."

Rushing back over, he lifted the bag. He groaned as the strap sat on top of his shoulder. Checking his watch, he looked at the time. Almost fourteen hundred hours. "If we want to reach our stop for the evening before curfew, we have to get going now. Gods only know how swift they are." They should be able to get to their first stop with not much trouble, but he will have to take care of the driver's plate when they get there.

Nym nodded silently at his request and easily took the mentioned items, nodding to the door, "We can deal with the radio in the car, if we need to leave, we should leave."

She knew that there was no time to waste at the moment. Every second they spend here was one more that the Bajhee government had to find them. Until they had a considerable lead, there had to be no time to dilly-dally, something she quite liked. Being a spy, she used that specification quite a lot. There was no time to waste when sneaking around.

Adjusting the first aid kit, she walked to the door, keeping a careful grip on everything. Silently, she said goodbye to Rael's home, feeling a tad guilty for making him leave his entire life behind just to help her. Whether she knew much about his past or not, some part of her wondered what he was giving up to get her to the border. What friends and family was he saying a permanent goodbye to?

There wasn't time to linger on thoughts she knew, forcing herself out of them. All that showed from her swarming mind was a falter in her step and a small frown that she quickly masked.

Without any thought, he simply nodded in response. He is awfully aware of how quick things are handled in Bajhe. Sometimes a capture happens so quickly that no on even knew that somebody tried to flee the country. Their escape is much different, but it surely is a code red for the government.

Rael fixed the strap on the duffle bag. He tried to ignore this missing feeling in him knowing that it was time to go for good. It wasn't like he had time to go see anybody or to reminisce. Getting ahold of whatever else had to carrying, he took a step to the left while turning his head in the same direction.

In the corner of his eye, he noticed the portrait on the wall. It was one of many he had up showing his family, but this one only had him with his sister and mom years ago. Rael walked over to the picture placing his hand on the frame. This was no different from any other battle before. Leaving behind everything, risking your life and pride only to face the unknown danger that may lay ahead. He pressed his fingers on the glass as he stared down at the floor. It doesn't matter, doing this will be worth it in the end, right?

Keeping his eyes low, he walked to Nym and the door. He put his ear up against the door listening for anything out of the blue. When he made the conclusion everything was okay for them, he opened the door. First slowly and hesitantly, but he instanly pushed it wide open after.

He stepped out into the hallway. Not wanting to look back into the apartment, he stared at Nym. "We are just one step closer to getting you home, my Bella", he beamed, "Are you ready?"

She wasn't oblivious to Rael's actions as he left the picture hanging on the wall, and she paused as he opened the door. There was a need to leave, yes, but she still felt guilty for making him leave his home. Quickly, she turned and walked to the portrait, balancing everything in her hand as she took the entire thing off of the wall. Frame and all. It would be easier to take it apart in the car to get the picture out, there just wasn't the time to do so here.

Nym nodded in satisfaction when she balanced it on top of her other things, making her way back to the door while offering a tiny smile. She didn't try to explain her actions, just nodded, "Let's get going. No time to waste if we want to get a lead."

Shifting the stack of things, she followed him down the hallway, this time going to the elevator instead of the stairs. It would be easier to bring things down that way instead. And as much as she hated the little metal boxes of death, they were faster than the stairs most times.

"Who's driving to our first stop?" She questioned, looking over at him, "Me again? Or are you feeling well enough to attempt to get us the rest of the way out of the city? I can take over after that."

Already, a small part of her was giddy to be going back to the country she called home, even if there were memories attached to it that she didn't quite enjoy. It was her home either way and one of the only safe places on the continent for them until the inevitable bounty on their heads was recalled.

"The portrait?" he muttered under his breath after closing the door. Why? How can he repay her for this? It may be a small gesture, and he could have gone just fine without it. He already has left behind so much for this. Leaving a simple picture is nothing. Having him still able to walk and her perfectly fine is all he needs. And yet, he watched Nym walk out with it. Maybe he should be calling her sweetheart along with bella and babe. All the nicknames in the world, and yet he was not sure which one fitted Nym the most.

Rael said nor did nothing in response. His lips curled back not sure whether to smile back or to open up and speak. All he did was turn to face the elevator then trudged over. There was not enough time for him to say anything. While he does want to bring up why she took the portrait along, there also was whatever is going on with her and they already agreed to talk about that later.

Later, whenever that will be. The only he can do about it at this moment is hope later is when they get to their stop and can rest. Pressing the down arrow button, his eyes wandered up to the sign. A ding sound rang as the down arrow on the sign lit up. Taking his finger away from the button, it tapped alongside his leg.

Turning his head to face her, he bit the inside of his lip. He forgot what they agreed to in the car, who was going to drive. Taking turns might have been the plan, but now he just wants to get to the stop as soon as possible. If he's managed to survive everything, this shouldn't be a problem. "I'll drive," he said, "It gets confusing getting out of the city into the country. Not to mention we both need our rest."

Again the elevator made a ding sound as the doors opened. Rael got in as soon as he can and waited to push the button for the main floor. His eyes took a glimpse around recalling the moments when he was in it by himself. Strange how it felt like it happened a while ago; the moments following it were more worth to remember. First feeling drained and lost then experiencing a wave of warmth minutes after. That's probably how he is going to look back on the escape and the trip to the border.

"Just tell me if you need to rest, I can take over anytime," She replied gently, shrugging as she stared at the closed metal doors of the elevator.

Nym hummed softly to herself as they waited for the elevator, following him in once the door had opened. She rocked on her heels as she waited for the doors to close, adjusting the things she was carrying. She felt a wave of calm wash over as the metal box started moving, and she took the time to study the picture she had grabbed.

It was clearly a picture of some of Rael's family, and who she assumed was him. They all looked related at least, and she knew not to just assume that they were his immediate family. There would be plenty of time to ask about it once they were resting for the night. At least she figured there would be.

Turning her eyes away from the picture, she looked around the elevator, looking up at her new companion. She couldn't help but hide a tiny smile at the look on his face. Being a soldier, she assumed his resting face was always one that looked sour, but it still was amusing to her. As a spy, she didn't have a particular…resting face. It was always changing, mixing to match others, helping her blend in, like everything about her.

The realization that Rael had never seen her when she was 'working' hit her at that moment, and for some reason she was relieved. Working Nym was a much different person than she was now. Yes, she still held the same mannerisms and such, but it was all a ruse. When she was focusing, she could make herself look like she was happy when inside she felt nothing, or she could pretend to be mad, or curious, anything. And in the rare occasion that things went bad, she was an even more startling of a person. Hopefully, he would never see her in a situation where her training needed to be used.

"Will do, although I'd like to rest when you have the chance to," he said. Recalling back to the itinerary, day one only has a few stops. Clearly they won't be doing that now. The others were for quick breaks and to change the car's appearance while the more important one is where they'll rest for the night. He spent a whole evening looking up places they could stay at that did not require much information for reservations and payments. Surprising enough, most motels in Bajhe still let you check in and pay up front without calling beforehand.

Rael kept his stare forward at the door. His fingers wrapped around the bag strap fiddling with it so it wouldn't hurt his shoulder. There was not much for him to say. Several words built up inside of him but he found it to not be the right time to let them all out. The little sign above the door changed from a three to a two. Using the elevator has never gone by so slow before. It's only a few floors but he has never expected it look feel as if they were coming down from the top.

The silence in the elevator lead to him going back into his thoughts. Despite managing to tear himself away from thinking the similar thoughts he had awhile ago, it was more than easy for him to return to them. How he dreaded for them to reach to the first point already. All he can imagine is Nym cuddling up beside him as she talked to him about whatever she wanted. The light in her eyes shining as a soft grin rested on her face. Surely his side would hurt, but the feeling of her next to him might block it out. Either way, he'd love to lay next to her and just listen to every single word that falls out of her lips.

As he sighed, his shoulders dropped. Finally they reached the main floor. He walked forward leaning in to see if anyone was out there. When he did, the doors opened which lead him to standing back. From where they were, it did not seem like no one was there. Of course he knows well that four agents in all black can be hiding, but not a single peep was made.

Resting his hand on top of the zipper, he stepped out. Rael stood there for a couple of seconds then walked out a bit further. His eyes kept glancing around before stopping. Facing Nym, he gave her a nod and rushed over to the entrance where he held the door open.

Staring at the doors, she was almost surprised to actually see them open. Nym blinked at the sight, waiting for Rael to do what he needed before following him out, hurrying to the door quickly. There was no sign of anyone or anything waiting for them to come out, a fact that relieved he only momentarily.

She made sure all of her items were tucked carefully against her as she slipped out the door, doing the same as him and checking first to make sure there was no one right outside before walking further out. This coast seemed to be clear too. Nym glanced back and nodded, then headed for the car, eyes flicking around for any sign of danger as she did so.

Rushing to the car had to be the most nerve wracking thing yet since the initial excape, and that was saying something. She reached the vehicle quickly, staying as close to the side of it as she could while waiting for him to make his way over.

"I would congratulate ourselves in making it to the car without dying," She started once he was at the car, speaking in a soft voice, "But I suppose that'll only jinx it. Now, let's get going."

Darting over to the car, his eyes kept running around waiting for something to jump out. He looked at the other cars in the parking lot, remembering the models and colors. Next he searched for any signs of someone hiding. When they got to the car, he panted as his eyes narrowed.

Having his apartment being this deep in the city is already providing them an advantage, but he still isn't going to take it for granted. They went over the hour limit only by a few minutes. It shouldn't be a problem. Their main concern should be how they'll handle any problems when one approaches them.

Swiftly, he opened up the bag taking a flashlight then zipped it back up. He unlocked the car but didn't get in. "Hold on a moment." Instead, he opened the back door and threw the duffle bag in then sat the tupperware beside it. After closing the door, he carefully got down on his knees to look under the car. Although he didn't think that anyone has caught up to them yet, he doesn't want to be so careless about it.

Once in awhile, there'd be a report on the news about a car explosion with a traitor or some ranking official inside. The news anchors would only report the death and where the explosion occurred, but it's more than clear the government had someone orchestrated it for them. Those people defiantly are the ones following him and Nym. A wire would be placed underneath the car and be attached to an explosive and the engine so once a person would the ignition on, it's over for them.

Rael turned on the flashlight as he held his finger out. All he could feel were the car parts and the water from the rain, but he kept checking just for a few more seconds then eventually got back up. "We're good," he stated while turning the flashlight off, "Come on, my bella."

When he got inside, he adjusted the seat right away. He threw the flashlight back then turned the car on. Its engine hummed gently. His heart rested into his chest as he heard it. Now all he has to do is wait for Nym and they're on their way. Using the small break to catch his breath, Rael relaxed as he put on the seat belt and lifted up his hoodie.

With his fingers wrapped around the gear shift, he glanced at Nym making sure she was in the car and was buckled. Putting his right hand behind the head rest of her seat, he looked back to reverse out of the spot. Then he put the car back in drive and finally drove off to the exit.

Nym followed his lead as she set her things in the back seat, watching as he checked for anything under the car. The wandering thought of what could be hidden under there made her frown. It wasn't hidden knowledge that things like car explosions happened in times like this, and this wasn't the work of her own country. If there was something rigged to kill them, it was going to be something from Rael's own colleagues.

She kept the dark thoughts to herself as she snapped back to reality, slipping into the passenger's seat quietly. Wasting no time, she buckled and settled back in the seat, watching as they started on their way once more.

Nervousness settled over her as Rael drove, even if she trusted his driving. There were so many things that could go wrong now. Car problems, run-ins with the Bajhee government, getting lost in this frustrating country, any little thing could set them off their course. And in the passenger seat, she could do nothing to eliminate any of those risks.

There was no way she could let herself sit and worry for this entire trip, and so the only idea that came to mind was to rest. She could try to talk to Rael, but he had to focus, and she didn't even know what to talk about. Resting seemed easier, and if she got to sleep now the idea of trying to stay awake for two full days wouldn't be an issue.

She watched the road silently as the thoughts tumbled through her head, forcing herself to close her eyes a few seconds later. The hum of the engine was comforting as she sank against the seat, attempting to clear her mind of distracting thoughts.

Rael could not bother with looking in the rear mirror. He did not want to think much about leaving behind everything. Getting out of here was enough. Gradually falling for Nym in the midst of this is way more than enough. His mind wanted to think about both the escaping and her, although he knew that at this current moment he had to choose the first one.

The farther they got from the city, the more relaxed he got. It was not time for him to let his shoulders completely drop though. Without his phone it'll be much harder to get an idea where their chasers are looking. Surely they are all over the country now and won't stop till the two of them are caught. Some agents might be going through the apartment for all he cares; they should be having fun finding nothing there.

Strange how the people he's worked with for the last decade are now looking to kill him. They all called him a comrade, brother, and an inspiring fighter, but now they all definitely call him a traitor and an enemy. And after all he's done for the government and country too. The fact made him tense his grip on the steering wheel. It was not like it mattered to him what they all think of him as.

If anything, what does Nym think of him as? She's stuck with him for now, so that probably matters more. A friend? Thinking that just made an odd blanketed over his heart. He knew very well that's how it should be. For the good of them both, he has to keep it to himself. Her country wouldn't dare to take him in, and if they did, he's spending the rest of his life behind their bars. Telling her about his feelings is just going to make everything more difficult; there's no point in it.

He glanced over at Nym not knowing that she was asleep. At least that is what he assumed. Rael kept his left hand on the steering wheel as he used the right to unzip his jacket. Once it was undone, he switched so he could take it off and carefully place it over her.

His eyes gazed over into the right rear mirror before checking the left and front. There was only a few cars around them. Two black, one brown, and a silver one in front. Turning on the signal, he moved into the left lane and sped ahead.

Nym was indeed almost asleep by the time he draped his jacket over her, but the movement made her wake up slightly. She didn't move from her position, having settled in quite comfortably. One arm braced against the window, and her head rested between it and the back of the seat. With her legs sprawled out, she was content, and now with the new layer over her, she knew it wouldn't be long before she fell back asleep.

Until then though, her thoughts roamed. The reality of the whole situation dawned on her and she had to hold in a small sigh. This was really happening. She was really heading home. After three and a half years in this country, she was going to go home, with the help of an enemy soldier. Whom she still shouldn't fully trust. But, as he was the first person she had gotten close to in the time she was here, he had instantly become the one person she trusted. Plus, it wasn't an everyday thing to see her cry.

She shifted slightly, absentmindedly pulling the warm jacket over her better with closed eyes.

She was going to go home. And there she would be forced to leave Rael, all to see her family and live an easy life somewhere secluded. That idea didn't sit right with her. Not when she already cared about the male. It wasn't like she could do anything about the situation though. Not yet anyway.

Nym let her mind tire itself out with the constant overthinking, finally growing exhausted enough from the lack of sleep and the anxiety in her mind. She fell fully asleep quietly, her chest rising in a slow constant rhythm.

Rael did his best to keep full focus on the road. Every now and then he would steal a glimpse making sure Nym was okay. He really did not want to think about how she still looks mesmerizing despite being asleep. So peaceful and soft. "Even when you're asleep I want to kiss you on the cheek," he whispered, "I'm sorry for feeling this way, Nym. I hope you rest well and didn't hear what I just said." Exhaling, he managed to let a chuckle slip out. Guess this is going to be a lot more difficult than he'd want it to be.

Suddenly something brought his attention to the rear view mirror. The silver car from before was now in the same lane as them. The distance between them was large. He only had notice this now but he already was having his suspicions. Of course the other cars from before were still there along with others; something felt off to him though. The turn they have to take wasn't for another seven or so miles. His eyes were glued to the back mirror as he signaled for the car to go right.

Once he was in the middle lane, he stayed there for a couple of seconds and went into the next one. He tried to speed up without waking up Nym or looking suspicious. For all he knows it could be drawing more attention than needed. Maybe the driver's plate number was shown on television or somehow somebody was able to find them. The other car followed in the same pattern except they were a few cars behind. His hands started to get a bit clammy while his thumb tapped against the wheel.

He could just pullover and wait for the car to pass. No, with the position they're in it is a trap. A sign on the side of the road pointed to the exit heading for the city. Gods, he did not want to use it. Then if Nym woke up and found out, it wouldn't be good. More time wasted all because he has no clue what is going on.

Again, he flicked the signal indicator on waiting for the car to be right behind them. Above them they passed another sign for the exit going to the city. He kept waiting while staring back into the left rear mirror. The lane beside them was empty. At the last possible second, Rael sped into the left one watching as the other disappeared.

As much as he wanted to slow down, he still held his foot heavily on the pedal. When they get out of here, he'll try to find a gas station if necessary. He let out a deep breath every few seconds while trying to let himself relax. They're both fine and everything should be fine for now.