Chapter 4: Monyet Cemas

"Today's the day, pup," barked Kambing as he kicked Monyet awake. "If we're going to stop the Brigade in their tracks, the best defence is a good offence. We'll get 'em before they even start."

Monyet whimpered in protest—it wasn't even first face yet. Still, he didn't want to upset his prior.

"I hope you've gotten over what had you so riled up two days ago," Kambing snapped, shoving the torch in Monyet's hands. "This kind of behaviour's getting old. I'll send you back to the hole if you don't shape up soon."

He gulped in nervousness. Kambing had been strict, but he wasn't cruel. He didn't want to go back to a life of aimless drifting. Trembling all the same, he nodded in agreement. As much as his visions frightened him—

The very idea scared him back enough to send him hurtling back under his covers. "Hoy!" Kambing called, cross, as he tore the covers off the bed. "What did I say?!"

It was so much to have to deal with! Why did he have to go on this mission? Gritting his teeth, Monyet crawled back out of bed and grasped the torch in his hands, but he couldn't get his feet to move.

"Come on," his prior barked, grabbing him by the scruff of the neck. He pulled Monyet's tunic over him and handed him a pack besides. "At least carry this crap, if you aren't going to put your base to use."

Monyet nodded in obedience, still terrified at the prospect of what lay ahead for them. He couldn't even put to words what was so scary—just that he couldn't bear to face it. He wasn't even sure that Kambing would...

The prior threw open the door, practically dragging Monyet out by his arm. It wasn't any good warning him about what was to come, or that their mission wouldn't succeed the way Kambing expected, nor was it any good telling himself that he would be better off—

Tears welling in his eyes, Monyet dropped his things and latched tightly onto his prior's leg, not willing to let go for anything. It was a trying time getting as far as they had, and he still got nightmares from some of the things they had endured as prior and sub, but even knowing what was coming didn't make the future any easier to face.

"Monyet!" Kambing shouted, grabbing the pup's shoulder and trying to pry him off. "What—" Then he seemed to catch on. "Is this about the mission?"

Nod.

"The Brigade?"

Nod.

"Will they succeed?"

Pause. Shrug.

"Will we?"

Head shake.

This seemed to get Kambing's attention. "You aren't just trying to get out of going, are you?"

Violent head shake. He knew better than to disobey, regardless of his fears.

The prior deliberated before asking his next question, knowing full well that asking more questions hindered, rather than helped, Monyet perform his work. "Will there be any deaths?"

Slow nod.

"This changes things." Kambing scratched his whiskers in concern. "I hadn't planned for things to turn out this way. Will our mission affect who lives and who dies?"

Monyet hadn't plumbed that far. He closed his eyes, delving into the void, that infinite emptiness—

He leapt back in fear, grabbing onto Kambing's leg again for comfort.

"Well? Yes or no?"

Very, VERY slow head shake.

"Then it's decided." Kambing hefted his pack onto his shoulder, picking up the torch and smaller pack and thrusting them into Monyet's arms. "We will continue as planned. No more hesitation out of you, pup."

It was difficult looking into his prior's eyes, even if it might be the last time he would get the chance.