Brandon ignored Illya, and neared Zeke.
"Yo, Zeke. What does this make it? Five times?"
He had been tortured four times, making this the fifth.
However, Brandon was confident he could get something out of Zeke this time.
Fifth time's the charm.
"Fu–ck you! Ptui!"
Zeke spat out, his saliva almost landing on Brandon.
However, a malicious grin spread across Brandon's features.
"You shouldn't waste your spit like that, Zeke. Who knows when you'll be able to drink...."
At that moment, Brandon revealed what he had been hiding behind him. With his hands clasped behind his back, Brandon presented a bottle of cool water.
Then, he continued.
"Water."
"Haaa...."
Zeke's mouth opened wide. His lips looked parched, and for a second, Brandon could see his mouth start frothing.
"Plea–se...."
Brandon waved him off and started twisting the bottle cap.
Then, he gulped down.
"Haaa....."
Zeke looked at him with a defeated expression.
Wiping his mouth, Brandon looked down at Zeke. The corner of his lips pulled up to a grin.
"Oh, sorry, was quite thirsty."
Setting the bottle down, Brandon pursed his lips.
"Now where was I?"
"Wa–ter.... Please...."
"Heh."
Brandon couldn't help but scoff.
This entire situation was quite familiar.
In fact, his hands were quite itchy.
For that reason, he scratched the itch.
Crack—!
He cracked his knuckles. Crack. Crack—!
He felt like cracking this bastard's bones right now.
For some reason, the image of Lumian wouldn't leave his mind.
He could remember the day he had killed him as if it were yesterday.
Good times, if he had to say.
Maybe he should just....?
But he broke out of his thoughts as he turned to the side. He didn't want Illya to see an unsightly sight of him.
At the moment, his image from the Primordials' members was still good.
No, should he just....?
"Maybe later."
Then, he returned his attention back to Zeke.
"Feel like talking now?"
"Wa–ter...."
"This?"
Brandon grabbed the water bottle. Then, he twisted the cap and began to slowly pour the water down on the ground.
"It's yours by the way. The longer you stall, the more I do this."
"....Wa–ter."
Swish—! Swish—!
"Ukh...!"
But despite Illya's brutal beating, her expression remained calm and steady, kind of empty even.
Her entire demeanor was eerie, and for a second, Brandon could swear he felt goosebumps all over.
"Uh, Illya?"
"Hm?"
Illya turned around, her head tilting.
"Yes?"
"I think that's enough. You might kill him at this point."
"...."
Illya nodded her head in response.
Then, she stepped back, allowing Brandon to move close to Zeke.
Lifting Zeke's head up, Brandon stared indefinitely at Zeke.
"Still feel like talking?"
"....Wa–ter."
"Illya!"
Brandon exclaimed, calling for Illya.
For that reason, Illya did what had to be done.
Swish—! Swish—!
"Kah...!"
***
"Good job, Illya. But he still doesn't want to talk."
"...."
A sad expression spread across Illya's features.
She had done all she could to assist Brandon.
Truth be told, she didn't particularly care whether they got something out of Zeke or not.
She was merely here because she was bored.
That, and she wanted to observe Brandon.
After all, Illya harbored a lot of respect for Ciel.
Of course, it wasn't just her, but every Primordials seated member.
But for Illya, she could admit to herself that she was the closest with Ciel.
Often seeing her as a big sister figure.
After finding out Ciel had died....
Killed.... by this man in front of him, Illya harbored malicious intent towards Brandon.
She was still feeling it now, and if she could, she would kill him on the spot.
However, that isn't what Ciel wanted.
For that reason, she wanted to understand Ciel's decisions, why she chose Brandon Locke, and why she allowed Brandon Locke to kill her.
Is following this man worth it?
"I've got an idea. But keep it a secret between us."
"....?"
Illya tilted her head curiously.
This man had a lot of secrets, Illya was quite aware of that.
However, the fact that he openly admitted he had killed Ciel, maybe there was something more to him.
Then, Brandon grabbed Zeke's head.
"Hey,"
"Huu...."
"Open your mouth."