To the Future Guardian,

By now, you are probably in the worst situation of your life. If it’s not, then you’re not sitting here together, reading this letter. I’m sorry, but I need to write this in the Vomi language to keep it as classified as possible. I know one of you will be able to read it because her mother will undoubtedly teach her some Vomi when she is born. 

We, the Guardians, welcome you to the club. The first question is, does the dog tag owner know who their Guardian is? For those who don’t, let me explain how it works.

From the beginning, you are destined to meet your Guardian. Some meet theirs the day they’re born. Others meet as children. Some encounters happen under unique circumstances, and some Guardians are even connected in unusual ways. 

When a Guardian looks at their owner, they immediately feel the Switch. This is when they suddenly see something extraordinary, something out of place. Confusing, isn’t it? Let me give you an example.

My Guardian happened to be my partner in the Black Knight. We met during a mission programme to the north. He told me he saw a beautiful moon shining in the night, accompanied by the sound of a howl in his ears. That’s how the Switch manifests—you might see or hear something inexplicable, but from that moment on, you feel an overwhelming urge to protect your owner. You’d even give your life for them. That’s how it feels. 

Guardians and owners must stick together, especially in tough times like these. You are each other’s support system, halves of a whole. Without a Guardian, the dog tag’s power cannot be fully activated. Yes, the dog tag holds power—it can unlock a secret weapon designed to help you fight enemies. But the most important task is to protect The Key. It’s the essential element needed to activate the weapon. 

We’ve prepared something for you to treasure in the future, in case something happens to us. I hope you’ll use it well. 

Now, I must put my pen down. The future of Cosmos City lies in your hands. Hail to the new generation of Cosmos City! My hope will always be with you. 

Captain Theodore "Teddy" Blue

---

“Well, looks like we finally know how it works!” Yoon says with a grin. Everyone exhales a collective sigh of relief as the mystery begins to unravel. 

“So, does anyone have any ideas now?” Cygnus asks, glancing around the room. 

They exchange uncertain looks until Yoon suddenly speaks. “I think I know my owner…” His gaze lands on Byul, sitting directly across from him. 

“You know, the first time we met during the prison incident… I saw a galaxy in my eyes—stars everywhere—and I heard a hum.” He hums the melody that echoed in his memory. 

“That’s my lullaby!” Byul exclaims, her eyes widening. “My mom always sang that to me.” 

“Well, now we know our destiny,” Yoon says softly, a smile forming on his lips. 

“That explains things…” Byul starts to say something but stops herself, biting her lip. 

“Explains what?” Yoon presses. 

“Nothing!” she blurts, her cheeks flushing as she hastily leaves the room. Yoon follows her, curious. 

“Anyone else?” Sun asks, standing beside Cygnus. 

“I haven’t found mine yet,” Justin says with a shrug. 

“I’m… not sure,” Joon replies softly. His voice is barely audible, his thoughts elsewhere. All he can think about is how to save Jein. 

Without another word, Joon gets up and leaves the room, formulating a plan of his own. 

---

Night falls, and everyone settles in to sleep. Justin curls up beside his mother on a mattress, seeking comfort. The sanctuary is silent, save for the rhythmic sounds of breathing. 

Suddenly, Joon wakes. Quietly, he gathers his belongings, takes a gun from Yoon’s backpack, and slips out into the night. He walks aimlessly, no destination in mind, driven by a singular purpose. 

“Where the hell do you think you’re going, Joon?!” Yoon’s voice cuts through the darkness, stopping him in his tracks. 

“Leave me alone, Yoon!” Joon snaps, his tone resolute. “I need to save Jein!” 

“Do you remember what the letter said? We’re supposed to stick together, no matter what. That’s what being Guardians means,” Yoon says as he approaches, placing a hand on Joon’s shoulder. 

“Fuck those Guardian things!” Joon shouts, smacking Yoon’s hand away. 

Yoon stays calm, knowing his brother too well. Behind Joon’s tall, bulky frame and genius mind is still a childish, emotional man who can’t handle separation—especially from someone he loves. 

“When our parents died, all I had was you,” Joon begins, his voice breaking. “Then Jein came into my life. He’s my light, my savior, my everything. He found me when no one else could, stayed by my side, and gave up everything for me. How can you expect me to sit here while he’s out there, missing, maybe hurt?” 

Yoon listens silently, his heart breaking for his brother. 

Joon continues, his voice trembling with anguish. “He’s my eternity, my Guardian. And now he’s gone. You expect me to wait here like a fool?!” 

Yoon sighs, stepping closer. “I get it, Joon. But where would you even start? You don’t know where they’ve taken him. And if you go out there alone, you’re walking into a death trap!” 

Joon falls to his knees, sobbing. “I miss him, Yoon. I’m scared they’ll hurt him…” 

Yoon kneels beside him, gripping his shoulders firmly. “Look at me, Joon. I promise, we’ll find him. No matter what it takes. Jein isn’t just important to you—he’s important to all of us.” 

“Your brother’s right,” Byul says, stepping out from the shadows. Justin, Sun, and Cygnus stand behind her, their expressions resolute. 

“Let’s find him together, as Guardians,” Cygnus says with a determined smile. 

“And once we find him, we’ll head to Maze City and end this madness!” Sun adds confidently. 

Justin pipes up, smirking. “But first, I need to find my Guardian. Or hey, Sun, maybe you’re mine?” 

“Hey, back off!” Cygnus growls, pulling Sun away. “He’s *my* Guardian!” 

The two bicker, pulling at Sun’s arms until he groans and yanks their ears. 

“Enough, you fools!” Sun snaps. “If you don’t stop fighting, I’ll hang you from the flagpole!” 

Byul bursts into laughter, unable to contain herself. Her laughter spreads to the others until the entire group is laughing, their spirits lifted despite the heavy burdens they bear. 

For the first time, Byul feels true happiness. She finally understands what it means to love.