On the next day, when the producer lady came with the report and Victor started to fund her company again, I focused on my mission. I still have a suspicion that she has somehow become Black Swan's target. By now she has been targeted twice now, but I don't know why. It's still possible that it was a coincidence, which is why I must secure it this time. If she is targeted again, then it has to be obvious. Three times targeted can't be a coincidence anymore.

It was nighttime as I followed the producer lady in the distance. I was in my red hair power mode, just in case. It seems she was with some guy. They went somewhere to watch fireworks. So far nothing didn't happen. I thought I was wrong and was about to leave before the wind blew. In it, I recognized one familiar smell. Officer Gavin's. I turned to see what was going on and I noticed him pointing at the producer lady with a gun. I was shocked to see it. I thought they were old schoolmates. Then the man with her moved in front and created an invisible shield. He is an Evolver too? I wasn't sure what was going on and I had no idea what to do. But right then, in a matter of seconds, I moved forward, right when Gavin shot. I could actually see the bullet passing the barrier without touching any of them until it hit something which flew right past me to one tree, leaving a scar on my left cheek.

So, there was a sniper somewhere and Gavin stopped him to hit... her. There's the "Strike three". Gavi flew to handle the culprit, while the producer lady stayed with that other guy, who was also Evolver. I thought about leaving since it was over, but...

"Miss Darens."

Nuts. She noticed me. Since the bullet left a scar on my left cheek and I was in my power form, she might see my left eye. I tried to cover it with my hand, but the scar was still bleeding and aching.

"Oh no, you got hurt," she said as she noticed the small drop of blood on my cheek.

"It's just a small cut. I can handle it..." I tried to defend, but the producer lady already had hold of my hand and tried to look how it was. As she yanked my hand away, there was now only one thin line where the scar was. Yes, because of the dragon side of the power, my wounds heal quickly in my power form. But that was when she also noticed my left eye.

She was of course shocked to see it and took two steps back. Her friend took hold of her as he looked surprised as well to see me. I didn't want to cause the scene I was planning to leave until he takes hold of my hand.

"It's okay. I'm not going to hurt you," he said kindly. In this, I looked at him worriedly. The man was tall with a sturdy physique. He has short, black hair with violet eyes. Although he was friendly and kind, I felt something up with him. Like there was something gloomy and dark. I couldn't figure out what. He picked his phone to use its light to check my eyesight since he asked me to follow the light. "Good. Your eye seems to be alright."

"Thank you,... um..." I tried to thank him, but I didn't know his name.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't introduce you." the producer lady said. "This is Lucien. He has helped in my program and lives next to me." she started as she introduced Lucien to me. "And this is miss Darens. She helped on the swap case."

"Well, I'm pleased to meet you," Lucien said to me. "But aren't you a bit too young for this?"

"I come of age soon." I cleared. "And I have already faced worse."

Both of them were a bit surprised to hear it, but since I already told the producer lady that I was robbed and faced the Black Swan, it made a lot more sense to her.

"But you don't have to do this..."

"Of course, I have to," I answered her. "Just like you want to learn the truth of Evolvers, I have my own reasons."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"There was something important in the purse when I was robbed," I said. "I know it may be impossible to get it back, but I can't give up now."

"How important was it?" Lucien asked.

I bit my lower lips as tears started to fall from my eyes. No matter what, I couldn't forgive myself for losing it. Suddenly I felt someone hug me and I saw a producer lady hugging me.

"It was from someone dear to you, wasn't it?" she asked.

"It was from my father..." I answered in a shaky voice. I felt her hug me more.

"I know how you feel." She said to me. I knew she was right. She probably has something from her father as well. I don't know what, but I can guess it's now the most precious thing to her.

I cleared my throat as I moved away from the hug. "Which is why I have to do this," I said to her. "I trust you to take her back safely," I said to Lucien. He first looked seriously stern at me, before nodding and smiling gently.

"Of course. You should stay safe as well," he said to me.

"Please, they don't know me," I said before I took a huge leap leaving both amazed.

As I moved forward, I knew now that she was the target. Why? I still didn't know. Is it because she is investigating the case or something else. Whatever it is, I need to keep an eye on her, from now on.

The next day, there was news of a hacker called "Key". According to what I learned Key has revealed dark business all over Loveland city. Most of them involved human kidnapping for illegal experiments. These happened seventeen years ago, then he just vanished. But now, it seems he has returned a year ago to reveal once again the dirt to the daylight.

What really got my concern was a case he revealed seventeen years ago. Could it possibly hold a connection on what Victor told me? If not, then I noticed another "red line". The producer lady's father started his program "Miracle Finder" right then. Probably because he noticed something... seventeen years ago...when his daughter was kidnapped... Argh! I was getting a headache from this.

Right then, I got a notification on my phone. There was a Text. "Open email below..." I checked. There was an email and password. I took my laptop and inserted both of them. There was one email titled "To a little Guardian". Why did that make me feel uncomfortable? I opened it and there was a message. With two-three pictures of me jumping on roofs and holding one of the Black Swan members against the wall. Has someone spotted me? I read the message.

Dear little Guardian,

I'm not here threatening you. I show these pictures of you, so you know that I'm aware of your secret identity. I know you fight for good, which is why I ask for your help. Recently, someone has put this message to known hackers...

I checked the copied message, from which was an invitation to a seminar meeting to hackers on Friday evening, hosted by... Key. The famous hacker is inviting other hackers to meet-up? Why does this feel to be set up? I continued reading the message.

... I need you to go undercover and investigate who is behind this. I'm sure you too have your suspicion that this is not what it seems. I'm asking for your help with this because I trust your skills and I have faith in you.

I wasn't sure what was going on, but if it has something to do with Key, this could be my chance to get answers.

On Friday evening, I arrived at the place in a different outfit. I was wearing a pink top and a dark blue jacket with jeans and black boots. I was also wearing fingerless black gloves, a small waist bag with some needed items, and one-way mirrored glasses because I was once again in my power form, so no one won't see my left eye. The place looked abandoned and empty, but it would make sense since it's a secret meeting. I entered the building and went to the elevator. There was a keyboard below the buttons. I inserted the password which came with a message and the elevator started to move. Very clever, I'll give that.

The doors soon opened revealing a well-lighted room. There were seats and food. and everyone seemed to talk about hacking or other computer stuff. Luckily, in the email, I got a user-name to cover up and I knew some computer talk myself. I moved along, looking around without waking any attention. Everything seems to be normal, but I couldn't shake the feeling something is gonna happen. I picked a can of drink as I moved to the stage to have a good view. That's when I noticed the producer lady coming from the elevator. What she is doing here? I decided to go to her before she gets into trouble. and she almost did, since few hackers came to talk to her and whichever user-name she used wasn't hers. Well, it didn't sound like hers. Kenkoku Niisan? Seriously? I was going to hurry up before someone came and took her by hand to lead her away from that situation. I recognized the smell. It Kiro...Wait... He is here too? Who's gonna appear next? Gavin, as an undercover cop? Oh my goodness... I need to clear my head...

Right then, there was a sound of a clearing microphone, before the elevator rings its arrival. then there was an explosion. By reaction, I hurried quickly there to check if there was anyone injured. The blast took a couple of rows of chairs and only a few were injured. I checked them quickly before asking a few other hackers to help them aside to check them later.

Then on the stage's screen appeared a red background and letters started to appear.

"Upon the loathsome hackers, I bestow a gift. A gift known as "Death" ___Key"

Then on the roof, there were small boxes that started a countdown from 10 minutes. Bombs. I knew it. This was a setup.

Other hackers tried to find a way out, but an elevator was busted because of the explosion, and the stairway's door was melted shut. So, it's a locked-door case here.

Then Kiro got up to the stage "Everyone, calm down!" he shouted, getting everyone's attention. "During a crisis is when we most need to stay rational! The more we panic, the more we play into their hands! Don't worry! There must be a way for us to get out of this!"

Wow, I was impressed. And by the look on others, everyone was ready to do their best to get out. Soon all those who had brought laptops started to hack the bombs with Kiro since they were connected by wireless remote, which could be hacked. And considering how many hackers there were trapped, it could be possible. While most of them were hacking, few tried to break the door open to the stairway. I on the other hand was securing those who got injured. There were mostly sprained ankles or hurt arms, so I gave the possible first aid, I could come off with. Luckily, my parents taught me to improvise, when it comes to first-aid.

Time was almost running out. It was a matter of seconds now. I was already preparing to run to take the impact of bombs, so I could consume the explosion to save others. It may reveal my secret, but I was willing to take that risk. I know my father would, he was in a situation like this. When there were only ten seconds left, I hurried in the middle, but then nothing happened. I looked at the screen and I realized that they had managed to stop the bomb right one second earlier. Kiro was panting, for a tense situation.

"Just barely made it..." Kiro sighed before pressing "Enter" and deactivated all the bombs.

Everyone cheered for making it in time. Just then the doors were broken free, so everyone could leave. I sighed for relief before walking to the stage where Kiro was, while the producer lady came to him. I got close to get up to them when suddenly a floor moved away from the producer lady and fell into the hole. In this, both Kiro and I followed her through the hole.

During the fall, Kiro got hold of the producer lady before we all fell to the floor. I managed to land on my feet, but because of balance, and fell on my butt, which hurt. As I tried to hold my urge to scream or cry it washed away, as I noticed the producer lady laying against Kiro.

I hurried quickly to see if she was okay.

"She is alright," Kiro told me. Hearing this I sighed for relief and sat down. "You did well today, little guardian."

I was shocked to hear that name. It was in the... I looked up at him to realize it was him who sent me the email.

"I don't deserve that name," I said, sounding a bit upset.

"Well, would you then prefer bubblegum girl?"

I looked confused. Since when he discovered... the pictures. He must have clips where I pour water on me. I sighed.

"Please, don't tell anyone about this..."

"It's okay. After all, even superheroes must keep their identities as a secret." Kiro winked at me.

"Well, it's not only because of that." I cleared as I took glasses off, revealing my left eye. Kiro was surprised at first, but then calmed down. "I'm not what all think of..."

"You mean you're not an Evolver?" he asked.

"Wait... How do you know about...?" I tried asking until I heard the producer lady wake up.

As she opened her eyes she looked upon Kiro.

"Are you hurt?" Kiro asked her.

"Kiro..." she spoke, before moving away apologizing.

"Looks like we got caught in a pitfall trap," Kiro told.

"A pitfall?" she wondered. "Is this Key's doing too?"

"No. He's not responsible for this pitfall, nor for the bomb earlier." Kiro cleared.

"Hah! I knew it!" I shouted. That's when the producer lady noticed me.

"Miss Darens? What are you doing here?" she asked me.

"I got an unknown message that told me to come here. Whoever it is, knew this wasn't Key's doing." I answered.

"How are you two so sure?" she asked.

"Well, because... I'm Key." Kiro answered.

Okay, now we girls were surprised. The famous idol is the famous hacker? Well, by what he revealed he is the next generation of Key. The one from seventeen years ago was his master, but then he disappeared. But a year ago, Kiro took the name "Key" and carried on the legacy.

"Then, Kiro, you really are... B-But you're an idol. Why would you...?" The producer lady tried to ask.

"Before I explain that, we should probably get out of here," Kiro told us

"Well, I agreed. Whoever made this, had some sort of target with this. And I don't want to figure it out by the hard way." I cleared.

Kiro luckily told us that while he hacked earlier, he also got the building's diagram by its server system and showed where we needed to go. The control room. Since we don't know what other traps could be there, it would be best to disable them.

As we walked, Kiro revealed that he had exposed lots of crimes as Key. Mostly because just like some superheroes who "protect the light from the darkness" that's the role of Key. This made me think My father's acquaintance. Although he is one of our family's greatest enemy's topmen, he has helped dad and exposed some of their plots. He was the one who let me escape and got here in the first place. Then Kiro revealed that he is Evolver too. A certain type of charm, which affects people. I don't know if that's possible. For me, he is just a guy with good looks and a way with people. But back then I knew nothing about how serious it would be. Of course, Kiro told how he found an invitation to this "Key's special meeting" and he knew something was up. So, he created me an email from which he asked as a real Key to go investigate. Of course, he felt bad that the producer lady got involved in this and apologized. She, however, told that it wasn't necessary because she came here by her own decision.

"May I ask why you named me 'little guardian'?" I asked annoyed.

"You don't like it?" Kiro asked confusedly. "I thought it fits you since you are always protecting others," he said smiling. "I managed to see how you took down two bad guys and consoling young ones. Even today, you were looking after those who were injured."

"But I don't deserve it," I said, which left both speechless. "The title 'Guardian' is what my parents carry on their work. When I was small I wished to be just like them, but now..." I said as my hand turned into a fist. Ever since I was kidnapped, I felt I no longer deserve that title. Because I let them hurt my father...

The producer lady and Kiro looked at me, feeling sorry for me. They weren't sure what I was referring to, but they could tell it holds deep meaning to me.

As we continued our walk we came to a ladder from which we must go up. It was dark, long, and limited space, so it wouldn't be easy.

"Are you okay, Potato chip princess?" Kiro asked from the producer lady who came behind. I have gone ahead in case there would be traps. So far so good.

"Yeah. I'm clueless about hacker skills and stuff, I won't slow you down. Don't worry!" she said.

As they moved on, one part of the ladder's screw was getting loose where the producer lady was. It was going to fall, but just in the nick of time, Kiro got hold of her but at the same time got a small cut on his left wrist. Luckily it wasn't any serious, but it made the producer lady feel bad for causing it until Kiro gave her green apple-flavored candy. He said it's his favorite. Of course, he asked not to tell his manager about it. I couldn't help but laugh a little. Who knew the famous idol had to keep a secret snack vault.

We kept moving on and we found what we were looking for. The control room. Kiro went right to the control system and linked his laptop to it. He soon got disabled all possible traps and started to collect possible data from the computer.

"Can you send copies to me as well?" I asked.

"Sure. I'll send them the email I gave you." Kiro told me.

Right then, something happened, when Kiro got 49 presents. The red light turned on and the doors got closed. Then a huge ventilation system went on, starting to suck the air. Kiro soon discovered that the system required a password. He started to try possible options related to Key, but nothing. I decided to bend down, so I won't pass out first when air runs out. The producer lady was about to faint, so Kiro placed her to sit on a chair while still trying to find a password. But she said...

"368..."

"What?"

"Can you think of anything that starts with those numbers?" she asked faintly.

Kiro looked surprised, but then he typed something before the computer accepted the password, in which ventilation stopped sucking the air and red lights turned off. I sighed in relief and lay down on the floor, while the producer lady and Kiro took in the air.

"We're saved."

"How did you know?" Kiro asked her.

"I don't know if you'll believe me or not, but I saw it in a dream," she told us. I was shocked to hear it. Saw in a dream? Is she...?

Right then, Kiro's laptop finished downloading and there were so many reports passing through. Kiro picked one to open it up. From it came pictures of people and one person was focused on it. The producer lady recognized him.

"Papa?"

What? Her father? There was some writing. Kiro read it out loud.

"The target learned the secret of the organization and Evolvers, and so... was eliminated."

I knew it. When a reporter finds a huge story, it usually means bad guys got after their lives. And this time, they succeed with it. I looked closely at the name under the line. Black Swan. Her father got close to the Black Swan's operations and they killed him.

The producer lady was shocked to find this out. Then there came more pictures to the scenes. Something of an operation room, equipment, cells. Whatever it is, it seems to affect the producer lady, since she holds on to her head before passing out. Kiro went on her, as I looked at the pictures. There were more cells and one picture where one girl and one boy were on the operation table. All that I learned so far started to flash in my mind.

"We were only kids back then..."

"I was involved in a kidnapping..."

"We were taken...because it was Black Swan who took us..."

I was getting angry. I could feel my blood boil and a growl coming out from my throat. Even Kiro noticed it.

"Little..."

"Have you copied all of this?" I asked in a stern tone. Kiro looked on his laptop which showed the download complete.

"Yes..."

"Take it and get her out of here," I told him.

"What are you...?"

"JUST DO IT!!" I shouted, while my voice sounded different. Kiro looked concerned first, but he could see that I was holding something up. He picked his laptop before picking the producer lady to his arm as he mumbled something to her.

"I will protect you, no matter what, with this strength you gave me." After saying that he leaves the room.

As soon as the doors closed, the fire that was inside burst out like a volcano. My fists strike right at the controls, leaving screens blank. I looked around as I spotted a hidden camera under the panels, I grabbed it and looked right at it with a fierce look in my eyes.

"I'll come after you..." then I broke the camera before I let all my power out destroying the entire room.

Everything was left like a bomb had exploded there as I stood still. I panted hard as I let it all out from my body. It was like a dragon inside me had gotten loose and destroyed all. I quietly started to move out from the room to the exit.

Outside, Kiro stood there with the producer lady as I arrived. He was shocked when he saw me coming. My jeans and jacket had cuts all over. And small cutlines on my arms from which blood had poured, but dried on my skin.

"What you...?"

"Another reason I don't deserve that name 'Guardian'," I said gloomily.

Then, I picked something. As if I have howled somewhere far.

"I'm needed somewhere else. Could you please take her back to her home?" I asked Kiro.

"Sure. Be careful," he said to me.

In this, I took a huge leap to the roofs as I moved forward. The day was far from over, and it was going to be worse.