[Main Story 6-1]
Kiki:The preview for the upcoming autism episode has been leaked!
Kiki: It’s an unedited version without aliases for the orphanage and children!
Willow: And we still haven’t received approval from Loveland TV!
Kiki: It’s all over the net that we’re exploiting children with autism for publicity and profit…
{{MC}}: How did this happen?
Willow: Check the new employees! We must find out who did this!
Anna: How are we going to do that? New employees way outnumber the old now…
Kiki: Loveland TV just announced they’re severing ties with us! Now what?
Film Cutter: So, do we still have a show? Can I go home and get some sleep now?
Film Cutter: See y’all later.
Willow: The orphanage called, asking us for an explanation and to stop the show’s production.
Geez, when it rains, it pours.
{{MC}}: Quiet, all of you, and let me think.
Anna: LFG’s on the line, {{mc}}, they want to talk to you now.
{{MC}}: …Fine.
It can’t be about anything good…
Anna handed me the phone with a concerned expression.
I nodded to reassure her and took it.
{{MC}}: Hello?
Goldman: How can this happen when the funding process is at its most critical stage?
{{MC}}: I’m so sorry. The problem is being dealt with as we speak.
Goldman: I’m just calling to let you know the auditing process has been suspended.
{{MC}}: What?
{{MC}}: I know this sounds bad, but trust me when I say we can get through this!
Goldman: Well, this incident’s put a serious dent in your working relationship with Loveland TV.
Goldman: If it doesn’t work out, LFG will be forced to reevaluate the decision to back $c…
Goldman: Nothing personal, just business.
{{MC}}: Wait, I got more to say…
But Goldman had already hung up.
It’s all my fault for not taking precautions. I can’t imagine what this will do to the kids…
[Main Story 6-2]
I was tempted to call Victor.
I just couldn’t let the funding be put on hold, no matter what!
But when I scrolled down to his name, I reconsidered.
{{MC}}: Can’t call him. He wouldn’t help me, anyway.
{{MC}}: This is a pure business decision on LFG’s part, so I have to get myself out.
But I then I realized I had somehow already hit “call” when the phone’s screen light up.
And I never imagined Victor would pick it up so quickly. I froze.
Victor: Hello?
Victor: Well…aren’t you going to say anything?
{{MC}}: No. Sorry. Called you by mistake.
{{MC}}: Gotta go now.
Victor: Wait, wait, wait.
{{MC}}: What?
Victor: I heard your preview got leaked.
{{MC}}: Bad news sure travels fast.
Victor: Were you calling me for help?
{{MC}}: Nope, I can handle it on my own.
Victor: So you have a solution?
{{MC}}: Well, it’s more like an idea as of right now…
Victor: Let’s hear it.
{{MC}}: You sure?
Victor: I’ve heard worse from you before.
{{MC}}: First priority is to contact all the platforms and get them to delete the leaked footage ASAP.
Kiki heard me and made an “OK” sign at me from behind a computer screen.
Victor: Yes, there’s still time to catch and delete them.
{{MC}}: We’ll respond to Loveland TV’s statement and own up with a proper explanation.
{{MC}}: They got some facts wrong and attributed a lot of online speculations to us.
Victor: Don’t try to refute Loveland TV.
{{MC}}: Why?
Victor: So you want to throw the partnership with them away?
{{MC}}: …
Sure their statement wasn’t entirely correct, but we’re not in a position to fight them right now.
{{MC}}: Ah, I get it. I’ll issue a formal apology to them in a while.
Victor: Not a stupid move.
{{MC}}: We’re still going to make the show happen and I’ll fight with everything in me…
{{MC}}: So, I still have to convince the orphanage director somehow.
{{MC}}: Only after everything’s settled will I try to secure LFG’s funding again.
Victor: You’ve got three days. LFG won’t touch the studio’s funding before then.
{{MC}}: …Thanks.
I waited for Victor to hang up.
But all I got was total silence.
{{MC}}: ?
{{MC}}: Anything else?
Victor: Don’t let me down.
{{MC}}: Of course not!
I can do this. I can definitely do this.
If Victor thinks I can, then I will make it through this crisis.
Outside the editing room.
PR Councilor: What are you doing eavesdropping at the door, Goldman? When are we going in?
Goldman: Hey, be quiet!
He pulled out a phone and called Victor.
Goldman: Hey boss, I’ve been here for a while but you never answered my calls.
Goldman: No, no, no– I don’t mean anything by that…
Goldman: {{mc}} and her people seem to be holding a conference.
Goldman: So they don’t need help from our end?
From his office, Victor was on the phone with Goldman.
Victor: I already know. You can all come back now.
His mouth had curled up into a smile, even without him being aware.
[Main Story 6-5]
I went to Loveland TV the first chance I got following the press conference.
{{MC}}: I’m here to apologize.
Director Shawn: I read the apology. It was fairly well-stated.
{{MC}}: Thank you.
I’m glad for Victor’s input, or I’d probably be kicked out by now.
Director Shawn: But you can still forget about us working together.
Director Shawn: Billy, let Programming know to go through the list and pick an alternate show by tomorrow morning.
Little Chen: Okay!
{{MC}}: Uh, can we come back with a re-edited version…
The door shut with a resounding slam in my face.
{{MC}}: I didn’t even get to finish!
I could hear a bunch of laughter through the door.
Looks like I’ll be a laughing stock for Loveland staff for the next few days.
{{MC}}: I only wanted to get in on their selection process tomorrow! Is that asking too much?
The door reopened.
Little Chen: If you’ve got something for us to review, come back tomorrow morning.
Little Chen: I can’t wait to see what you can put together in one day.
The door shut again, and the laughter grew louder.
{{MC}}: …
{{MC}}: I’ll be back!
I got out of an elevator and ran smack into a massive crowd.
They seemed to be busy taping a show in the studio.
A young blond boy particularly stood out in the throng
A producer must’ve said something to make Kiro rub his head in embarrassment.
Should I go say hello?
Now’s not the time.
A “hello” wouldn’t hurt?
Better not. My company’s getting a bad rep and he shouldn’t be seen with me.
I stepped back and quietly watched the huge entourage jostling Kiro toward the studio.
I’d like to say hi to Kiro, but I could never get his attention with so many people between us.
All I could do was look in his direction and wave.
Guess that would have to do.
But Kiro must’ve sensed something and turned to look my way.
Our eyes met.
He waved back with a huge grin.
Still the same old warm smile that could light up a whole room.
I waved at him once more.
People around Kiro looked my way and started whispering among themselves.
Gossip travels as fast as bad news in the entertainment circle.
Kiro, though, seemed oblivious to all this.
Kiro: (Mouthing words) You look down?
He drew a question mark in the air.
I waved no and gave him a big smile back.
He laughed too.
One of the producers said something to him.
He pointed at the studio as if to tell me it was time for him to work.
I waved one last time.
{{MC}}: Okay, bye bye!
Everyone ushered Kiro into the studio like he was a king.
As I was leaving, someone called out to me.
Assistant: Excuse me, are you Miss {{mc}}? I’m Kiro’s assistant.
{{MC}}: Oh, how do you do? How can I be of help?
Assistant: Here, Kiro asked me to give you this.
I took a chocolate and a card from the assistant.
{{MC}}: Thank you.
The card read, “Invitation to Invite Kiro”, written with a Sharpie.
The small print below said, “The bearer is entitled to invite Kiro on a show, which he may not refuse.”
I cracked up laughing as I read the card.
Assistant: (Shaking her head) Kiro said don’t forget the backside.
Assistant: He was sure you’d miss it, so wanted me to remind you.
I flipped it over and it said, “Valid for Kiro’s entire career.”
1. Expiration: Never
2: Per prior agreement, this must be used.
3. You go, unsinkable Miss Chip!
The message was as crisp and unfettered as the person who wrote it.
{{MC}}: Thank you, and please thank him for me too.
{{MC}}: Tell him I will do my best.
Things aren’t so irreversibly hopeless yet.
I will make a standout show, one that will even impress the Programming Director.
I will make everyone who mocked me today look foolish tomorrow.
And I still have an important promise to fulfill.
I carefully put Kiro’s invitation away.
No sooner did the assistant get back inside the studio than Kiro approached.
Kiro: So, how’d it go? How’d it go?
Assistant: She said thanks, and she will do her best.
Kiro: Good, great to hear that.
Agent: Can we start the taping now?
Kiro: Hey, I’ve been getting ready!
Agent: Well, then take your spot and stop peeking at the exit!
Despite his agent’s nagging, Kiro remained his happy self.
Kiro: Okay, okay, I’ll take my spot now…
(Kiro’s text: Chocolate)https://mrlove.wiki.gg/wiki/Kiro_SMS:_Chocolate
[Main Story 6-8]
Just outside the orphanage.
Glasses Beard Man: Is the orphanage open today? Otherwise I gotta hustle over to Loveland TV.
Skinny Woman: Sir, I have official approval from the city. Let me in and we’ll make sure our report does you justice!
Intern Reporter: Are you here to do a report too? I’m pretty nervous since this is my first major assignment.
{{MC}}: …
{{MC}}: How come there are so many reporters here?
The crowd has me a little scared.
Doorkeeper Grandpa: I already told you we’re not open. Now shut up and scram!
I didn’t like the look of this and tried to sneak off, but the guard picked me out right away.
Doorkeeper Grandpa: Hey, that’s Miss {{mc}} from $c! Aren’t you all looking for her?
Everyone who was clamoring for the guard’s attention now all turned to look at me.
{{MC}}: Uh, look at the time! I gotta go…
I took off running, with the reporters not far behind.
Glasses Beard Man: Hey, talk to us if you got nothing to hide!
{{MC}}: Stop chasing me!
I ran aimlessly around the orphanage with a crowd in tow.
Skinny Woman: You’re not getting away from me that easy!
I took a sharp turn into a side alley.
And ran right into a man.
{{MC}}: Oh, I’m so sorry!
A familiar scent hit me full-on…
{{MC}}: Lucien?
Lucien: What?
The echoes of reporters’ footsteps thundered closer.
{{MC}}: I can’t talk right now, bye!
Seemingly realizing my plight, he grabbed me and ducked into a little old woodshed nearby.
It was long abandoned, and barely big enough to fit the both of us.
Inside, the scent of grass and mud was strong.
Lucien: (Whispers) Quiet, don’t say a word.
I nodded.
The stampede outside drew near.
Woman’s Voice: Where did she go?
Intern Reporter: I’m sure she ran this way.
Beard Man’s Voice: How did we end up here? This place is cursed! I’m leaving!
Intern Journalist: Why, what’s up with this place?
Woman’s Voice: Are you talking about the case from seventeen years ago?
What did she mean by the case seventeen years ago?
Did something terrible happen here?
I stared inquisitively at Lucien.
He looked at me and lightly shook his head.
We were close enough for me to hear his heartbeat.
Slow and steady.
As oppose to mine, fast and frenzied.
Hopefully no one else could hear it.
The crowd eventually went away.
{{MC}}: (Whispering) Lucien?
{{MC}}: They’re gone. We can go out now.
Lucien: Hold on. Let them get a little farther away.
He pulled me even closer.
{{MC}}: …Okay.
{{MC}}: …
{{MC}}: Now?
Lucien: Not yet.
{{MC}}: How much longer are we going to wait?
I looked at him and in such tight quarters, his mischievous smirk had nowhere to hide.
So it finally dawned on me…
{{MC}}: You! You played me!
I got mad and turned to walk out, only to smack my face on the door
Lucien reached out and rubbed where I was hit.
{{MC}}: Thanks…
Lucien: Be careful.
He pushed the stuck door open and got out first.
Then made sure the reporters were gone before coming back to get me.
Lucien: Those reporters left pretty fast!
{{MC}}: Really? I thought they…
I saw the same smirk in his eyes, realized what he meant by that, and held my tongue.
My face has to be pretty red right now.
Probably because I was cooped up in a small space for so long.
{{MC}}: Forget it. I’m leaving.
He grabbed hold of me.
Lucien: Fine, let’s not talk about them.
Lucien: But tell me, why were they chasing you?
{{MC}}: Well, it’s like this…
Lucien: So you came here to beg for the director’s forgiveness?
{{MC}}: Yeah, but I couldn’t get past the gate and almost got torn apart by reporters.
Lucien: Then you ran into me.
{{MC}}: Yes. Thanks for saving me.
Lucien: Come on. I’ll get you in.
{{MC}}: But they’re still hounding the gate…
Lucien: This way.
He opened a somewhat rusty gate and led me into a long-abandoned building.
{{MC}}: What’s this place?
Lucien: An old building abandoned by the orphanage, yet never demolished.
{{MC}}: Does it have anything to do with the case seventeen years back they mentioned?
Lucien: Yeah, it was a very unpleasant incident, so people think it’s cursed here.
{{MC}}: I see…
Lucien: This building is adjacent and actually connected to the orphanage.
{{MC}}: Good thing it’s still standing, or I could never hope to get into the orphanage.
Something popped into mind, and I turned quizzically toward Lucien.
{{MC}}: What were you doing here?
Lucien: Something happened here not too long ago that the director asked me to look into.
{{MC}}: What was it?
He turned and winked.
Lucien: It’s confidential.
{{MC}}: …
{{MC}}: Whatever. I don’t care to know, anyway.
I picked up my pace.
A cool breeze suddenly hit me, inexplicably stopping me in my tracks.
It was summer, yet the building appeared particularly gloomy.
Where did that strangely cool breeze came from.
Lucien: What?
{{MC}}: Something’s not feeling quite right over there.
Lucien: It’s been abandoned for so long, so it looks desolate.
{{MC}}: Is that all?
I looked in that direction.
Lucien: If you’re interested, I’ll take you next time.
{{MC}}: Sure.
I followed Lucien and hopped a low fence to the new buildings.
The premises were so clean and inviting, the polar opposite of the other side of the fence.
I glanced back at the old building.
{{MC}}: I couldn’t put my finger on why I felt something about it.
[Main Story 6-11]
President: …
The orphanage director frowned in silence for a long time.
{{MC}}: It’s the only way to resolve the crisis.
The director looked at Lucien for help.
Lucien: I trust you to make a wise decision.
President: All right. But you must let me approve the new version before anyone else.
{{MC}}: Thank you, and thank you for trusting us!
President: I only know that no friend of the professor would ever exploit the children.
{{MC}}: Of course.
I gave a grateful look to Lucien, who returned a smile.
I breathed a sigh of relief as I left the director’s office.
Finally, something went well.
Lucien: Any idea how to revise the script?
{{MC}}: My mind is still too flustered to even think about that!
{{MC}}: I’m running short on time, so I should go back.
{{MC}}: Thanks, Lucien.
Lucien: Got a minute to say hi to the kids?
{{MC}}: Now?
Lucien: Uh-huh.
Better not to go
Alright, I guess I should
Lucien: Are you feeling too ashamed to face them again?
{{MC}}: Yeah, a little bit.
{{MC}}: It’s because of me that they now have no privacy…
Lucien: How can you revise the script if you think that way?
Then a thought struck me like a lightning bolt.
Lucien: Come on, let’s go see the children who were on camera.
{{MC}}: After all, I exposed them to controversy…
{{MC}}: I should apologize to them.
Lucien: Is that what you think?
{{MC}}: Yes, I’m at fault here.
Lucien: Well, let’s see if they accept your apology, then.
We approached the special needs class and looked inside the window.
Everyone was studying as usual.
Unfazed by the media storm brewing outside the orphanage.
{{MC}}: Everyone seems to be going about their lives as normal, just like before.
Lucien: I don’t think you’ll be able to get them too excited about the trailer.
{{MC}}: Right…why should they be interested?
{{MC}}: This TV show I made is part of my world, not theirs.
Lucien: Right, so try not to beat yourself up too much.
Lucien: They are not blaming you either.
Lucien: Most of them aren’t as weak and vulnerable as we might think.
As I watched these kids, I suddenly remembered a line from the show.
{{MC}}: In some cultures, autistic children are called “Star Children”.
Lucien: Why?
{{MC}}: Well, it’s like each of them is a lonely star, shining in the vast universe.
{{MC}}: And when this world is too confusing, they have their own little world they can go to.
Lucien: I think you’ve got a new approach for the show…
{{MC}}: Yeah!
{{MC}}: Eureka!
A one-of-a-kind show guaranteed to make an impact just fell into place in my mind.
Whether it’s acclaimed, controversial, or even just a blip on the radar, I will make it happen!
{{MC}}: I gotta go tell the director my new idea!
Lucien: Watch out!
I would’ve ran into a tree if Lucien didn’t grab me in time.
{{MC}}: Thanks, Lucien!
I looked back at him, embarrassed.
{{MC}}: From rebooting Miracle Finder to revising this show, you’re my inspiration.
{{MC}}: I’m so glad to know you.
I let out a big grin as speckles of sunlight danced upon us through the leaves.
Lucien: …
Lucien: I’m glad too…
Lucien: To be there for you.
He let go of my hand as an afterthought.
{{MC}}: I feel we got to know each other better today.
{{MC}}: See you again.
Lucien: See you.
I waved at him, stepping back until I was completely clear of the tree before running off.
He looked so extra-gentle and warm standing beneath the camphor tree.
(Kiro’s call: Foodie’s Pact)
[Main Story 6-13]
This night, no one in the Miracle Company editing room was arguing or chit-chatting. Everyone was focused on the final cut.
I felt relieved watching everyone throwing themselves into the project.
At 2 a.m., a show document fell from my hand and hit me in the face, jarring me from a stupor.
{{MC}}: Oh no!
{{MC}}: No, no! Can’t doze off now!
I slapped myself in the face to wake myself up.
Anna: You should take a nap, or at least a break…
{{MC}}: No can do. I can’t be curled up in a corner while everyone’s working hard!
Anna: Well, it’s in editing now, so there’s nothing for you to do anyway.
Anna: We can all crash after it’s done, but you still have to go deal with Programming in the morning.
{{MC}}: Yeah, but…
Anna: No buts. Get some rest.
Anna handed me a pillow and snatched the file from my hand.
{{MC}}: Hmm, thanks.
It didn’t take long for me to go into a deep sleep.
I was in an abandoned alley,
when a dark figure appeared.
The wind raged with a strong smell of blood
as if it’s tearing the whole dream apart
“Gavin!”
I wanted to draw nearer
Gavin remained silent. It seemed dangerous and strange.
{{MC}}: Gavin!!!
I woke up startled.
With everybody in the editing room looking at me.
Willow: Pbbffff!
And they all started laughing along too.
{{MC}}: What’s so funny?
Willow: Tsk, tsk… What was in your dream to make you wake up calling his name?
Anna: I kind of feel sorry for Victor.
Kiki: Then I shall protest on Kiro’s behalf.
Film Cutter: What about Professor Lucien? You left him out!
{{MC}}: What are you talking about?
{{MC}}: Forget it and get back to work!
I ran out to the balcony and left my taunting staff behind.
But my heart was still beating out of my chest.
{{MC}}: Why was I suddenly having this kind of dream?
I stared out into the night and lost myself in the darkness.
I snapped out of it and decided to ring Gavin up.
Phone: “Please leave a message…”
{{MC}}: He didn’t pick up.
The time on the phone showed 4:00 a.m.
{{MC}}: It was too early to call anybody.
{{MC}}: The nap must have messed me up.
But the dream I had, was it telling me something?
I clutched my chest and tried wishing the bad feeling away.
The silver bracelet on my wrist flickered.
The night breeze caressed my face.
(Flashback start)
Gavin: You asked how I knew you were in danger.
Gavin: As long as you’re in the wind, I can find you.
(Flashback ends)
{{MC}}: If you can find me, then just show up, will you?
{{MC}}: Tell me not to worry. Tell me it was just a dream, nothing more.
[Main Story 6-16]
Early the following morning. Loveland TV Programming Dept.
{{MC}}: This show tries to lead the audience on a journey through the unique perspective of each child.
{{MC}}: Every child with autism has their own little world in a vast universe.
{{MC}}: That’s what we believe.
Director Shawn: {{mc}}.
{{MC}}: Yes?
Director Shawn: I remembered when I worked with your father twenty years ago.
That brought a smile to my face.
{{MC}}: I believe my father would love this approach.
Director Shawn: I’m sure of that. Now go surpass his expectations.
Director Shawn: We’re slotting it in on the schedule now.
{{MC}}: Wonderful! I will, and thank you!
I left the building and hailed a cab.
{{MC}}: LFG, please.
I did it!
Just one last thing left now…
{{MC}}: …So that’s all.
{{MC}}: Is there anything you’d like to know?
I was in Victor’s office, recounting how I dealt with the crisis.
He stared quietly at me. It was rather unnerving.
Especially since he could always find something to nitpick even when no one else had a problem.
Victor: No.
{{MC}}: Huh?
Victor: I have nothing more to say. You did well this time.
{{MC}}: Really?
I wasn’t used to him praising me, and it actually made me uncomfortable.
I somehow felt he hadn’t finished yet.
Victor: But…
I knew it. Here it comes…
I braced myself.
Victor: The call you made. You didn’t really mean to call me, did you?
{{MC}}: No, I planned to handle it myself, then call you back to discuss funding.
{{MC}}: I knew the suspension was just standard operating procedure, so you wouldn’t help me anyway.
{{MC}}: I dialed you by accident because I was flustered.
Victor’s expression became grimmer and grimmer.
{{MC}}: Uh, what’s wrong?
Victor: So you think I’m that cold-hearted?
No… not like that.
Right
{{MC}}: Well, it’s just, you never cared about us small fish, always treat people like fools…
{{MC}}: That’s right.
Victor: …
{{MC}}: If that’s all, I’ll take my leave now.
Feeling a little out of line, I tried to slip out of the office.
Victor: Wait.
{{MC}}: I shouldn’t have said that, sir. Pretend you never heard any of it.
Victor: I’m leaving too. I’ll give you a lift home.
{{MC}}: Ah?
Did I hear that right. He wanted to give me a lift?
He stood up and walked over to me.
Victor: Let’s go.
He took my hand and walked me out of the office allowing no explanation.
Goldman: Hey boss, check this out…
Goldman saw me come out hand-in-hand with Victor and froze in surprise.
As did other personnel in the room. I thought about withdrawing my hand but couldn’t.
I awkwardly said hi to Goldman.
{{MC}}: Excuse me… I gotta go… I’ll get in touch about the funding another time.
Goldman: … Uh, goodbye…
Victor let go of my hand after we got into the elevator.
{{MC}}: What were you doing, Victor?
Victor: Showing I have a heart.
{{MC}}: What?
Victor: Next time, don’t try to do everything all alone.
Victor: When have I ever not helped you out?
Well, when you put it that way…
{{MC}}: But you do always treat me like I’m a fool.
Victor: Aren’t you though?
{{MC}}: Of course not!
He laughed, but more so at the hilarity of my denial.
I turned away from him with a huff.
Victor: Maybe I am the fool.
{{MC}}: Huh? What was that?
Victor: Nothing. Let’s go.
Victor got off at the lobby.
I followed in a rush.
{{MC}}: Did you just say you’re a fool?
Victor: Nope. I didn’t say a thing.
{{MC}}: But I heard you!
{{MC}}: You said you’re a fool!
Victor: You heard wrong.
Victor seemed in a particularly good mood today.
And that was making me giddy as well.
(Lucien’s call: About the Orphanage)
[Main Story 6-19]
On the TV screen, a starry sky cut to a drawing as a boy dropped a brush to look at the world outside.
The shot zoomed in on his expression.
A montage showing the smile of every kid appearing in the program followed.
The children and I watched it in the orphanage’s projection room together.
Lucien: The final cut came out better than I imagined.
{{MC}}: Really? That’s fantastic!
President: This is the first program I’ve seen that moved me so deeply, {{mc}}!
{{MC}}: And I really appreciate you giving me a second chance in life!
{{MC}}: Wait, no. What did I say? I’m just so excited…
President: Ha, just look at you now…
{{MC}}: We’ll never make the same mistake again, not for any other shows too. Thank you!
President: All ended well. Look at it this way, you wouldn’t have something this good without the crisis!
President: It’s fate. We hit rough patches with the orphanage too, so don’t worry. Everything works out.
{{MC}}: You are right, thank you.
{{MC}}: But would you mind telling me, what has the orphanage been through?
{{MC}}: And I promise it’s just between us!
President: I believe you. It’s a long story so I’ll tell you next time.
{{MC}}: Sure.
It was overcast when I left the room.
Layers of dark cloud overtook what used to be a sunny sky.
In the stifling heat of the summer evening, it gave off a strange sense of beauty.
{{MC}}: This is rather peculiar… maybe a thunderstorm’s coming.
Lucien stopped in his tracks.
{{MC}}: A hurricane? But it wasn’t in the forecast…
No sooner did he finish, a gale whipped through that uprooted loose vines and debris.
{{MC}}: How did we get here?
We were at the abandoned building Lucien brought me to before.
I moved closer to Lucien out of trepidation.
Lucien: Oh, we must have wandered here unwittingly.
My heart was pumping faster and faster.
{{MC}}: I have a bad feeling about this…
Lucien got in front of me to block the howling wind.
Lucien: Because the wind’s really kicking up?
I smelled rusty iron in the air, and Lucien’s voice sounded farther away.
It felt like something pricked my heart. The rising pain was making me lose consciousness.
I put my hand up to shield my eyes and got out from behind Lucien.
Another gale swept by as I spotted a dark silhouette before me.
The bloody scent recalled the nightmare I buried deep inside me.
Gavin stood in front of the old building, not speaking a word.
{{MC}}: Gavin!
I shouted his name as loud as I could, but it was lost in the wind.
Lucien grabbed hold of me.
Lucien: Stay back. He’s dangerous.
The wind soared and shoved the clouds about as the sky turned deathly dark and roared with thunder!
The lightning outlined Gavin’s face, revealing a threatening and unfamiliar expression.
A flurry of wind and lightning rushed toward us.
I instinctively moved back, but Lucien held me still.
An invisible barrier spread before me, dissipating the incoming storm.
{{MC}}: Lucien?
What did you do?
Is Lucien an Evolver too?
Lucien kept his eyes fixed on Gavin and even smiled.
Lucien: Don’t let go of my hand.
Gavin looked at me and raised his gun.
Gavin: Get outta here.
{{MC}}: No…
Gavin would never hurt me.
Gavin: Anyone might hurt you, but I’m the least likely to.
Gavin patted my head gently.
He took aim without an ounce of hesitation.
He aimed at me coldly…
Shooting to kill…
The muzzle flashed.
BLAM!
The bullet pierced the barrier and glided along on the wind’s trajectory at me.
If we could turn back time, I bet we would still end up here.
It’s not fate, or a trap cleverly laid.
It’s because I am me, and you are you.
We’d make the same decisions and embark on the same paths to the same end.
The gale ripped a corner off the cruel truth.
The past me died in that moment.