[EN] MLQC Chapter 15 – Name of Faith

[Main Story 15-01]

Through the fog and clouds,

iI kept falling, like a bird with a broken wing.

The fog dispersed. I was stuck between grey walls,

with countless threads scattered around.

I tried to escape, but soft threads turned into

the sharpest blades.

A drop of scarlet blood slid off my arm.

Suddenly, the world began to shake

The grey walls collapsed bit by bit.

A fierce wind tore the threads.

A broken shadow appeared right before me.

19:17.

Sunlight was fading fast from the overcast sky.

Streams of people criss-crossed the central square, none noticing that man standing among them.

On his face was a blank look of confusion.

He looked at the large clock on a shopping mall, the numbers ticking away. 2028.

This was 2028. This was the future.

One step, two, three… The man quickly recovered from his confusion and entered the crowd.

There was so much he wanted to know. He ended up standing on the side of the road for a long while.

“Beep-beep–“

A black car sped past him. The image of the man inside was burned on his retinas.

That was Victor. From 10 years in the future.

Victor couldn’t see himself. He could only watch as the car drove off. His pinky suddenly twitched.

Victor navigated the streets from memory, but his destination, a once-familiar office building, was now a museum of steel and glass.

At this hour, the museum was cold and cheerless. Carved on a stone slab was its name and the year it was built. Many years really had passed.

Victor: What… happened?

The sound of a piano, mechanical yet mild, wafted in the air, hitting Victor’s ears.

He halted his step a moment, then he walked toward the sound.

[Main Story 15-02]

??: {{mc}}.

In a dream, a far-off voice seems to be calling my name.

I stand between the boundless earth and sky, the roar of footsteps rushing at me from all sides.

In my panic, I want to run, but I can’t move. The ground is spattered with a trail of blood.

At the end of a broken bridge stands the figure of a person.

Who is it?

As pain pierced my brain, the scene from the dream disappeared along with any hope of further sleep.

I rubbed my throbbing temples and looked at the sunlight shining in through the window.

The clock approached 12. Sounds of bustling streets and swaying trees told me all was peaceful.

*Vrrr-vrrr* My phone vibrated. A picture from Kiki of the company’s re-opening party.

Willow had smeared cake all over Minor’s face. Anna and Kiki were tending the barbecue. They even photoshopped my face in the background.

I let out a laugh and replied with a “jealous” emoji.

I put down the phone and stared blankly at the ceiling and my unchanged room, trance-like.

It felt like if I closed my eyes, I’d still be able to feel that weightlessness of falling.

I felt the gingko leaf on my wrist and tried to drive this surreal feeling out of my head.

Then I just kept telling myself, that’s all in the past…

…that my life had returned to normal, that I could go back to the same, peaceful life.

But could I really convince myself of that now?

I sat up from the bed and opened the window.

That old scene flashed again before my eyes.

Those pairs of eyes– peaceful, cold, pained, resolute– still appeared vividly before me.

The TV tower wasn’t a dream. Nor was the break with Lucien, Victor going missing, or the painful goodbye with Kiro.

Nor was a blood-soaked Gavin, holding me till the end. None of them were a dream.

After coming out of my coma, I rested at Special Task Force for several days before returning home.

Gavin would often come check on me, even though he stayed silent about what happened that day.

Time moved on, and news about that day dried up. The whole TV tower incident was put to bed.

But in my heart, I never got over it.

*Knock-knock-knock*

There were three knocks at the door. I opened it and saw Gavin standing there.

Gavin: How are you feeling today?

Gavin walked in, his eyes on me. A look of tender concern flickered through them.

Gavin: Did you have another nightmare?

I shook my head and hastily wiped away a tear that had suddenly formed in the corner of my eye.

Gavin: Don’t move.

Gavin held back my hand, took out a tissue, and gently wiped the remnant of the tear from my face.

{{MC}}: I’m fine.

I tried to feign a look of nonchalance and forced out a weak smile.

Gavin: You don’t look fine.

Gavin kept his hold on my hand. His brow furrowed, but his tone stayed even.

{{MC}}: …I– I just feel a little uneasy.

{{MC}}: Was there really no effect from what happened that day?

Gavin let out a sigh, then he pulled up a chair and had me sit down.

Gavin: Our monitoring of Black Swan ends today. As of late, there have been no more Evol disturbances.

Gavin: We’re fairly confident there will be no follow-up incidents.

{{MC}}: Then that’s great!

This was the best news I’d had in a while. With that weight lifted, I let out a real smile.

Although I don’t know how things ended so quickly. Was it really because I flipped that switch?

As strange as it felt, it was good news nonetheless that things really were over.

My gaze fell on Gavin. He was looking off somewhere, seemingly pondering something.

{{MC}}: And your injuries? Are you all better?

Gavin: The wounds are all pretty much healed. I’ll be back to active duty in a few days.

{{MC}}: That quick?

I was astonished again at Gavin’s recovery ability. Just one week ago he was wrapped up in bandages.

I never imagined he’d be pretty much healed in a few days.

Gavin: Well, I think it wasn’t quick enough.

{{MC}}: You…

Gavin: This condition you’re in worries me.

Gavin looked at me, eyes full of concern. He opened his mouth to tell me something, but then didn’t.

Is he always worrying about me?

Worrying about my health? About my nightmares? About this thing I can’t let go of?

An inexplicable feeling welled up in my chest.

I shook my head–

{{MC}}: I’m just gonna need a little time. Relax, I’ll be fine.

Gavin blinked, and then he stood up and placed his hands on my shoulders.

Gavin: {{mc}}, you don’t need to put up a front.

Gavin: Whatever’s eating at you, you can tell me.

After a pause, Gavin added:

Gavin: Any time at all. I’m always here.

He spoke firmly and earnestly. It felt like two hands were slowly lifting my heart out of a ravine.

{{MC}}: Gavin…

Maybe because of all I’d been through, I found myself less and less able to control my emotions.

Like just now. Tears trickled again out of the corners of my eyes.

Gavin seemed a bit stunned, then he took a tissue and carefully wiped them away.

Gavin: …It’s okay to cry.

The sunlight fell on his face, inches from mine, in a bright, clear streak.

My tears turned into a smile, stunning Gavin again. After a moment of confusion, he smiled too.

Gavin standing here wasn’t a dream. The sunlight wasn’t a dream. I couldn’t keep going on like this.

No matter how uneasy or confused I felt, I had to pull myself together.

Looking at Gavin, I couldn’t help but remember what happened that day.

{{MC}}: How did you manage to get there in the end?

Gavin raised his eyebrows, seemingly not expecting I’d ask.

Gavin: I sensed you, so I came.

{{MC}}: That’s it?

Gavin: …Yeah, that’s it.

Gavin turned to the side. His expression seemed a little off.

Gavin: Why do you ask?

{{MC}}: Oh… no reason. Just popped into my head.

Actually, I had wanted to ask for a long time. I really wanted to know the answer.

But what I wanted to ask even more was:

Why were you injured all over then?

Why did you hold me and fall with me?

But seeing Gavin’s expression, I kept my questions stuffed down and let him leave without asking.

Maybe he wasn’t telling me because he didn’t want to worry me further.

After all, with all I’d been through, I still wasn’t in the best mental state.

After things have really settled down, when Gavin’s no longer worried for me, I’ll ask again.

[Main Story 15-04]

I had that dream again, for many days in a row now.

A hazy world, the hazy silhouette. Only the spattered blood was piercingly, scorchingly clear.

That figure in my view grew farther and farther away. I reached out but could only clutch the air.

Who… is he…

I wrestled open my eyes and found that I was lying over the table.

Why have I kept having this same dream ever since coming out of that coma?

And why did that person in the dream seem so familiar?

And the blood all over the ground– was it his?

I didn’t know. I just stared blankly out the window at the night sky, my heart thumping ceaselessly.

The steady buzz of the cicadas made it difficult to sleep.

Rather than fight it, I opened the window, leaned on the sill, and looked out on the city before me.

A sliver of moon, a trickle of pedestrians, and the sound of far-off laughter infused the night air.

No hazy world or hazy silhouettes, just a city at its most commonplace.

I guess my dream just now was just an ordinary nightmare.

The gingko leaf on my wrist glittered in the moonlight, like it was sighing in relief too.

My heart slowly settled back down. That day’s memory flashed in my mind again: Gavin’s gentle wiping of my tears, and his firm words.

I caressed the bracelet, and my mouth curled up in a smile.

{{MC}}: It’s because of you that Gavin is always able to sense me, isn’t it…?

??: That’s not it.

I popped my head up and saw Gavin on the balcony, leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets. The moonlight fell on him clear and bright.

Gavin: I can find you whether you have that or not.

He winked at me as his mouth broke into a tender smile.

That’s strange. I could feel a wind stirring over my heart, but there wasn’t any breeze.

We stayed like that, standing a bit a part, staring at each other.

Gavin: Come with me somewhere.

{{MC}}: Now?

Gavin: Now.

The next moment, a slender hand was extended out before me.

Gavin looked at me, his eyes glittering with starlight.

I didn’t hesitate or stop to ask. I just put my hand in his.

My body seemed to go weightless, and I reached out, but Gavin already pulled me into his arms.

Huge swaths of cloud rushed past us. I felt like I could reach up and touch the moon.

{{MC}}: What brought you here all of a sudden?

Gavin: Ahem. I was thinking of you, so I came.

My gaze swept over Gavin’s face. The tips of his ears were tinged with a hint of red.

So bright even the night couldn’t hide it.

High above the world, I couldn’t hear cicadas or people, just the sound of a heart beating.

Even the wind blowing past us felt warm.

{{MC}}: Where are we going?

Gavin: You’ll see when we get there.

Gavin: Hold tight.

Gavin glanced down at me and then started flying faster.

A white light suddenly appeared before me, and next to it, the glistening river surface.

This place, being near the TV tower, was evacuated two months ago, so all construction had stopped.

Why did Gavin bring me here?

I was about to ask when Gavin started slowly bringing me back down to the ground.

After our feet touched the ground, I saw before me a towering Ferris wheel.

This was where they had been building Loveland City’s tallest Ferris wheel. If it weren’t for the TV tower incident, it probably would’ve been open by now.

Not like it currently was, standing abandoned by the riverside.

{{MC}}: This is where you wanted to take me?

Gavin: Wanna ride it?

Gavin didn’t answer my question, and he didn’t let go of me either, instead gripping me tighter.

{{MC}}: But it hasn’t opened yet, has it?

Hearing this, Gavin arched his eyebrow and shot me a glance.

Gavin: You just need to answer, yes or no.

Looking at the giant Ferris wheel before me, I couldn’t help but nod…

{{MC}}: Yes.

Gavin: Wait for me a sec.

Gavin gave me his jacket and walked off toward a little room.

[Main Story 15-06]

Clutching his jacket, I stood in place.

A smaller Ferris wheel emerged from my memory, and an unfulfilled promise with my dad.

It must’ve been my 9th birthday. I had been bugging Dad to ride the newly-built Ferris wheel, but when my birthday came, he didn’t show up.

A cold wind blew, and I felt a tightness in my chest.

But then, a star-shaped light illuminated the darkness in front of me.

Then two, three, four… countless lights lit up, turning the Ferris wheel into a star-ringed moon.

*Ka-chunk* The cabins started moving, and a plume of smoke seemed to come out from the bottom.

The Ferris wheel… was really on!

Gavin: Which color cabin do you want to sit in?

{{MC}}: Um… that one, the blue one!

My eyes were instantly drawn to the cabin painted like a starry sky.

In no time, we were inside it and being whisked upward toward the stars.

As the door shut slowly behind me, I sat next to Gavin, my heart racing with excitement.

{{MC}}: I can’t believe we’re actually riding the Ferris wheel! How did you do this?

Gavin was looking out the window, then turned his eyes to me.

Gavin: Ahem– I have my ways. But that’s not for you to ask.

I didn’t press the issue and just gawked out the window at the view.

The city slowly spread out before us, tranquil and serene. The moon reflected on the still river.

In the cramped little cabin, the only sound was our lingering breaths.

I turned to see Gavin, his face half-illuminated by the moonlight and mesmerizingly tender.

{{MC}}: Gavin…

Gavin: What?

{{MC}}: Why did you want to take me to ride the Ferris wheel?

Gavin lowered his eyes, his bangs falling over his brow. Then he pointed out at a tall building.

Gavin: See that? That’s your company’s building.

Gavin: Next door is a new science museum. On the right is the sports stadium, just emptying out.

Gavin didn’t answer my question. Instead he just pointed out buildings and described them.

Why was he telling me this?

Gavin: This is the city I see every day when I’m out on missions.

Then he paused a moment and looked me earnestly in the eye–

Gavin: And it’s the city that you succeeded in protecting.

Gavin: We should look at it together.

This… was the city restored to normal by my efforts?

This is what Gavin wanted to tell me?

I suddenly felt as if I’d been struck in the chest.

Gavin: Without you, this Ferris wheel would’ve stopped construction long ago, and those people wouldn’t be back to living their normal lives.

Gavin: You saved them.

Then he took my hand–

Gavin: And you saved me.

His eyes were aglow, brighter than the stars, more brilliant than the moon.

So bright I almost couldn’t bring myself to look at him.

Gavin: Don’t look down. Look at me.

Gavin: Don’t let yourself feel unsafe, or that you’re useless.

Gavin: I was falling, and you caught me again.

Too many emotions flickered and flashed in Gavin’s eyes.

The whole cabin suddenly stopped. The air grew still– only my heart kept racing.

As we reached the top of the Ferris wheel, the image of Gavin now and then slowly merged.

I couldn’t help but think of that moment of despair.

But it wasn’t until that moment when Gavin caught me that I realized, I was scared to death.

I didn’t want to give up this place, all these people, and the bonds I’d formed.

So I grabbed on for dear life, clung to that man who was always there to catch me when I’m falling.

The thick smell of blood, the slight breeze, and our life-and-death embrace.

I never imagined in that moment that Gavin was in greater danger than I.

My tears, unable to be held back anymore, fell in streams from my eyes.

{{MC}}: Gavin… thank you for telling me this…

{{MC}}: But you know, it was never me catching you. It’s always been you catching me…

{{MC}}: Every danger, every moment of life and death, it’s always you…

Through my tears, I poured out my heart to Gavin, telling him everything I’d been holding in.

{{MC}}: Since coming to, I’ve felt like I shouldn’t be here, like the danger’s not gone.

{{MC}}: I can’t let it go, but I didn’t want to burden you with it either…

The next moment, Gavin had me wrapped up in a tight embrace.

With it, he took all my tears, all the unsaid words, all my worries and regrets.

Gavin: It’s not a burden.

Gavin: You will never be a burden to me.

Gavin spoke with conviction, and there was a hint of tears in his voice too.

My heart quivered, feeling as if it had been drenched by a storm.

{{MC}}: I will remember that. And I will work hard to feel at peace.

At that moment, it felt like the walls around my heart had fallen, letting in countless rays of sun.

All of the unease, suffering, doubt, pain and hesitation just evaporated.

[Main Story 15-07]

Gavin let go, looked at the traces of tears on my face, and sighed.

He looked away, seemingly embarrassed, and then wiped my tears gently with the inside of his jacket.

I couldn’t help but laugh at this.

Gavin paused a moment, and then he put down his jacket and caressed my cheek with his fingertip.

Gavin: That’s better.

Gavin took back his hand, then turned his head awkwardly toward the window and looked up.

The night lingered peacefully around us, and his tender, honest eyes lingered on the scene.

The cabin had already passed its zenith and had begun slowly arcing back down.

{{MC}}: I didn’t think the Ferris wheel would turn so fast…

Gavin: Want to ride it again?

{{MC}}: No, just doing it this one time will be enough to remember for a long while.

Gavin: Why do you say that?

{{MC}}: You’ll probably laugh, but I’ve never ridden a Ferris wheel with anyone before.

{{MC}}: All the other times I was either by myself or stood up by someone.

Gavin stared at me with his bright eyes, and my heart started beating wildly.

{{MC}}: Thank you for riding the Ferris wheel with me. I’m truly happy…

Thank you for telling me that this city is better because of me.

Thank you for your comfort, your embrace, your concern. I have felt them all.

Gavin: If you ever wanna ride again, just let me know. Any time at all.

Gavin: I’ll always go with you.

{{MC}}: Okay…

I nodded and stayed silent, enjoying this final little sliver of time.

*Creak–* The cabin shook under foot.

The ride… had stopped.

The tender feeling that still hung in the air suddenly turned awkward.

Gavin and I exchanged looks–

Gavin & Me: I–

Gavin & Me: You–

*Pbbff* We both laughed.

{{MC}}: What should we do now?

Gavin: Sit towards the middle.

With one hand around me, Gavin cracked open the window. A breeze streamed in through the crack.

The next second, it felt as if some force was slowly pushing our cabin.

Was it the wind?

I thought he would open the cabin door and fly me down.

I turned and looked at Gavin’s windswept bangs and his assuring smile.

As if he could feel me staring, Gavin turned his head and slightly raised an eyebrow.

Gavin: What?

{{MC}}: You… I thought you would open the door and fly me down from here.

Gavin: We haven’t come full circle. I promised you.

He spoke frankly and unequivocally, with all the certainty and directness of eternity.

I suddenly felt dizzy. I didn’t even feel the faint drizzle drifting in through the window.

The Ferris wheel gradually reached the ground. The cabin door opened, and heavy rain hit my face.

Gavin pulled me over to an awning out of the rain.

Summer rain always comes sudden and fierce. The cloudy sky gave no signs of letting up.

Under the narrow awning, we were getting wetter and wetter.

Gavin: {{mc}}, you okay with getting wet?

The abrupt question caught me off guard. I nodded reflexively.

{{MC}}: What do you mean…

Before I could finish, Gavin pulled on my wrist, plunging us headlong into the driving rain.

Then, Gavin’s big jacket was spread over my head.

I was enveloped by his scent.

For a moment, I felt like time was running backward, like I had been in this same rain with this same person before.

We walked through puddle after puddle along the humid riverbank, our shadows growing long.

The rain seemed to be washing my heart clean, leaving it refreshed.

With each step I took, I splashed away my worries and gloom.

Gavin: Still feeling down?

Gavin’s voice was very high.

{{MC}}: Not a bit!

A smile broke out on his face, and that devil-may-care twinkle had returned to his eye.

Gavin: Then let’s pick up the pace–

The water splashed around us, and Gavin tightened his grip on my hand.

I suddenly felt as if I were running down a long tunnel of time, enveloped by the howling wind.

Carefree 16, troubled 17, transformative 18, mature 19…

No matter which age, this boy was always not far away, running down the tunnel with me…

I was certain of it.

[Main Story 15-09]

When we got back home, since he’d lent me his jacket, Gavin was of course soaked through.

My feeling that everything made sense slowly melted into awkwardness under the off-white lighting.

I unthinkingly grabbed a handful of tissues, and on my tip-toes, I wiped Gavin’s face.

{{MC}}: If you don’t dry off, you’ll catch cold…

Gavin seemed taken aback, and his mouth curled up as a blush of red slowly crept over his ears.

Gavin: Got it. I’ll keep that in mind when you’re not around.

Hot sweat and icy rain rolled off his face onto my wrist. I suddenly realized how close we were.

{{MC}}: You–

Before I could finish, the sound of an alarm cut me off, accompanied by footsteps in the hallway.

This was a special alarm for our complex. It almost never went off. What could it be this late?

Gavin frowned, opened the door, and pulled me out into the hall.

Radio: Emergency: Recently in the East district a family is suspected of contracting a contagious disease, having just returned from a trip abroad. They are being rushed to the hospital.

Radio: While a thorough disinfection is being carried out, a temporary quarantine is going into effect. We ask all tenants to remain in your homes. We apologize for the inconvenience.

The grumblings of other people could suddenly be heard up and down the hall.

{{MC}}: Good thing tomorrow’s the weekend, or I don’t know what I’d do about work…

As I said that, I suddenly looked in a panic at Gavin.

If there was a temporary quarantine… did that mean Gavin would be stuck in my house?!

Gavin seemed to be thinking the same thing. We hurried back inside.

Gavin: Don’t worry. I’ll just head out now. No one will notice.

Gavin: I have to get to the bottom of this.

{{MC}}: Whatever you do, be careful.

Gavin nodded.

*Thump-thump-thump*

Suddenly a loud knocking sound came at the door, almost scaring me.

{{MC}}: Who is it?

No one answered. Instead they only knocked harder.

With each knock, my heart beat harder too.

The knocking didn’t stop, as if they were trying to break down the door.

Gavin put his finger to his lips. Keeping me behind him, he walked softly to the door.

He opened the door suddenly, but there was no one there.

The hallway that was just filled with the sound of people was now completely silent.

A strong feeling of dread seized me. The back of my neck broke out in goosebumps.

{{MC}}: Gavin…

I squeezed his hand tight. My heart was in my throat.

Gavin shook his head at me, looked down the hall once more, and then shut the door.

Gavin: Has this kind of thing ever happened before?

{{MC}}: No, never.

Gavin’s brow wrinkled deeper. He looked at me full of worry.

Gavin: Unless I can be sure that won’t happen again, I can’t let you stay here by yourself.

Gavin: I’ll stay here for tonight, okay?

He still sought my approval, even under these circumstances.

I hesitantly nodded, trying hard to stay calm.

{{MC}}: Thank you…

Gavin: Later I’ll send someone around to keep tabs on you. You don’t need to worry.

{{MC}}: Will this keep you from your work?

Gavin: No.

Gavin: If I leave, I’ll be even more distracted.

His words seemed to carry some strange magic that slowly set my troubled heart at ease.

I brought over a blanket for Gavin, but looking at the narrow couch, I felt bad for him.

{{MC}}: My couch is too small…

Gavin: It’s okay. No big deal.

He patted the blanket. His voice seemed to say he was used to it.

Gavin: You go get some sleep. I’ll be here. If you need anything, just call for me.

{{MC}}: Okay… you get some sleep too. Don’t stay up on my account.

Gavin: Alright.

Gavin laughed, checked that the window was locked, and watched me walk into my room.

Back in my bedroom, things still felt surreal. Thinking of the sudden knock made my heart race.

{{MC}}: Don’t think about it. Gavin is outside. He’ll protect me.

{{MC}}: I can’t let him worry!

Then I wrapped myself up in a blanket, shut my eyes tight, and tried to go to sleep.

But… no matter what, I couldn’t fall asleep. I tossed and turned, not sleepy in the least.

Turning my head, I saw a light through the crack in the door, and a tenderness swept over my heart.

Did Gavin do that to help me feel reassured?

I wonder if Gavin… is asleep or not?

I crept over to the door and tapped three times.

After some swishing sounds, I heard the sound of quiet footsteps.

Gavin: What is it?

Maybe because it was so late, or because the door was between us, his voice sounded gentler.

{{MC}}: I didn’t say good night.

I pressed myself up against the door and whispered.

*Click–* The door opened.

Gavin looked at me smilingly. In the soft light, his amber eyes flashed countless glimmers.

Gavin: Good night.

The strange knocking sound didn’t happen again, and the night passed uneventfully.

I hadn’t had a dreamless sleep in a long time. When I awoke, it was already late in the morning.

In the living room, I saw the blanket had been folded up on the couch. There was a note on top.

I picked it up. There was a line of neat handwriting on it.

Note: Gotta go. Later we’ll send someone to keep watch on the situation.

Then at the end, two small words: Good morning.

At that moment, a warm ray of sunshine lit me up through the window. I couldn’t contain my smile.

{{MC}}: Good morning.

[Main Story 15-11]

With Gavin’s help, I could finally let go of that oppressive feeling and return to normal life.

After the heavy rain, the streets were filled with puddles, shimmering in the brilliant sunshine.

I walked briskly, rounding a corner for the metro station. Just then, a little boy bumped into me.

I staggered back a few steps before I could steady myself.

In an instant, a blurry image flashed before my eyes.

It was an unfamiliar scene. An ordinary hospital room, empty save for a little boy on a bed.

His back was to me. His frail body was like a dandelion about to be scattered on the wind.

The next second, the scene disappeared, like a hallucination.

I looked down at the little hoodlum who’d bumped into me. The boy of 8 or 9 seemed dazed himself.

He looked up, a blank look hanging over his clever face. He was even holding a box of medicine.

??: Hey! Little kid! Don’t run!

A middle-aged person came running from the pharmacy, decidedly angry. The boy trembled in my arms.

Pharmacist: Where are you running to? Who said you could just take off with that?!

The pharmacist strode over, took a look at me, and then grabbed for the little boy.

Boy: Sis!

The boy suddenly hid behind me and shouted for me.

{{MC}}: ?!

Boy: I got the medicine for you!

{{MC}}: Wait…

Before I could react, the pharmacist trained his indignant gaze on me.

Pharmacist: That’s 55 bucks total for the two boxes. Hand it over!

{{MC}}: I’m not…

I was going to deny knowing the boy, but his frightened state made me change my mind.

Fine, consider it a good deed.

Just as I was handing the money over to the pharmacist, the boy took his chance to run off.

I turned and watched as the little figure ran off, a wave of inexplicable deja vu washing over me.

{{MC}}: Where have I seen him before…

After getting his money, the pharmacist grumbled off to the store. I was about to go too when a glint of light caught my eye.

At my feet was a silver necklace with a round pendant. It looked as plain as could be.

{{MC}}: Did that boy drop this?

I picked it up. The engraving had been worn away, but you could see that its owner cherished it.

Opening the round pendant, there was a little photograph inside. A smiling family of three.

Held between a mother and father was that same boy just now.

I spun around to look for the boy, but he had already run off without a trace.

I was almost late for work. I hesitated, then decided to put the necklace in my bag to handle later.

After being away for so long, naturally there was a stack of things waiting for me at the office. Seeing the mound of folders, I actually felt more happy than stressed.

Happy that I’d returned to my former life. It may be busy, but it’s steady.

Solving production hiccups, planning ad campaigns, a complaint lodged against us…

Once I’d taken care of everything, it was already time to get off work.

Gavin: Ahem, busy today?

Gavin hopped in through the window and took a stack of documents from my hands.

{{MC}}: Yeah, pretty busy, but it’s actually a good feeling!

Gavin let out a laugh–

Gavin: So, I’ll take you home in a bit?

{{MC}}: Okay– Oh, hang on, I’d like to swing by the police station.

Gavin: Police station? Just tell me.

{{MC}}: It’s this necklace. This morning a boy dropped it beside me.

I took out the nearly-forgotten necklace from my bag and handed it to Gavin.

Then I told Gavin about running into the boy, and about the picture inside the necklace.

Gavin opened the pendant. As soon as he saw the picture, his brow knotted up.

{{MC}}: …What’s wrong?

I looked questioningly, but I didn’t see anything out-of-place.

But Gavin’s gaze hung on the pendant for a long time. A glow flashed in his eye as he eyed the people in the picture, and then just as fast, it was gone.

Gavin: Let me keep it for now. I’ll investigate it.

Gavin took the necklace. He hesitated a bit as he looked at me, but he wasn’t going to say any more.

After taking me home, Gavin left in a hurry.

Watching him go, I couldn’t help but wonder.

I had a sense that this pendant was somehow connected to Gavin.

[Main Story 15-13]

*Vrrr-vrrr*–

A message from an unknown sender flashed on the screen.

It contained just one, simple word: Okay.

Gavin grew quiet, stood up, put the phone in his pocket, and walked out the room.

On a windless night, the leaves rustled and shook.

Gavin’s eyes looked up and watched as that figure drew nearer and more distinct.

A pair of black boots stopped before Gavin.

Gavin eyed the man holding his cigarette. 35 or 36, a tough-set brow, somewhat world-weary.

The instant he saw Gavin, his tranquil expression flared up, but then quickly calmed down again.

Gavin: …Litton.

Hearing his name spoken, a slight smile seemed to flicker on his face.

Gavin: When did you get back?

Litton: A month ago.

The happy picture from the pendant flashed in Gavin’s mind. He opened his mouth, but no words came.

Litton: Now that the mission’s over, I really don’t know what to do with myself.

His self-mocking tone made Gavin wince.

Gavin: You knew how it would be a long time ago, right?

Litton: Still too late. From the moment I agreed, the ending was already preordained.

A silence stretched between the two, as if they’d been walking different paths these years.

Litton: Gavin, what if one day everything you believed in turned out to be a lie. What would you do?

Gavin didn’t answer. He just stared coldly at the man before him.

*Tap–*

The sound of a footstep seemed to come from nearby.

The man reflexively reached for his belt, but there as nothing there. He withdrew his hand.

This reflexive motion stunned Gavin for a moment too.

Litton: Don’t you want to know the reason I left?

Gavin: No need. I trust you.

Having said this, Gavin turned coolly away and strode off.

The call of the man behind him was swept away by a hard-to-discern black wind.

Litton: Your Evol–

Gavin paused. In the dark of the night, no one could see the change in his expression.

Arriving alone to an empty drill yard, Gavin still had the man’s words echoing in his head.

What if one day everything you believed in turned out to be a lie. What would you do?

His hand balled into a tight fist. Gavin looked at the archives room in front of him and walked in.

His tall figure walked past shelf upon shelf of books. Gavin’s face remained unchanged.

“Special Task Force Classified Missions – Executive Officer Files”

Gavin’s footsteps paused.

He reached out and took down a dusty records case.

Stuck on the front page was an old photograph. The upright smile on that face caught Gavin’s eye. Beside the photo was a name that had blurred long ago: Litton.

Gavin flipped the page and read carefully over the rest of the file.

It seemed like a fire had been ignited in Gavin’s eyes.

In the quiet room, the sudden sound of a phone vibrating snapped me out of my daydream.

The name on the screen was one that I wasn’t expecting.

Leto: {{mc}}.

{{MC}}: Commander?

Leto: That’s right, it’s me. I want you to listen carefully to what I have to say.

His even sterner tone than before had me at full attention.

Leto: I know that you encountered a boy today.

How would the Commander know that? Could Gavin have told him?

{{MC}}: That boy… what about him?

Leto: He’s someone who STF has been monitoring. You running into him today was no accident.

Leto: Our guess is that it’s an attempt from Black Swan to get close to you.

{{MC}}: Black Swan? Get close to me?

STF’s been monitoring him?

Every sentence from the Commander’s lips made my heart sink further.

The boy’s timid face and pure eyes flashed in my mind.

He’s… trying to get close to me?

Leto: Yes, he is a key individual. He may be linked to one of Black Swan’s experiments.

Leto: We need you to gain this boy’s trust and possibly protect him to a certain extent.

Leto: At the right time, someone will come to reinforce you.

{{MC}}: Me? Why me?

Leto: Because you’re special. Only you can get close to him.

Leto: You don’t need to worry about your safety. STF will send undercover personnel to guarantee that.

Getting all this so suddenly left me dumbfounded. I didn’t know what to say. I could barely keep up.

Leto: I’ve said before, you are a crucial link in Black Swan’s chain of evolution, and you’re the only one who can accomplish this task.

Leto: But it is only a request. You have the right to refuse or accept.

{{MC}}: I…

I hesitated. After all I’d been through, I couldn’t make such a decision so casually.

Leto: Perhaps in doing this, you can find the real truth behind your father’s death.

Leto: You don’t need to answer right now. Think it over and then let me know soon.

Without waiting for me to respond, the Commander hung up the phone.

I thought back to the boy that ran into me on the street. He seemed like just a plain, normal kid.

That happy smile from the family photo in the pendant made you want to smile too.

But that smile had already disappeared from the boy’s face.

[Main Story 15-14]

After that, the Commander didn’t contact me again. It seemed I really did have plenty of time.

The Commander’s words replayed over and over in my mind. A disorienting feeling came over me.

He said I was the only one who could do the mission, that Black Swan was largely involved, and even that I might find out the truth behind my father’s death…

I laughed grimly. I thought after coming out of my coma that I’d be able to continue a normal life.

But this was life’s joke. With every incident, truths at the core of my being were on the line.

And I couldn’t just sit by and ignore them.

Ever since finding that info in Dad’s notebook, his death has seemed tied up with Black Swan.

But this little boy was only 8 or 9. How could he be wrapped up in such complicated history?

For some reason, the vision that I got after we bumped into each other surged again in my mind.

The scene was still blurry, but a strange intuition sprung up within me.

These incidents had an inextricable connection. Perhaps the boy really was my key to the truth.

And that necklace dropped by my foot…

In a flash, the image of Gavin closely inspecting the pendant popped into my mind.

It seemed that everything after this started with me giving Gavin that pendant!

My heart raced.

Gavin… Will he know how crucial this matter is?!

Seeing Gavin standing as planned outside my building, I sighed in relief and walked toward him.

Gavin: {{mc}}, what is it?

Seemingly sensing my eyes on him, Gavin turned from where he stood waiting under a tree.

The evening sun fell unevenly over his body. In his hand was the boy’s pendant.

Gavin: What did you want to tell me yesterday?

I was a bit hesitant, but I still decided to tell Gavin about the call with the Commander yesterday.

At every detail, Gavin’s brow furrowed a bit.

{{MC}}: Why would the Commander come to me?

{{MC}}: That boy is someone very special, isn’t he?

Gavin’s eyes seemed to be looking through me at something else, with an emotion I couldn’t make out.

Gavin: I know his father.

I tried and failed to stifle a gasp–

{{MC}}: His father?

Gavin: I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry.

Gavin: That person… I lost touch with him 6 years ago.

{{MC}}: But the Commander…

Gavin: I don’t know why the Commander said this is related to your father’s death, but this mission isn’t simple at all. You’d best stay away from the boy.

Gavin stressed this sternly, more stern than I’d seen him in all this time.

And I had already guessed he would.

{{MC}}: Gavin, actually I want to discuss something with you.

{{MC}}: I won’t accept, but I think this boy really does have something to do with the truth I’m after.

{{MC}}: So, I want to go see him, on my own terms.

Gavin remained silent and just stared intently at me.

{{MC}}: This isn’t an impulse. I have thought this through.

Gavin lowered his head and mulled it over a second, then looked at me again in full sincerity.

Gavin: You’re sure?

Looking into Gavin’s questioning eyes, I firmly nodded my head.

{{MC}}: Yes!

Gavin: If you want this, I won’t stop you. But your safety comes first. Don’t go off on your own.

Gavin: I’ll take you to find him.

Half an hour later, Gavin had taken me to Verdant Plaza.

Gavin: He’s there.

In the center of the plaza, a young boy squatted on the ground drawing with colored chalks.

He pursed his lips, and his expression was serious and stern, as if doing something very important.

Gavin and I walked over, and the boy’s “masterpiece” slowly appeared before us. It wasn’t a childish drawing as I had imagined either, but something truly exceptional.

Hearing someone draw near, the boy raised his head. His eyes went wide as he seemed to recognize me.

He threw down his chalk and ran over to me, looking very anxious.

Boy: Have you seen my necklace? Can you give it back to me?

He looked up at me, trying to be brave, but his eyes were full of tears.

Boy: Sorry, I… I’ll pay you back the money. If you find my necklace, can you give it back to me?

Gavin: Your name is Perry, right? That’s exactly what we came here about.

Gavin held out his hand. Inside was that plain, ordinary necklace.

But to the boy, it was a treasure. He looked at the picture, and then put it carefully back on.

Seeing him do all that, for some reason it made me feel a little choked up.

This was the kid that was purposefully trying to get close to me?

I couldn’t believe it. A strong intuition told me that this wasn’t the truth.

Perry: Thank you both. I… I don’t have any money right now. But I’ll figure out a way!

The boy held his fists tightly at his side, and his toes kept fidgeting.

{{MC}}: It’s okay!

I bent over and gave him my friendliest smile. Then I held out a hand and patted his head.

He froze a bit, but he didn’t shy away. I, on the other hand, was shocked by how warm he felt.

My hand slipped down and felt between his questioning eyes. He was almost scalding.

{{MC}}: He’s got a high fever!

Gavin held his hand out too and felt his temperature was indeed abnormal.

Gavin: It’s pretty serious. We’re going to a hospital right now!

Perry: No! I won’t go!

The boy immediately stepped back.

Perry: I’m not going to a hospital. I still have to go home and wait for my dad to come back!

{{MC}}: But you…

Before I could finish, Gavin was squatting down, his hands on the boy’s shoulders.

Gavin: If you get sick, you’ve gotta go to a hospital.

The boy seemed scared. His eyes grew very wide.

I tugged on Gavin’s sleeve and whispered:

{{MC}}: Gavin… take it easy…

Gavin froze a moment and then seemed embarrassed. He coughed and tried again more softly.

Gavin: I promise, if your dad comes back, I will tell you.

He hesitated, then nodded. He seemed in a fever haze, his eyes glazing over as he looked at us.

Gavin: Let’s go.

Gavin squatted down and put the boy on his back.

{{MC}}: Was that medicine for himself? Why did his temperature spike? And so high…

I’d never encountered a situation like this before. I nervously hovered around Gavin and the boy.

Gavin: {{mc}}. Don’t worry.

Gavin suddenly called my name, his expression as calm as ever, making me feel reassured too.

{{MC}}: Right. We’ll be fine. No problem.

While waiting, I kept reassuring myself. But when the doctor saw us, he really let us have it.

Doctor: What kind of parents are you? The kid’s fever is off the charts. Why didn’t you come in sooner?

{{MC}}: Uh, we…

Gavin: Is it serious?

Gavin quietly pulled me behind him to block the glaring eyes of the doctor.

Doctor: The flu’s been going around lately. He’ll have to stay a few days for observation.

{{MC}}: Okay, thank you, doctor!

Gavin: I’ll go take care of the paperwork. You stay here with him.

Gavin nodded to the doctor and walked off quickly.

Perry was already asleep on a hospital bed, his little body curled up on itself.

He wasn’t sleeping peacefully at all. His face was flushed red, and his hand kept twitching.

This hospital room had a lot of patients like him, but oddly enough they were all adults.

The flu usually kicks up more in spring, but this year for some reason it started in early summer.

Soon, Gavin returned. He was carrying Perry’s test results in his hand, seemingly lost in thought.

{{MC}}: Is there some problem?

Gavin: No, I just think the cause of this flu is a little unclear.

Gavin shook his head and set down the test result paper.

We sat next to Perry, occasionally wiping the sweat from his forehead with a damp towel.

His little mouth opened and closed, as if saying something, but we couldn’t make anything out.

When the nurse came around with medicine, he woke up hazily, still not thinking clearly.

{{MC}}: Perry, how do you feel now?

First he pursed his lips and nodded, then he shook his head anxiously.

Finally he stuck his head under the blanket, and nothing I said could convince him to come out.

{{MC}}: What’s wrong?

I looked helplessly at Gavin, not knowing if I should just pull the blanket away.

Gavin: Stay calm.

Gavin bent over and patted Perry’s back through the blanket.

A crack emerged in the air-tight cocoon. Perry’s stuck out half his face and nodded.

Then, a gurgling sound came from under the blanket. His face turned sheepish.

Gavin gently pulled the little gopher out of his hole again, a hint of laughter in his voice.

Gavin: Are you hungry?

Perry: Uh-huh… I want some soup.

Perry’s voice was so low I could barely hear him, like he felt he was making an extravagant request.

Gavin: I’ll go pick some up. You stay here.

Gavin stood up, gave me a look, and left the room.

Soon, he came back with two bowls of soup. He placed one in front of Perry, and one in front of me.

Gavin: Dig in. It’s not too hot.

{{MC}}: Thank you…

I picked up the bowl. It was nice and warm.

After Perry had eaten most of his soup, I cajoled him into finishing his medicine.

Perry finally slept in peace, but his brow still kept twisting from time to time.

His little hand waved in the air, as if he was trying to grab something.

Gavin grabbed his white-knuckled hand and placed it back under the blanket.

My heart melted as I watched Gavin act so gentle and warm. It was a side of him I didn’t often see.

Carrying Perry to the hospital, getting him soup, and now patiently caring for him…

Actually, that’s the man he’s always been, hiding his gentleness deep within.

But Perry’s hand kept squirming out of the blanket, and finally it grasped Gavin’s finger tightly.

He held on tight as if he was holding on to a lifeline.

Perry: Dad… Daddy.

A tear rolled down his cheek as he whispered in his sleep.

Gavin’s hand froze and trembled almost imperceptibly.

Perry: No… don’t go…

Gavin’s eyes grew wide, and he didn’t try to draw back his hand.

I suddenly felt all choked up, as if something was squeezing my chest.

I reached out and lightly grabbed Gavin’s hand.

In that moment, countless scenes once again appeared before me–

I saw under tree-shaded darkness a familiar figure standing before Gavin.

As Gavin raised his head, I could see his eyes filled with a restrained fury and worry.

I also saw Gavin soaked through by the rain, looking completely desolate and forlorn.

I hastily pulled back my hand, my heart racing incessantly.

Was this another vision?

Why was the vision so clear this time… and it all had to do with Gavin…

Why do I keep having these visions?

I couldn’t understand it. I could only take deep breaths and try to stay calm.

I hadn’t noticed that Gavin had already turned his head and was looking at me worriedly.

*Ka-chaa–* Lightning cracked outside the window.

The previously dusky sky had now turned pitch black.

I hurriedly closed the window, and my heart suddenly started beating anxiously.

It looked like a big storm was coming.

[Main Story 15-16]

Heavy rains fell until midnight.

In the pitch dark room, a pair of amber eyes flashed with a sharp light.

Gavin picked his head up off the table. He took out his phone and dialed that stranger’s number.

After checking that the girl and Perry were asleep, he tucked them in and left the hospital.

Standing in the dark, Gavin’s face looked more stern than ever.

In a corner of the park at night, only faint light reached this narrow, stone-paved path.

In the shadows, a silent man came walking in the distance.

Litton: What do you want from me?

Gavin: Since you’re here, are you going to go see him?

Litton paused for an instant and then a few seconds later he spoke.

Litton: I won’t go see him. He’s safer that way.

His self-mocking smile crept across his face again. Litton took a drag on his cigarette.

The white smoke drifted in the air, putting more distance between the two.

Litton: This isn’t the only reason you called me, is it?

Gavin: Your file. Take him with you.

A black case appeared in Gavin’s hand. After about half a minute, Litton still hadn’t taken it.

Litton: It hasn’t been mine for a long time.

Gavin’s finger pinched tighter, then loosened. *Clunk* The case fell to the ground.

Litton: It’s not just me. Too many people haven’t been themselves for a long time.

Litton: The name Eckhart ring a bell?

Gavin: I’ll remember till my dying day.

Litton: Well now, he’s a bus driver.

Gavin: That can’t be!

He seemed to say it through gritted teeth. A vicious look flashed over Gavin’s face.

Litton: He’s my neighbor. Asked to borrow 300 bucks, gave me his ID as collateral.

*Clatter–* A white plastic card fell to the ground, an unfamiliar looking man’s picture on it.

Litton darted a glance at Gavin and slowly spoke:

Litton: The real Eckhart, died two years after you arrested him.

There seemed to be a fire burning in Gavin’s eyes.

Gavin: Tell me everything you know.

Litton: You know the results of those Evol offender cases you collared?

The man spoke suddenly. Gavin’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t respond.

Litton: No matter how big or small their crime, they all died– cause of death undetermined– while at STF, and their cases were changed to someone else.

Gavin: That’s not possible!

Gavin looked at this once-familiar person in front of him. He no longer had that former air of righteousness, but in his eyes and his voice there was no hint of joking.

Litton: Sounds impossible, but with enough patience, cunning, and authority… like the Commander perhaps.

Litton: I know you’ve already started to doubt him.

The man looked straight at him, his unwavering eyes full of ridicule.

Litton: I’ve bided my time in the dark for five years. I lost my grip on who I was long ago.

Litton: I thought I was serving the faith, but now I know my faith was stained with blood.

Litton: Later I understood. Faith is what you have when you don’t want to know the truth.

Litton: We were just executioners, that’s all we were.

Having said this, the fire seemed to die in him, and he looked just as stricken as Gavin.

Litton: One last thing: I only have a few days left. Take care of him for me. This is my only request.

He turned and walked slowly into the night, disappearing from Gavin’s view.

The rain lashed on, washing mercilessly over the world, but not taking the boundless dark with it.

Gavin stood, soaked and unmoving. His teeth gnashed, his eyes went red, and his taut body trembled.

Slow-gathering doubt. Sudden truth. It hit him like a tsunami, assaulting his once unshakable faith.

His right hand started tremoring suddenly by his side.

A black wind surged up, slight and sharp, slicing through the rain and marking his hands.

Beads of blood rose from the wound and were washed to the ground by the rain.

Gavin clenched his fists again, and the blood oozed out, but no wisps of wind surged.

He gradually grew still, and the night grew deeper. The dawn seemed light-years away.

Gavin stood there a long time, letting the rain drip down his hair, his cheeks, and roll off his shoulders. When he was finally soaked through, he left again just as he’d come.

The thicket of trees and shadows, the narrowing path, they were like a giant maze.

Gavin halted his step. He knew. In the darkness, countless eyes were watching him.

[Main Story 15-18]

The rain stopped.

After raining for how many days on end, finally sunny days were here.

Every day after work I’d visit Perry in the hospital. When not on a mission, Gavin would come too.

But lately he seemed really busy, so most of the time it was just me and Perry at the hospital.

I don’t know why I took to caring for Perry so naturally.

Is it because we were both looking for the truth?

Is it because I took pity and compassion on him?

Or was it because… in him I saw some shadow of my own past or that of others.

I didn’t understand it, but I was certain that it wasn’t out of duty, but out of affection.

I folded up Perry’s lab results, let out a sigh, and placed it in my bag.

Perry had been here for days now, and his high fever kept coming back. The doctors were stumped.

As I walked out of the hospital, Gavin was waiting for me at the door.

He was hidden in the shadow of a tree, staring intently at a blank, white wall, lost in thought.

Running down the back of his hand was a barely discernible scar.

My heart skipped a beat, and I ran over and took hold of his hand.

{{MC}}: What happened to you? Did you get injured on a mission?

Gavin: It’s fine. Don’t worry.

Gavin took back his hand and handed me a helmet.

Gavin: I’ll take you home.

Like that, Gavin’s heavy-hearted appearance was gone, like my eyes were playing tricks on me.

{{MC}}: Did you finish investigating that thing?

Gavin: It’s finished.

Gavin curved his mouth up in a smile, but I couldn’t feel any joy in it.

I suddenly got the feeling that his investigation would never come to an end.

{{MC}}: …Then let’s get going.

I sat on the bike and reflexively grabbed tightly to Gavin’s waist.

The thin sunlight hit Gavin’s back and lit up his soft, brown hair with warm streaks of brilliance.

We stayed quiet like that all the way home. Right before parting ways, I grabbed him and spoke:

{{MC}}: Gavin… what’s wrong? You look real down. I’m worried…

I looked worriedly at Gavin, seeing the pressure he felt seething through when he wasn’t noticing.

{{MC}}: What exactly happened?

Gavin: It’s nothing major.

Gavin didn’t avoid my questioning looks. He reached out a hand and placed it on my head.

The familiar heft and warmth of that motion slowly melted away my panic.

Gavin: You don’t need to worry. I’ll take care of it.

I pulled on his hand as he lifted it away and locked eyes with him.

{{MC}}: You can’t tell me?

{{MC}}: Maybe I can’t help you, but I at least want to share the burden with you.

Gavin didn’t speak. We stood in silence several minutes, just listening to the ticking of the clock.

A stinging feeling welled up. I thought after last time, Gavin wouldn’t hide things from me again.

I thought he could trust me, that I could face the truth and take on everything together with him.

Gavin: {{mc}}, going forward…

Gavin didn’t answer my question. He slightly dipped his head toward me and looked into my eyes. His expression was complicated and his tone a little stiff.

Gavin: You don’t need to see Perry anymore. I’ll send someone to look after him.

{{MC}}: What?

Why… are you telling me this all of a sudden?

{{MC}}: Didn’t you say before that both of us would…

Gavin: My agreement before was on the precondition that you’d be safe. But now, the situation’s changed.

{{MC}}: You mean there’s going to be danger? For me? Or for Perry?

Gavin: Both.

Then he fell silent. I stared stubbornly at him, unable to keep my worries stuffed down inside–

{{MC}}: What about you? You won’t be in danger?

Gavin looked up at me, opened his mouth, but in the end said nothing.

{{MC}}: Gavin… You’re hiding something again, aren’t you? …Why won’t you tell me…?

In that instant, a swirl of complicated emotions flickered in Gavin’s eyes.

Twisted brow, clenched teeth, and something that seemed to flash in his eyes.

I felt as if I’d been punched in the chest. My heart ached. I almost couldn’t take it.

Gavin: {{mc}}, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. But this thing… I can’t let you.

He didn’t respond to my doubts. He just looked deeply into my eyes, then turned and left.

I opened my mouth but was drowned out by the wind. I could only watch Gavin fade into the distance.

Many days had passed since then, and I hadn’t seen Gavin again.

An unspoken barrier of silence and stubbornness had been erected between us.

Many times I wanted to reach out to Gavin, but I couldn’t bring myself to pick up the phone.

Perry’s condition worsened. The doctors had suggested I try transferring him to another hospital.

Seeing his little frame laying in the bed with his sunken eyes, I felt tears stinging behind mine.

Perry: Miss, how come Mister Gavin hasn’t been by in so long? Did I do something? Does he not like me?

{{MC}}: No, that’s not it. It’s because… he- he’s still busy.

I mustered a smile for Perry and thought of the best excuse I could.

Perry: Then why are you so unhappy? Because he’s not here?

Perry sat up in bed, looking at me curiously.

{{MC}}: Because I made him angry.

Perry: I see, you two had a fight!

Perry’s matter-of-fact tone took me aback. A fight… Could you call that a fight?

I reached out and pulled up Perry’s blanket to cover him.

{{MC}}: …No. We just had a difference of opinion.

Perry: Grownup life is complicated. When I’m grown, I don’t want a difference of opinions. It’s so sad.

Seeing Perry worry over when he grows up, I couldn’t help but remember the doctor’s words.

Doctor: There’s nothing more we can do. Just make these last years as happy as possible for him.

I held back tears and lightly tousled Perry’s hair.

{{MC}}: Then let’s not tell Mister Gavin about changing hospitals, okay?

Perry: Oh… but I wanted him to take me flying. And I can’t hide the truth. My dad said that’s not right.

The little guy spoke with utmost seriousness, and my heart sunk once more.

{{MC}}: I’ll promise you on his behalf, when you’re better we’ll take you flying. And we can ride a huge Ferris wheel!

I made a huge circle, and Perry laughed. Then he squinched his eyes shut, and drank his medicine.

Perry: Miss, don’t have any more difference of opinions with Mister Gavin, okay? One time, at night, I saw Mister Gavin put a jacket over you after you fell asleep.

Perry: I’m sure he doesn’t want to have difference of opinions either. I promise on his behalf!

The ginkgo leaf on my wrist suddenly jumped too, as if in agreement with Perry.

A warmth welled up inside me. I took out my phone and typed out a message.

SMS: Gavin, where are you? I’m worried about you…

After some thought, I deleted everything and shut off the screen.

When I left the hospital, it was late in the night.

Cicadas chirped in the summer night. I found them almost overwhelming. Perry’s words rang in my ear.

I wrote another message. I paused, then closed my eyes and sent it to Gavin.

{{MC}}: I don’t know if you’ll see this…

I put my phone away. I felt lighter, as if I’d finally shrugged off some huge pressure.

On the street behind me, gingko leaves rustled, and a pair of black boots tread lightly.

His phone vibrated in his pocket.

In the cold moonlight, the man’s eyes stayed fixed on the figure of the girl in the distance.

He remained still for a while, then he lowered his gaze and quietly departed.

Still not a word from him. Just the ground strewn with gingko leaves seemed to hint at his coming.

[Main Story 15-19]

I put my phone on the pillow, slept the whole night, but it didn’t vibrate as I’d wished.

There was nothing at all on my phone’s lock screen. No missed calls. No texts.

{{MC}}: …Are we still not okay?

The rain tapped rhythmically outside the window. I calmed myself and headed for the hospital.

Perry still asked me why Gavin hadn’t come, but I didn’t have any more nice-sounding excuses.

Then the doctor appeared, relieving my embarrassment.

Doctor: Miss {{mc}}, I have something to tell you.

I nodded and walked off with the doctor to an office.

Doctor: Last night after you left, Perry slipped into unconsciousness, and even started sleepwalking.

{{MC}}: What?

My heart plunged, and my hand began to shake.

Doctor: Our original diagnosis was just seasonal flu, but we discovered that he’d been unconscious before previous to entering the hospital. These are symptoms of a new flu!

Doctor: As far as I know, at present there is no cure, but you could transfer him to Central Hospital.

Doctor: There’s a team of experts there dedicated to this new flu…

I almost couldn’t hear the doctor’s words. I just nodded blankly and left the office in a daze.

Outside the rain fell harder. I sat in the hall, unwilling to return to the hospital room and face that young, tender smile.

Seeing the rain outside, my thoughts went to that night, the two of us running carefree in the rain.

The same weather, entirely different emotions.

I stood up blankly and walked off into the rain by myself.

The rain trickled off me, and hurried passers-by glanced at me, but I didn’t respond.

I walked on aimlessly.

Just what did I want to do?

I wanted to find the truth, but I going down these detours.

I wanted to stick to my principles, but it just drove people farther away.

I wanted to take care of others, but when emergencies popped up, I was helpless.

Have I always been this way? Goading myself on, to the detriment of others?

The rain grew heavier, and my sight grew blurry. The world around me grew blurry.

But those troubles and worries, they weren’t blurred at all. They just grew sharper.

I guess the rain doesn’t wash away absolutely everything…

A red light flashed ahead. I stopped walking and shut my eyes.

But the moment I did, an image of Gavin’s obstinate eyes flashed in my mind.

And that day, how he walked off all alone.

My hair fluttered slightly, and I heard a very faint sound.

It was a slow breathing and the sound of forlorn footsteps.

A scent that I’d recognize anywhere.

My heart suddenly froze.

An intensely anxious feeling suddenly came over me.

I turned around, clutched my beating heart, and opened my eyes.

That familiar figure was standing just a few steps away from me.

So close, yet so far.

He was soaked, his drenched bangs clinging to his forehead. The rest of his hair drooped down too.

Just that pair of eyes, true and radiant with light, gazed at me.

I watched as he lifted his foot and started walking over to me.

Ba-dump, ba-dump… amongst all the pedestrians and traffic, all I could hear was the sound of my heart thumping.

I suddenly felt at a loss for what to do.

Should I apologize for my stubbornness all this time? Or ask him how he’d been lately?

In an instant, I was dragged back to that night several days prior.

To Gavin running through the rain, pulling me by the hand.

The Gavin who said he’d ride a full circle around the Ferris wheel with me.

The Gavin who took me soaring through the stars.

The Gavin who carefully wiped away my tears.

The Gavin whose ears flushed red.

With each step, all those emotions turned into a howling wind surging up within me.

Finally, he was standing before me.

{{MC}}: Have you… been here long?

Gavin: Not long.

The rain dripped from his hair, forming ripples below.

Yeah right!

My eyes were red. Gavin swallowed nervously.

Gavin: {{mc}}, are you…

He blinked and stopped.

Gavin: …cold?

I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer. They fell in large drops from my eyes.

{{MC}}: Gavin, I’m sorry…

Sorry that I was so willful. That I fought with you. That I took your feelings for granted…

His thinly-calloused finger traced across my cheek, and my tear disappeared in his hand.

Gavin: The moment I saw you fall from the tower was the first time I wasn’t sure if I could protect you.

As he looked at me, his expression became a little gloomy.

Gavin: …I was the one who made a promise, that I’d protect you.

Gavin: But then I was unable to control my Evol, unable to take you somewhere safe…

{{MC}}: It’s okay, Gavin… it’s over…

My tears were pouring out now. I could only cling to Gavin, and his cautious, meticulous heart.

Gavin: Even without Evol, I can still protect you.

Gavin: Trust me, okay?

I held back my tears and nodded forcefully.

{{MC}}: What are you doing here?

Gavin: I went to the hospital, saw you weren’t there, and the doctor told me you’d gone out.

{{MC}}: So you’ve been behind me this whole time?

Gavin: …Yes.

Gavin: I didn’t know what to do. All I could do was follow you.

He spoke directly, but with a frank gentleness.

My heart melted, but also… grew angry.

{{MC}}: You’ll get sick like this!

Gavin was taken aback, and then his mouth curled up in a silent smile.

Gavin: That’s not important. You…

Before he could speak, I grabbed Gavin’s hand and ran to a nearby awning.

The rain kept falling, but in my heart I felt dry and warm.

Just like his hand, resolute and strong.

Under the awning, just as I let his hand go, a terrifying scene flashed before me without warning.

Gavin was grabbing his chest, gasping, his face contorted in pain, and terribly pale.

A wind swirled around him, lashing his clothes and exposed skin, and then suddenly vanished.

…What’s going on?

The vision was fleeting, disappearing as soon as I turned my attention to it, just like with Perry.

Gavin: {{mc}}, what is it? Are you okay?

{{MC}}: I… I’m alright…

My head was in turmoil. It was as if I kept overlooking some crucial detail ever since I’d awoken.

In a flash it came to me, these visions seemed to have some invisible thread connecting them.

When Perry ran into me, I was holding his shoulders. Last time beside the hospital bed I held Gavin’s hand. And just now I was running with him through the rain, hand in hand…

And those sudden flashes of visions all happened afterwards, one after the other.

An impossible answer lit up my mind like lightning.

Could it be that… because I touched them, I can see what’s going to happen to them in the future?

The main character isn’t me, it’s other people.

I can see… other people’s futures?

Goosebumps rose up on my back.

If the visions of Perry in the hospital bed and Gavin drenched by rain have already come true, then what of that terrifying scene just now?

This sudden thought made my whole body shiver.

Gavin: Look at me, {{mc}}. Don’t be scared. It’s okay.

Gavin forced me to look into his eyes. They were full of concern and reassurance.

But that scene kept flashing over and over in my mind.

Gavin: Even without Evol, I can still protect you.

Something that had always confused me also suddenly became clear at this moment.

{{MC}}: Gavin, your Evol… it’s gone now, isn’t it?

As soon as I said that, Gavin froze up. But as fleeting as it was, there was no mistaking the shocked and conflicted look in his eye just then.

Gavin: It’s not gone. This kind of thing is only temporary. It will be fine soon.

Gavin didn’t confirm, and he didn’t deny either. He merely communicated this verdict to me.

{{MC}}: It will really be fine?

Gavin: It will.

As I watched, he nodded his head solemnly.

No matter how uneasy I felt or how sure I was of my new ability, I chose to believe Gavin anyway.

At the time I had no idea what decision Gavin had already made, and I didn’t see the stifled pain in his eyes when he lowered his gaze.

[Main Story 15-21]

Because we were both soaked, we decided to go to the nearest mall and change into some dry clothes.

Gavin: I still haven’t asked you, what were you doing walking off into a storm by yourself?

{{MC}}: Because… I didn’t want to go back to the hospital room…

A feeling of helplessness washed over me again. Every time I think of it, it puts me in a funk.

Gavin: What exactly happened?

Without hesitation, I told Gavin everything about what the doctor said about Perry’s illness.

{{MC}}: And we promised him that when his father came back, we’d tell him…

Before I’d finished, Gavin had stood up.

Gavin: We’re going to the hospital right now and taking him to see his dad.

I looked doubtingly at Gavin. Didn’t he say they’d been out of touch for a long time?

Once again, something dawned on me. Perhaps Gavin was just keeping me from worry and danger.

Gavin: No matter what, we’re taking Perry out of there.

*Ka-chaa–* A giant peel of lightning cracked. My heart thumped out of control.

Straight away, we hurried off for the hospital.

Running down the long corridor, for some reason, I could feel my heart rising in my throat. Then, at the moment we opened the door–

*Thump–* My heart plummeted into a valley.

Perry wasn’t there.

The empty room looked like no one had been staying there.

I hurriedly stopped a passing nurse–

{{MC}}: Excuse me, the boy in this room…

Nurse: Are you the parents? How could you let a boy out of the hospital on his own?

The nurse scolded us and then hurried off.

{{MC}}: Left on his own?! That can’t be! I told him to wait here for me!

Gavin shook his head at me, and then walked quickly over to the bed.

Gavin squatted down and discovered something shining in a corner of the bed.

Gavin: It’s Perry’s necklace.

He opened the pendant case, and inside was the photo of the family of three as before.

{{MC}}: If Perry left here on his own, he never would’ve left this behind…

I took the necklace, Perry’s treasure. Mid-sentence, an intense white light flashed before my eyes.

The next moment, countless visions started unfolding–

The ground covered with blood, stretching from a dilapidated hallway.

An abandoned warehouse. Pale sunlight through paned windows. Four tall pillars carved with an “S”.

Black birds flew in from the windows singing raspily, leaving giant shadows.

A clock on the wall said 17:31. Blood spread out over the floor.

In the winding light, I saw two familiar figures lying in puddles of blood. My whole body shook.

But I still couldn’t see clearly who they were. I tried walking toward them, and a pair of tear-filled eyes opened before me.

{{MC}}: Perry!

I cried out and discovered I was holding on tightly to Gavin’s hand. I was sitting on the floor, my forehead covered in sweat.

The visions in my mind were distinct and real. Just like they were happening right in front of me. It made my whole body run cold.

Gavin: What’s the matter?

{{MC}}: Perry! He might be in trouble!

Gavin: Don’t panic. Tell me nice and slow.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down, then I told my vision to Gavin.

{{MC}}: It’s one of my precognitions! Since awakening, all my visions have come to pass!

I didn’t know how I’d explain this sudden new ability to Gavin. I rambled in a panic.

Gavin: Don’t worry. The things you see haven’t happened yet.

Gavin: If we hurry to save Perry now, there’s still time!

Gavin’s confident tone broke my panic, and I came back to senses.

Right, the future hasn’t happened yet. There’s still time!

I can see people’s futures, but since it hasn’t happened yet, maybe I can change it?!

I set aside my worries, clenched my trembling hands, and nodded solemnly to Gavin.

Gavin: I trust your precognitions. Put your trust in me too.

This was his absolute faith in me, and his absolute reassurance for me.

I suddenly had a slight premonition that I really could change this future.

This was a giant building surrounded by barren fields. It didn’t take us long to find it.

Behind a busted wall was a mud road full of tracks that stretched on to a warehouse hidden within.

{{MC}}: There’s no blood!

Gavin: I haven’t detected any ambushes. Let’s go in and look for him.

I stayed close behind Gavin as we walked quickly in the shadows of buildings and trees.

All around was quiet. The only sound was of our footsteps. Suddenly, behind us came a loud “Aahh–“

I whipped my head around, only to see a black bird take to the air, leaving a huge shadow–

It’s what I saw in my dream!

I couldn’t help yelping. Gavin had evidently thought the same thing as me.

When we pushed open the rusty door, sitting in the middle of the warehouse, amidst the sunlight spilling in through the window panes, was a small figure.

{{MC}}: Perry?

The boy’s eyes were half open, his face twisted in pain.

I quickly ran over to take him in my arms, but Gavin grabbed my arm.

Gavin: Don’t go yet.

{{MC}}: What is it?

I looked at Gavin in confusion.

Gavin: His body is fluctuating with Evol.

{{MC}}: He’s not a normal person?

Gavin took a glance back at me, an inexplicable emotion surging in his eyes.

Gavin: He’s a normal person, but maybe not for long.

Seeming to have noticed us, Perry tried to sit up, but he didn’t have the strength.

Perry: Don’t… don’t come near… I’ll hurt you…

{{MC}}: Perry!

Perry: Miss, I’m sorry… They told me if I found you, I could find my dad…

Perry: I lied to you… I’m sorry… If you do see my dad, give him my necklace for me…

He spoke in starts and fits, as if he had no strength left.

My heart sank, and I could no longer hold back the tears. It was all true. As I was getting close to Perry, someone else was trying to use him to get close to me.

Gavin pressed my hand tighter. His body seemed about to burst in a fit of rage.

Gavin: I’ll take you to see your dad.

Gavin: Real fast.

Gavin’s words left me stunned, but Perry didn’t seem to be able to hear him.

Gavin shielded me behind him and walked toward Perry.

*Bang–* A sound came all of a sudden from the silence.

My heart jumped as I turned to the source of the sound. All I saw outside the window was fireworks being set off in the distance, with a wisp of white smoke.

Perry’s whole body shook, and then a wave swept out in a circle from him, lifting up everything.

Scrap piles of rebar around him were all sliced in half in an instant!

Gavin: It’s Evol!

Gavin pulled me back several steps.

A weak blast of wind made a screen in front of us, blocking that formless force, and then the next second, it disappeared.

{{MC}}: Are you alright?!

Gavin: …I’m alright. Don’t go near him.

He was breathing heavy, but he still held out his hand to shield me behind him.

Gavin: {{mc}}, you go out first! Now!

{{MC}}: But–

I’ll only be a burden to Gavin here. After one more look at him and Perry, I turned and ran out.

The instant I stepped outside, a more powerful wave making a loud stirring sound came up behind me.

The entire warehouse started to shake violently. Dust filled the sky and blocked my sight.

(Gavin’s moments: Darkness)

https://mrlove.wiki.gg/wiki/Gavin’s_Moments

(News: New-type Flu Outbreak with No Cure)

[Main Story 15-22]

Suddenly, another *bang* was heard.

{{MC}}: Was it fireworks?

I froze up for a moment, but then the smell of smoke, coming from so close, made me realize–

That wasn’t fireworks. It was a gunshot!

{{MC}}: Gavin!!

Feeling no fear of another bullet, I turned and rushed back in heedlessly.

Popping sounds kept going off. I didn’t know if it was fireworks outside the factory or gunshots.

Each noise made my heart jump fiercely.

Traces of blood appeared on the ground, drop by drop, increasing as I went.

Just like my dream was replaying itself.

I couldn’t make out the scene in the warehouse clearly. I trembled, and tears fell uncontrollably.

{{MC}}: Gavin! Perry! Where are you?

No one answered, and the constant noise drowned out my cries.

Suddenly, a large figure passed by my shoulder and charged into the white mist.

The smoke gradually gave way to hazy sunshine, and a face flashed past me, unmistakably familiar.

Following his direction, I finally saw Gavin’s silhouette– he was unharmed!

Amidst a hail of bullets, the wind had formed a shield protecting him and Perry within.

{{MC}}: Gavin…

My heart settled back down. As I took a step towards him–

–in that moment, something happened.

{{MC}}: Careful!!

Gavin whipped around, but it was already too late.

One patient bullet seized a moment when the wind weakened a bit and pierced Gavin’s screen.

The man who had suddenly appeared didn’t even have time to grab Perry. That icy bullet had already plunged into the boy’s delicate chest.

Time seemed to stop.

All I could see now was the red blood splashing out in the dying light of twilight.

{{MC}}: –Perry!!

Perry: Daddy…

A loving glow appeared in Perry’s eyes, but very soon, all of his light had faded.

He was finally held tightly in the man’s embrace.

There were gunshots in the dark and the occasional fireworks. The ground shook violently, and severed crossbeams and fragments crashed down…

Amidst all the noise, all the commotion, for me everything went silent in that moment.

Gavin: {{mc}}!

A strong force took me away. Behind me, something fell heavily from above with a clang.

Gavin: We have to get out of here!

There was an uncommon panic in Gavin’s voice, but his face was still expressionless–

Despite his grip on my hand, despite how they trembled. Despite his eyes welling with sorrow.

{{MC}}: …But what about Perry?

I kept looking back, but tears had blurred my vision. I couldn’t see a thing.

Gavin: …His dad came for him.

Gavin said these words with a heavy air, then silently he ran with me toward the exit.

I staggered along after him, farther and farther from that small body behind us.

The wind howled in through the door, like a disembodied wailing.

Finally, Gavin and I made it out. Fireworks bloomed amidst rosy evening clouds. Like another world.

But there was no end in sight awaiting us.

Countless gun barrels were trained on us. A team of armed units surrounded the entire warehouse. You could smell the danger in the air.

They all wore black masks, showing only a pair of cold, indifferent eyes. On their chests, STF special ops badges glinted in my eyes.

For a split second, I felt that all of these gun-toting men before us were like devils.

I wanted to ask them why–

Why did they show up? Why did they open fire? Why harm a little kid…

But when I opened my mouth, an indescribable grief left me speechless.

Tears streamed. I didn’t understand, how could sworn protectors turn into ruthless executioners?

Gavin: Who fired the shot?

Gavin stood in front of me, coldly demanding an answer, blood still dripping from his fingertips.

His tense body trembled, as if he was using all his strength to contain a bursting rage.

Gavin: Who!?

His eyes were emotionless again. In the shadow, it seemed like their light had been extinguished.

That moment, words he had said before suddenly sounded again in my ear.

Gavin: I will not let another child die in front of me.

Leto: I gave the order.

The familiar voice made my whole body stiffen. I saw the Commander step out from among the squad.

Looking at us from a few meters away, his icy eyes seemed to be looking at a dead thing.

{{MC}}: Why…

The Commander’s expression was as indifferent as ever, as if nothing at all had happened.

It was then I realized how cold and detached one must be to remain so calm.

Leto: They opened fire because their orders were, if the target posed a danger, shoot it down on the spot.

Those icy words seemed to fall with a thud. Each syllable dashing any hopes I had left.

Gavin: You don’t have the authority to do that!

Gavin clenched his fists. Even as he held back his rage, his voice actually grew colder.

Leto: The special ops team has its reasons. I don’t have the obligation nor the time to explain it to you.

Gavin: But you have the obligation to explain the first rule of STF code–

Gavin: Every single bullet is fired for justice!

The Commander still didn’t flinch. He walked in front of us, giving off a heavy air of intimidation.

He didn’t even so much as look at me, just keeping his eyes fixed on Gavin.

Leto: You’ve been blinded. Gavin, when someone’s in the thick of it, they can’t see the road clearly.

Gavin: Then you tell me this–

Gavin took a step forward. There was a heaviness in his voice that sounded like it would crush him.

Gavin: I’ve put 76 Evol offenders behind bars. And all 76 have either died or disappeared.

Gavin: Without exception.

Gavin stared unflinchingly at the Commander, not backing down or wavering.

Leto: Perhaps some day in the future, you’ll understand my justice. When you get to my level.

Gavin: I don’t want to!

Gavin: And if anyone believes in that justice, then those people will answer to me.

Gavin held up his gun and aimed the barrel at the person before him.

Gavin: No matter who.

*Click–*

The sound of the gun being cocked rang out across the sky, loud and clear.

The STF badge the Commander was wearing flashed with a blue light, blinding everyone looking.

Gavin turned away the gun and threw it forcefully to the ground with a muffled thud.

Gavin: From now on, there is no more Agent B-7.

Leto: You’ve taken the same path as him after all.

Leto: This world isn’t just black or white. And you must always pay the price for the choices you make.

Even with a gun pointed at him, this imposing man didn’t betray a hint of emotion.

Leto: Agent B-7 has interfered with a special ops mission, with intentions of defecting. Arrest him.

The sudden developments left me stunned. I watched as the Commander disappeared back into the squad.

From behind him, bullets, smoke, light, and flame assaulted us in an overwhelming wave.

The fire in Gavin’s eyes ignited in that instant, and a wisp of wind started swirling.

{{MC}}: Gavin, don’t use your Evol again! You’ll be injured!

A turbulent wind whipped around us. I could only see Gavin’s bent over silhouette, painfully bursting with the last of his strength.

I scrambled to restrain Gavin, but the next second, I’d lost control of my body.

The whole world spun, and all I could see was a hazy light.

It was like I was being choked. All I could feel was something pushing into my mind.

Gavin: {{mc}}?!

Gavin’s cry seemed muffled and distant.

I wanted to tell him I was alright, but I’d lost all my strength.

In my fading consciousness, I hazily saw Gavin draw near and hold me in his trembling hands.

Gavin: Hang on!

There was only panic now in Gavin’s voice, and for a moment, I felt like he was about to cry.

I could feel his energy sapping. The wind around us grew weaker, until it finally disappeared.

The smell of blood grew thicker, and Gavin’s gasping sounded in my ear, wrenching my heart.

And then, I finally heard–

Gavin: It’s okay.

[Main Story 15-24]

A motorbike weaved in and out of traffic as it sped down the highway among tall buildings.

There was no more heat in the dying light from the setting sun, but it still made you squint.

My lost consciousness slowly recovered, but my breathing was painful.

I knew there were agents after us, and I could guess what kind of fight we had in store for us.

But why things had gotten to this point, I did not understand.

I could only hold on tightly to Gavin’s neck and feel his heat and breath, mixed with blood.

{{MC}}: Is Perry… going to die?

Gavin’s voice was a little shaky, but it was full of strength.

Gavin: …His father had already taken him away. Trust in him.

{{MC}}: Why did they do that?

I tried to control my shaking voice, as I asked this question that I myself couldn’t answer.

Gavin was quiet for a long while, so long I thought he wasn’t going to answer.

Gavin: …Perhaps they’d been plotting this for a long time, from the moment they entered STF.

Gavin: The dangers aren’t just coming from the dark, but from the world we thought we once knew as well.

Gavin spoke solemnly and shook with strain. I could almost feel the ineffable pain in his heart.

If the danger is from STF– I never considered the possibility, but for Gavin that would mean–

The faith he once kept, the justice he once upheld– it all crumbled in this instant.

Gavin: I’ll take you to a safe place and then go back and take care of all this.

He seemed to have finally made up his mind. There was a relief, but also unshakable determination.

In my hazy state, it took a few seconds for me to truly realize Gavin’s decision.

Gavin: No matter if it’s STF or Black Swan, you won’t be safe until this whole thing is resolved.

He spoke firmly, but that uneasy feeling crept through my heart again.

As if sensing my worry, Gavin pulled my hands around his waist tighter around him.

Gavin: Trust me.

I nodded and leaned on his back, his firm heartbeat resonating in my ear.

In the next instant, I saw Gavin’s solitary figure standing all on his lonesome on the horizon.

Fists hanging at his sides, plodding steps, and a momentary look back. I could even clearly make out his red-rimmed eyes.

Half a second later, he disappeared on the boundless horizon, not to be seen again.

I was stricken. The Gavin before me and that image merged together, making it impossible for me to ignore my unease–

{{MC}}: So you’re just going to leave without saying goodbye?

Please don’t leave me–

Gavin: Not at all. I made a promise to you.

You really won’t?

Before I had a chance to confirm again, Gavin suddenly turned and looked behind us.

Gavin: We’re being followed. Hold tight.

Then, the passing scenery grew blurrier, and the roars behind us grew closer, right on our tail.

Gavin suddenly swung the handlebars and weaved through the traffic, heading in another direction.

Gavin: Don’t be afraid.

As the bike turned, the tires made a huge screeching sound. Gavin tensed up, but he never panicked.

The highway seemed to stretch on without end, rock wall on one side and seaside cliffs on the other.

*Bang–* A loud explosion suddenly came from behind us.

Several black SUVs swerved and crashed through the traffic. One plowed right through the guard rail.

A sudden sense of foreboding came over me.

Before I could get my bearings, I saw a cold, gleaming object taken out, pointed straight at Gavin!

That instant, my body moved faster than I could think, and I shielded Gavin.

{{MC}}: Aaah!

Something sharp pierced my skin. The intense pain almost forced me to cry out.

*Ping* The next second, my gingko bracelet split and slipped off my wrist. I snagged it in my hand.

My heart plummeted. I bit my lip hard to keep from crying out and faintly tasted blood.

Gavin: {{mc}}!

Gavin turned his head, his eyes completely red. I wanted to shake my head, but I couldn’t move.

Gavin: {{mc}}, don’t let go!

Not waiting for a reply, Gavin reached back with a hand and pulled me to his chest.

I was locked in his embrace.

Gavin: You’ll be fine. I’ll protect you.

Gavin held me tightly with one hand and managed the throttle and direction with the other.

I couldn’t see Gavin’s expression then. I could only feel his racing heart, his trembling chest, and his air-tight embrace.

Like he would lose me at any second.

My nose tingled. All I could do was hold onto Gavin with all my might and let him focus.

More and more people appeared behind us, closing in on us.

The roar in my ears was like the world’s most tragic horn blast.

I was getting hotter and felt like my blood was rising to my throat.

If we kept this up, we’d be caught. What could we do? Is there a way out of this predicament?

After a giant bend in the road, an even more despairing sight appeared before us.

A few hundred meters ahead, this straight stretch of highway was suddenly broken in one place.

Looking down through that giant crack was the unfathomably deep sea.

It was that boundless horizon I’d just had a vision of.

Could it be that my precognition… was going to come true again?

{{MC}}: Gavin…

I couldn’t breathe. I had no strength…

{{MC}}: Don’t… leave…

*Bang–*

A gunshot and screeching tires split the air. Gavin protected me as we tumbled toward the rift.

A gale whipped up from the crack, blowing away everything.

Is this… the end of the road for us?

I used what strength I had to clutch Gavin’s clothes. The ginkgo leaf bit into my palm.

Gavin fell silent. Avoiding the wound on my back, he held me tightly as he slowly retreated.

Suddenly, the cracked ground, the SUVs, the roadside trees uprooted, fire and explosion–

It all seemed to be blocked by some transparent layer of glass, all stopping a hundred meters away.

A row of deadly warriors armed to the teeth appeared silently around us.

And I saw one man wearing a military uniform slowly walk out from behind them.

Who… is he…

Gavin’s body froze, and a bead of sweat rolled down onto my face.

??: You finally deign to come see me.

It was an emotionless voice, cold and mechanical.

The fingers holding my back stiffened, and in my haze I saw Gavin grit his teeth.

Gavin squatted down and set me carefully behind a tree, blanketing his jacket over me.

Gavin: I’ll be back soon.

In that moment, the image of Gavin receding away from me appeared once again.

My tears fell uncontrollably in large drops.

{{MC}}: No… don’t…

An indescribable fear gripped my heart. With my last ounce of strength, I grabbed Gavin’s hand.

Don’t leave. Don’t go over there. Don’t walk off like in my vision, alone and suffering.

Don’t let it be like that again, walking off without even looking back.

Time seemed to halt. Gavin looked at me, his eyes swimming with emotions.

Then he clasped me tightly in his arms, with all the care and determination he had.

Gavin: I won’t leave. I promise you.

He tenderly wiped away my tears and then suddenly smiled.

Gavin: Your bracelet’s broken. When I come back I’ll fix it for you.

{{MC}}: I have your word…

Gavin: Yes, I promise.

Gavin ran his finger over my wrist, and then he wrapped me up in his jacket and stood up.

All I could do was watch as Gavin walked forward step by step.

There were no explosions or roaring engines heard. Even the air seemed stagnant, hard to breathe.

A few steps away, the man’s face had an expression like Gavin’s, emanating a dreadful harshness.

??: Gavin, weakness is the original sin.

I wanted to faint, but my intense worry and the fearful moment kept me in suspense.

I pinched my arm so I could stay conscious and hear their every word.

??: Even if you escaped with her… she couldn’t live long.

??: I can save her.

Gavin: On what condition?

??: You go back with me and accept the NW Plan.

Gavin: That plan– you still haven’t given that up…!

Gavin: Impossible!

The next second, a gun fired.

{{MC}}: Gavin…

My heart leapt at the gunshot, but my body didn’t move. I couldn’t move a muscle.

The squad standing silently behind the man all raised their guns that instant, aiming them at Gavin.

??: I can send people to protect her… When you’ve got your strength, you can take over yourself…

Gavin: This is your objective?

??: It is. This is the order you were born to accept. You and your brother are both no exceptions.

??: Gavin, you have no choice.

An enormous wave of heat washed over me. I strained with all my might to hear Gavin’s reply.

But there was nothing. Everything was silent.

I could see him holding himself up, blood dripping from the wounds on his arms.

Even the suffering in his eyes was plain for me to see.

Gavin: …You’ll keep her safe?

In my haze, this question came through clear as a bell, stinging me deeply.

I never thought that seeing someone stripped of their will and pride could be such a painful sight.

{{MC}}: Don’t… make a deal for my sake…

I used all I had left to get those words out, but no one besides myself could hear my whispered cry.

??: Have you decided?

Gavin said nothing. A long silence lingered over the world.

I struggled to keep my eyes open, wanting to see Gavin’s expression, but it was futile.

The whole world seemed to disappear, and all that was left was his silhouette from behind.

He seemed to be turning his head to look at me, but then seemed not to.

My consciousness ebbed. With my last scrap of will, I clung to the bracelet that connected us.

{{MC}}: Gavin… Don’t give in…

[Main Story 15-26]

In a quiet room, the girl’s breathing finally became stable again.

Her fever had receded, her wound had healed to a red scar, but her brow was still taut with tension.

Maybe she already sensed something.

Gavin traced a finger at the corner of her reddened eye. A dried tear drop streaked her cheek.

Then his finger ran over the now-fixed gingko bracelet on her wrist.

Gavin: This isn’t goodbye, so…

Gavin’s voice sounded softly in the air. He knew the girl couldn’t hear, but he still leaned close to her ear and whispered:

Gavin: Wait for me.

A light breeze blew the leaves outside the window. The girl was alone in the room.

*Drip-drop, drip-drop, drip-drop–*

There seemed to be a voice speaking softly in my ear, but I couldn’t hear anything.

I wrestled my eyes open and dazedly discovered I was laying in my home.

{{MC}}: Gavin–!

The only response was an empty echo.

Looking down, I saw Gavin’s jacket covering me, still stained with blood. But its owner was no gone.

My fever and pain seemed gone entirely. The wound on my back healed like new. But everything that happened wasn’t a dream or a hallucination.

The jacket in my arms had long ago lost its owner’s warmth.

And Gavin didn’t suddenly appear and tell me it was all a nightmare.

Or tell me, he chose to stay by my side.

I lowered my head and saw the bracelet on my hand shining exquisitely, but I couldn’t find the crack from before. It was like I had made it up.

I lightly nudged the silver gingko leaf. It seemed to still have a familiar warmth to it.

Gavin’s amber eyes flashed before me.

Did he fix this?

Was this him keeping his promise to me?

*Pat* A large tear drop covered the little gingko leaf.

But where did he go?

Why did he only leave the bracelet?

Why can’t I find him?

I searched the room, the living room, the balcony… I looked around everywhere.

I wished that I’d turn a corner and see his tall figure appear on the balcony in a gust of wind.

That he would smile at me with those amber eyes.

That he would tell me, he’s come back.

I kept looking everywhere, but I never found him.

{{MC}}: Gavin…

I stepped one foot outside the door and then froze in place, not knowing which way to go.

The hallway was empty, not a single person around, but I suddenly heard a familiar voice behind me.

??: {{mc}}, are you there?

{{MC}}: Who’s that?

I turned and saw a white envelope appear out of thin air, blown gently by the wind before me. A black piece of paper had a letter written in calligraphy in the center: A.

I looked outside the window. There was nobody, only the windless, cloudy sky.

At the time, I didn’t know in what form this slowly unfolding destiny would reveal itself.

I didn’t know what earth-shattering changes had already happened to the world under that gloomy sky.

And all we can do is follow down the deviated track, farther and farther.

Inside a secure laboratory.

Countless people wearing white jumpsuits were orderly going about making final preparations.

In the center of the huge space, where countless data and conduits link up, was a young man.

Under the cold lights, his face was pale and detached as he quietly watched all before him, as if the unknown outcome so soon at hand didn’t warrant him to lift a finger.

??: Are you ready?

This was the second time that man asked the question, and the young man again answered coldly:

Gavin: Yes.

An almost imperceptible spark flashed in the older man’s eye. Then he turned and left the lab.

Before Gavin, a vision of that helpless boy kneeling amidst a hail of gunfire seemed to appear.

The instant when the bullet entered Perry’s chest.

The girl’s blood-soaked back.

And countless different faces, familiar and strange, sent to the abyss by him personally.

Countless scenes raced in his mind, stopping on that figure he’d met in the rain that first time.

Gavin: Wait for me.

A beam of cold light, aimed at his heart, slowly lowered.

The fluctuations on the EKG slackened, with one sudden flicker–

–and then finally it became a straight line.