"I wouldn't give you the pleasure." The Yeerk spat.
"Edward, I'm well aware of that. It seems that it shall be necessary, but I know that my brother will forgive me."
The Yeerk tensed up for a moment.
"What is it, slug?"
"You're serious, aren't you? You'd let your twin go through that?"
"Of course, if it saves him. He'd do the same, if it were me."
"No, he wouldn't."
"If you aren't going to leave him, why do you persist in arguing? Can't you starve to death quietly?"
That shut him up for a moment.
He spoke again.
"Alright. I was bluffing. I'll do it. Just...do you promise to make it quick?"
"On my word as a Scot. Ask Him what that means."
"I understand."
Slowly, the slug oozed out of Alistair's ear. I flicked it off his shoulder.
It landed on the ground.
I drew my knife and sliced it into three pieces. I stomped the pieces. I spat on them.
"Th-thank you."
Alistair took over stomping.
"Ali, let's go home."
"Home."
The longing in his voice brought tears to my eyes. I hugged my brother for what felt like forever.
"Home." He repeated. "Yeah. That sounds good."
I wrapped my arm around my brother's waist, supporting him as he regained control of his balance.
We walked slowly home, not caring if the others followed or not.
I had my brother back.
So, the rest of the world could just cheerfully go away and screw itself, as long as it left us alone.
I had my brother back, and nothing else mattered.