Rusting Chains

Chapter 4

Pai kept silent while playing with the drawstrings of his hoodie. "Please, we promise we won't get in the way of your mission." They all looked at me with puppy dog eyes, a technique I never thought they'd use against me for a situation such as this.

Mai, Pai, and Zia would use this technique on me just so that I could get them what they wanted. It could be to help them do their chores, cook them pancakes instead of sandwiches, and even give them a bigger allowance. But that was when we were in an entirely different circumstance.

"Nice try but tricks like that won't work on me anymore," I say folding my arms and turning my head to face the other way. You might think that I was firm and holding my ground but in truth, I'm trying my best not to give in. A sweat almost runs down my face and they inch closer still holding the puppy dog eyes.

I close my eyes tighter to not give them any chance of making me pity them, but when I took a peak they were all still holding that damn stare.

It makes them look cute but also pitiful, I can't just leave them alone, but I can't take care of them all while competing. I take a deep breath and sigh while looking at them once again—still holding those puppy dog eyes.

I turn to face them completely and raise my hands in defeat "Alright, you guys can stay but there are some ground rules I need all of you to follow." They all look at me with triumph in their eyes and high-five each other. "Oi, the first rule is being discreet. I don't want anyone to know that you guys are here or you'll get into trouble." I say shushing them while putting a finger up to my lips.

They all quiet down and smile at me attentively. I then continue to tell them how and what they should do, I tell them to act natural and if they need anything to eat or drink and that they can go to the food quarter of the building. And when they can explore the sleeping quarters while I'm playing in the competition because that means that the other competitors will also be out of the sleeping qarters.

As days pass by, everything has gone smoothly. No one found out that my siblings are with me, or that I have siblings at all.

They've been eating well and even pose as my clones from time to time, which helps a lot in the games since my clones don't have a mind of their own my brothers can think fast on their feet and can easily change tactics depending on the flow of the game the only drawback is that I won't always know where they are since I can't see through their eyes or know exactly what each of them are thinking about.

After another game, I enter my room in the dormitory to find my brothers eating while watching TV.

I relax a bit on my bed, even though the game wasn't that difficult to win getting some shut-eye is just what I need before I have to give an account to Charming Gold. I know he's not going to be happy about today's game since I've only won 1 game while my other competitors are way ahead of me.

But I feel a bit bad for Miyo, she hasn't won a single game yet. I wonder if she'll be able to make it to the finals. But she did win that mini-game with me so I guess that counts.

I really hope she can make it to the finals. I wish everyone could make it to the finals.

Ever since the Running Man competition started I've been getting to know everyone and slowly starting to form bonds I didn't think I would have. Sometimes on our days off, we would walk around Tree City to visit the shops and cafes. The locals have been welcoming to us, one time Liu and Pala were swarmed with fans begging for pictures and autographs.

Popo and Lonky would get furious because they also wanted attention, I can't blame them I would also like to be treated as someone famous. Even though the Running Man competition gives us a lot of exposure, not everyone can be treated like the star of the show.

I walk to my room in the dormitory where I see my room open, panick rushes over me as I think of the possibilities of what could've happened and if my brothers are okay, "Hey guys why is the door wide open?!" I say rushing in.

I find my brothers crawling out from the secret compartment in my room while Miyo and Liu stare in shock, to be honest, I had the same expression they did at that moment. After some time when I've fully explained to them why my brothers are with me, although I had to leave some unfavorable things, things that—they— most likely wouldn't have ever experienced.

I hadn't noticed that while the door was still open Lonky, Popo, and Pala were also listening in. While this whole experience was a bit embarrassing. Liu promised me that he, and everybody else, would help to take care of my brothers. I raise my head up at them while they all look at me with warm and hopeful expressions.

It made me realize that I am lucky to have friends who have my back, I hope someday I can repay them...

Kuga was last to enter my room. When Zai, Pai, and Mai looked at him they were immediately struck with admiration for Kuga's frame. I have to admit, Kuga is well-built I should ask him for his workout routine sometime.

Although I smiled and laughed with everyone the whole night, a sinking feeling in my chest kept taking my mind elsewhere.

I wish I didn't have to take this mission, I wish I could've just suffered a punishment from my trial leaders, but I'm in too deep to go back. The power of the Man X badge, and it's guaranteed for me to win, would easily get me the break I want from this stressful life. I could even retire by the age of 20 along with my brothers.

But at what cost?

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Word Count: 3288

Hi guys! I apologize for the late update with this fic. I know the chapter isn't as long as I hoped it would be for everyone anticipating its release. I've been busy since graduating from high school and already have to move and have visa problems. I hope this isn't the start of my writer's curse.

Or maybe it already started? I mean a ton of stuff has happened since the start of planning and writing this fic, but I can't exactly count them as effects of the writer's curse. Anyway I hope everyone has a pleasant day/evening and God bless

—NekoXIao