Ilustración: Hybrid-Kira (2022)

In Adara's words; "The training had been a complete success."

As soon as the sun settled high in the sky, our captain decided it was time to start our journey back to Cilt to rest and eat, as we still had a second training session in the afternoon, and we need all our strength for it. While all the other recruits headed home, Evan and I followed Adara to meet up with Squad 15 for a nice group meal.

A modest campfire and the smell of a well-deserved meal welcomed us to the campfire area of ​​the Hunters' training camp, in the same space where Squad 15 always gathers. Saemus and Tori were already there, and judging by the deathly silence between them, we've arrived just in time to liven up the impromptu meeting. Adara greets Saemus lovingly by giving him a small inadvertent kiss on his nose, making him sigh affectionately, almost as if he were purring. Once both captains seem satisfied with pampering and affection for now, and that Adara takes her well-deserved rest; Grabbing a beer from the cooler and making herself comfortable not far from his lover, Saemus welcomes me like an old friend he's invited to a barbecue. He has kindly asked me to help him prepare the food, because "He needed a pair of human hands to make everything go perfectly". His hospitality and warmth have taken me by surprise, as this was the first time I had really seen him the way everyone perceived him; A gentle and kind Camaro who only wants the best for his "family" of Hunters. It was nice hanging out with him when he wasn't about to rip my head off for joking around with his partner... I'm lucky he wasn't around during today's training.

As we waited for the rest of the squad to arrive at the meeting, both Saemus and (surprisingly) Tori seemed interested to know how my first day of training had gone. I began my story with the most generic responses that occurred to me at the time, avoiding mentioning any unusual sightings at the Sanctuary at all costs. Noticing this, Adara gives me a confident look, giving me the go-ahead to speak freely about the wolf girl in front of the rest of the squad. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if all the members of Squad 15 were complicit in the same secret.

Turns out that girl has a name, and that name is Nix.

She has lived in the Sanctuary since before Cilt was established as it is now. She has always been accompanied by her loyal family of wolves, who had to adopt her since she was a baby. Right now, the girl must be between 12 and 14 years old. Nix is ​​extremely protective of her pack, scaring any intruder who dares set foot in the Sanctuary. Because of this, and in order not to disturb her and the threatened wolves, Cilt protects that area of ​​the forest just for them. Her existence is an open secret among the highest-ranked Hunters, all with the purpose of not creating more curiosity among the population and thus causing more people to want to venture to the Sanctuary just to see her. Nix usually only shows herself to people she fully trusts, and the fact that she gave me her sign of trust on our first meeting - giving me the wolf tooth necklace - was something out of the ordinary according to the other Hunters, and even Adara mentions, that she regards it as something special.

The Hunters of Squad 15 are the primary protectors of the Sanctuary, Nix, and her wolf pack; the last known pure wolves in the entire Metropolis, thus making the members of this precise squad some of the most skilled and respectable Hunters in all Cilt. They are trusted by the Leaders to guide and inspire new Hunter recruits to follow their example of connecting with nature. Belonging to this squad is no small thing, and that it requires a lot of commitment from each of its members to keep their status intact. I feel lucky and happy to have a space between such important people, no matter how small and insignificant my contribution may be to them, the illusion of finally belonging to a place gives me goosebumps.

Our chat is interrupted by the arrival of a familiar figure; Ciro walked with all the calm in the world until joining the meeting. It was evident that Ciro was the soul of the party where he stepped on their wheels, and said party was not interrupted for a second when Ciro opened one of his doors, and from inside it came out a -remarkably annoyed- Marione.

My stomach flipped when I saw her, and not exactly with joy. I had no idea if she had told Ciro about our incident, that it was my fault she had been arrested in the elevator of the H Tower, or if she had preferred to keep quiet and not aggravate the situation with her father, which was already triggered enough from the moment that Warrior found bullets in her pocket. In any case, I was not forgiven for the murderous look of hers, which Marione preferred to concentrate on a piece of poorly cooked meat, devouring it violently with the manners of a wild dog eating carrion.

- Ciro, where's Morgan? I thought you said they were joining us for lunch today. - Saemus asks as he turns the rods that held the meat over the fire, realizing that Marione had taken one of the pieces of meat without warning-

- I'm afraid they won't be able to join us for lunch, Morgan is still in the hospital... They said they still feels a little sick. I think they suffer from rejection. - This last word, almost whispered by Ciro, makes the rest of the squad express their concern towards the Hunter they were talking about, showing a wide variety of sensations on their faces, from pain to a little sorrow. It must not be good if even Marione had trouble swallowing her bite upon hearing it-

- O-oh... Damn... I hope it goes away soon. Maybe I can visit them later in the hospital and bring them some of our food. The hospital food is terrible, they will never recover from eating only lentils. What do those Doctors think when cooking? We are not birds to be eating that. - Saemus replies sarcastically, earning the laughter of everyone in the squad... even mine, even though that was exactly what I had had for breakfast today, and that it hadn't seemed like a bad meal at all. Compared to the terrible diet I had on my own living in the Metropolis, lentils were better than nothing. It was better for me to ask any other type of question, before my apparently low standards in food made me look ridiculous in front of everyone-

- Rejection? ... I had never heard of a disease like that, although it sounds quite serious. Can someone explain to me what it is? - An awkward silence is generated in the place as soon as I ask my question, and that could only mean one thing: I shouldn't have asked that question out loud... whatever the reason behind it-

- Heh... Why don't you ask Adara? ... She is an expert in it. - To my surprise, Marione is the first to break the silence, and although my question elicited a vicious little smile from her, she didn't take her eyes off her raw food for a second.

Adara, who had been quietly enjoying her beer all this time, resting her feet on a fallen log, and not getting involved in the conversation for a minute, was about to choke on her own drink. She stands up desperately to spit and avoid aspiring the liquid, and when she finally got her sanity and breath back, she could barely speak without coughing, and shakes one of her hands, thus wriggling out of answering the question.

- ... Ask Tori... She's a Medic. - Saemus approached her with concern, seeing her cough so violently, and then gave Marione a clear look of disgust.

- Sorry boy, that's not my field of study. - Tori answered in the most monotonous and expressionless way possible to avoid getting involved in the awkward conversation at all costs.

My apparently indecent question would not get an answer, because a shrill alarm in the distance freezes the conversation completely. The terrifying howl of an emergency alert mobilizes all the citizens around us. Something was wrong.

- Vortex alert... - Ciro is the only one with enough courage to explain what was happening, although he seemed attentive and ready for action. He pays attention to the unique frequency of the sound, which echoed throughout Cilt in perfectly distinguishable bursts. Being the only Warrior among us, Ciro seemed to understand the message that the sound of the alarm emitted. Everyone waits patiently to follow his instructions -... It's North gate 2, Adara! Saemus! Go ahead and support where you can. Tori, follow them, your medical help may be required. Evan, you will go with me. -The entire squad mobilized, and everyone dropped whatever they were doing at that moment to go to the call for help. Leaving the choking feeling behind, Adara took her spear that she had left conveniently stuck within her reach and deftly stepped inside Saemus, already prepared to run. Tori followed closely without a single objection, her eyes showing the determination of a Field Medic. Evan took a while looking for a bow and its respective arrows, scattered throughout the meeting area. - Marione, I need you to take Tyler to the Council Dome, stay there until one of us looks for you. I count on...-

- No! I'll go with you; you need someone to watch your back. He can go on his own. -Marione hurried to grab her spear from the ground, but Ciro quickly put one of his wheels on the spear, making it impossible for Marione to wield her weapon, - L-let go! Let me do my duty! This is my opportunity! -

- Your duty is my orders, and my orders are that you escort Tyler to safety! ... This is not your time Marione. Now obey and do your part. - Ciro releases the spear from his crushing grip once Evan is inside him, ready to fulfill the mission together with his Master Warrior.

- Please father, I can show you that I will be a good Warrior! Just give me a chance! ... Please. -Ciro hesitates when he hears the soft sob in his daughter's voice, for the first time I could see his eyes filled with doubt and remorse. But it didn't last long. He shook his head to summon his Warrior side again and fled the scene at full speed. Duty called him more than Marione's bitter sob. - Dad, wait!... Ciro!-

It was useless, Ciro would not turn back.

Marione yells furiously at her father's silhouette shrinking in the distance. She cursed the ground she stood on by stamping her feet, and with that same rage she took the spear, exhaling like a bull. She wiped her eyes and nose with her own arm and hurried over to meet me. Without even looking at me, she dug her nails into my shoulder and pushed me roughly until I turned away from the campfire, in the direction of the shortcut that would take us directly to downtown and, with it, to the Council Dome.

- Come on! Are you deaf? A Vortex is lurking around out there, and he says that redheaded boys are on the menu today. Move! -

I didn't have time to grab my hoodie or my Bo to offer myself some protection. All I had now was a furious Hunter pointing a spear at my back designed to pierce through the skull of a hybrid. It was maybe the second worst scenario I could imagine for today, but at least it ensured that I wouldn't be attacked by a Vortex again...or so I really hoped. I didn't say a single word, I didn't complain, I just followed her orders. Because, although I didn't want to admit it, she was my authority figure right now as she was the only one of the two to have a rank. It was ridiculous, but I had to stick to the rules.

Ciro had said that the alarm had come from North Gate 2... the same gate we had left through and returned to Cilt for training at the Sanctuary.

It must be just a coincidence...

...I shouldn't be thinking about it so much...

Marione sniffles and curses under her breath. Ciro's harsh words had hurt her. Something told me that it wasn't the first time that she had wanted to prove herself worthy of the rank of Warrior, and that it wasn't the first time that Ciro had told her no. Many explanations cross my mind, but none of them may be correct. All things considered, Marione has earned her reputation by herself, and it was hard to judge others' decisions towards her knowing what kind of person she is. That along with the remorse I've been carrying since I wrongly framed her, didn't put me in the best position to give my opinion, even if what she had said to me in the elevator had been repulsive... I somehow felt compelled to say something to apologize to her.

- ... I'm sorry... that you couldn't accompany the others. - It was the only sentence I could articulate. Marione didn't say anything, and her silence made me think that maybe, just maybe, she was hearing me for the first time. -... Ciro only does it because he loves you and because he wants to protect you, that's what parents do. -

- And what are you going to know about what a father thinks? ... You literally have no idea about that. - Her words were laden with venom. She didn't need to mention my father directly to know that she was referring to my almost non-existent relationship with him, as if that would take away my right to have an opinion on the matter-

- My father may have only been with me a few years, but that's enough for me to know that he loved me...and that he had to make tough decisions to keep me safe. - I lowered my head as I walked, because thinking about my father always brought me bitter feelings, and too much doubt. I prefer to avoid it at all costs when I can-... I saw it in his eyes, Marione... he only wants the best for you.

- Pfff, are you so sure that everything Marcus did, he did it for you?... Please...-

It was impossible to follow the conversation without seeing her face to face. If she was going to stab me with verbal daggers, I at least wanted her to have the guts to say it to my face. We stopped halfway, looking at each other. One of us wanted to start a conflict at all costs, and the other just wanted to understand the reason for so much unjustified hatred... but I wouldn't give her the pleasure of having the last word, again.

- What did you just say? -

Marione took a step back unconsciously, though she later tried to fix that mistake by smiling nonchalantly at me. Something in her had reacted differently, because she did not expect me to stand in my place to defend the only thing that has kept me standing all this time. As much as the memory of my father hurts like holding on to barbed wire, holding on to it has been my only way of keeping him alive in my memory.

Marione messed with my most precious memory, and I wouldn't let her trample on it so easily.

- Tyler, please be realistic. There are things here much bigger than you, my friend. Do you think Marcus stayed here in Cilt all these years because he was magically protecting you from miles away? ...Well, I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but he seemed very happy here, living without you. If he really loved you that much then answer me; Why didn't he find you himself and bring you to Cilt from the start? hmm? –

- He must have had his reasons... and I just have to trust that... -

- That he did it for your good and not because he was simply too comfortable in his office? Enjoying the attention and renown that he here he regained after the Metropolis became shit? Taking advantage of his reputation that you yourself seem to enjoy so much? ... Do you really think so? Well, dreaming is free... But that doesn't take away from the fact that you're just the same kind of scum everyone says I am... you're no different than me. -

- Oh yeah? And what are you and me exactly? - I clench my fist, desperate for not being able to close her mouth at once.

- Bastards. That is what we are. - Marione points her spear at my chest. The traces that the tears had left on her cheeks only gave her a manic appearance as she was smiling as she was doing at that moment. But it wasn't her usual sneering, vicious smile of hers... This was a facade of hers, a mask with which to hide her true feelings, her true pain. She was desperate to project her own monster into me and tear it apart with her own words, -Bastards forgotten by their parents...abandoned...unwanted. -

Marione presses the sharp point of her spear into my chest, an electrical current traveling from the cold metal to my brain, alerting me to impending danger. I had had enough of fighting with spears and sticks for today. Before I knew it, I already had her spear in my hand, apparently muscle memory from previous training with Adara had come to my rescue at the last second, and I managed to disarm Marione without difficulty, snapping her out of her dangerous trance.

- Speak for yourself, because I am not a bastard. -Completely fed up, I throw the spear away from where we were, making it disappear into the thorny bushes that surrounded us, - I've had enough of you and your insults Marione. Now, I will go to the Dome as Ciro ordered. If you want to stay here and get your second scolding of the day, you're completely free to...-

- Wait... wait a damn second... - Marione lunged at me, but didn't hit me, or push me. She reached up to violently grab the collar from my shirt, and with it the beaded necklace that the wolf girl, Nix, had given me at the Sanctuary. She holds the necklace delicately in her hands, visibly confused. - Where did you get it? ... Hopper, who gave you this necklace!?-

- I didn't steal it if that's what you think! And this is none of your business... - Marione was far from a trustworthy person that I could tell so freely about Nix, but something in her behavior made me think that maybe she did know.

- I am not stupid! There is no way you can have one of those. Tell me who gave it to you or...! - Marione pulled out a knife and she didn't hesitate to threaten me with it. She would not go to stab me... but, I preferred not to trust her emotional instability, and I had no choice but to tell her the truth.

- Okay! A wild girl gave it to me when I went to training at the Sanctuary. Are you happy now? Why do you care so much about this? -

She lowered her knife, her face unable to agree on what expression to show. She gave me a dead look, and carefully she took off a necklace almost identical to mine. This one also had a wolf's tooth, the so-called "carnassial teeth". We both stared at each other in silence for a few moments, possibly just as confused about each other. What did that mean? Was Marione just as worthy of Nix's trust as I, Adara, and the rest of Squad 15? Did that make me her friend...or her enemy?

- ... You don't deserve that necklace. Nix must have mistaken you for someone else. I will not let her believe that you are worthy of her trust. - Marione holds out her hand with an open palm, in a strangely firm and serious gesture on her part, demanding obedience, -...Give it to me. Now.

- I won't. Adara and the whole squad approve of me keeping it, and so I will. - Marione clenches her jaw when hearing the name of her companions, almost as if she considered them traitors. She closes her hand into a tight fist and returns her arm to her original position. Quiet. Her silence was even more disturbing than her cursing. She seems like she's finally given up, and I wouldn't give her the chance to return to her natural state, - Goodbye, Marione. -

I turn around and decide to follow the trail on my own. I would go to carry out the order that was given to me by Ciro, since he was still my guide, and I had promised Darius that I would follow all his orders, without question. But I could only advance a few meters until the inevitable happened.

- You have no idea! - A piercing scream escapes her throat like I've never heard it before. I swallow my mixed feelings, and continue my way, - You have no idea of ​​the bloody hell I've had to go through to earn my place here... You have no idea what it's like to be hated by everyone, and nobody trusts you... You don't know what it is, being blamed for things you didn't do... And do you know why, Tyler? Because your only achievement in life was having the fortune to be the spawn of Marcus Hopper, born with life resolved, without having to find your own place in the world. Everyone here loves you blindly! But no, no! Hopper, no one earns the right to be loved just by existing... much less someone like you... who was abandoned by his own father, to take care of his beloved hybrids in your place. -

My chest goes numb, my fist clenches my fingers together. I feel every vein in my body shake.

That had already been too much.

A thousand thoughts crossed my mind, one more cruel than the last. I wanted to hurt her, just as much as she did to me. I wanted to show her that she was wrong, that everything she said about my father was nothing but lies... I wanted to be right. I wanted to give her a taste of her own medicine.

...

I want to be right... but I just can't find it anywhere in my mind. I am unable to lie to myself once more.

That memory, like a barbed wire, has left my hands so hurt that I never felt that I was bleeding. And for the first time in a long time, someone had made me look at myself. And all I could see, were lies on my face.

Marione had spoken the truth, for the second time that day.

I release my fist, relax my shoulders, and exhale the boiling air from my lungs. The overload of emotions has made me numb for a few moments, long enough to swallow those very lies that have kept me afloat all these years, and that I have been defending so blindly.

It has left me without arguments.

- ... You're right. Marione. I have no idea what that must be. -

I didn't turn to look at her even for moment. I don't need to look her in the eye, because the conversation really wasn't for her... it was for myself, and nothing she said hurt me as much as my own truths, conveniently buried in the depths of my mind. There was no point in hiding it anymore.

- What am I going to know about a difficult life? ...I'm just the useless son of a brilliant man, and a mother who didn't even want a son...I've been nothing but a drag on their lives. They both did well to leave me as soon as they could... At least that way they could continue with their lives and do wonderful things. I have nothing to complain about really. I should be thankful I even exist. - My voice is choked with sadness, but I don't shed a single tear. I deserved to feel every miserable drop of loneliness take my breath away with every word. I deserve it, for being fake, stupid, and naive. Actually... it's good to know how insignificant I am, you know. Otherwise... he would never have been able to do this, Cilt wouldn't be what it is now if my father really loved me... At least my absence has served a purpose. -

There is not a single noise. It's as if the entire forest wanted to know about the thoughts that have always lurked in my head, but never came to light. Even Marione refuses to interrupt. She must surely be rejoicing that she was right, but that didn't matter to me in the least, for none of her insults could hurt me more now.

- You have a beautiful family, Marione. You have good friends, and a father who loves and cares for you, and who would never abandon you... That is more than enough proof that you are a better person than me. I hope that's what you wanted to hear from me all this time. - I untie the precious necklace from my neck, and leave it on the ground with respect, as I no longer feel worthy of it - ... Please, don't be like me. Take good care of them. And cherish their company, as if it were the last time you see them. -

With nothing more to add, I continue my way. The forest is still just as silent in my head, even though my ears never stopped listening to the birds around me, and the Vortex alarm in the distance.

If Dheera were to show up again at this very moment...let him take me with him.

It really doesn't matter anymore.

________________________________

The Council Dome is eerily quiet when the Leaders are away. It makes your stomach tingle, as if your body is telling you that you shouldn't be there. That it is not correct to disturb the peace of this almost sacred place.

But here I am. Standing right in the center of the gigantic compass rose that decorated the black and white tiled floor. I turn to see the dais of the four Leaders; They judge me, even though there is no one occupying the seats.

My legs are restless, the walk was not enough for them to escape from my own thoughts. I find myself walking in circles between the wide aisles behind the dais, and the planters that surround the perimeter of the trial area. I'm not even aware of how long I've been waiting like this, or what specifically I was hoping to get out of walking in circles.

... What happened out there with Marione?

I hadn't allowed myself to think about it while I was still on my way to the Dome. But now that I was physically locked up, and there is no possibility - or need - to run away... I was alone, and there was nothing I hated more than having to keep myself company.

My legs get tired eventually. I sit on the floor, with my back to the doors, hiding my face from the non-existent spectators who are staring their eyes like daggers at the back of my neck. And as schizophrenic as my feelings were, I was unable to stop thinking about one question, which remained floating in my mind indefinitely:

Why?

Why, even though everyone told me my whole life in the Metropolis that my father was far from being a good person... I refused to believe it? Why did I decide to fill the empty spaces of my memories with him, with nothing more than fantasies and lies, all created by me? Why did I feel justified in believing that I knew more about him than my own mother? ... Why did I come to believe that he would be unable to abandon me?

... Why have I been so naive all this time?

The exotic flower with white petals dotted with pink dots that kept me company right next to me did not waste its existence listening to me, but it was a good companion; It was quiet, and it didn't bother to make the slightest movement that shows its lack of attention. It was just a flower after all, one like any other in the Dome.

- ...Tyler? -

I turn like a gust towards the doors of the Dome, feeling a pulse of adrenaline that soon made me hide any trace of melancholy. "Someone else is here. Now is no time to cry." I always say the same thing to avoid giving explanations to someone who has no interest in hearing what is happening to me anyways.

- General Kassia... I didn't expect to see you here... - I soon realized how silly and generic my comment had been; Kassia is part of the council after all, of course you'd expect to see her in the Council Dome constantly. - Uh... I didn't mean that, what I really wanted to say is...

- Are you okay? ... What are you doing here, alone? - Kassia completely ignores any attempt by me to prematurely apologize to her. She looked worried. Concerned towards me - Why have you separated from Ciro? The Vortex alert went off a few minutes ago, right now is when you should be with him the most.

- Ciro... ordered me to come here. He and squad 15 went to attend to the Vortex alert... that is why I am here, my Leader, I have not separated on my own free will. -

The leader takes a couple of steps back, trying to understand what she was hearing. Her almost iridescent eyes betrayed confusion, while she unsubtly frowned, lending a slight touch of charisma to her frustrated look.

- Did Ciro send you to the Dome... on your own? With no one to escort you? - Without even thinking twice, I stiffly nod my head. I didn't want to get involved in giving too many explanations, - Hmm... well, I think he must already trust you enough to know that you can move on your own in Cilt.- Any trace of doubt in her is easily solved with a gentle and carefree smile . She didn't need to hear more about it.

But something did not leave her completely calm. Despite agreeing with my brief explanation, she wasn't entirely convinced that everything was ok. She silently looks into my eyes for a couple of seconds, which stretched out for full minutes in my mind. A strange feeling invades me inside. It doesn't faze me, but it was like she could see past what I was telling her. As if she read in my own eyes what my mouth did not dare to say.

- ... Is something bothering you, Tyler? - 

I could try to swallow my own tongue as long as I didn't had to talk about what was on my mind right now. I could make up an excuse, one more lie, just like I have done with everyone I've met since I came to Cilt. I could pretend that everything is fine with me, and that there is no need to worry about the problems of a pathetic boy like me... But something very strange and deep inside me told me that, whatever I do, whatever I say, I could not fool Kassia so easily.

Either because she had something special that always made me feel completely confident on her, or because I... simply... no longer felt like lying to myself.

- I...- I run my hand behind my head, rubbing the back of my neck from the phantom pain that returned from time to time, remembering that blow that led me to amnesia. I search under my shirt; Nix's necklace was no longer there to give me courage. I was alone - ... I don't feel well. All this is unreal to me. I think I can't process everything that has happened in such a short time. I am overwhelmed. - The words come out of my mouth as if I were pulling on a fine thread, which begins to get thicker and thicker, and which exerts more resistance the more I pull on it. I was afraid of pulling too much of my words, because I knew that, if I did, I would discover a knot impossible to untie-... I feel that I have failed all those who believed that by being... a Hopper, I had something important to contribute to Cilt. I feel like a fake, lying to my own friends, making them believe that I deserve their friendship... I feel alone... even though I've never been more accompanied in my life. -I hug my legs, compacting my body tightly with my arms. Wanting to occupy as little space as possible inside the immense Dome -... I don't know what's wrong with me.

Kassia didn't say a single word, which was strange for her as she was normally vigorous when speaking and interacting with others. The obsidian black skinned Lamborghini looks away from me for a moment, not knowing what to add to the conversation, not wanting to say anything insensitive. She turns to the planter that was right next to her, staring at that same flower with white and pink petals. The conflict in her eyes is eventually replaced by a warm, understanding smile as she sees the flower.

- It is possible that you are already tired of Ciro telling you his long and elaborate stories, but... if you allow me to, I would like to tell you one more little story. -

Seeing that there were no retorts from me, Kassia walks with the security that her well-deserved rank of Leader has given her, circulating inside the Dome, checking every flower, every plant and pot that was here, making sure that life prospered in this little artificial ecosystem.

- Approximately nine years ago, shortly after Darius had the famous confrontation with Neyzan, and peace and order finally began to be a reality in Cilt, Darius decided to take a short walk to explore his new territory now that it was formally the leader of this city. He was still recovering from his injuries, but that was not an impediment for him, since he was tired of sitting for days and feeling miserable about it and, besides, this place still had many new and interesting things to discover. That same afternoon, while he was walking along a new path, something about the place did not quite fit with the rest of the forest; A flash of light prevented him from seeing what that strange round structure with a glass roof was, which reflected the sun directly into his eyes. Intrigued, Darius approached the strange building, and although at the time he did not know what a greenhouse was, he was able to realize that this place, this "dome", was used to shelter plants. The place was in ruins; rubble, wooden beams, broken glass, and other garbage did not allow see the floor. A few empty pots and tools scattered among the rubble were the only things that had survived whatever had happened to this place. This greenhouse was doomed to be reclaimed by nature sooner or later, and there was nothing he could do about it. He was about to turn around and continue his walk, when something caught his attention at the last moment: Almost completely buried between heavy wooden planks, a white orchid with vibrant pink spots managed to make its way into the light, and flourish. He had never seen a more beautiful flower in his life, much less one that was capable of surviving in such a hostile place. Touched by the lonely flower, and inspired by its resilience, Darius made it a promise; He would rebuild the dome and fill it with the most beautiful flowers so that orchid would never be alone again, and that it could spend the rest of its days in a place worthy of a survivor like it, because Darius had learned that it was worth taking care of those little things that remind us that there is always hope, even when the world seems to be collapsing. Darius kept his promise, and together with his most faithful followers they brought this greenhouse to life, which in addition to eventually becoming the Dome of the Council of Leaders... It also became a special place for all Cilt. A reminder of what can be achieved if we help each other. A proof of kindness and care towards everything that is fragile and precious... A shelter, for all those who feel lonely, like that white orchid growing among the rubble.

Inexplicably... The story gets me into tears. It makes me overflow with all the toxic feelings that I had been bottling up until then. I rest my head on Kassia's side, as she had always stayed close to me. I allowed myself to be vulnerable with her for once. What started with a few tears soon turned into a sob that, although painful and suffocating... made me feel relief, and calm. Kassia didn't question, nor did she try to comfort me with empty words... something told me that she knew how much I really needed her help, because she just brought her body closer to me, showing me her support and concern.

I felt so much pain... it felt like everything I believed in, all my memories, hopes, and dreams were cruelly questioned by myself, and made them crumble at my feet. I felt like I had been living a lie my whole life. That, since I was a child, I always tried to convince myself that it wasn't my fault that he left, that I hadn't done anything wrong. That, if it hadn't been for me, my parents wouldn't have separated, and my father wouldn't have "died". That the fact that my mother had left me on my own was not because she did not want to see me for reminding her too much of my father, but because she did it to improve our quality of life, because perhaps she did love me despite everything. Even the fact that my father never tried to contact me and simply tell me that he was alive, was because he was somehow protecting me, and not because he just didn't care. I wasn't sure which was more painful; believing that my father had died for so many years, or knowing that he was actually alive all this time, and never knowing of his existence.

But those dark truths have haunted me all my life. Depriving me of sleep, starving me to the bone, ripping my skin until it bled... and on several occasions, wanting to take my life completely.

Now I would have to live with a huge hole in my mind, bigger than any amnesia I've ever experienced before.

- ... Why did he abandon me, Kassia?... What did I do for him to leave and never come back? ...Is it true that...he was happy without me? ... Finally living with his hybrids... without having to take care of me... - My voice was barely audible, my face was pressed against her side, turning me into a mess of tears.

- No, no. Tyler, listen. - Kassia shut down the horrible thoughts that invaded me. She hurried to make eye contact with me again, and with a determined look she forced me to pay attention to her words, - Marcus, your father, never would abandon you. I want you to never forget that, Tyler. If there's someone in Cilt who knows him better than anyone, that's me... And if I tell you that he always went above and beyond to make sure you were safe, then you must believe me. - Her eyes are covered with a fine curtain of water, showing how much it hurt her to see me like this, and to hear about my insecurities towards my own father. But she resisted crying, as much as it broke her heart to do so -... There hasn't been a single day that Marcus didn't express how much he missed you, or how much he would give to see you one more time. You are his pride, his bright light. The thought of seeing you again one day got him up every morning... So please, Tyler... Don't give up hope. Because he never lost it. And it is possibly that same hope that is keeping him alive right now...wherever he is. - Kassia sighs heavily and bitterly as she realizes a couple of tears have escaped her. Like me, she takes a few moments to calm her feelings, and keep her voice from cracking, - ...Marcus was forced to fake his death. That was why it was impossible for him to contact you all these years... it could put you and your mother at risk.-

- Who forced him to fake his death? - Kassia hesitated for a moment, shaking her head to avoid answering, -... Kassia please... I need to know what really happened. If you claim to know more about him than anyone else in Cilt... I need you to tell me. -

Remorse fills her eyes, as if she wants to protect me from the truth. But I think we both knew that keeping secrets from my father from me would not work out well for either of us.

- Novak... The president of the Metropolis. - Kassia finally deigned to answer, although that only managed to confuse me even more, - ... Marcus did something that Novak didn't like. Your father publicly objected to the demeaning way hybrids were treated at the time, and Novak felt that was a threat to his mandate. So, he gave him two options; Either he faked his death because of one of the hybrids he claimed to protect so much... Or his public image would be so damaged that the people would end up killing him and his family. -

- ... Did my mother know? -

- Tyler, that's not... -

- Kassia. - For the first time I mustered enough courage to look her in the eye again. I didn't mean to make her feel bad about it, but I felt I had the right to demand answers -...Did my mom know my father was alive all this time?-

Kassia closes her eyes and shakes her head again, though this time she didn't seem to want to hide anything from me.

- I do not know. I'm sorry Tyler. - Finally knowing, even a little bit of the truth, has been effective in stopping the crying. Her words made sense, and allowed me to fill in those empty spaces in my mind, little by little. It was clear that the whole truth was much more complex than she was letting me see by now, but the fact that she had even had the confidence to hand the truth over to me, and make of it what I wanted, made her once more worthy of my gratitude, and my broken confidence -... I'm sorry you had to hear the truth from my mouth and not your father's. I can't imagine what you've been through all these years. You at least deserve to know what really happened. All of us on the Council owe you so much for having lied to you about so many things... -Her voice is impregnated with shame as she speaks, Kassia could not assimilate the fact that it was necessary to bring me here with lies, and that in the end there was nothing that could be done to solve it, besides trying to hide the truth uselessly with more lies. But she seemed to have had enough of that. She recovered her stoic gesture, took the posture that a Leader must show in difficult situations, and with determination, she caught my eyes in her gaze once again -... I can't speak for the other Leaders. But I promise you, Tyler Hopper, that I will do everything in my power to bring your father home, so that you can both be together again. We promised you that if you came to Cilt you would see your father, and you will. At the first opportunity to rescue him, I will be the first to proceed. It's a promise. - 

She was trying to hide it... she was doing it very well, but not enough to fool me. She was as heartbroken as me. She may not have expressed it, but I wasn't the only reason she was so determined to rescue my father. This was personal to her. His absence hurt her as much as it hurt me.

After drying my tears, and calming my breathing, I approached her until I touched the tip of her nose with my hand, to which she closed her eyes, letting out another couple of tears. The Leader of Cilt was in check by her own feelings.

- ... I know how much he means to you too. You don't have to hide it. I only knew him during my first six years of life... You know him even better than me. It would be selfish to think that, just because I am his son, I am the only one who suffers from his absence. -

Kassia smiles, trying to dispel the melancholy in her voice with a tone that denotes irony.

- But you are, and always will be, his son. And there is no one in the world who can take that place. Neither I... nor Iker... nor any other hybrid or human. Son of Marcus Hopper, there is only one, and that is you. And that's why you deserve his company more than anyone. I do this for you, Tyler... Because you deserve to live the life that was taken from you. -

... That was true.

Have I perhaps ignored all those who have lovingly called me "son of Marcus"?

Maybe I didn't want to listen to them... maybe, those few words made me feel ashamed. But it wasn't embarrassment towards my father in the slightest... No, it was embarrassment towards myself, since I wasn't even sure I could call me his son without being filled with lies.

But now there was something different. I was sure of that.

"Son of Marcus" no longer felt so much like a mockery, or a heavy burden. It was beginning to feel like mine, and no one else's. It has taken me a lifetime to try to learn to detest my lineage, and yet I resisted losing faith completely. Maybe it wasn't stupidity that allowed me to continue to love my father even when I thought he was dead... Maybe it was hope, and Kassia had forced me to remember who I really am.

... I am his son.

- Tyler? ... Tyler! Are you here? - It was Adara, and she sounded insistent and worried in equal parts. From in here I can hear her stomping across the dirt in her heavy boots. The doors of the Dome shudder for a second, and soon after they are thrown open by the exhausted Captain, - There you are! It's a relief to see that you made it to the Dome on your own. - Adara adjusts her curly hair back, while she enters with a firm step inside the Dome. - We were worried when we saw Marione back in the Hunters' Village... That irresponsible brat. She's lucky that I found you whole, because if not I would personally take care of giving her a good...- Adara was so lost in her heated monologue, that she barely noticed Kassia's presence. Adara's eyes widen, and embarrassment soon takes over both her voice and her body language, - G-General Kassia! ... Excuse me... I didn't see you when I entered the Dome...-

Adara lowers her head, making an obvious bow to her General, who can't help but smile discreetly at me. I had to contain my laughter so as not to make Adara feel bad.

- You arrived at the right time, Captain. What is the report of the Vortex alert at North Gate 2? -

- One of the guards at the gate made eye contact with what appeared to be a hybrid bearing the Vortex mark, although they could not be fully identified. The chip in this Vortex was not detected by radar. The intruder fled as soon as the alarm sounded. There are no incidents to report, my General. - Adara resumes her pose with pride and respect towards Kassia. No matter how martial her body showed, it was impossible not to realize how much Adara admires the Leader, just as much as a hero.

- Nice job. I'm glad to hear that all the elements of your squad work in such harmony... - Kassia says sarcastically, winking at me, confusing Adara a bit in the process - Now... I must ask you to escort young Hopper back with his guide to resume his activities. I was about to call a meeting of Warrior Sub Leaders to discuss important security issues. Thank you, Captain Adara.

- Always ready to serve, General Kassia. -

Adara gives one last bow, pointing me the way to the Dome doors. But I couldn't leave like that, not without saying a proper goodbye first. I let Adara come forward to give me one last moment with Kassia.

- Leader Kassia, I... -

- Tyler, we've already discussed this several times, you don't need to call me formally. Just call me Kassia, okay? That's all... -

I didn't have her talent for hiding my feelings. Without hesitating for even a second, I hugged her as my only way of expressing how much this moment had meant to me. There were no words that could better describe my gratitude. In my logic, if she trusted me enough for me to call her by her name, I think it was still okay to hug her. And she smiled, and sighed with relief, accepting the brief show of affection.

- ... Thank you. -

- No, Tyler. Thank you. For not losing hope. - Something very warm and genuine in her smile was enough for me to breathe easy again. For a moment, I felt like family. - Now go, you don't want to worry old Ciro, believe me. Stress doesn't sit particularly well with him. - Kassia gently pushed my legs as soon as I got up, giving me the necessary push to start my way back, to the place where I began to belong, The Hunter's Village.

As I take the short cut back to the Village, the discussion I had had with Marione moments before replays in my memory. It is inevitable for me to turn to the ground in the hope of rescuing my invaluable necklace, which I had unconsciously stripped myself of.

But the necklace was no longer there.

________________________________

The Vortex alert had activated the accident prevention protocol, which consists of closing all the doors of the city, and only allowing access and exit to Cilt Warriors. Which, of course, meant that our afternoon trip was permanently cancelled. But that didn't mean training day had been canceled at all. Instead of going out to a place in the woods to continue practicing our newly acquired defense techniques, our group of rookies met at the Hunters' Village training ground, and we spent the rest of the afternoon sharing our life experiences in front of others. The Vortex alert had made us all nervous, and it was reassuring to know we weren't alone. Even for someone who has lived for years in Cilt, such an alert is never a good experience, as many citizens were reminded of the days of the Vortex Accident, a misfortune that has created a great crater in the memory of humans and hybrids alike.

Even though all the Hunters were in the Village right now, and that the same squad 15 could be seen in their usual place from where we were, Ciro could not be seen anywhere. My theory was that he being a Warrior as well was assigned to patrol the perimeter along with other Warriors, but that was just my best guess. What I was sure of was that the afternoon was advancing very quickly, and soon I would have to decide between staying to wait for him in the training field with the risk of being completely alone, or going to the Village and the H Tower on my own, and trust that the Hunters would inform Ciro that I was safe.

The sunsets in Cilt are without a doubt the most beautiful I have ever seen, this one had dyed the sky pink and blue, with fluffy clouds in which someone with more imagination than me could find thousands of fantastic figures. Although, equally, sunset was the last call for everyone to return to their homes, before the night took away the visibility of all humans, who do not have the keen night vision of a hybrid.

One by one, my fellow rookies began to go home. Some went towards the center of the city, others, to the Village, and a few more lived far from the bustle of both conglomerations of citizens and had decided to build their houses deep in the forest, still within the borders of Cilt.

Even though I had initially agreed to join the training group out of courtesy, to return the favor to Adara after everything she did for me... I admit I was starting to like this. The possibility of becoming a Hunter never crossed my mind, as I simply felt unfit for the rank, and had too many self-doubts. But now here it was. I felt part of something very big and important, and that excited me. Maybe that was a sign.

The only ones still in the training camp were me and a friendly girl named Kallen, who told me about her journey through the neutral lands fleeing the Metropolis during the Vortex accident, the same journey in which she met for the first time with a hybrid who would later become her best friend. She was also waiting for her hybrid friend of hers, so it wasn't a bother for her to keep me company for a few more moments, at least until the hybrid in question came for her.

It didn't take long for her pal to show up; a Dodge Charger of specially different skin coloration, which varied between a bluish white, and a deep blue depending on the area of ​​her body. Her large scars made her look intimidating, as did her heterochromatic eyes, one being blue, the other yellow. Kallen called her Icy, and it wasn't hard for me to see why; the hybrid seemed to be cold and stern, and that added to the fact that she had the rank of Warrior, only made her look more intimidating.

Although Icy turned out to be a kinder hybrid than I first thought, and for a moment I was hoping that she would offer to take me to the H Tower... I only received an order from her.

- Your hybrid guide has asked me to tell you to stay here and wait for him. Don't worry, it shouldn't take long. -

- Uh... okay, fine. If he says so, then... I'll wait for him here. -

Icy and Kallen say goodbye to me briefly, before heading to downtown moments later.

Okay, I hadn't really considered the possibility of staying alone at Ciro's request. But if it's what he orders, I had to obey... right?

It was amazing how quickly the temperature drops once the direct rays of the sun are gone. Without thinking twice, I put on my jacket, which would still be stained with coffee until I washed it, but at least it was already dry. Inside it I found a few rocks and bird feathers that the children had given me the day before, I put them back fondly in my pockets, remembering those great experiences I had in the company of the Squad 15. I hold tightly to my Bo, not because of nervousness at being alone, nor because of fear, but because of the simple sensation of grasping something that I now knew was mine. These were some of the few belongings I now had in Cilt.

- Ciro, where are you? ... It's starting to get dark. - I whisper to myself, hoping that this way the wait would be shorter, but it only managed to make my legs become restless, and one of them bounced in anxiety.

- I'm afraid you're all alone, on a quiet summer night. That's not a good idea for someone like you. -

That voice. I would recognize that voice anywhere. My heart raced, and it squeezed the air out of my lungs with enough force that I was speechless for a moment. I had never turned around so quickly to verify that, behind my back, Iker was waiting for me.

My friend. Iker. He was fine, at last. And finally, I could be back with him.

- Ik...! Iker! –

I tried to run, but I stumbled more times than steps I could take. But that didn't matter, because I'd drag myself in the mud if necessary, all to get to greet him. Although that was not necessary; Iker hurried up to meet me, and with the same emotion with which I clung to him, he pressed his nose to my stomach. I didn't mind crying again if he was the cause, and the feeling was mutual. I really didn't know how much I missed him, until now that I was finally hugging him again. His tears soon turned into euphoria, and without any warning, Iker lifted his body and me with him, lifting me several inches off the ground while still clinging to his forehead. He started spinning around as he carried me effortlessly. I could bet that our laughter could be heard all the way to the Hunter's Village. We were together again, and I wanted all Cilt to know it.

Iker seemed to feel that I was losing my grip a bit, and he decided to stop the movement before our encounter ended in small accidents. He left me sitting back on the ground, and we both looked at each other for almost a full minute, elated, not quite sure what to say after a few days that felt like an eternity. His smile, radiant and rejuvenated, seemed to falter from one moment to the next as we both came back to reality. I already knew that gesture. It was the same face of concern and sorrow that Iker showed every time he felt that he had hurt me.

- Tyler... First, I want you to know something. Because from the day I told you about my story, I promised you that I would be honest with you, and... that is what I will do. - His words are broken, both by emotion and nervousness, making me feel a bit suffocated, not being sure what he was going to say, - ... The day the accident happened with Dheera... Ty, I... I don't know what happened, but I couldn't...

- Sshh... No, Iker... Don't say anything. -I didn't even think about my moves, I just did. I hugged his forehead again tightly, stopping him from speaking further by pressing my legs down on his chin from below. I didn't want to know about that. I didn't want Iker to blame himself in any way for what had happened. I won't allow it. - I don't need to know... What happened doesn't matter... What matters is that we're both fine. -

- But Ty...

- Iker, please... I beg you. - A long silence kept us company. I was determined at all costs to prevent Iker from blaming himself for something that maybe even he wasn't entirely sure of. After all he's had to heal, it wasn't right to give him a new wound. Even if his actions had caused the accident, I really didn't care. I appreciated our friendship more, above all things-

I could feel the words building up in his mouth, just as he was swallowing them all and his mixed feelings. Until he sighed, and he decided to listen to my request.

- ... Alright. - There was relief in his voice, and we were both finally agreeing to put the past behind us. That gave me the comfort to step back a bit, and appreciate how much he had healed since leaving the hospital-

- Iker, look at you... You're better than ever! When did they let you out? I didn't think you'd be discharged so soon.

- I know! I didn't think they'd let me out like this either. Don't tell anyone, but... I think the Medics got the wrong patient and let me out earlier by mistake. - Iker had recovered from his wounds, but a few bruises on his skin were still visible. Likewise, I could tell that the effort he had made to pick me up moments before had weakened him a bit. He was still tired, but there was nothing to worry about if he didn't mind. I know very well the relief he must feel to be no longer underground. - Ha! Those stupid Medics are in trouble, that's what they get for being so arrogant. But that doesn't matter! The important thing is that I'm here now, Ty, and I'm not going to leave you on your own again, that's for sure. And by the way, what the hell are you doing here alone? -

- I was waiting for Ciro to... Oh, Iker, we must tell Ciro that you're out of the hospital! If we don't tell him he is going to worry too much when he doesn't find me here and... -

- Easy Ty, everything is fixed now. I made sure to look for him personally and let him know that you would come back to the apartment with me. You know that I am always one step ahead of everything. - Iker winks knowingly at me, all so that I wouldn't worry so much. - We can go get your stuff from the H Tower before leaving the Hunters' territory, if you want. That way we won't have to come in the morning, there are always too many people.

- Sure! Let's go. I must give up the room anyways. – I go back to the place where I had sat waiting, looking for my Bo in the grass was not easy, but I would not leave without it.

- Ohhh, I see you've spent time with the Hunters. What have you been doing all this time while I was in the hospital, huh? - Iker asks with humor and curiosity when seeing that I now had a primitive weapon with me.

- Oh, Iker, so many things have happened... I have so much to tell you. But if you want a quick summary; The Squad 15 adopted me during these days, I helped Ciro with the training of the child recruits, I heard stories from Cilt, Adara invited me to train with real Hunter recruits, and today we went out to train outside the city barriers... but the specific place is a secret... - I turn my head to both sides, pretending to be suspicious of my surroundings, as if I didn't want anyone else to hear what I was saying to Iker -... and of course, I'll tell you everything when we arrive at the apartment.

- Okay, okay, you don't need to involve me in Hunter secrets, unless you really want to tell me, of course. - After laughing for a moment, Iker sighed, shook his head from side to side, and returned to look at me with a proud smile - ... Wow, I'm glad to know that you were able to adapt so quickly... I was a little worried to think that maybe the pace of life of the Hunters would be too much for you, but now I see that I was wrong. I feel very happy for you, Ty. - His sincere smile is contagious, and I can't help but sigh when I see the dim lights of the Hunter's Village, and the unmistakable yellow H of the H Tower.

- Well, I hadn't considered becoming a Hunter, but after what I saw, learned, and lived here, even though it was only a couple of days... I don't know, it makes me consider it for a moment. - I stand up to appreciate the last brushstrokes of light, in the sky that frames the perspective I had of the Village. -... It's a strange feeling, you know?... It's like, during all your life you've never belonged, neither to a place, nor to a group of people. Always wandering on your own... But one day you have a small revelation, and suddenly, you feel that...-

- ... That you finally belong somewhere. - Iker perfectly completes my thoughts, maintaining a nostalgic smile-

- Yes. As if at last, after so many years...I finally have a place to call home...and people to call friends, and even family.

I am mesmerized by the lights of the city for a moment, appreciating the surroundings of the Hunters' Village, landscape that little by little became familiar, and I adored that feeling inside me.

- ... I'm also glad to hear that you finally made friends, Ty. - His voice was the same, but the feeling of it had changed, I could notice it even though his face continued to show a smile, brimming with pride - ... I feel very happy that you finally found a place where you feel comfortable, and people with whom you can be yourself. I think... that means, that I have fulfilled my mission as your hybrid guide.

His words, though subtle, break my heart. I had never contemplated the day that Iker finished his duty as my guide. I had completely forgotten that this was temporary, and that the guide's job was over as soon as the newcomer found his place in Cilt...and I had inadvertently just signed the end of said contract in my own words. An end, which I was not willing to accept, not so soon.

I was eager to start choosing my own course, to feel safe and free to do whatever I want, surrounding myself with the people I choose. Without ties, without prejudice of the people. Just me and the infinite possibilities that Cilt offered me... But a latent emptiness began to land my feet on the ground again. It didn't feel right to abandon the one who taught me everything, who offered me his protection and friendship, and who even put his life at risk for me, and not just because I was Marcus's son. It was not my intention to leave Iker aside, but the course I was beginning to take with the Hunters would inevitably end up taking me away from him, since Iker is prohibited from approaching the Hunters' village without special authorization, which he would lose once he stops being my guide. I wasn't ready to pull away from him like that, and I don't think he was ready to let me go either, as much as he tried not to show it.

- ... I admit that being with the Hunters helped me find my place here, in Cilt. They made me feel that I could really be useful for something. And they taught me a lot of things, and I learned a little more on my own... But you know? - I squat down in front of Iker, while he paid attention, not sure what I would say - ... I think I still have many things to learn. I am a very indecisive person, and you know it. What if I prefer to stay unranked? Or if I have better aptitudes to be a Scientist? - My comment seems to steal a laugh from Iker, who, although it brought him relief, seemed to ask me with his eyes if I was sure of making that decision - ... I want to continue learning from the expert. -

Iker looks away and turns slightly to the side, with a small, awkward smile on his mouth. Embarrassed. My comment had made him blush a little, and he was aware of how bad he was at hiding emotion from me. Clearly, he was glad to be able to continue with his 'special mission'.

- Oh... shut up and just admit that without me you would be completely lost, it's not that difficult. -

- Iker! You ruined the emotional moment! - I try to push him with all my strength, but that only made him laugh harder, because I was in no way a rival of his strength- Let's go already, before the horde of Hunters invade the Village.

~

While both boys tried to argue about what could be the best way to transport Tyler's Bo inside Iker's small cabin, both ignored the fact that they were being watched. But there was nothing to fear. The incognito spectator was none other than General Kassia, who had witnessed the reunion of both young boys, and laughed silently at all their interactions.

The leader blindly trusted her stealth skills. Her dark skin absorbed the tiniest ray of light from the young night, and her breathing was imperceptible even standing right next to her. But she, clearly, only made it a priority to hide her face towards the training ground, completely unaware of what was approaching behind her back.

- ...Spying on the boys, hmm? -

Kassia jumped in her place and almost let out an involuntary scream, but she stopped herself once she recognized the peaceful brown eyes of her lover, who was giving her a wide, mocking smile at having been able to take her by surprise.

- God dammit Darius... You're too stealthy for being so big, you know? -

- Hehe, yeah, yeah, I know. - Darius nuzzled his face to the full length of Kassia's side, producing a deep, powerful vibrating sound, almost like a purr, to which Kassia responded equally affectionately. Both Leaders had busy lives and had not seen each other all day. But this solved everything. - Hmm... Isn't Iker supposed to be discharged until he fully recovers his strength? - Darius asks, as he rests his chin on Kassia's lower back-

- Yes, that's right, but... I made sure that he left earlier. -

- That explains why a patient was missing at the end of my shift. - Being a Medic as well, Darius can't help but raise an eyebrow, expecting a good explanation from his queen.

- Sorry for not having warned you before... but it was necessary. - Kassia looks back to the training ground. Both boys had finally decided that the best option was to simply walk there, and not complicate their existence trying to put a human and a wooden stick at the same time inside the small cabin of a McLaren P1 -... Neither of them would have been able to heal completely if they weren't together. - Kassia smiles placidly towards the pair of friends. She was pleased with her efforts to keep them safe, and together-... It was necessary.

- I see, they both look much calmer and happier like this. - Darius gave Kassia a small kiss on the cheek once he got all four wheels back on the ground, and he caught his lover's attention again once the boys had left. - Come on, let's go home.- 

~

After successfully reaching H Tower without anyone questioning why Iker was here, I did my best to tidy up the room as best I could, before thanking Roger for accepting me as a resident of the hotel. I took my stuff and carefully loaded them inside Iker. I felt a little bad for not having been able to properly say goodbye to Ciro, nor be able to thank him for everything he did for me during his time as my temporary guide, but I knew that I would see him again one day, it was more than certain that it would happen.

After a long walk, we finally returned to our room inside the colossal underground mine. Both elevators were working normally (making horrible clanking sounds, but ultimately working). I went ahead to open the door, and as I took a step closer to the entrance, I felt like I stepped on something strange. The almost non-existent light of the cave did not let me see with the naked eye what it was that I had stepped on, and once I bent down to pick it up and inspect it... I couldn't believe what it was.

It was my necklace. The necklace Nix had given me. The same necklace that I had abandoned in the middle of the forest shortcut, after the terrible argument with Marione. And somehow, it had returned to my hands.

... Could it have been Marione who returned it to me?

- I know that the door is very interesting Ty, but honestly, I already want to go to sleep...-

- What? ... Oh, yes... I'm sorry, Iker. - I open the door and hold it so that Iker goes into the room first and he can get comfortable without me getting in the way.

I take the necklace tightly in my hand, having taken it for granted that I would never see it again. And before entering the room, I put it back around my neck, hiding it under my shirt.

Hybrid-Kira (2022)