Chapter 15: Name of Faith

Gavin: Against the Light

* Victor (15-1 & 15-26 (voice only))
* MC (15 - 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)
* Gavin (15 - 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26)
* Perry (15 - 11, 14, 18, 21, 22)
* Litton(15-13 & 15-16)
* Leto(15-13 & 15-22)

**You must be level 60 to access Chapter 15.**

> *Through the fog and clouds, I kept falling, like a bird with a broken wing.*
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> *The fog dispersed. I was stuck between grey walls with countess threads scattered around. I tried to escape, but soft threads turned into the sharpest blades.*
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> *A drop of scarlet blood slid off my arms.*
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> *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.*
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The chapter opens with Victor standing, confused, in the middle of a busy street. He's been transported 10 years into the future, and even though he's in Loveland City, it's different from what he remembers.

MC wakes up in her own apartment after the events of Chapter 14. A blood-soaked Gavin had saved her from certain death. She had been in a coma for several days, but she rested at the STF base, and has since physically recovered. The city is back to normal. She saved it, but she's been experiencing PTSD and having a constant recurring nightmare. Her powers are growing stronger, and she started seeing visions when she touches people, instead of just in her dreams. Gavin takes her to an unopened, newly constructed Ferris wheel in the middle of the night, and the two share an enjoyable moment, which makes her feel better.

When they return to her apartment, an alarm goes off, announcing a temporary quarantine due to a recent flu outbreak. As Gavin is about to leave, there's a loud and mysterious knock at her door, which scares her. Gavin stays the night to protect her, and she has her first dreamless sleep since she woke from her coma.

The next day, on her way to work, MC encounters a boy named Perry, who is stealing medicine from a pharmacy, and she decides to save him by paying his bill. In his rush to escape, the boy leaves behind a locket with a picture of a family of 3 inside. MC shows the locket to Gavin, who immediately recognizes the man in the photo as a former Executive Officer of the Special Task Force, Litton. Gavin contacts Litton, and they meet, but their encounter is tense.

MC receives a phone call from Commander Leto, and he asks her to take on a special mission to get in contact with Perry. He tells her that Perry might be related to Black Swan, and that their meeting that morning was no accident. He even tells her that Perry might be connected to her father's death. Unable to accept his explanation, MC asks Gavin to help her find Perry, as she feels the boy is inextricably tied to the truth she seeks. Gavin agrees, but when they find the boy to return his pendant, they also discover he's running a high fever. They take him to the hospital for treatment, and MC's heart swells to see a caring side of Gavin that she realizes had always been there.

That night, Gavin sneaks out of the hospital to meet Litton. There, Litton tells Gavin that every Evol that they'd arrested had died at the STF base, their cause of death marked as unknown and their identity reassigned. When Gavin tries to argue, Litton presses him further. It seemed impossible, but the Commander had the power to do so. Litton knew Gavin was already doubting him. Furious and desolate, Gavin's powers billow up in a rage, but then his powers were gone. He leaves, acutely aware that several eyes are on him.

Gavin and MC get into a fight when she realizes he's hiding something from her, and he tells her to stay away from Perry. Stubbornly, she continues to visit Perry in the hospital, but the boy's condition is only getting worse. After a while, the doctors determine there's nothing else they can do for him. Perry has contracted a new, deadly strain of the flu, and there is no known cure. Unable to handle the news, MC runs out of the hospital and wanders aimlessly in the rain. She meets Gavin and they reconcile. She realizes her power has changed, and she can see the painful futures of those she touches. They return to the hospital to learn that Perry has disappeared.

She touches his locket, which had been left behind in the hospital room, and sees a vision of blood and pain in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town. She and Gavin travel there, where they meet Perry and discover that he had gotten close to MC to meet his father. His Evol is going out of control, and his power bursts, slicing everything around him. He is shot by the STF, and Gavin angrily rebels against the Commander, quitting the STF. Leto orders his arrest, but Gavin uses his Evol and they escape.

Gavin and MC are on his motorcycle, and several black SUVs are following them, gaining quickly. Gavin was injured in the warehouse, and MC is shot in the back while trying to protect him. MC sees a vision of him leaving her, and she's desperate to keep that from happening. Inexplicably, they reach a safe area. Gavin is speaking to someone, a familiar voice. They tell Gavin that they can save MC. That they can protect her, and he cannot.

MC wakes up in her home, her wound healed. Gavin is nowhere in sight.

The scene changes to Gavin in a dark room. His arms are bound and he's floating suspended in a water tank, shirtless. An oxygen mask covers his mouth, and his eyes glow fiercely.

#### **Stage 15-1**

The time is 19:17.

There's a busy crowd crossing Central Square. In the middle stands a confused man. He looks up at a large clock on the side of a building to see the year is 2028. He's in the future. While recovering from his initial confusion, a black car speeds past him. Victor saw his future self in the car.

He makes his way to a building he knows from memory, only to find it's been turned into a museum of steel and glass. As Victor is wondering what happened, he hears the sound of a piano and decides to follow it.

#### **Stage 15-2**

In a dream, a far-off voice calls out her name. She stands between the boundless earth and sky, a roar of footsteps approaching from all sides. She wants to run, but she can't move. The ground is spattered with blood. At the end of a broken bridge stands the figure of a person. Who is it?

After the events of Chapter 14, MC wakes up from her dream with a piercing pain in her head, her dream forgotten. She rubs her throbbing temples and looks at the sunlight shining through her window. It was almost noon, and she could hear the peaceful sounds of bustling streets and swaying trees from outside.

On her phone, she receives a picture from her colleague Kiki. This picture shows a playful picture of MC's employees at the company's reopening party, while MC herself is Photoshopped in the background. MC laughs before sending a reply. In a trance, she stares blankly at her ceiling and her familiar room. If she closed her eyes, she thought she'd still be able to feel the weightlessness of falling. She felt the ginkgo leaf bracelet on her wrist and tried to push the feeling away. MC tries to tell herself that her life will return to normal soon, but she's uncertain. As she opens the window of her bedroom, she realizes that none of this was a dream. She vividly remembers all the recent events. Lucien leaving her, Victor going missing, Kiro's painful goodbye... and Gavin, soaked in blood and holding her until the end. It was all real.

After coming out of her coma, MC had rested at the Special Task Force for several days before returning home. Gavin would often check on her, but stayed silent about what happened that day. Time moved on, and everyone stopped talking about the whole incident, but MC hadn't gotten over it.

There were three knocks at the door, and MC opens it to find Gavin. He asks her how she's feeling, and walks in, watching her carefully. He seems concerned and asks if she had another nightmare. MC shakes her head and wipes away a tear with her hand, but Gavin grabs her hand and gently wipes her face with a tissue. She tells Gavin she's fine, while forcing a weak smile, but he doesn't believe her. MC tells him that she's just feeling uneasy. Was there really no effect from that day? He sighed and sat down. Gavin explains that the STF will no longer monitor Black Swan, and as of late, the Evol disturbances have stopped. The STF is pretty confident there won't be any more follow-up incidents. MC expresses her excitement at the good news, and, with a weight lifted, she is able to really smile. MC wonders how things ended so quickly. It felt strange, but she was happy that things were settled. MC's gaze falls on Gavin, who is staring off into the distance. She asks him about his injuries, and he tells her that they're pretty much healed. He'll go back to active duty in a few days. It seemed too quick, but she was also amazed at how quickly he'd recovered. He was still completely covered in bandages just a week ago. Looking away, he ruefully tells her that it wasn't quick enough. Gavin tells MC that he's worried about her, his eyes full of concern. He started to say something, but then didn't. Was she always worrying him? An inexplicable feeling welled up in her chest, and she shook her head. She reassured him that she just needed time, but she'd be fine. He placed his hands on her shoulders, and told her she didn't need to pretend to be strong. If something was bothering her, she could always talk to him. He promised to always be beside her. He spoke firmly and earnestly, and she felt like he was lifting her heavy heart. Unable to control her emotions, MC starts to cry again. Gavin was temporarily stunned, but he grabs a tissue and carefully wipes them away. He tells her it's okay to cry. A stream of sunlight hit his face, and she smiled at him. He was confused at first, but also smiles in return. Gavin standing there wasn't a dream either. This warmth wasn't a dream. MC knew she couldn't stay like this. She had to pull herself together.

"How did you manage to get there in the end?" MC asks him, thinking back on that day. Gavin raised his eyebrows, seeming surprised that she asked. "I heard you calling me, so I came."

"That's it?" she pried. "...Yeah, that's it," he responded, looking away. His expression seemed a little off. "Why do you ask?" MC shook her head, and told him it just came to mind. Actually, she'd wanted to ask for a long time. She really wanted to know the answer. But what she really wanted to know was why he was so severely injured back then. Why did he hold her and fall with her. Seeing Gavin's expression though, she let him leave without pressing any further. Maybe he didn't want to worry her any further, since she already wasn't in the best mental state. MC decides she'll ask again once everything has settled down.

#### **Stage 15-4**

For many days in row, MC had the same dream again and again. A hazy world, a hazy silhouette. Only the spattered blooded was piercingly clear. The hazy figure grew farther and farther away. She reached out for it, but couldn't reach. Who is he...? She wrestled open her eyes and found herself lying across the table. Why did she keep having this dream? Why was the person in the dream so familiar? Was that his blood all over the ground? She didn't have any answers, so she just stared blankly out her window at the night sky, her heart pounding furiously.

The sound of cicadas made it difficult to sleep, so rather than fight it, MC got up and opened the window, looking out at the city. Unlike her dream, there was nothing strange or uncertain about this scene. It was just her normal, quiet, city at night. The ginkgo leaf on her writs glittered in the moonlight, and seeing it, her heart settled down. She remembered Gavin gently wiping away her tears, and what he'd said to her that day. She traced the bracelet with her fingers and smiled. She wondered aloud if the bracelet was the reason that Gavin always came to her rescue, and to her surprise, Gavin answered, "That's not it." She turned to see Gavin standing on her balcony, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. "Even without it, I will always come to your rescue," he said smoothly, winking. He smiled gently at MC, his amber eyes glistening in the moonlight. In that calm and quiet night, the two stood for a while, just staring at each other.

"Come with me somewhere," Gavin said, reaching out his hand. Without hesitation, MC took his hand and he pulled her away from her home, out into the cool night breeze and into his arms. They flew through the sky, with huge swaths of clouds rushing past them. MC asked Gavin why he came to see her all of a sudden, and blushing, Gavin replied that he had suddenly thought of her, and wanted to see her. MC looked at his face, and even in the dark, she could see that he was red to the tips of his ears. They flew to a place near the TV tower, on the river. It had been evacuated months ago, and all construction had stopped. There, in front of them, was a huge Ferris wheel. It was supposed to be the tallest in Loveland City. If not for the TV tower incident, it probably would have been open by now. Instead, it sat dark, quiet and motionless by the riverside. Confused, MC asked Gavin if this was their destination.

"Do you want to ride it?" Gavin asked, not answering her question. He continued to hold her, but he wasn't looking at her. MC was confused. The Ferris wheel wasn't open yet, was it? Gavin arched an eyebrow and turned to her, reiterating his question, "You just need to tell me if you want to ride it or not." MC looks at the giant Ferris wheel before her, and she couldn't help but nod. Gavin let her go, gave her his jacket, and instructed her to wait for him as he walked off toward a little room.

#### **Stage 15-6**

Clutching his jacket, MC stands in place and remembers a promise she'd made with her dad to ride a Ferris wheel on her 9th birthday. She'd been bugging him to go, but he never showed up. She suddenly felt cold, and her chest tightened. Then, the Ferris wheel lit up with lights like hundreds of little stars. The cabins started moving, and Gavin returned, asking MC which color cabin she wanted to ride. She picks a blue one that was painted like a starry sky, and the two climb in. The door shuts slowly and automatically as the Ferris wheel turns, and the two begin their ascent. MC sits next to Gavin, her heart racing with excitement. "How did you do this?" she asks excitedly, completely overjoyed. Gavin had been looking out the window, and turns to MC. Blushing slightly, he told her it was better for her not to know. She didn't press any further, and just continued to gaze out the window, like a little kid. They had a beautiful view of the city, tranquil and serene, moonlight reflecting on the river beside them. MC looked at Gavin's face, partially illuminated by moonlight, and incredibly kind. MC asks Gavin why he wanted to bring her here. Again, instead of answering, Gavin looks down at the city below and starts pointing out buildings to her: her company's building, a new science museum, the sports stadium. One by one, he listed and described them. MC wondered to herself why he was telling her these things.

"This is the city I see very day when I'm out on missions." He paused, and looked directly into her eyes, "and it's the city that you succeeded in protecting." He smiled gently, "So, I thought we'd look at it together." Gazing back out at the scene before her, MC took in everything he had just said. This was the city she had helped to protect. Was that what Gavin was trying to tell her? Suddenly, there was a strong feeling in her chest. Gavin continued, "Without you, this Ferris wheel would have stopped construction long ago, and those people wouldn't be back to living their normal lives. You *saved* them," he said, taking her hand, "You also saved *me.*" His beautiful amber eyes were sparkling brilliantly. They were so bright, she almost couldn't look at him. "Don't turn away. Look at me," he said seriously, his tone firm, but gentle. "You don't have to be afraid, and you shouldn't feel like you're useless. I was falling, and you caught me." Emotions were flickering across Gavin's face, and then the cabin suddenly stopped. The air grew still, but her heart was racing. As the Ferris wheel brought them to its apex, her thoughts raced back to that day. She was falling, weightless, but it wasn't until Gavin caught her that she realized she was scared to death. She was scared of death. She didn't want to give up everything she'd had, that she'd learned, and that she'd loved. And so, she'd clung desperately to the blood-soaked man holding her, the one who would always catch her when she was falling, even though he was far more danger than she had been. Thinking back on everything that had happened, unable to control it anymore, MC started to cry. She thanked Gavin, but reminded him that he had always been the one catching her. *He* was always the one saving *her*. Tears streamed down her face, and she poured her heart out to him, letting out everything that she'd been holding in. She *had* been afraid. She felt like she shouldn't be here, and that the danger wasn't gone. She couldn't let it all go, but she didn't want to be a burden. Hearing her words, Gavin wrapped her in a tight embrace. He whispered that it wasn't a burden, that she would never be a burden to him. He spoke with conviction, and his voice wavered with emotion. MC's heart quivered, and she promised him she would remember his words. She would work hard to feel at peace. Suddenly, a huge weight was lifted. Her heart, which she had started to close off from fear and anxiety, was suddenly open again. Though the two of them sat together in the middle of an otherwise dark night, she could feel a warm ray of hope. All of her fears, worries and doubts had vanished.

#### **Stage 15-7**

Gavin let her go and, seeing her tear-stained face, he sighed. He looked away sheepishly, and gently wiped her tears with the inside of his jacket. MC couldn't help but laugh, and after a moment, Gavin put down his jacket and gently caressed her cheek with his fingers. "That's better," he said gently, his deep voice reverberating. He turned to look out the window as the Ferris wheel began its descent. MC said she didn't think it would be over so quickly, and Gavin asked if she wanted to go around again. She declined, and said that their once-around had already been incredibly memorable. When he asked her what she meant, MC blushed as she admitted that it was her first time riding a Ferris wheel with someone else. She'd only ever ridden it by herself before. When Gavin looked at her, her heart beat wildly. She thanked him for riding with her, and told him how happy she was.

"Thank you for telling me that this city is better because of me," she thought to herself, gazing out of the cabin window. "Thank you for your comfort, your embrace, your concern. I feel all of it."

"If you ever wanna ride again, just let me know. Any time at all. I'll always go with you," he said smiling at her. She nodded in agreement, and the two of them sat silent as their time on the ride was coming to close. Suddenly, the cabin shook with a loud creak, and the wheel came to a stop. MC and Gavin exchanged a look, and the two of them stammered a bit awkwardly. Then, they both laughed. She asked him what they should do, and he told her to sit towards the middle. With one arm around her, Gavin opened the window and a light breezed streamed in. Then, the cabin began to move again as a forced pushed on it. MC admitted that she thought Gavin would just fly them down, but he told her he'd promised her a proper ride, full circle. She was overwhelmed by his honest, simple, and direct demeanor.

As they left the ride, a heavy rain hit them. Gavin pulled her over to an awning, but the sudden summer shower was too much, and they were getting soaked. He asked her if she was okay with getting wet, and when she nodded, he covered her with his jacket and the two of them ran off, splashing puddles as they went. The rain felt like it was washing all of the heavy feelings out of her heart, leaving it fresh and clean. They laughed, running quickly, but playfully through the empty evening streets. MC is hit with nostalgia, and she thinks back to all the years she and Gavin had been together. He had always been with her, she was sure of it.

#### **Stage 15-9**

When they got back to MC's house, Gavin was completely soaked through. She grabbed some tissues, and pushed herself up on the tips of her toes to wipe his face. She warned him that he'd catch a cold if he didn't dry off, and he smiled shyly as he told her he'd keep that in mind. Gavin blushed, and she suddenly realized how close they were, which caused MC to blush as well.

Suddenly, an alarm interrupted them, and they could hear the sound of people in the hallways. It was a special alarm for the complex, and it never went off. What could be happening so late at night? Frowning, Gavin opened the door as an emergency announcement blared over the radio. There had been a recent outbreak of a very contagious flu. In order to prevent spreading the disease, there was a temporary quarantine in place. All tenants were asked to stay in their homes. MC says it's a good thing it's the weekend, and then she panicked as she realized Gavin would also be stuck in her home. He was thinking the same thing, so they hurried back inside. He tells her he'll sneak out now to investigate the incident, and no one would notice. She warns him to be careful, and he nods in agreement.

Knock, knock, knock. A loud sound at the door suddenly surprised them. MC asked who it was, but received no answer. They only knocked harder, and MC's heart began to race in fear. They knocked as if they were trying to break down the door, and Gavin put his index finger to his lips. Keeping MC behind him, he walked quietly the door. He threw it open, but no one was there. Everyone else had returned to their homes, so the hallway was both empty and silent. MC was overcome with dread, and she uttered his name meekly. She squeezed his hand for comfort, but her heart was in her throat. He shook his head in response, looked down the hall once more, then shut the door. He asked her if anything like this had ever happened, and she replied that it hadn't. He frowned in concern, and tells her he can't leave her alone unless he can be sure it won't happen again. He asks her if he can stay the night. She agrees, and thanks him. He told her he'd send someone to keep an eye on her later, and not to worry.

Was she keeping him from his work? He told her he'd be even more distracted if he left now. Having him there made her feel at least. She brought him a blanket, but she felt bad making him sleep on her small couch. He told her it was fine, and patted the blanket. He seemed to say he was used to it. He ushered her to bed, and told her he would be there. If she needed anything, call for him. She agreed, and told him to get some sleep as well. He nodded, laughed, and checked to make sure the window was locked. Back in her room, MC was still thinking of the strange knocking sound.

"Don't think about it," she told herself. "Gavin is outside. He'll protect me. I can't make him worry!" She wrapped herself in a blanket and tried to go to sleep, but it wouldn't come. She tossed and turned restlessly. Then, she looked at her door and noticed that the light was on outside. Did Gavin do that for her? Is he... asleep? She cautiously crept over to her door and tapped three times. She heard shuffling sounds from the other side, and quiet footsteps approached.

"What is it?" he asked gently. "I didn't say good night," she answered quietly, pressed up against the door. Gavin opened the door, smiling. "Good night," he said, his voice soft and kind. The strange knocking sound didn't happen again, and the night passed uneventfully. MC slept a dreamless sleep for the first time in a long time. She woke up late in the morning, and went out to her living room to find Gavin gone. He had left a neatly written note for her on top of the folded blanket.

"Gotta go. Later, we'll send someone to keep watch on the situation," and then, "Good morning." MC smiled to herself as she read his note, and answered good morning to the empty room.

#### **Stage 15-11**

With Gavin's help, MC felt like she was finally able to return to normal life. After last night's storm, the streets glistened with puddles. She walked briskly, rounding a corner for the subway when suddenly, a little boy bumped into her. She stumbled, but steadied herself quickly. In that instant, a blurry imaged flashed before her eyes. She saw an unfamiliar scene. A hospital room, with a small, frail boy sitting on the hospital bed, his back turned towards her. Then it was gone. She looked down to see an 8 or 9 year old boy in front of her, also recovering from their encounter. He looked up, confused, holding a box of medicine. A middle aged man comes running out of a nearby pharmacy, angrily yelling after the boy. The pharmacist tries to grab the boy, and scared, the boy decides to hide behind MC. He pretends to know her, as if she had sent him on an errand, and the pharmacist angrily demands payment from MC. She started to protest, but remembering how frightened he was, she decides to just pay for the medicine. As she was paying the pharmacist, the boy runs off. As she watched him leave, she felt a strange wave of deja vu. Why did he seem so familiar? The pharmacist had left in a huff after receiving his payment, and MC was left alone on the sidewalk. She looked down and noticed a plain, round, silver locket. She picked it up and examined it. The engraving had worn away, but you could tell that the pendant was treasured. There was a picture inside of a smiling family of 3, the boy she'd just met held between his mother and father. MC spun around to look for the boy, but he was nowhere in sight. Since she was almost running late, MC puts the locket away and decides to handle it later.

At the office, a large pile of paperwork had accumulated on her desk, but MC welcomed it. Even though she was busy, it felt like she was finally able to return to her normal life. By the time she'd handled all the tasks on her desk, it was already time to leave. Gavin hopped in through the window and took a stack of documents from her hands, asking her if she'd been busy today. She nodded, but told him she actually felt pretty good about it. He laughed, and offered to take her home. She agreed, but then suddenly remembered the locket. She told him she needed to stop by the police station, and he responded questioningly. Gavin told her she could just tell him. She showed him the necklace, and explained the situation from that morning. Gavin took it from her and, seeing the picture inside, a perplexed expression crossed his handsome features. MC asked what was wrong, but he didn't answer. He stared at the pendant for a long time, and then told her to let him keep it for now. He would investigate. He hesitated a bit, but didn't tell her any more. After bringing her home, he left in a hurry. MC watched him leave, unable to shake the feeling that the pendant was somehow connected to him.

#### **Stage 15-13**

Gavin's living room is simple and modern. His clothes hang from an open rack sitting in a corner of the room. He had sleek, black pendant lamps, white brick walls and a light wood floor. His furniture was a mixture of wood and black, simple decor that matched his personality well. He received a message from an unknown sender. "Okay," was all it said. He sat quiet, then he stood up, put his phone in his pocket and walked outside. It was a windless night, but the leaves rustled and shook. A pair of black boots entered Gavin's field of vision. He looked up as a familiar figure approached him. The man standing before him was in his mid-thirties, with a tough-set brow and a world-weary expression on his face. He was holding a cigarette, and the instant he saw Gavin, his expression flared, but it immediately calmed down again.

"Litton," Gavin greeted him. Hearing his name, the man smiled slightly. "When did you get back?" Gavin asked.

"A month ago," Litton answered curtly. "Now that the mission's offer, I really don't know what to do with myself," he admitted in a self-deprecating tone. Gavin winced. "You knew long before that it would end up this way, didn't you?"

"Still too late. From the moment I agreed, the ending was already preordained," Litton said cryptically. A silence stretched between them. "Gavin, what if one day everything you believed in turned out to be a lie. What would you do?" Gavin didn't answer, and instead he just stared coldly at the man before him. They heard the sound of nearby footsteps, and Litton reflexively reached for his belt, surprising Gavin. But, there was nothing there, and he straightened his pose.

"Don't you want to know the reason I left?" Litton asked.

"I don't need to know. I trust you," Gavin replied, closing his eyes. Having said that, he turned and walked away. Litton called after him, but his words were swept away by a black wind. "Your Evol," Litton started to say. Gavin paused. In the dark night, no one could see the change in his expression.

Gavin went to the currently empty STF base. He could still hear the man's words echoing in his mind. "What if one day everything you believed in turned out to be a lie. What would you do?" Gavin's hands were balled into a tight fist as he browsed the archives room. He walked past shelves and shelves of books, and stopped at a dusty records case that was labeled, "Special Task Force Classified Missions - Executive Officer Files." In the front was a photo of a smiling face with a name written beside it: Litton. He flipped the page and carefully read the rest of the file. His eyes were ablaze.

In her own room, the sound of her phone vibrating interrupted MC's daydream. She was surprised to see a phone call from Leto, and answered the phone. "Commander?" she said questioningly. "That's right, it's me." he answered. "I want you to listen carefully to what I have to say." His tone was even sterner than before, and he had her full attention. "I know you encountered a boy today," he began. How would he know that? Did Gavin tell him? "What about him?" she asked. "The STF have been monitoring him. You running into him today was no accident. We think Black Swan is trying to get close to you." MC echoed his words, confused. The STF had been monitoring the boy? He was... trying to get close to her? Every word made her heart sink. She remembered the boy's timid face and pure eyes. "Yes, he is a key individual. He may be linked to one of Black Swan's experiments," Leto answered. "We need you to gain this boy's trust and possibly protect him to a certain extent." Why was he telling her this? Why would they choose her for such a task? "Because you're special," he explained, "Only you can get close to him." Leto promised that the STF would protect her safety, but MC was just dumbfounded. She didn't know what to say, and she could barely understand what he was telling her. "I've said before, you're a crucial link in Black Swan's chain of evolution, and you're the only one who can accomplish this task. But, it is only a request. You have the right to refuse."

After all she had been through, MC couldn't easily make a decision. She hesitated, and Commander Leto added, "Perhaps in doing this, you can find the real truth behind your father's death. You don't need to answer right now. Think it over and then let me know soon," he finished, immediately hanging up. She thought back to the boy she'd met that morning. He seemed like a normal kid. She thought of the photo in his locket. The family looked so happy that it made you want to smile too, but the boy she met was no longer smiling.

#### **Stage 15-14**

After that, the commander didn't contact her again. It seemed like she had time to make a decision. His words replayed over and over again in her mind, and she felt disoriented. He told her she was the only one who could do this, and that it involved Black Swan. He even said it might be related to her father's death. She laughed grimly that she'd ever thought she'd be able to return to her normal life. But this was life's cruel joke. All of these mysteries, all of these events, went to the core of her being. She couldn't escape it. Ever since finding the notes in her dad's notebook, it seemed his death was tied to Black Swan. But this 8 or 9 year old boy was so young. How could he be wrapped up in something so complicated. MC remembers the vision she saw after bumping into him. Even though the scene was still blurry, her intuition told her that the incidents were connected. Perhaps the boy was her key to the truth. She remembered Gavin, and the way he looked as he examined the boy's pendant. Her heart was racing. Gavin... would he know something?

The next day, Gavin met her outside her company building, just as they had agreed. She sighed with relief and walked towards him. As she approached him, he seemed to sense her and turned to ask her what was up. The evening sun fell unevenly on him, and he was holding the boy's pendant in his hand. "What did you want to tell me yesterday?" he asked, his face full of concern. She hesitated, but decided to tell Gavin about the call with the Commander. As she recounted the prior day's phone call, his brow furrowed.

"Why would the commander come to me?" she asked him. "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. "I know his father," he told her, casting his gaze downward. She gasped in surprised, "his father?" He told her he didn't want her to worry, but he'd lost touch with the boy's father 6 years ago. He didn't know why Commander Leto told her that it was related to her father's death, but this mission wouldn't be simple. He sternly warned her to stay away, as she'd already guessed he would. He was more serious than she'd ever seen him.

She told Gavin that she didn't intend on accepting the mission from his commander, but she did think the boy was connected to the truth that she sought after. She wanted to see him, on her own terms. Gavin silently stared at her as she spoke, his expression serious. She told Gavin that she wasn't seeking the boy out on impulse. She had thought it through. Gavin lowered his head and mulled it over for a second, then he looked at her, his face full of sincerity. He asked her if she was certain, and she firmly nodded in reply. He told her he wouldn't stop her if she wanted to go, but her safety comes first. She couldn't go on her own. He would take her to find the boy.

Half an hour later, Gavin had taken her to Verdant Plaza, where the young boy squatted on the ground, playing with colored chalk in the center of the plaza. He had a serious expression on his face, as if he was concentrating heavily. MC and Gavin walked over, and she was surprised to see how amazingly well drawn the boy's work was. When he heard them approaching, the boy looked up. His eyes went wide as he recognized MC, and he ran over to her anxiously. He asked her if she'd seen his necklace, and if she could return it. He was putting on a brave face, but his eyes were full of tears. He apologized for the other day, promising he'd repay the money, and asking her if she'd return his necklace if she found it.

"Your name is Perry, right?" Gavin asked, "That's exactly what we came here about," he said as he held out his hand, presenting the plain, silver necklace to the boy. The boy hurriedly took it, checked the picture inside, and put it back on. Seeing that, MC felt a lump in her throat. This was the boy who was trying to get close to her? She couldn't believe it. She sensed strongly that it wasn't true. Perry thanked them both, and told them he didn't have any money right now, but he would figure out a way. The boy held his fists at his side and fidgeted with his feet.

"It's okay," MC told him. She bent down towards him and smiled, patting his head. Perry froze, but he didn't shy away. MC was shocked by how warm he felt, and she brought her head to his forehead. He was scalding! She told Gavin, and they told him they were going to the hospital. Perry refused, and stepped away from them. He said he had to go home and wait for his dad. MC started to reason with the boy, but Gavin interrupted, "When you're sick, you go to the doctor," he said sternly. The boy seemed scared and his eyes grew wide. MC tugged on Gavin's sleeve, reminding him to take it easy. Gavin froze for a moment, then coughed in embarrassment. This time more softly, he said, "I promise, if your dad comes back, I will tell you." Perry hesitated, then agreed. In his fevered haze, his eyes glazed over as he looked as us. Gavin squatted down and gave the boy a piggy back. MC had so many questions as she nervously hovered around Gavin and the boy. Gavin reassured her, telling her not to worry. His expression was calm, and seeing him calmed her down as well.

At the hospital, the doctor came out to reprimand the two of them after examining Perry. "What kind of parents are you?" he chided, "The kid's fever is off the charts. Why didn't you come in sooner?"

"Is it that serious?" Gavin replied, brushing right over the part about them being Perry's parents. He quietly placed himself between MC and the doctor, protecting her from the latter's glare. The doctor said Perry would have to stay in the hospital a few days for observation, due to the recent flu outbreak. MC agreed, and thanked him. Gavin said he would go handle the paperwork, and instructs MC to stay with the boy. The two walked off, and MC checks on Perry. He was lying asleep on a hospital bed, his little body curled in a ball. However, he wasn't sleeping peacefully. His face was flushed, and his hand kept twitching. The hospital had a lot of similar patients, but they were all adults. Normally, the flu kicks up in the spring, but this year it didn't start until early summer.

Gavin soon returned, carrying Perry's test results in hand and lost in thought. MC asked him if something was wrong, and he shook his head, but he thought the cause of this flu was unclear. Setting down the tests, the two of them sat down next to Perry, occasionally wiping the sweat from his forehead with a tamp towel. The boy's mouth opened and closed, as if he was saying something, but no sound came out. When the nurse came around with medicine, he woke up hazily. MC asked him how he felt, and he first nodded in response, then shook his head anxiously. Finally, he stuck his head under the blanket, curling himself in a cocoon. MC asked Perry what was wrong, and looked helplessly at Gavin. Gavin leaned over and patted Perry's back through the blanket. The boy broke his cocoon, sticking out half his face and nodding. Then, he sheepishly buried his face again. Gavin pulled Perry back out. There was a hint of laughter in his voice when he asked the boy if he was hungry. Perry nodded, and he cautiously asked for some soup, as if he was making some extravagant request. Gavin agrees, and leaves to buy some. When he returns, he's carrying two bowls, one for Perry, and one for MC. MC thanks him and picks up the warm bowl. After Perry had finished most of his soup, MC convinced him to finish his medicine, and he was finally able to sleep peacefully. Occasionally, his brow would twitch, and his hand would wave in the air as if he was trying to grab something. Gavin grabbed the boy's white-knuckled hand and placed it under the blanket. MC's heart melted as she watched Gavin care for the young boy. It was a side of him she didn't often see. She realizes that's actually the man he'd always been, hiding his gentleness within. Perry's hand kept squirming out of the blanket, and finally, he grasped Gavin's finger tightly. The boy held on to Gavin as if holding on for dear life, and in his feverish dream, he whimpered for his dad as a tear slid down his cheek. Gavin froze, trembling almost imperceptibly as the sick boy begged him not to leave. Gavin's eyes grew wide in surprise, but he didn't move his hand. MC feels her chest tighten, and reaches out for Gavin's hand. In that moment, she saw a series of scenes. A familiar figure stands before Gavin in the tree shaded darkness. Gavin raises his head, his eyes filled with fury and worry. Gavin is soaked through with rain, looking desolate and forlorn. MC quickly pulls back her hand, her heart racing. Was this another vision? Why was it so clear? Why was it all about Gavin? Why did she keep having these visions? She couldn't understand it. She took several deep breaths to calm herself down, but she hadn't noticed that Gavin was already looking at her worriedly.

Lightning cracked outside the window. The dusky sky had turned pitch black. MC hurriedly closes the window, and her heart pounds anxiously. It looked like a big storm was coming.

#### **Stage 15-16**

Heavy rains fell until midnight. In the pitch black 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 from the distance.

"What do you want from me?" Litton asked. Gavin asked him if he would see his son, since he was here. Litton paused, then replied that he would not. Perry would be safer that way. Litton's self-mocking smile crept across his face again, and he took a drag of his cigarette. White smoke drifted into the air, putting more distance between them.

"This isn't the only reason you called me, is it?" Litton said. Gavin handed him a black record case, instructing him to take his file with him. Litton stared at it for a while, and finally he said, "It hasn't been mine for a long time." Gavin's grip tightened, then loosened as he dropped the file on the ground. "It's not just me," Litton continued, "Too many people haven't been themselves for a long time." He asks Gavin if the name Eckhart rings a bell. Gavin replies that he'd remember that name until his dying day. Litton informs Gavin that Eckhart is now a bus driver.

"That can't be!" Gavin exclaimed through gritted teeth, his brow deeply furrowed. Litton explained that Eckhart was his neighbor. He'd asked to borrow $300, and gave Litton his ID as collateral. Litton tossed the ID at Gavin's feet, an unfamiliar looking man's picture on it. "The real Eckhart died two years after you arrested him," Litton said slowly, glancing at Gavin's face. Gavin was furious. There was a fire burning in his eyes.

"Tell me everything you know," Gavin demanded, his voice dark and solemn. Litton answered willingly. He told Gavin that every Evol offender Gavin had ever arrested had died while at the STF, no matter how big or small their crime. Their cause of death was marked as undetermined, and their cases were changed to someone else.

"That's not possible!" Gavin roared, filled with anger. Gavin looked at this once-familiar person in front of him. He no longer had that former air of righteousness, but there was no hint of playfulness or deceit in his eyes and his voice. Litton agreed, it sounded impossible, but with enough patience, cunning and authority... someone in the Commander's position, perhaps...

"I know you've already started to doubt him," Litton said mockingly, his unwavering gazed fixed on Gavin. "I've bided my time in the dark for five years. I lost my grip on who I was long ago," Litton told Gavin. "I thought I was serving the faith, but now I know my faith was stained with blood. Later I understood. Faith is what you have when you don't want to know the truth. 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. "One last thing. I only have a few days left. Take care of him for me. This is my only request." Litton turned and walked away 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 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.

#### **Stage 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 MC and Perry at the hospital. She didn't know why she took to caring for Perry so naturally. Is it because they were both looking for the truth? Is it because she took pity and compassion on him? Or was it because... she saw the shadow of her own past in him. She didn't understand, but she was certain it wasn't out of duty, but out of affection. She folded up Perry's lab results, sighed, and placed it in her bag. He had been there for days, but his high fever just kept coming back. The doctors were stumped. As she walked out of the hospital, Gavin was waiting for her at the door. He was hidden in the shadow of a tree, staring intently at a blank white wall and lost in thought. A new, barely discernible scar ran down the back of his hand. MC's heart skipped a beat, and she ran over and took his hand. She asked him what happened. Did he get injured on a mission? He told her no, it was fine, and not to worry. Gavin took back his hand and handed her a helmet. He smiled and offering to take her home. Just like that, his heavy-hearted appearance was gone, as if her eyes were playing tricks on her. MC asked him if he'd finished investing whatever it was he'd been looking into, and he told her it was done. He smiled, but there was no joy in it. Suddenly, MC got the feeling that his investigation would never come to an end. She sits on the bike and reflexively grabs tightly to Gavin's waist. As the sunlight hit his back, it light up his soft, brown hair with warm, glowing streaks. They were both silent the whole way home. Right before he left, she grabbed him.

"Gavin, what's wrong? You look really down. I'm worried..." she pleaded. She could feel an intense pressure seething through whenever he wasn't paying attention. "What happened?"

"It's nothing major," he lied, brushing it off. He didn't avoid her questioning looks, and placed a hand on her head. The familiar warm helped to quell her fears as he smiled, genuinely this time. "You don't need to worry," he told her. "I'll take care of it." MC pulled on his hand as he lifted it away and she locked eyes with him.

"You can't tell me?" she asked. "Maybe I can't help you, but I at least want to share the burden with you." Gavin didn't speak. They stood in silence for several minutes, just listening to sound of the ticking clock. A stinging feeling welled up. MC thought that after last time, Gavin wouldn't hide things from her again. She thought he could trust her, that she could face the truth and face everything with him.

Finally, Gavin broke the silence. "From now on..." He didn't answer her question. Tilting his head forward, he looked into her eyes. His expression was complicated, and his tone was stiff. "Don't go near Perry anymore. I'll send someone to look after him." MC's panic rose again. What was Gavin saying? Where did this come from all of a sudden? Didn't he say we could...?

"My agreement before was on the precondition that you'd be safe. But now, the situation's changed," he replied gently, his tone serious.

"You mean there's going to be danger? For me? Or for Perry?" she asked, worried.

"Both," he replied, closing his eyes. Then, he fell silent. MC Stared stubbornly at him, unable to keep her worries at bay. She asked what about him? Wouldn't he be in danger? Gavin looked up at her, opening his mouth, but he said nothing.

Trembling, MC closed her eyes, clutching her hands to her chest. "Gavin... You're hiding something again, aren't you...? Why won't you tell me...?" A swirl of complicated emotions flickered in his eyes. His brow twisted and his jaw clenched tightly. MC felt as if she'd been punched in the chest. Her heart ached, and she almost couldn't take it.

"I would hear any request from you, but just this one thing... I can't," he said painfully. He hadn't responded to any of her doubts. He just looked deeply into her eyes, then turned and left. She opened her mouth, but she was drowned out by the wind. She could only watch him fade into the distance.

Many days had passed, and she hadn't seen Gavin since. An unspoken barrier of silence and stubbornness had been erected between them. There were many times she'd wanted to reach out to him, but she couldn't bring herself to pick up the phone. Perry's condition continued to worsen, and the doctors suggested transferring him to another hospital. MC felt tears well up seeing is small frail frame and his sunken eyes. Perry asked MC why Gavin hadn't been by in so long. Was it his fault? Had he done something? MC denied it and came up with the poor lie that Gavin had just been busy. Perry then asked why MC was so unhappy. Was it because Gavin wasn't there? He sat up in bed, looking at her curiously. MC told Perry it was because she made Gavin angry. Perry furrowed his eyebrows.

"I see. You had a fight!" he said matter-of-factly. MC was taken aback. Would you call that a fight? MC reached out and pulled Perry's blanket over him. "No," she answered, smiling sadly, "we just had a difference of opinion."

Perry raised an eyebrow and expressed how complicated grown up life seemed. He told her that when he was a grownup, he didn't want a difference of opinions because it seemed too sad. Seeing Perry think of his future, MC remembered what the doctor had told her earlier. There was nothing else they could do except to make his last years as happy as possible for him. MC held back tears and lightly tousled the boy's hair. MC suggests that they don't tell Gavin about changing hospitals. Perry replies that he'd wanted Gavin to take him flying, and also it's not right to hide the truth. He spoke with the utmost seriousness, and her heart sank again. She promised him when he was better, they'd take him flying, and they'd ride a huge Ferris wheel. Perry laughed, and then he drank his medicine. Perry told MC not to have any more difference of opinions with Gavin, and describes an incident where Gavin had covered MC with his jacket when she was asleep. Perry promises on Gavin's behalf that Gavin doesn't want to have a difference of opinions with her either. The ginkgo leaf bracelet on her wrist shifted, as if in agreement. A warmth welled up within her, and she took out her phone to message him.

"Gavin, where are you? I'm worried about you..." she typed out, but after a while, she deleted it and turned off the screen.

By the time MC left the hospital, it was late. Cicadas chirped in the summer night, and Perry's words rang in her ear. She wrote another message, paused, then closed her eyes and sent it to Gavin. Putting her phone away, she felt lighter, as if a huge weight had been lifted. On the street behind her, ginkgo leaves rustled, and a pair of black boots tread lightly. The man's phone vibrated, but he kept his gaze fixed on the figure of the girl in the distance. He remained still for a while, then lowered his gaze and quietly left. Still not a word from him. Just the ginkgo leaves on the ground seemed to hint at his arrival.

#### **Stage 15-19**

MC put her phone on her pillow, wishing all night that it would vibrate, but when she awoke the next morning, she still hadn't received a reply. Worried, she wondered if things still weren't okay. Rain tapped rhythmically outside her window as she calmed herself and headed for the hospital. Perry asked why Gavin still hadn't come, but MC had run out of excuses. The doctor appeared, relieving her embarrassment. He told her he had something to tell her, and they left the room. The doctor informed her that after she'd left, Perry slipped into unconsciousness, and started sleepwalking. MC's heart dropped, and her hand started to shake. The doctor informed her that they'd thought he just had a normal, seasonal flu, but Perry had previously lost consciousness prior to entering the hospital, and these were symptoms of a new strain of flu. There was no known cure, but the doctor recommended transferring Perry to a Central Hospital, where there was a team of experts dedicated to treating the new flu. MC almost couldn't hear his words. She just nodded blankly, and left his office in a daze. Unable to bear returning to Perry's room, she said in the hall, listening to the sounds of heavy rainfall from outside. The rain reminded of that night with Gavin at the Ferris wheel, the two of them running carefree in the rain. Though the weather was the same, everything was different. She stood up blankly and walked out into the rain alone.

The rain fell on her, and passersby glanced at her, but didn't say anything. She walked aimlessly, wondering just what she wanted to do. She wanted to find the truth, but she kept getting detoured. She wanted to stick to her principles, but it drove away the people she loved. She wanted to take care of others, but she was always the one being helped. Had she always goaded herself on to the detriment of others? The rain grew heavier, her vision blurred, and so did the world around her, but her troubles only grew sharper. "I guess the rain doesn't wash away everything," she thought bitterly to herself. A red light flashed ahead. She stopped walking and just closed her eyes, but the minute she did, she thought of Gavin. She remembered that day he'd left her all alone. Her heart fluttered, and she heard the very faint sound of slow breathing and forlorn footsteps. There was a scent that she'd recognize anywhere, and her heart froze. An intensely anxious feeling came over her, and she turned around, clutching her chest, and opened her eyes.

A familiar figure stood just a few steps away from her, so close, yet so far. He was soaked, his drenched bangs clinging to his forehead. His eyes, true and radiant with light, gazed at her. She watched as he stepped forward, walking towards her. Amongst the wind, the rain, the sound of pedestrians and traffic, the only thing she could hear was her heart pounding in her chest. She felt at a loss for what to do. Should she apologize? Should she ask him how he'd been? In an instant, she was dragged back to that rainy evening several nights ago. Running through the wet streets, Gavin pulling her by the hand. The Gavin saying he'd ride a full circle around the Ferris wheel with her. The Gavin who took her soaring through the stars. The Gavin who carefully wiped away her tears. The Gavin whose ears flushed red. With each step, all those emotions turned into a howling wind surging up within her. Finally, he was standing before her.

"Have you... been here long?" she asked sheepishly.

"Not long," he lied, looking away. He was soaked, even to form a small puddle where he stood. MC's eyes were red, and Gavin swallowed nervously. "Are you..." he paused for a moment, and then, "cold?" Unable to hold back her tears any longer, MC wept. She simply said sorry, and cried. She was sorry for being so willful, sorry for fighting with him, sorry that she took his feelings for granted. His thinly calloused finger traced across her cheek, and he wiped away her tears.

"The moment I saw you fall from the tower was the first time I wasn't sure if I could protect you," he said, his eyes closed against the painful memory. As he looked at her, his expression became gloomy. "I was the one who made a promise, that I'd protect you. But then I was unable to control my Evol, unable to take you somewhere safe..." MC shook her head and said, "It's okay, Gavin... It's over..." Her tears were pouring out now. She could only cling to Gavin and weep. "Even without Evol, I can still protect you," he said solemnly. "Trust me, okay?" She held back her tears and nodded forcefully.

"What are you doing here?" she asked. Gavin's brow furrowed with concern. "I went to the hospital, saw you weren't there, and the doctor told me you'd gone out." Surprise crossed her face. "So you've been behind me this whole time?" Gavin looked away sheepishly, and after a pause, answered yes. He told her he didn't know what to do, so he could only follow her. He spoke frankly, but gently. Her heart melted, but then she got angry. She chided him for being out in the rain. Gavin was taken aback, but then he smiled. She grabbed his hand and pulled him under a nearby awning.

Just as she let his hand go, a terrifying scene flashed before her. 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 was going on? The vision was fleeting, disappearing as quickly as it came. Gavin, worried, asked her if she was okay. She told him she was alright, but her head was in turmoil. It was as if she'd kept overlooking some crucial detail since she'd awoken. Suddenly, she realized that these visions were connected. She realized that she was seeing the futures of the people she touched. Goosebumps rose up her back. If the other visions had already occurred, what about the vision just now? The thought made her whole body shiver.

"Don't be scared," Gavin whispered into her ear, "It's okay." He forced MC to look into his eyes. They were full of concern and reassurance, but the scene kept flashing over and over in her mind. Then, she suddenly remembered something Gavin had said just a little while before. "Even without Evol, I can still protect you."

"Gavin, your Evol... it's gone now, isn't it?" Gavin froze, a shocked and conflicted look crossing his face. He told her it was only temporary, and that everything would be fine. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, MC forced herself to believe his words. She couldn't see the stifled pain in his eyes when he lowered his gaze.

#### **Stage 15-21**

Because they were both soaked, MC and Gavin run to a nearby department store for dry clothes. Gavin asks her why she was walking by herself in the rain, and MC explains everything that had happened with Perry's illness, and what the doctor had told her. MC was reminded of the promise they made to Perry, to tell him if his father came back. Gavin stood up, and told MC that they were going back to the hospital and taking Perry to his dad. MC looked doubtfully at Gavin, but it dawned on her that Gavin might be keeping her from worry and danger.

They hurried to the hospital, but Perry's hospital room was empty. When they asked a passing nurse, she scolded them for letting him leave on his own. Gavin finds Perry's silver locket necklace by the bed, and when MC takes it, she sees a vision. An intense white light flashed before her eyes. Countless visions started unfolding. The ground was 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 read 17:31. Blood spread out over the floor. In the winding light, she saw two familiar figures lying in puddles of blood. Her whole body shook, but she still couldn't see clearly who they were. She tried to walk towards them, and a pair of tear-filled eyes opened before her.

MC cried out and discovered she was back in the hospital room, holding tightly to Gavin's hand. She was sitting on the floor, her forehead covered in sweat. Gavin asked her what was the matter, and MC told him everything that had happened. Panic and despair overcame her, but Gavin helped to calm her down. The future hadn't happened yet. Gavin reminded her that there was still time to save him. Pushing aside her worries, the two of them left in search of the warehouse in her vision.

Fortunately, it didn't take them long to find it. There wasn't any blood on the trail. The two of them walk in the shadows of the trees, and a loud crow caws overhead. They enter the warehouse and saw a small figure amidst the sunlight spilling in through the broken window panes. Perry's eyes were half open, his face twisted in pain. MC ran over to take him in her arms, but Gavin stopped her. She looked at Gavin in confusion.

"His body is fluctuating with Evol," Gavin explained, an inexplicable emotion surging in his eyes. Perry noticed them, and tried to sit up. He told them not to come near. He didn't want to hurt them. MC shouted his name. In response, Perry apologized. He said they told him if they found her, he could see his dad. He apologized for lying, and asked them to give his necklace to his dad, if they saw him. He spoke in starts and fits, as if he had no strength left. MC's heart sank, and she couldn't hold back her tears. Gavin held her hand tightly, but he looked as if he would burst in a fit of rage.

"I'll take you to see your dad," he told Perry. A loud bang cut the silence, echoing through the warehouse's vaulted ceilings. Fireworks had gone off in the distance. Perry's whole body shook, and then a wave swept out in a circle around him, lifting everything. Scrap piles of rebar around him were sliced in half in an instant. His Evol was bursting out from his body. Gavin pulled MC back several steps, keeping her behind him. A weak wind shielded them, blocking that formless force, but it quickly vanished. Gavin was breathing heavily, but he still shielded her. Gavin ordered her to leave first. MC hesitates, but upon realizing she'd only be a burden in this situation, she turns and leaves. The entire warehouse started to shake violently. Dust filled the sky and blocked her vision.

#### **Stage 15-22**

Suddenly, she heard another "bang!" Was it fireworks? MC froze, but the smell, coming from nearby, made her realize it was a gunshot! In a panic, MC turned and rushed back in heedlessly. Popping sounds were going off constantly, though she was unsure anymore if she was hearing gunfire or fireworks. Traces of blood appeared on the ground, increasing as she went. Her dream was replaying itself.

She couldn't make out the scene in the warehouse clearly. She was trembling, and tears fell freely. She called for Gavin and Perry, but to no avail. Suddenly, a large figure passed her shoulder and charged into the white mist. The smoke gradually gave way to hazy sunshine, and she was relieved to see that Gavin was unharmed. Amidst a hail of bullets, a wind had formed to protect them. As she took a step towards him, she noticed someone behind him. She called out a warning, but it was too late. A bullet pierced Gavin's screen and plunged into Perry's chest. Blood splashed out against the dying light of twilight. MC called out Perry's name, but the boy was looking intensely at the large figure who had charged past MC earlier. "Daddy..." he said happily, as the light faded from his eyes. Litton held his son tightly. Despite the ongoing battle, the gunshots, the fireworks, the crashing beams, and all the commotion, the world went silent in that moment. Gavin cried out, grabbing MC tightly by the hand and pulling her out of the warehouse. His voice was panicked, though his face betrayed none of it. His eyes were full of sorrow and she could feel him trembling. "What about Perry?" she asked him, looking back with tears in her eyes. "His dad came for him," Gavin told her heavily, then he pulled her towards the exit. As they exited the building, fireworks blooming among the rosy clouds, they found themselves surrounded by countless gun barrels. A team of armed units surrounded the warehouse. They all wore black masks over their face, and an STF special ops badge on their chest. MC had so many questions she wanted to ask, but she was left speechless by indescribable grief. Gavin angrily asked who fired the shot, but received no response. MC remembered, a very long time ago, something Gavin had said at the studio when he'd appeared as a guest. "I will not let another child die in front of me."

Leto's voice rang out from the crowd. "I gave the order," he said, as he stepped out before them. His gaze was icy and indifferent. He had told his squad to shoot if the boy became dangerous, and they had done just that. Gavin pushed back, citing the first STF rule: Every single bullet is fired for justice. Leto said he was following his own justice. He told Gavin that he'd been blinded. He was too deep in the woods to see the forest for the trees. Gavin asked Leto about the 76 evol offenders he had arrested. All of them had died or disappeared. Leto didn't answer, but simply said that one day, Gavin might understand his justice. Gavin shouted in return that he didn't want to understand. He held up his gun and aimed the barrel at the commander, but the latter didn't even flinch. Gavin cocked his gun, but then he threw it on the ground.

"From now on, there is no more Agent B-7," he declared, closing his eyes.

"You've taken the same path as him after all," Leto replied. "Agent B-7 has interfered with a special ops mission, with intentions of defecting. Arrest him," he ordered, and disappeared into the squad. Bullets, smoke, light and flame assaulted them in an overwhelming wave. A fire ignited in Gavin's eyes, and a wisp of wind started swirling. MC tries to stop Gavin from using his powers. He's doubled over painfully as a turbulent wind whips around them, bursting with the last of his strength. The next second, she lost control of her body. The whole world spun, and she could only see a hazy light. It was like being choked. All she could feel was something pushing into her mind. Gavin calls out her name. His voice seemed muffled and distance. She wanted to tell him she was alright, but she'd lost all her strength. In her fading consciousness, she saw Gavin draw near and hold her in his trembling hands.

"Hang on!" he cried out, panic in his voice. It almost seemed like he was about to cry. She could feel his energy draining. The wind around them grew weaker, until it finally disappeared. The smell of blood grew thicker, and she could hear Gavin gasping for breath.

"It's okay," he said.

#### **Stage 15-24**

MC and Gavin are on his motorbike, weaving in and out of traffic. MC was coming back to her senses, but breathing was still painful. MC asked if Perry was going to die, but Gavin just told her to trust Litton. She asked him why the STF would do that, and after a long while, Gavin replied that perhaps it was something they'd been plotting for a long time. Solemnly, he told her that there was now danger from the dark and from the side they thought they could trust. MC realizes what that means for Gavin. He didn't simply lose his job, or someone he'd trusted. He's lost everything he believed in. Gavin told her he would take her somewhere save and then take care of everything. As long as Black Swan or the STF were around, there would be no safe place for her. He pulled her arms tightly around his waist and asked her to trust him. She nodded and leaned on his back, listening to his heartbeat.

In the next instant, her vision flashed white. She saw Gavin, standing against a horizon, his fists clenched. He walked away, disappearing, never to be seen again. MC was stricken, and she asks Gavin if he's just going to leave her without saying goodbye. Gavin denies it, but it doesn't quell her fears. Before she can press any further, several black SUVs burst out from behind them in a rabid, furious chase. Before she could get her bearings, MC sees a cold, gleaming gun, and moves to shield Gavin. The bullet pierces her skin. A second shot splits her bracelet, but she's able to catch it. Gavin turns and calls out her name, in a blind rage. He tells her not to let go. Reaching behind him, he pulls her to his chest. She's wrapped up tightly in his embrace, and she could feel his heart race. He holds her with one hand, and steers with the other. She held onto him tightly, hoping not to distract him any further. Their pursuers were closing in on them. Up ahead, there was a break in the road, with only the ocean to greet them below. MC recognizes the broken highway as the boundless horizon she had just seen, and clings desperately to Gavin, begging him not to go. A gunshot and screeching tires split the air. Gavin protects MC as they tumble toward the rift. A gale whipped up from the crack, blowing away everything. Was this the end? MC used what strength she had to clutch onto Gavin's clothes, the ginkgo leaf biting into her palm. Avoiding the wound on her back, Gavin held her tightly as he retreated.

Suddenly, the cracked ground, the SUVs, the roadside trees uprooted. There was an explosion. It all seemed to be blocked by some transparent layer of glass, stopping just a hundred meters away. A row of deadly warriors armed to the teeth surrounded them, and one man wearing a military uniform slowly walks out from behind them. Who was he? The voice called out to Gavin. "You finally deign to come see me," he said. It was emotionless, cold and mechanical. Gavin's fingers stiffened, and he grit his teeth. He carefully set MC down behind a tree, covering her with his jacket. He promised to be back soon, but the vision flashed before MC's eyes again. "No..." she wept, pleading, "don't..." An indescribable fear gripped her heart, and with every last ounce of strength, she gripped Gavin's hand. Don't leave me. Don't go. Don't suffer alone. Gavin leaned forward and hugged her tightly, full of determination. He promised he wouldn't leave her. Gently wiping away her tears, he smiled. He pointed out her broken bracelet, and promised to fix it for her when he came back.

"I have your word," she said, her voice weak.

"Yes, I promise," he smiled in reply. He ran his finger over her wrist, and then wrapped her in his jacket and stood up. All she could do was watch as he walked away towards the cold and expressionless man. MC felt faint, but she forced herself to stay conscious by pinching her arm. The mystery man told Gavin she wouldn't live for long, even if they escaped. He told Gavin he could save her. Doubtfully, Gavin asked him for his conditions. The mysterious man told Gavin he'd have to return with him and accept "the NW Plan," whatever that was. Gavin's voice rang out in surprise, "You still haven't given that up...?! Impossible!" A gunshot rang out, cutting the stagnant night air. The mysterious man told Gavin he could send people to protect her, and Gavin could take over when he recovered his strength. Gavin asked if that was their objective, and the other man answered yes. "This is the order you were born to accept. You and your brother are both no exceptions. Gavin, you have no choice."

Everything went silent. MC could see Gavin holding himself up, blood dripping from his arms, his eyes full of suffering.

"You'll keep her safe?" Gavin asked. In her haze, this question came through clear as a bell, stinging her deeply.

"Don't..." she whispered, "make a deal for my sake..." Her voice was soft, and no one could hear her. MC struggled to keep her eyes open, but it was futile. The whole world disappeared, and all that was left was the silhouette of his back. Her consciousness ebbed, and faded to darkness.

"Gavin, don't give in..."

#### **Stage 15-26**

In the quiet room, MC's breathing was finally back to normal. Her fever had receded, and 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 red eye. A dried teardrop streaked her cheek. Then, his finger ran over the ginkgo bracelet on her wrist.

"This isn't goodbye," he told her, though she couldn't hear him. His voice sounded softly as he leaned in close and whispered, "Wait for me." A light breeze blew through the window, and the girl was left alone in the room.

MC wrestles her eyes open and finds herself in her own room. She cried out Gavin's name, but he was nowhere to be found. She was still covered in his jacket, stained with blood, but he was gone. Though her fever and pain were gone, she knew that everything hadn't been a dream or an illusion. She noticed the bracelet on her wrist, with no sign of the crack from before. She gently nudged the silver leaf, which seemed to still have its familiar warmth. Did he fix this? Was this him keeping his promise to me? A tear slid down her cheek and landed on the silver charm. MC wandered around her house, looking for Gavin in the familiar places he'd appear, to no avail. She wished she could see him. She wished he would come back, but she never found him. She stepped out into the hallway and froze, not knowing where to go. A familiar voice calls out from behind her. "Are you there?"

She turns and sees a white envelope appear out of thin air, blown gently by the wind. Inside the envelope was a black piece of paper with a large letter A, written in calligraphy in the center. She looked around, but there was no one there. At the time, she didn't know in what form this slowly unfolding destiny would reveal itself. She didn't know what earth-shattering changes had already happened to the world under that gloomy sky. And all she could do was follow down the deviated track, further and further.

Inside a secure laboratory, countless people wearing white jumpsuits were moving about, making final preparations. In the center of the huge space, where countless data and conduits link up, was Gavin, suspended in a water tank with an oxygen mask over his face, his arms chained near his head. He was shirtless, and his amber eyes glowed ferociously. Under the cold lights, his face was pale and detached as he quietly watched everything happening around him.

"Are you ready?" a voice asked. This was the second time that man asked the question, and he again answered coldly.

"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. Countless different faces, familiar and strange, sent to the abyss by his actions. Countless scenes raced in his mind, stopping on that figure he'd met in the rain that first time.

"Wait for me," he said. 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.

## Missions

There are 10 missions in each chapter with a max of 30 stars in total. Each try at a mission costs 5 stamina.