11.05.1642

The Underground City

13:26

It's a bit too early for anybody in this world, as you can barely see signs of life on the streets. Nothing is open at this time, not a single merchant selling what they have. But still, there are some people around the streets. Few, but at least there are some. And one of them... is Him. After His strange disappearance a month ago, He finally decided to show His face to the people that knew Him dead.

CHE5TER seems to be pretty serious about the situation though, as He wants to see RY4N and explain what happened, though it doesn't seem as He wants to do it that much. More like, He felt obligated to do so. It's been a whole month since He disappeared out of nowhere after all, and He doesn't really know what happened around the base at all.

He wanders a bit a closed area, where nobody can see Him, or at least that's what He thinks, as two pairs of eyes seem to be staring at Him from the stairs of the buildings, watching all of His movements. But only one gets closer and closer to His location, as the other one has vanished.

He walks a bit further, but He can sense that He is being watched too. And in a blink of an eye, the pair of eyes jumps out of nowhere on Him, or at least it tries, screaming with all of its power. He knew this action coming, as He moves a bit to the right and catches the little figure by its clothes from the back, leaving it hanging in the air. And from what it appears though... it seems to be a little girl, strangely.

[K4T1E]-Aw, man... I thought I'm going to get you this time!

[CHE5TER]-...And I thought that I told you to stop doing this whenever you see me. Why are you here?

[K4T1E]-I don't know... Maybe because...

She smiles creepily, as another girl jumps on His back in the next second, letting her finally on the ground as He wasn't expecting this one.

[AD3LYN]-Ha! I got you! I got you good!

[CHE5TER]-What's into you both, god dammit?

[K4T1E]-Well, I remember someone who promised us that he will do something in exchange of whatever information we have!

[CHE5TER]-...I'm a little busy this time. Tell me later.

[K4T1E]-Nuh-uh! You avoided it for some time now! You promised, Seven!

[CHE5TER]-I know I promised, K4T1E, but I said I'm busy now. If it's not that important, then no need to rush it.

But at the stairs, it seems that it was another one with them as well. Yet this girl seems even younger and a bit scared. She was watching them all from her location, but too afraid to jump as well. CHE5TER notices her in the end and begins to look rather disappointed at the two girls.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* You brought IZUK1 too?

[AD3LYN]-Hey! You told us to let her stay with us!

[CHE5TER]-Yeah. To help her, not to torture her. Oh, for the love of... IZUK1, you can jump! Don't worry!

She does seem as she wants to, but she's too afraid to do it. She looks down to see the height and climbs on the protective fence, but she slides by mistake and falls. Luckily, CHE5TER catches her. Yet admiring her you can see that the girl is a bit weirdly dressed though. She has something that covers her mouth completely, nothing you see casually on these streets.

[CHE5TER]-Now please! Can you three leave? I will fulfil my promise, but not now!

[K4T1E]-No! Look! I have some useful information for you! I promise!!

[CHE5TER]-I told you so many times in the past already! I don't care that the barmen are not co-operating!

[K4T1E]-No! Not that!

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* Then what?

[K4T1E]-The adults said something about the crevaators wandering in the city because of the overpopulated area of theirs! I even saw two or three in the past five days! And they don't even wear their insignias!

[CHE5TER]-K4T1E...

[K4T1E]-But it's useful! You told me everything about the crevaators is useful to you!

[CHE5TER]-I know, and I'm grateful that you help me. But I said I'm busy now.

[AD3LYN]-But you are always busy!!

[K4T1E]-Pleaaase! We just want to have fun! You told us that you will teach us how to navigate around the city more effectively! Please...?

Both of the older girls give Him puppy eyes, and He does seem a bit annoyed about this situation. The younger one looks at Him too, but her face looks so innocent.

[CHE5TER]-Alright... Fine. But only ten minutes, okay? I really have to solve something out.

[AD3LYN]-Ahahah! We won! We finally won!

[CHE5TER]-Alright, alright... Stop the celebrating. But what exactly will IZUK1 do? You know that I won't be able to stay with the three of you at the same time.

[K4T1E]-Hey, Iz! Do you think you can keep up with us?

The girl doesn't say a word though. She only nods negatively, but such a gentle nod that you can miss it.

[K4T1E]-See? She said yes!

[CHE5TER]-No, she did not.

[K4T1E]-*mumbles*

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* IZUK1, you will stay with me, alright? Let's just get this done so I can leave...

So, they leave and climb up a building. After doing so, the girls seem to watch the scenery when they arrive on the roof of the building, as they are so amazed by it, but the younger one looks down, scared. CHE5TER takes her in His left arm though, but doesn't look at anybody, only further, pointing at something. The girl then squeezes His body out of fear to not fall and doesn't let go until they are done with this.

[CHE5TER]-Alright. You see that building over there?

[K4T1E]-Uhh... Oh, yeah! Why?

[CHE5TER]-We will do a little race to get there.

[AD3LYN]-E-Ehehey! Wait a minute! It's too high! W-What if we fall??

[CHE5TER]-You said you want to learn a way of getting easier from a point to another. This is your way. Weren't you begging me a minute ago for it?

[K4T1E]-Y-Yeah, but...

[CHE5TER]-Just follow my moves and you will be fine. Trust me.

And so, He starts running and jumping towards the next building. And He doesn't even seem to struggle, as He lands easily and looks behind at the two girls that were staring at Him. One of them gathers a bit of courage and does as He did, and manages to land safely as well. She screams out of joy as she succeeded and now the other one does the same too, succeeding just like her.

They start a bit of a chase after that moment. The girls sure have fun, but CHE5TER still looks serious about the situation for whatever reasons. But He made a promise in the end, what can He do? They get far from the initial location and become more braver in this practice. One actually becomes a bit too brave... as one of them thought that she could do a huge jump, but didn't calculate the risk of it. She realised it only when she began to fall, getting afraid in the next second she knew that she fucked up and screaming while starting to fall towards the ground. CHE5TER then hears her screaming and rushes back to her location, grabbing her hand and raising her in the air, even looking at her pissed. So when the girl finally calms down and sees His face of disappointment, she gives rather a forced smile.

[AD3LYN]-E-Ehehh... Thought it's a smaller jump...

[CHE5TER]-Oh, dear M1NERV4...

13:42

And so, everything was put to an end, as CHE5TER began to go back to His work, while the girls still seem to follow Him. They are way in front of Him now though, talking to each other, while He seems to slow down and be left alone. He doesn't seem that happy today at all, rather even now seems like something more than just His mind is bothering Him. Voices, multiple ones, whispering from different directions.

But it doesn't take a lot of time to go back into His character, since He senses something from behind, a familiar sense, getting closer to Him... which is a guy jumping on His back before He could even react, with such a weird joy in his voice. It's LUK3!

[CHE5TER]-What the...!?

[LUK3]-IT'S YOU! IT'S FINALLY YOU!

[CHE5TER]-LUCAS! Get off me, now! What's wrong with you, LUCAS!?

[LUK3]-OH, YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH I HATE WHEN I HAVE TO CONFRONT HIM! WHY DID YOU LEAVE ME IN THIS SITUATION!? NEVER LET ME GO TO THAT HOUSE AGAIN! PLEASE! I WILL OBEY TO YOUR ORDERS, I PROMISE! BUT DON'T LET ME DO THIS EVER AGAIN!!

[CHE5TER]-LUCAS! Stop this! You are talking nonsense!

From behind though, it seems like the whole group is coming towards them, C0NNER, N04H and KYR4 being a bit closer to stop LUK3.

[KYR4]-Alright, LUK3! Stop! Give Him some space! He just came here!

They take him by his arms and get him off from the Great Leader's back. He looked so confused on what's happening here as a consequence.

[CHE5TER]-...What is this!? "Jump On My Back" Day!? Why would you even consider acting like this??

[N04H]-You did left for a whole month though...

[CHE5TER]-Oh, spare me! So what if I did? I told Officer RY4N that I will come back!

[KYR4]-Yeah... but...

The girls who were in front of Him seem to have heard the noise from behind, and go towards them.

[K4T1E]-Eh? What's happening?

[AD3LYN]-Kat! Look! It's LUK3 and the others as well! Hi, LUK333!!

[LUK3]-Huh!? Wait, aren't you the girls from two months ago that I got out from the execution room and started making a scene at everyone in the team about how grateful you girls are?

[AD3LYN]-So you remember us!! Thank you, LUK3!!

They start playing around him, trying to talk to him and the others nearby, but he notices that weird younger girl which he never saw before.

[LUK3]-Oh? And who is she?

[K4T1E]-Oh! She is IZUK1!!

[LUK3]-IZUK1, you say? I don't remember her... Hi, IZUK1!

But as he tries to get closer to her, she starts hiding behind one of the girls' back, even almost crying, as she seems so terrified.

[LUK3]-O-Oh?? What did I do? Are you okay, Izu?

But as he tries to get even closer to see if she is fine, she starts crying.

[LUK3]-What di--

[K4T1E]- --Oh, it's not you! She is just like this. Leave her be and she will get used to you!

[LUK3]-O-Okay...

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* You didn't even arrive well and you start with your bullshit, LUCAS...

[LUK3]-BUT WHAT DID I DO??

The Great Leader then looks at C0NNER and gives him a sign with His hand, indicating the number one, and then putting two fingers at His mouth. C0NNER understands what He means, and searches in his pockets a small pack which he shows to Him. In it are his cigarettes, and CHE5TER takes one of them, but doesn't seem to want to use it now. He just keeps it.

Then He looks a bit behind him, just for a second, only for Him to look again as He sees two other people getting closer to their location: RY4N and MY4, those who suffered the most from this whole disappearance. RY4N looks almost paralysed at Him, but MY4 as she looks further, she becomes a roller coaster of emotions. She gives a huge smile, than it transforms into a sad face, and then... it turns even into tears.

She then starts running towards Him, but CHE5TER is only confused as hell. When she gets to Him, she leans on His body as she tries not to fall, keeping herself up with the help of His clothes, almost as if she tries to hear His heart beating over and over again. CHE5TER doesn't understand anything of this, so He looks at His older brother for an explanation.

[CHE5TER]-...I thought I've told you to come alone.

[RY4N]-They wanted to see you too, CHE5TER.

[CHE5TER]-...

MY4 was crying like her whole life just crashed in front of her and couldn't stop no matter what happened. CHE5TER looks at her and hugs her with His left hand as a consequence, moving it slowly to calm her down. He kisses her on her head and continues trying to calm her down, though He doesn't really succeed in doing that. He is so confused on what's happening right now.

[CHE5TER]-...Why are you crying, MY4? I'm here. I didn't leave you.

She is still crying, though she does try to say something. It's hard for her to do so now, so she waits until she calms a bit down to say what she wants. And when she manages to do so, she doesn't have the energy to say it on the tone she wishes, more like it gets into a whispering scream.

[MY4]-...We all thought you died, CHE5TER!

But it only makes Him even more confused now. He doesn't really know what happened during this time He was away from them and from the whole base.

[CHE5TER]-...What do you mean by that?

[RY4N]-She means that we thought the M soldiers got you a month ago and killed you right away.

[CHE5TER]-Got me? Got me when? H... How exactly did you even get this information, RY4N? I told you that I will come back, but I don't know when! Who the hell told you that I died!?

[RY4N]-We found out from the mission we were suppose to complete with you the same day you left and didn't come back!

[CHE5TER]-Then who completed it?

[RY4N]-Oh, you want the truth, Brother!? I put N04H to complete it, alright?? And from it, we found a conversation between two Colonels about how they got you! At least I'm telling you the truth! You only tell me lies!

[CHE5TER]-...You did what?

CHE5TER got a bit mad as He heard this from His own sibling though. He looks at him dead in the eyes, as rage appears in His lifeless eyes, yet RY4N seems pretty confident in telling Him no lies.

[RY4N]-You heard me! And want me to continue the story!? I made a mission myself and put him to complete it again! At the building somewhere in the east, near the center of the city!

[CHE5TER]-You put a newcomer, a CHILD, in the Suicide Building? Are you even hearing what are you saying, RY4N!?

[RY4N]-I DID THIS TO HELP YOU!

[CHE5TER]-...YOU RISKED A YOUNG LIFE ONLY FOR SOMETHING THAT WE CANNOT ACHIEVE NO MATTER OUR ENDEAVOR, BROTHER!? I GOT THE BODY THAT I HAVE TODAY FROM THAT BUILDING! OUR OWN FATHER DIED IN THAT BUILDING, RY4N!

[RY4N]-I ONLY TRIED TO HELP YOU! YOU DIDN'T GIVE US A SINGLE SIGN OF LIFE EVER SINCE THAT DAY, CHE5TER!

[CHE5TER]-BECAUSE MY COMMUNICATION DEVICE BROKE, ALRIGHT??

He shows him His left hand, in which is the device. The screen seems to be broken and it does seem as He has worked hard to fix it so it can function properly again.

[CHE5TER]-AND YOU DON'T HELP ME WITH ANYTHING IF YOU LET ME LOSE MORE PEOPLE! IF I GAVE YOU MY WORD, WHY DO YOU TRUST MORE A RANDOM SOLDIER OF THE M THAN ME, YOUR OWN BROTHER BY CODE!?

[RY4N]-MAYBE BECAUSE I DON'T TRUST YOUR WORD ANYMORE, CHE5TER!

CHE5TER was so mad at this point, nobody probably saw Him this mad before. Even His C colour was lighting up from His anger. He looked like He could kill even His loved ones only to achieve what He wants. And it seems as... He actually tries that risky idea. He raises His right hand as if He wanted to get his throat and strangle him till he passes out, and RY4N does notice that, and out of fear, he closes his eyes and looks away, being a call from his instinct.

But even so, he doesn't feel anything as if He tries to kill him. He then looks slowly back at his sibling, opening his eyes, and seeing CHE5TER in front of him, but doesn't seem to be Himself anymore. He was forcing His right arm with the left one to stay down, struggling hard, with His head down and closed eyes. His face even says how much He struggles now, as if He tries to stop something even more powerful than Him.

He looks a bit at CHE5TER, noticing His right arm. It seems like it is covered with some white bandages rather than a darker colour, as He used to wear. And there is even some traces of blood around them. Even if they both are mad at each other now, he is a bit concerned seeing Him like this.

[RY4N]-CHE5TER...?

As He hears His name though, He looks back at His big brother, but this time, it doesn't seem as He is mad, but rather... He is afraid. He then forces His look away and starts running away from MY4 and RY4N, towards a closed area nearby...

[RY4N]-No! Wait! CHE5TER!!

...while they start following Him.

13:54

He runs forward, far from them, but looks like He can't run away forever, as He seems weaker if He tries this for eternity. He starts whispering something to Himself as well...

[CHE5TER]-...You won't win this fight, you hear me!?

...as He tries to continue further. His running gets slower and slower though, than it gets into walking, helping Himself walk by supporting His body on a wall, until He falls on the ground, still forcing that hand of His and looking in fear at it. He starts searching fast for something in His pockets then, a small string, and starts tying it up on that hand of His.

RY4N and MY4 finally managed to keep up and find Him on the ground, trying to stop His circulations of the veins from His right arm. They try to get close, but CHE5TER shouts at them the next second.

[CHE5TER]-...DON'T COME NEAR ME! STAY AWAY! JUST LISTEN TO MY WORD THIS GODDAMN TIME!!

They get even more concerned, MY4 even trying to not listen and get closer to help Him, but RY4N stops her immediately, as if... he saw this wild side of CHE5TER before, but never this powerful. He continues to tie it more and more, even hurting Himself from it, screaming in agony but silently. It took some good minutes until He let it free, looking a bit first at it then trying to move it Himself. He takes a huge breath of air, trying to calm Himself down, only to look at the two terrified people standing and watching Him from the distance.

Then, RY4N finally lets MY4 do what she pleases, and so she runs to help Him out. She sits next to Him and takes His right hand in her arms to take off the bandages. But CHE5TER looks at her serious before He starts talking again.

[CHE5TER]-...I wouldn't do this if I were you, MY4.

But she doesn't listen. She takes them off anyway and looks at His hand, only to have a shock. His arm doesn't look like it is paralysed from its colour like it looked before. The skin actually looks as if it got better, not completely, but it is a difference. But what scares her is what she doesn't understand. His veins are completely black, only fading bit by bit as you look up. The scars that were like holes in His arm got covered by a black and corrupted skin too, even His fingers seem to get a bit of a darker colour at the end. But it doesn't look like the arm needs to be amputated either, it's not a normal colour at all. He can move His hand properly though, even better than He did before. It seems like... the arm has healed completely, but not in the way she expected.

She stops looking and starts searching for an Energy Killer on her bag, but when she tries to give Him the shot, He simply stops her from doing anything.

[CHE5TER]-No. Don't do it. I know you want to help me, but it will only make it worse, MY4. Trust me, please. I've tried it myself before.

She doesn't know what to do anymore at this point. She only looks at Him in fear that she might lose Him again.

[CHE5TER]-...Do you understand now why I didn't want to come at the base in the past days, RY4N? It wasn't safe for me to stay with any of you. I had to stay in a calm place until I got rid of this shit. But seems like I didn't stay long enough...

[RY4N]-Wh... What happened in this month to you, CHE5TER?

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* A lot, alright? Now tell me, but if possible without making me angry... why did you believe the words of the M Colonels more than my promise?

He then takes the cigarette He borrowed from C0NNER out of His pocket and His lighter too. He lights it up and starts smoking to stay calm in the meantime.

[RY4N]-...Two Colonels were talking to each other in a hidden document about Seven Two being chased down in the City of Above and being caught in an explosion. What was left were some damages on the buildings and a river of blood... At least that's what they've reported.

[CHE5TER]-Then whatever they were saying about me being dead is simply a speculation of theirs. I did lose a drop of blood, but that couldn't be mine even if they wished. Only my arm got injured because of the device which broke into pieces and it got into my skin. But nothing more.

[RY4N]-...They were... also saying something about how they wish to continue the General's plan since they got you out from their way.

[CHE5TER]-Heh... Foolish as always... Never mind... And the Council? How did they react when they heard that the Great Leader is taking a rest again?

[RY4N]-They... weren't so happy. Just like the last time. I managed to talk to Mrs. M4EK0 and decided to help her out with the investigations in the City of Above ever since we failed to get our hands on anything in the last mission of ours.

[CHE5TER]-Not bad... But can't say it's the best option.

[RY4N]-Mhm... But now it's your turn.

[CHE5TER]-My turn on...?

[RY4N]-It's your turn to tell me what you did in this month. Don't play dumb with me, Brother!

He blows some smoke in the air, then looks at him a bit. He is serious now, he won't accept any more lies.

[CHE5TER]-...Let's wait until we get back to the others. Probably they've started searching for us already, don't you think?

14:19

[CHE5TER]-So? What are the news around the base now?

[KYR4]-Um... It's a long list, Master.

[LUK3]-Oh, oh! N04H had his first mission and did a pretty good job! He got some useful things!

[CHE5TER]-Yeah... I heard that.

[LUK3]-Then... Oh! I had to go and confront you-know-who since he found out I work with Mrs. M4EK0 now 'cause she told him!

[CHE5TER]-Your nonsense from earlier was the thing that revealed these news, LUCAS. Tell me something new.

[LUK3]-Um... I helped MY4 at the shelter? Me and KYR4 found out about the crevaators that wander around the city 'cause they need supplies?

[CHE5TER]-Anything else?

[LUK3]-Uhh...

[KYR4]-...And C0NNER finally listened to me and started taking lessons to learn how to use his powers after all these years of begging and telling him over and over again.

[LUK3+N04H]-Wait, he did WHAT!?

[CHE5TER]-...Oh. Didn't expect that coming, that's for sure.

It was that information that made C0NNER be ashamed and avoid any eye contact with anybody. He always thought that he is too old to start and learn this now. He never got the chance to learn since he was one of the "Lost Children of Heaven" after all. None of those people know how to use or how to control their powers, depending from person to person. CHE5TER did try to teach him in the past, but failed as none of the people of the base know how to teach this type of things.

[N04H]-B-But you said you've learnt at the same school I went when we met yesterday!

[LUK3]-You saw him at your school and didn't tell me!?

[N04H]-He said he visited his former Class Master! I didn't know what he was actually doing there!!

[LUK3]-Are you stupid, N04H!? C0NNER didn't go to school at all! He joined us at the age of 13 when we saved him from his execution!

[N04H]-Then why didn't anybody tell me this??

And now C0NNER looks even more embarrassed than before as LUK3 continues talking. He seems cold and all, but he thinks it's a shame to be one of those people that he was back then, even more embarrassing that he didn't get to a school nor knows how to use his powers at all. When they talk about this around him, he cannot help but feel ashamed.

[LUK3]-Ahh, at this point just leave another month so we can see if he listens to us in these situations, Boss! Go and stay in the City of Above again!

[K4T1E]-Eh? But Seven didn't leave the Underground City that much in this month!

[LUK3]-Eeehh?? You knew where He was and didn't tell me? Or any of us??

[AD3LYN]-Well, nobody asked us!

[LUK3]-Aw, man... We were worried for nothing! Boss only took care of these girls.

[K4T1E]-No, he didn't! We both take care of ourselves on our own! We only tried to help him with information!

[LUK3]-WHAT!?

[KYR4]-Oh, come on, Master! Even kids!?

[CHE5TER]-...They begged me the day we saved them. I didn't hire them in anything. In the end, they started telling me everything they were hearing around the city, whenever they were finding me. In order to make them shut their mouth and not reveal anything to anybody about me because of the attention they were bringing, I made a deal with them after some days. Whenever they get me something useful, I reward them with anything they want, just so that they will shut up. But seems like they won't leave me alone that easily. So yeah... meet two of my secret people, K4T1E and AD3LYN.

[K4T1E]-Eheheh...

[LUK3]-Seems like you both cause chaos wherever you go!

[KYR4]-Hah! Look who's talking!

[LUK3]-HEY!!

CHE5TER stops looking at this part of group and looks forward, starting talking to the other two people which wanted to speak to Him as well after all.

[RY4N]-So you are going to come back at the base?

[CHE5TER]-I'm... afraid not, RY4N.

[RY4N]-What? Why?

[CHE5TER]-You saw what happened earlier. I cannot risk to come back at my duty if I can't even keep myself stable. I need to stay away from anything that stresses me for now. When I gave you that message yesterday, I thought that I am ready to come back, that everything was fixed. But seems like I was wrong. I need more time... I will stay at a house in the city to calm myself down for a while. I don't want to risk it all, RY4N!

[RY4N]-*sigh*...At least I will know what you are doing from now on.

[CHE5TER]-Isn't this what you wanted anyway? I'm taking a rest even for days only to solve this problem of mine.

[RY4N]-It's... not exactly how I've imagined it...

[CHE5TER]-But at least is better than nothing, isn't it?

[RY4N]-Right...

[MY4]-And we can visit you... can't we?

[CHE5TER]-I don't know... I will like to stay alone in this time. I'm sorry, MY4. But I promise to you that I will be fine and I will come ba--

But as He talks, the youngest girl comes and takes Him by His left foot, hiding as she cries heavily, covering herself with His long clothes of a crevaator.

[CHE5TER]-*sigh* IZUK1... Not now, please...

[RY4N]-Who is she?

[CHE5TER]-...She's a former slave from the above. Seems like I have to tell you a lot, RY4N.

RY4N tries to get a bit close to see her so that he can analyse her, but she hides even more, crying even louder from her fear. CHE5TER gives her two taps on her shoulder with His left hand and she looks up at Him. But to both RY4N and MY4's surprise, she starts talking in Sign Language.

[IZUK1]-^I don't want to be here! All these people scare me, Seven!^

MY4 understands everything she says, but CHE5TER has a bit of a difficulty since He doesn't remember the translation of something.

[MY4]-^Why are you so afr--^

But before MY4 could finish to ask her what she wanted to, CHE5TER pushes slowly her hands down.

[CHE5TER]-No need. She can hear you.

[MY4]-...Oh? But I thought that she is deaf since she uses Sign Language.

[CHE5TER]-She isn't, don't worry. She uses it because of a different problem.

[MY4]-Alright then... Hey, IZUK1! What's wrong? Why are you so afraid of us?

She gets even more terrified since now another person talks to her and hides even deeper.

[CHE5TER]-IZUK1, it's alright! They are with me! You don't have to fear them. Think them something similar to Mr. K3IT4RO.

[MY4]-Wait, my old master? The same guy who retired three years ago?

[CHE5TER]-Yeah... him. Come out, Iz! It's alright!

She looks out at the two people close to CHE5TER to analyse them. The young woman does seem as she acts the same as this "Mr. K3IT4RO", but the guy is unknown to her. MY4 gives her slowly her hand waiting for her to put hers on it. She isn't so sure what to do, but follows this woman. In the meantime, seems like she isn't crying that hard as she did before now.

[MY4]-Hi, IZUK1! I'm MY4! Don't be afraid of me, I won't do anything to you.

She seems like she doesn't fear MY4 that much now, but she sure got scared as RY4N tried to follow what MY4 did. CHE5TER laughs a bit silently, but tries to explain to her again.

[CHE5TER]-He doesn't bite, don't worry! He is my sibling if you want something to prove you that he is innocent.

CHE5TER takes RY4N's hand and moves it slowly towards IZUK1 so she won't feel attacked or anything. IZUK1 doesn't trust him at first, but she trust the Great Leader and does as He said.

[RY4N]-...What's up with her anyway? Why is she so scared of everyone?

[CHE5TER]-*sigh*...You wanted to know the reason why I didn't come back this month, right? She is, technically... one of my many reasons that I had.

[RY4N]-What do you mean?

[CHE5TER]-It's... a long story. And it starts exactly on the same day that I left you all.

1 MONTH AGO

02.04.1642

The City of Above

36:52

"...I told you before I left that I will stay in the City of Above for some time to investigate the city on my own, didn't I?"

"Yes... You did."

"Good. Because that's what I was doing that day. I was around the north area when the soldiers were suppose to start patrolling over there at that time. I was watching the city from the above like I always do. But what I didn't know is that the soldiers weren't there only to patrol, but also to negotiate with one owner of a slave about the price. And the reason I knew it was because... I heard her screaming, even from far away."

And He doesn't lie on that one, that's for sure. There is a screaming that seems to wander around this area, of a child, almost even possible to traumatise you the moment you hear it. So, by curiosity, He decides to follow that horrifying sound of terror, starting to jump from a building to another to get to His new destination.

"...The screaming was getting louder and louder the more I was getting closer to it, and I had to see what was going on. I rushed towards that sound of agony, but it was so far away from where I was. In the end, it was too late when I arrived at the location of the scream..."

[MBorn]-STOP SCREAMING, YOU BRAT!

"...as I saw a man with a weapon in his hand, and around them, the gas being spread. There was blood on the floor... and on the kid that was standing in front, held by that man. The screaming didn't stop, and the man didn't either, as he hurt her even more... and more."

CHE5TER looks at the young girl who was being tortured by the man. Out of anger, He doesn't seem to be Himself anymore. As the man beats the girl heavier, He got into the apartment without being noticed by anybody, taking His weapon, a sword, and penetrating the man's body in a blink of an eye. But He doesn't stop there, as He isn't acting conscious this time. He cuts the man's body piece by piece, as anger takes control over His mind. All that was left was Him, standing with His head looking at the floor, while pieces of flesh could be seen everywhere around the room. Blood flowing from that man's body, and He was the cause of it. But as He looked more, He seemed even confused now, like He didn't know what happened at all, as He shakes a bit His head to come back to reality.

"...The next thing I woke up to was a room all covered in blood, and I, too... had this part of river on me. In front of me was standing a young girl, no more than 6 years old, from whose mouth was flowing the red river too and her whole body was covered in cuts and wounds. She was crying in a corner of the room, terrified, as she was covering her head with her hands, trying to protect herself.

I walked towards her to take a small look, but I realised that she wasn't terrified of that man anymore, more like... she was afraid of me. I tried to get closer to her, to help her calm down, but she was trying to avoid me completely, moving away from me as much as she could."

[CHE5TER]-...Hey, it's alright... Don't cry... It's over now...

The girl covers her head even more as she is scared of this man that got in the room out of nowhere, murderer of a simple being that was guilty of her fears, but He too is a sinner in the end.

[CHE5TER]-I won't do anything to you, I promise! Look at me, little one...

She opens her eyes and moves her head slowly to see this man's face. A face that could terrify any kid that was like her, but same face which didn't seem to tell a lie. A scar is nothing, as it can't hide the fact that CHE5TER is concerned about her.

[CHE5TER]-I'm just like you. You don't have to fear me... You are not the only one who suffered.

He shows her slowly His right arm, a damaged hand of His, covered with black bandages and a missing finger, almost even impossible to move properly. He hands over His arm so she can understand that He truly means no harm to her, showing her His weak side.

She puts her arm slowly on His hand, unsure, and then looks at Him in the eyes, eyes darker than the void itself, yet at the same time, brighter than the suns. Her mouth was a bit opened and He did notice something strange. He then tries to move His left hand gently to her face but she gets scared in the next second.

[CHE5TER]-Don't worry, little one. I'm not doing anything. I only want to see something.

She doesn't have that much trust in Him yet, but doesn't seem as she can do anything now. She lets Him touch her face as He moves her head slowly from right to left. Then He puts a finger on her down lip and pushes it a bit down so that she can understand to open her mouth. But as she does, CHE5TER sees blood everywhere, as her tongue was cut by that man, and it seems like it hurts her a lot too.

He takes back His hand gently and looks a bit down, unhappy that He didn't come earlier, and starts searching for something in His equipment. He takes off a small holster that was attached to His belt around His stomach and which seems to contain some Energy Killers.

But before He gives her a shot from these, He takes a part from His bandages from His right hand out and rips that part out. He starts cleaning her blood around her face and her body from all her cuts, then rips more parts from His bandages to cover them up. And when He is done, He finally gives her the shot of Energy Killer, which makes her cry a little, but feels better after some time.

But now she finally trusts Him, as He helped her with all of her wounds. As He packs back His holster, she gets closer and starts hugging Him when He wasn't expecting, still crying. He looks a bit at her surprised by this reaction, but takes her in His left arm in the end.

[CHE5TER]-...You suffered, didn't you? They were all mean to you all these years... but now everything is over. No more suffering, I promise.

"...She was abused, raped, everything you could imagine as I looked and analysed her more. All these years since she was born, she was used by that man as a slave, he used her for whatever he wanted without mercy. Even if I slaughtered him with my own hands, a slave remains traumatised for the rest of its life, unable to enter society that easily. But this is the unfortunate fate of those who are called "slaves" in the City of Above, isn't it?"

They stay a bit more on the ground as the girl tries to calm herself down, and CHE5TER being lost in His thoughts of guilt. But they can't stay forever, as He hears a sound that was coming towards the entrance of that apartment. There are the soldiers, coming to negotiate about the price of the little girl. Seems like He stood too much and forgot that He was at duty. The sound gets louder as the soldiers arrive in front of the door and knock.

[MOfficer]-Hello? We came to negotiate the price of the slave which the owner of this apartment has. Open the door, now!

CHE5TER gets up immediately and looks at the small girl sitting next to Him, who was terrified of what was about to happen to her. He then tries to whisper to her.

[CHE5TER]-Listen to me. I will carry you on my arm, but you have to hold yourself as much as you can, alright? I won't be able to carry you that easily with one simple arm.

He takes her in His left arm and she starts squeezing Him by His throat, holding herself close to His body so she won't fall. It isn't comfortable for Him, but He can't do anything about it.

[MOfficer]-I said open the door! Do not make me repeat myself! I know someone is in there!

They were running out of time now. CHE5TER tries to pack everything He left behind, like putting His sword back in its sheath and started moving towards the window from where He came from. But the soldiers destroyed the door before He could even set foot outside. And as He looks back, the soldiers realise who He was.

[MSoldier]-I-It's S-Seven Two!

[MOfficer]-GET HIM! NOW!

He then rushes outside the window, as bullets try to kill Him. He climbs up the building, but the soldiers looked out the window for Him, finding Him struggling as He can only use one hand, and not even the functional one. The girl is barely keeping herself not to fall as well, and it isn't easy for Him the bonus weight He has to carry.

A soldier, as he looked up the window, tries to shoot after Him, even being close to hit Him. But from that angle is a bit too hard to aim. He climbs a bit more until He pushes with all of His powers His body towards a building nearby, as the building He was climbing was too tall and didn't have time. He landed safely on His feet and started running towards the next building, as the chase has started, the chase for the price of the Great Leader's head.

"It was not long after that I found myself being chased down by the M soldiers, as the Officer who was with them called for help and more people came after me because, well... I'm Seven Two after all. They want my head at all costs. I started running around like a maniac trying to lose them behind, but as I ran further, even more soldiers were coming my way.

They've started shooting everywhere to get me as I was trying to lose sign of them, even started blasting with explosive all over the city only to get me. In the end, I found myself surrounded and with no escape, hanging from a building as I was looking at the soldiers who were ready to kill me."

The soldiers stop for a second the rain of bullets, as an Officer launches one of the explosive right at CHE5TER's location. Fire and smoke everywhere, even a rain of blood spreading around the damaged building. When the smoke evaporated, there was nothing left but a red pond in the middle of the damage, but only a few pieces of a body which you can barely use to see who this person that died was, so they were useless.

From behind that building though, where nobody was looking, CHE5TER was hanging on the wall that... seem to be strangely damaged. But it was no damage from the explosion, but rather... from His right arm. He was holding Himself with His wounded arm on that building, as the colour of the hand was getting darker and darker, even until His wounds got black completely, but also... instantly healed.

Before, He was looking down with His eyes closed, as He thought that Death was about to take Him. But when He opened His eyes again, He saw that He was no longer in danger, yet... in the second He looked up, He got in a shock seeing His arm, seeing that He used it even without knowing. Or maybe it was because He didn't use it at all, rather something else that took control over His body and saved Him from His death.

"...Or that's what I thought at first, as I managed to survive from that whole thing. I... don't know how I actually survived that day to be honest, I even question this until now, but my communication device seemed broken ever since then. The screen wasn't working anymore and some pieces were falling apart. But I vanished in a second the moment I knew I was safe and rushed towards our city."

That was a lie. It's true, His device broke that moment, but He knew what saved Him. He knew it from the beginning. What He didn't understand was... how could it possibly take control over His body that easily without Him knowing at all? And the answer from His saviour isn't that much of a help either, as another voice starts talking, but only says one word.

...Liar.

The Underground City

38:21

Now that He arrived in His city, He seems to be waiting at one of the windows of the apartments. He knocks once, twice, five times for some minutes now. When the window finally opened, a man was looking a bit confused at the Great Leader for seeing Him here.

[K3IT4RO]-...Master?

[CHE5TER]-Hello, Mr. K3IT4RO.

"In the end... I went to your old master, MY4... Mr. K3IT4RO. The reason why is... because I trusted him to take care of this little slave. I knew from the past how he loved to help kids with all types of problems around the city until he retired and decided to have a normal life till his age will take over. I thought giving her to him won't be such a bad idea, at least for some time."

[K3IT4RO]-Why are you here all of a sudden? You came to pay me a visit?

[CHE5TER]-I'm more... because of my work. Can I ask you something?

[K3IT4RO]-Of course! Ask me anything!

CHE5TER puts aside a piece of His crevaator clothes which were covering the little girl, who was terrified the moment she saw an unknown person.

[CHE5TER]-Can you possibly... take care of her? I found her in the City of Above when I was investigating something, and I thought that you are the person I should ask for help.

[K3IT4RO]-Master, I-I... Come in first! Don't stay like that.

He enters the apartment and lets the girl to walk on her own feet. They both look at the scared girl who watches them from far away, as she fears this stranger.

"She was scared of everyone and everything, it was almost impossible for me to take her to the shelters, as there are way too many people for her to handle, and I can't say everyone could've understand her actions. So I just felt pity for her."

[K3IT4RO]-...I feel honoured that you thought of me first, Master, but are you sure that I'm the best person you know to handle this problem?

[CHE5TER]-You helped many people in the past, don't be so ridiculous. Plus that, I don't really want to leave her at the shelter now. Her mental condition seems a bit more of a special case from what I've observed, so I think it's best for her this idea of mine.

The man looks a bit more, even concerned and tries to get closer to her. He takes a deep breath and starts talking to her.

[K3IT4RO]-Hi, little girl! My name is K3IT4RO! I will be the one who takes care of you from now on! Is that alright?

But the girl starts crying as he gets closer and runs over to CHE5TER, squeezing His foot by fear.

[18A]-...Oumf heave me! Oumf heave me!! I'm veaef!!

He doesn't really understand what she is saying, as her tongue was cut and it's impossible for her to speak properly anymore. She can still use her vocal cords, but without the tongue, she can't pronounce the words right. She was screaming at Him over and over again, saying "Oumf heave me!", only for K3IT4RO to finally understand what she's saying.

[K3IT4RO]-...She says that she doesn't want you to leave her.

[CHE5TER]-It's... hard for me to understand a word of hers... How did you managed to do that yourself?

[K3IT4RO]-I guess I'm used to it since I met a lot of kids that weren't speaking our language that well because of all kinds of problems. But why does she talk like this anyway?

[CHE5TER]-The owner of this slave cut off her tongue when I was trying to get to her. I got too late, I couldn't save her at that moment.

[K3IT4RO]-*sigh* Poor little thing...

[18A]-Oumf heave me...

She was crying loudly, squeezing even harder His foot. CHE5TER sighs as He can't do anything now but calm her down a little.

[CHE5TER]-He won't do anything to you, little one. He is a friend of mine. You trust me, right? I won't lie to you.

He gives her two taps on her shoulder so she can move. She doesn't. He gives three more taps, she still doesn't move. K3IT4RO decides to get closer and sit down, putting his hand on her left arm and moving it slowly trying to calm her down.

[K3IT4RO]-Hey... It's okay... I won't hurt you as that man did. I want to help you!

She takes a look at the man again and starts to calm down from crying. CHE5TER takes gently her hand and puts it on his, and slowly moving away. She looks one more time at the Great Leader, unsure, while He gives her a simple nod, only for her to finally calm down and trust a bit this stranger.

[K3IT4RO]-That's more like it! Everything is fine now, see?

While they get to know each other from the looks, CHE5TER looks a bit at His right arm, all covered by the clothes He has in order to hide it, lost in His thoughts again, before finally speaking to the man.

[CHE5TER]-...Mr. K3IT4RO, can I get your help on one more thing?

[K3IT4RO]-Hm?

[CHE5TER]-I need a place where I can stay for a while as I think I need to take a bit of a rest in an area that doesn't stress me. Do you think that I can stay here? In the second room? Only for some days. I need to fix my device as well, so I really hope you don't mind.

[K3IT4RO]-Of course! You can stay as much as you like! I have some tools if you need them. Just tell me if you want something!

[CHE5TER]-Thank you. I will make sure I will repay your generosity.

[K3IT4RO]-Don't worry about that. Really!

"It wasn't much what I did in this past month, as I stood at his house to calm myself down a little and repair my communication device. I didn't want to take all the contacts once more. It was a pain that I really didn't want live all over again. Especially with the contacts from the Council...

I told Mr. K3IT4RO in the end to not say anything about me being around and keep everything a secret, as I really didn't want anybody from all of you around me because of the fear that I might do the same thing I did to you just now, RY4N. And I was afraid to let these two near me as well until I knew I got better. The first ten days I even isolated myself completely from them and the outside world, staying in bed and resting, to get rid of this strange thing that I have as soon as possible. Only after those ten days I've started working on my device and go more often in the City of Above to investigate further."

"...Did you find out what exactly is this thing that made you take this decision?"

"Unfortunately... no. I didn't find anything yet. And believe me that I wish I knew the answer."

Yet that voice appears again.

...Liar.

"...In the meantime though, K3IT4RO took care of her, treated her, brought her clothes and everything she wanted, while I was staying in my room alone. After the first ten days, they even started coming to check on me and bring me things that I could use for my device eventually. And she did come a lot of times and showed me everything she wanted, knowing that then she was able to see me again, but I couldn't understand a word. And to be honest... I do not even understand why is she so attached to me, even if she spent more time with Mr. K3IT4RO."

[18A]-Ouhv! Ouhv! I hov a mew hiovf!

[CHE5TER]-I don't... understand.

[18A]-Hiovf! Hiovf!!

She shows Him a shirt that she was wearing. He seems as He was working just now, and He stopped just to see what the little girl wants.

[CHE5TER]-Oh, you got a new shirt?

[18A]-Yeah!! Yeah!!!

He looks and thinks about this situation, which makes Him a bit unhappy.

"...But I guess that feeling of pity still didn't leave every time I was looking at her."

He lets His tools on the table and looks at her, making some weird moves with His hands, grabbing his shirt with his left hand in the upper chest area. Then, He says a word.

[CHE5TER]-..."Shirt". This means "shirt".

She looks a bit confused, then tries to do what He did. Doesn't seem as she does it right though, so CHE5TER takes her hands and makes the signs with them.

[CHE5TER]-I... got... a shirt.

[18A]-I hov... Amf mew?

[CHE5TER]-I'm... afraid I don't remember what was for "new".

[K3IT4RO]-...It was like this.

Mr. K3IT4RO enters the room in the meantime and shows the sign for the word "new", with the back of his right hand skimming along the palm of his left hand. Then, the girl starts copying him.

[18A]-I... hov... a mew... hiovf... I hov a mew hiovf!!

[K3IT4RO]-I didn't know you speak in Sign Language too, Master.

[CHE5TER]-MY4 tried to teach me a while ago, but I only managed to learn a few words... I don't speak it that well.

[K3IT4RO]-Oh, I see now. I thought you wanted to become a Healer all of a sudden.

[CHE5TER]-No, it's not for me. But I needed Sign Language at some point and, well... I got myself troubling with it.

"And, after a while, he even taught her Sign Language after I did an attempt so that I could understand what she was saying. I can say that she speaks it better than me now."

"Other times I've tried myself to take her out so she can enter society and not fear every single person she meets when Mr. K3IT4RO wasn't able to do so, and maybe to get some fresh air myself. I met one day with K4T1E and AD3LYN by accident, who started to annoy me, again, but I told them to stay with her and be her friends from now on. At first, she was scared like hell, of course, but I managed in the end to calm her down and make her aware that they are no danger either."

[K4T1E]-Hey, girl! I still don't know your name!

[AD3LYN]-Yeah! I'm AD3LYN and she is K4T1E! What's your name?

[18A]-Oam Eivf A.

[K4T1E]-I... didn't understand. What's your name again?

[18A]-Oam Eivf A! Oam Eivf A!! OAM EIVF A!!!

[CHE5TER]-I think she means "One Eight A".

[18A]-Yeah!! Yeah!!! Oam Eivf A!

[K4T1E]-Oh, you use from your blood code like Seven Two here?

[CHE5TER]-Seven Two is just my code name, little one. I have a normal name as well, but I don't want to say it.

[AD3LYN]-Oh, you bastard!

[K4T1E]-So... should we name her? Oh, oh! What about... um... AM1RAH?

[AD3LYN]-Nahh, doesn't fit her... Oh! What about MAR1A?

[K4T1E]-That's all you can think of, Ade?

[AD3LYN]-Oh, shut up!

[K4T1E]-How about... maybe...

[CHE5TER]-...IZUK1.

They all look at the Great Leader, the little one even being joyful about this idea.

[K4T1E]-IZUK1! Yes!! It's the best for her!!

[18A]-Ihuvfi! Ihuvfi!!

[CHE5TER]-Seems like she likes it too.

"And to be honest, I had some moments when I couldn't sleep at all. I had troubles and I just stood in my bed looking above, trying to fall asleep. Most of the times, the rest that I had was when I was repairing my device. Nothing more."

It wasn't a lie, but nor a truth either. When CHE5TER was repairing it, He sure had some troubles since it was heavily damaged. He got sometimes pissed, other times He felt disappointed in Himself. It's hard to say He had a "rest" during this time, but compared to the work He does at the base, this is somehow like a rest.

He sits alone as He repairs that broken thing, burning Himself out sometimes and getting a bit mad. He takes all of His Energy Killers and puts them in a glass, as He starts drinking from them. But as He puts His glass down, He feels a bit strange. Everything goes dark before His eyes, then His mind gets twisted, only for Him to fall on the ground, fighting this "thing". He puts His arms on His head and screams in agony, even His eyes look a bit different, from the round and normal pupils we all have, changing somehow their form, or at least... trying to change themselves. He starts hitting Himself on the head with His left arm, but the right one seems to move on its own, trying to stop Him.

He then opens His eyes quickly and starts running towards the rest room, where He throws up all the Energy Killers He drank. He breaths heavily, even scared of whatever happened. This never happened when He drank in the past before. His eyes seem to get to normal again, and He starts calming Himself down too. He looks a bit in the mirror, at His reflection, yet doesn't seem as He sees Himself there, but we can't see His perspective either.

[IZUK1]-Yevem! Yevem!!

[K3IT4RO]-Master, are you alright!?

He looks back at the door, where He sees the two people looking at Him as they heard Him scream.

"...This is probably everything that I did in the past month, ever since I left you all to work on your own. It isn't an excuse for my disappearance, I know, but I needed some time to clear up my mind. I had times when I investigated around the City of Above and all, but most of the times I was sitting in that room, alone, fixing everything that was broken. And yet... I'm still not done with my device. I have to replace the screen as well and it will take me some more time, but I promise that once I'm done with it, I will come back."

13.05.1642

38:14

"...I know that our day is coming, RY4N, and you probably don't want me to be away in this time of the year, but I don't want to risk anything. You can come and pay me a visit, but more than that, I can't do anything about it. I won't come back at the base until I'm ready. And until that day comes... I hope you can forgive me, Brother."

RY4N sits on a chair in a bar full of the people they work with. All of this is happening about two days after their meeting. They seem to enjoy their time, all of them, from the oldest of the base to the youngest, to even the newcomer. It's the same as when the Council celebrates the previous Great Leader's day.

RY4N isn't that hyped, but he is celebrating it, as he ordered a glass of one drink which is rare for him to do so. After all, it's his day, isn't it? Even though he doesn't celebrate it with CHE5TER this year, it's no use crying about it all the time.

Now at least he knows He is alright and that everything will come back to normal soon. He looks at his glass and smiles a bit, as he thinks about this day. All he can say without anybody hearing is just one sentence.

[RY4N]-Happy day, CHE5TER...

In the meantime though, CHE5TER is standing alone in that room He was talking about, in K3IT4RO's apartment, where He tries to remove the old screen and replace it with a new one. He sure is sweating since He gets a bit pissed when He doesn't succeed or breaks it even more. But He takes a break and wipes His face as He takes some deep breaths. Then, He looks outside the window in the horizon, smirking a little, and saying the same sentence.

[CHE5TER]-...Happy day, RY4N. Hope you have fun over there.

04.06.1642

The City of Above

49:19

But even so, we are not done here. An M soldier walks on the hallway of a building, towards a destination only he knows. He opens a door of a room, in which he enters, then closes it. It's like a small office, where two people can talk, but doesn't look like he is alone.

[CHE5TER]-...You are late, don't you think?

So, CHE5TER turns around from the chair that He was sitting, looking at the soldier who seems to cover one of his eyes with an eyepatch. The soldier doesn't look back yet.

[CHE5TER]-Come. Take a seat, won't you?

[DU5TIN]-...I don't want you to be here.

[CHE5TER]-Oh, how cold...

He finally looks at Him in disgrace, with such a hate in his eye. CHE5TER only seems to smirk a little, playing around with a small weapon of His in His finger. But He then looks at him in the eye, deadly.

[CHE5TER]-Long time, no see... I'm sure you knew you cannot avoid me that easily. You act like I'm not suppose to be here, yet you look like you've expected me to come. Isn't it funny? But, I'm afraid you can't avoid me. After all...

"...the game is on, Brother."