"Most people believe survival is instinct."
That the body simply refuses to stop.
But survival isn't automatic.
It's negotiated.
Every second, the body asks the same question:
'Do you continue?'
Most answer without realizing it.
Some hesitate.
And a few—just a few—are forced to answer after the moment has already passed.
Those are the ones people call miracles.
Or mistakes.
I wanted to know what happens when you remove the illusion of choice.
When survival is no longer instinct…
but obligation.
So I created a question that the body cannot ignore.
A threshold.
A pill.
It does not give life.
It does not save anyone.
It only asks one thing:
'Why are you still here?'
Most cannot answer.
That is acceptable.
I am not searching for survivors.
"I am searching for refusers."
TIME PERIOD: YEARS BEFORE THE SHATTERING
In a barren snowy land filled with skeletons and animal carcasses to sift and a roaring blizzard.
Only the faint scent of decay can be detected in the dry, icy air, broken only by the occasional howl of the blizzard winds.
Stumbling up a steep path, a wounded scientist wearing a stark contrast of a pristine coat appears.
The once gleaming white coat is now marred with scorches, blood, and tears.
A sense of dread and hopelessness permeates the air, making every step feel like a journey through a forgotten nightmare.
Snow and mud accumulate on his clothes from time to time as he falls.
He has a deep gash on his left eye and mouth, causing blood to seep down his face.
There are bruises and cuts on his exposed skin.
Despite the intense pain, he pushes forward, driven by a desperate need for shelter and aid.
Several steps away from the injured scientist, a large shadow of a man can be seen following the bloody trails he left behind.
The large shadow's footsteps are accompanied by a hound-like sniff as it continues to step deeper into the blizzard and munches through the deep snow with each step.
Stumbling towards a distant bar on a snowy hilltop, the injured scientist sees the bar's wide front window and the owner sitting inside.
The scientist's breaths come in ragged gasps, each exhale forming a misty cloud in the frigid air.
His vision blurs as he gets closer, the bar's warm light flickering like a beacon of hope.
Every step is a Herculean effort, his legs trembling under the weight of his injuries and the oppressive cold.
The scientist staggers out of his mouth, "Someone help me."
Through the window, the scientist observes the owner of the bar.
There is a look of concern on the bar owner's face when he looks at the man.
There are wounds all over the scientist, which he notices.
Startled, the bar owner can only mumble, "Mhm?"
As the owner walks over to the front door, the scientist closes in on the bar.
The scientist mumbles raggedly, "I need your help."
The scientist reaches for the front door but it opens suddenly, and he falls on his hands and knees trying to catch his breath.
Standing before him, the owner watches him closely with caution.
Experiencing exhaustion, the scientist cries, "Please help me..."
The bar owner hesitates for a moment, looking around to see if anyone else is near.
As he looks back at the scientist, a cautious expression appears on his face.
"I don't know what's going on here, but I don't want anything to do with it." The owner says sternly.
From behind the bar owner, haunting laughter reverberates before further conversation can take place.
The laughter echoes from the darkened interior of the bar, where a large shadowy figure emerges slowly, its eyes glinting menacingly in the dim light.
"HUH?" Shouts the owner as he freezes in fear.
From the shadows emerges a rough voice saying, "Fine with me."
The bar owner turns away in an attempt to run but is halted from behind, a large hand grabs onto his shoulder.
In response, knowing what is coming next, a desperate plea is made by the scientist.
"Kagan, wait! He hasn't done anything!"
Kagan thrusts his large arm through the owner's back and out of his chest as swiftly as a knife through butter.
Witnessing this, the scientist snaps into a panic attack, pleading for mercy.
"I know nothing!!! Spare me, please!!! I have a family, Kagan!!!! A wife!!!! A daughter!!! A son!!!!" The scientist exclaims in panic.
With his arm through the bar owner, Kagan holds out his heart in front of him to see then crushes it.
Upon the crushing of his heart, the bar owner gasps, his eyes widening in shock and pain.
His body convulses as he struggles to breathe, a gurgling sound escaping his lips.
With one final, shuddering breath, he slumps lifelessly from Kagan's grasp.
Kagan towers over everyone in the room, his massive frame casting an imposing shadow that seems to swallow the light.
His broad shoulders and bulging muscles strain against the fabric of his tattered shirt, and his piercing eyes, cold and unyielding, lock onto the scientist with a predatory intensity.
The scars crisscrossing his rugged face tell stories of countless battles, adding to his menacing aura and making it clear that he is not a man to be trifled with.
His features, though intimidating, bear a distinct resemblance to those of a Japanese man, with high cheekbones and a strong jawline that convey a sense of stoic determination.
His dark red short hair, wild and untamed, catches the dim light and amplifies his fearsome presence.
This striking combination of heritage and appearance only adds to the enigma that is Kagan, making him a figure both feared and respected.
"You're in the wrong line of work then. Stop acting like this problem of mine has nothing to do with you. It's pissing me off." Kagan replies.
Taking a menacing stance over the scientist, Kagan gazes down at him.
Trembling in fear, the scientist lies on the floor clutching his head.
"Please, Kagan, there must be another way to handle this! I'm just a researcher; I didn't know the purpose of what we were making!" The scientist pleads, his voice quivering with desperation.
Kagan's eyes narrow, and a sinister smile spreads across his face.
"Another way? There is no other way," he growls, his voice dripping with malice. "You're just as guilty, and now, you'll face the consequences."
Taking rapid, shallow breaths, he lays on the ground accepting his fate.
"I have been loyal to the cause since childhood. I would never betray the purified! I have only been loyal and followed every instruction."
Kagan's expression hardens, his eyes cold and unyielding. He leans in closer, his voice a chilling whisper, "Loyalty means nothing when it's blind."
Without another word, Kagan places his foot over the scientist's head, ready to deliver the final blow.
"This is your last chance to tell me who ordered you to make those pills."
The scientist's eyes darted frantically, his mind racing for an answer that might save him.
His lips quiver as he stammers, "T-The order was anonymous but arrived as a high priority job. Please, you have to believe me!"
Desperation colors his voice, and his body shakes as he awaits Kagan's judgment.
Kagan's face remains expressionless as he examines the scientist's face.
Suddenly his eyes become bloodshot, with a creepy orange glow emanating from his pupils.
His irises start to swirl as if they are on fire, and veins begin to protrude around his eyes, giving him a menacing and otherworldly appearance.
The orange glow intensifies, casting eerie shadows on his face and making his gaze almost unbearable to meet.
He takes a deep breath and slowly exhales, his entire body trembling with power.
He raises his chin and his eyes narrow, his voice low and menacing.
He then breaks into a sinister smile as he asks, "Hey, Doc?"
The scientist's breath catches in his throat, his eyes widening in a mix of horror and resignation.
He can feel his heart pounding erratically, each beat echoing the inevitability of his doom.
As Kagan's smile grows more menacing, the scientist's last shred of hope disintegrates, leaving him paralyzed with fear.
"Y-Yes, mighty Kagan."
"Stay like that for me, would you?" Kagan responds.
The scientist's only words before being cut off were, "I'm-I'm-I'm going to die."
In an instant, Kagan stomps on the scientist's head, bursting open his skull.
Kagan then steps back and surveys the results of his handiwork, satisfied.
An unannounced voice calls, "Kagan..."
Taking a step out of the darkness, Doctor Bloom emerges.
Bloom, with his short purple hair neatly styled, exudes an air of eccentricity and intellect.
His futuristic gas mask, sleek and polished, obscures much of his face, adding an enigmatic quality to his presence.
The mask's glowing blue filters pulse gently with each breath, highlighting the intense curiosity in his eyes as he observes the scene before him.
Despite the chaotic scene around him, Doctor Bloom maintains a calm and composed demeanor, his posture upright and unwavering.
His eyes, though curious, hold a steely determination that suggests he is not easily swayed by emotion or fear.
His steady breathing, visible through the rhythmic glow of his mask, reinforces his focused and methodical nature, hinting at a mind always calculating and strategizing.
A look of interest is given to him by Kagan as he steps closer, scanning the room.
Seeing Doctor Bloom put his hands in his coat pockets, Kagan queries eerily, "Why did you not stop me?"
Doctor Bloom pauses, though he is wearing a gas mask, it is hinted that his eyes narrow slightly as he considers the question.
"Because," he replies slowly, "Some lessons are best learned through experience."
Kagan's eyes widen in a mix of realization and anger, his jaw clenching as he processes the implication.
His hands ball into fists at his sides, but he remains rooted to the spot, grappling with the weight of Doctor Bloom's words.
The room seems to grow colder as the tension between them thickens.
Kagan: Did it look like I enjoyed it?
Bloom: No…It looked necessary.
Kagan: Necessary doesn't mean clean.
Bloom: Clean things don't last.
Kagan exhales sharply through his nose.
He wipes his hand against his chest plate, smearing red.
Kagan: He didn't know anything.
Bloom: Of course he didn't.
Kagan: Then why send me?
Bloom: Because he survived long enough to believe help was possible."
Kagan pauses.
Slowly turns.
Kagan: That's not a crime.
Bloom: It is when survival changes a person.
Silence.
The wind rattles the windows.
Kagan: You think surviving means something.
Bloom: I think it always creates something.
Kagan: Survivors are just strays that haven't been put down yet.
Bloom: No, they're variables.
Kagan scoffs.
Kagan: Everything bleeds the same.
Bloom: And yet some refuse to stay dead.
That lands.
Kagan: You're talking about anomalies.
Bloom: I'm talking about inevitabilities.
Bloom steps closer, careful not to step in the blood.
Bloom: Every era produces one. Someone who shouldn't exist anymore—but does.
Kagan: Then you hunt them.
Bloom: If you kill them, yes.
Bloom looks at the body.
Bloom: But killing them isn't what ends them.
A pause.
Bloom: Letting them believe they chose wrong is.
Kagan's jaw tightens.
Kagan: You break them instead.
Bloom: You let them break themselves.
Kagan: Sounds inefficient.
Bloom: It's permanent.
Kagan looks away.
Kagan: You're afraid of them.
Bloom: No.
Bloom adjusts his mask.
Bloom: I'm curious what they become when no one tells them they deserve to live.
Kagan exhales smoke.
Kagan: If one like that shows up in front of me—
Bloom: —you'll feel it.
Kagan looks back.
Bloom: They hesitate. They care too much. They survive things that should hollow them out.
Kagan: Then they die like the rest.
Bloom: Eventually, but not before changing everything around them.
The wind screams outside.
Kagan: You talk like fate exists.
Bloom: No.
Bloom turns toward the door.
Bloom: Only choices—and the damage they cause when someone refuses to disappear.
Kagan takes out a box of cigarettes from the murdered scientist's coat pocket and lights one.
The sharp scent of tobacco mingles with the sterile air.
Each exhale from Kagan sends tendrils of smoke curling through the room, adding an almost surreal haze to the charged atmosphere.
The dim light catches the swirling smoke, casting eerie shadows on the walls and intensifying the palpable tension between the two men.
Kagan takes a long, deliberate drag from the cigarette, his eyes never leaving Doctor Bloom's.
With a sudden, swift motion, he flicks the cigarette to the floor and grinds it out under his heel, the smoldering remains crushed beneath his boot.
"Zeenar…" Kagan murmurs darkly, his voice dripping with menace.
Doctor Bloom raises an eyebrow, his expression remaining calm and collected despite Kagan's menacing tone.
He watches the cigarette being extinguished with mild curiosity, as if observing a predictable experiment.
"He sent me here to investigate what I can only interpret as your recent activities. He and his talking chess board believe you are no longer committed to preventing anomalies. They believe you are interested in letting them grow, not for research, but curation.."
Doctor Bloom's calm demeanor remains unshaken as he listens to Kagan's words.
His eyes gleam with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
"Is that so?" Doctor Bloom responds coolly.
Doctor Bloom takes a step closer, his gaze piercing through Kagan as if trying to read his very soul.
"And what, pray tell, have you discovered so far?" Doctor Bloom asks, his voice dripping with a blend of sarcasm and genuine interest.
"After hearing everything you've said up to this point. I believe you are letting one grow and you are protecting it. Emotionally or ideologically, I don't know. But I believe you are hiding one from us."
Kagan lets out a chuckle as he enthusiastically continues to recall the conversation he and Zeenar had: "Nah, not my best friend. Bloom wouldn't turn his back on us after what we've been through". His eyes light up with amusement. "He said you were like a chess grandmaster, always ten steps ahead, but Persephone assured him that even grandmasters have their blind spots." Kagan leans in slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
Doctor Bloom's eyes narrow at the mention of Persephone's name, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.
He shifts his stance slightly, as if the revelation has unsettled him more than he cares to admit.
"Zeenar's always been suspicious," Bloom replies, attempting to mask his unease with a dismissive wave, though the tension in his eyes betrays him.
"But you see, Zeenar and now Persephone have started watching you closely, analyzing every move you make," Kagan continues. "Persephone's the one who noticed the pattern in your decisions, the subtle mistakes you've made that even you might not be aware of. For example, your language has changed. It's her insights that have given Zeenar the edge he needed to finally challenge your strategy."
Doctor Bloom's head tilts with a hint of surprise before quickly returning to its usual steely resolve.
He crosses his arms as he leans back slightly.
"Interesting," Doctor Bloom murmurs, the word laced with a subtle, mocking undertone.
Kagan stares into the dark of the bar, he wonders, "I doubted them at first, you know? I did until I caught a particular scent."
Doctor Bloom's eyes narrow slightly, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his composed facade.
"A scent?" Doctor Bloom muses, his voice tinged with intrigue. "And what exactly did this scent reveal to you, Kagan?"
Kagan's eyes harden, a predatory glint flashing within them.
"It revealed your little secret, Bloom," Kagan sneers, his voice filled with a mix of triumph and disdain. "The scent of betrayal, hidden beneath layers of deception and false loyalty."
He focuses on Doctor Bloom, his eyes narrowing.
"You can't play stupid with me forever, friend. I've saved this scent since the day she bested me." He says, his voice rising with intensity. "You know better than anyone else that these guys aren't worth my true time. They aren't the real hunt."
Doctor Bloom's expression shifts from curiosity to a cold, calculative stare.
His jaw clenches slightly, but he maintains his composure, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
Bloom: Cut to the chase, Kagan.
He replies in a firm, unyielding voice.
In response, Kagan says, "You know who I'm referring to."
Doctor Bloom counters unenthusiastically, "I don't."
Kagan lets out a faint smile, "So stubborn."
The swirling fire in Kagan's eyes shifts from orange to a deep crimson red, pulsating with an intensity that seems to consume him from within.
His hands clench into fists as he struggles to maintain control, his body straining against an invisible force.
A faint tremor runs through him, and his breath becomes ragged, as if he's fighting a battle against the power threatening to overwhelm him.
With a deliberate, shaky hand, Kagan reaches behind him and pulls out a silken blindfold.
He wraps it around his eyes, the fabric whispering against his skin, and ties it firmly at the back of his head.
Almost instantly, the chaotic energy surrounding him subsides, his breathing steadies, and the fiery glow beneath the blindfold dims, allowing him to regain his composure and control.
"I know something bigger is happening here, and you're keeping me in the dark." Kagan says calmly and measuredly. "I'm here to hunt, and I'll clean up the mess you and your weird girlfriend made...starting with these pills."
Kagan begins making his way towards the front door.
"As a best pal, I hope my actions moving forward don't cause you too much resentment."
Doctor Bloom watches Kagan retreat, his eyes displaying a mask of icy composition beneath the mask.
As Kagan exits, he says, "Bye, Theo."
As soon as Kagan disappears through the door, a flicker of unease flashes in Bloom's eyes.
He clenches his fists at his sides, the weight of Kagan's words lingering heavily in the air.
He looks around, as if expecting Kagan to reappear, but the room is empty.
He takes a deep breath and walks away, his mind still reeling from the conversation.
"So…It's begun."
Exiting the bar, Bloom's footsteps leave uneven impressions as he carefully navigates the slippery slope, his boots occasionally sinking into the snow-laden dirt.
The wind bites at his ears, and his coat flaps against his legs, a stark contrast to the barren landscape that stretches endlessly before him.
Despite the harsh conditions, Doctor Bloom's expression remains focused, a determined glint in his eyes as he contemplates the implications of Kagan's untimely arrival.
In his right hand, Doctor Bloom absentmindedly tosses a shiny rock up and down, the polished surface glinting in the pale sunlight.
Each toss seems to mirror his thoughts, the rock spinning through the air before landing securely back in his palm.
Its rhythmic motion provides a small comfort amidst the uncertainty swirling around him.
In his thoughts, he says, "If Kagan knows about the research and both Persephone and Zeenar are suspicious of my recent activity, the stakes have just been raised. I can't afford to make any mistakes now. Hmm, Kagan needs to be my main focus for now. He has always been relentless, so I must find a way to keep him busy until the right moment.
With a sudden flick of his wrist, Doctor Bloom underhand throws the shiny rock several feet ahead of him.
As it strikes the ground, the rock bursts into a cascade of swirling light, a portal erupting from its impact.
The air shimmers as the portal stabilizes, casting an otherworldly glow over the barren landscape and offering a glimpse into a realm beyond.
Doctor Bloom steps forward with purpose, the swirling light enveloping him as he passes through the portal.
The transition is seamless, and in an instant, he finds himself once again on a dirt hill, a desolate and malnourished land stretching out before him.
The familiar sound of mushing dirt underfoot accompanies his descent.
Scattered remnants of rusted artillery and abandoned trenches mar the landscape, silent witnesses to the conflicts that once ravaged this region.
Charred tree stumps stand like sentinels, their branches long gone, and the earth is pockmarked with craters, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
The air carries a faint smell of smoke and ash, a lingering reminder of battles fought and lost in this forsaken place.
As Doctor Bloom surveys the desolate scene, his gaze falls upon Lee, who is perched on a broken fence beside a damaged cabin.
Lee's silhouette is framed against the backdrop of the setting sun, casting long shadows over the shattered landscape.
Her expression is contemplative, eyes fixed on the horizon as if searching for answers in the fading light.
A soft smile graces her lips, a warmth in her eyes that stands in stark contrast to the desolation around them.
Her expression is one of quiet understanding and anticipation, as though she had been waiting for his arrival all along.
Doctor Bloom approaches her, "Lee?" he asks, his voice tinged with both amazement and suspicion.
Lee's appearance is striking against the muted backdrop; her long brown hair cascades over her shoulders, catching the last light of the sun.
She wears a brown trench coat that flows elegantly with her movements, its hem skimming over her slim blue jeans.
The coat accentuates her confident stride and adds an air of mystery to her presence, as if she holds secrets as deep as the landscape itself.
Lee's eyes, though bright with mischief, hold a haunting emptiness that speaks of untold stories and hidden sorrows.
It's as if the depths of her gaze reveal a soul that has seen too much, yet refuses to be weighed down by it.
Despite this, her playful demeanor creates an intriguing contrast, teasing and challenging those around her to see beyond the surface.
Lee turns to him, her smile widening, and replies, "Hello, Bloom."
She gracefully rises from her perch, her movements fluid and deliberate.
She steps toward Doctor Bloom with an air of confidence, her eyes locking onto him with an intensity that makes the world around them fade into the background.
As she closes the distance, her fingers lightly trail along his lab coat, tracing the fabric with a delicate touch.
Her voice is a soft whisper, carrying a hint of playfulness as she says, "You still have that silly mask on."
Doctor Bloom's gaze follows her every movement, his eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.
"And where's yours, Lee?" he asks, tilting his head slightly.
His tone a mix of teasing and genuine inquiry as she circles him with an almost feline grace.
Her laughter is a gentle chime in the tense atmosphere, and she pauses momentarily, giving him a knowing look before continuing her dance around him.
"I got tired of playing pretend."
With a swift, nimble motion, Lee reaches up and plucks the mask from Doctor Bloom's face, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Doctor Bloom reacts instinctively, his hand darting out to retrieve the mask, but Lee is already a step ahead.
She twirls just out of his reach, holding the mask aloft like a trophy, her laughter ringing out as he stumbles slightly, caught off guard by her playful antics.
"You don't have to put on an act around me, Bloom."
Her gaze softens as she studies his features, taking in the sharp lines of his jaw and the warmth in his eyes that seem to mirror her own.
She notes the slight crease of his brow, the way his lips curve into a reluctant smile, and the unspoken tenderness that lingers in his expression.
Her heart swells with affection as she realizes that beneath the scholarly exterior, he is as vulnerable and sincere as she had always believed.
"You've made your point, Lee."
Doctor Bloom extends his hand, palm open, a silent plea for the return of his mask.
But Lee, with a playful gleam in her eye, steps into his space and twirls herself around his outstretched arm.
The motion brings them closer, her body brushing against his until they are intimately face to face.
Her laughter dances in the air between them, and she holds the mask just behind her, teasing him with its proximity.
Despite her teasing, Bloom maintains his composure, a practiced calm settling over his features.
His eyes, however, betray a flicker of amusement and intrigue as he watches her antics unfold.
He stands firm, his expression unwavering, yet there's a softness in his gaze that acknowledges the playful intimacy of the moment.
"You know..."
Lee leans in, her breath a gentle whisper against his skin, her arms wrapping around his neck with the ease of familiarity.
The mask dangles from her grasp behind him, forgotten for a moment as her focus shifts entirely to the closeness of their faces.
Her eyes lock onto his with a mischievous glint, her lips hovering just a breath away from his, the teasing tension between them palpable.
Bloom tilts his head slightly, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth as he leans in closer, his voice low and teasing.
"You always did know how to keep me on my toes, Lee," he murmurs, his gaze never leaving hers.
With a swift, gentle movement, he wraps his own arms around her, drawing her even closer, as if accepting her challenge with a playful glint in his eye.
Their breaths mingle in the charged silence, and the world around them fades away as Lee closes the remaining distance between them.
Her lips meet his with a fervor that speaks of unspoken promises and long-held desires, igniting a spark that quickly blossoms into a fiery embrace.
Bloom responds with equal intensity, deepening the kiss as his hands slide up her back, pulling her closer still, their hearts beating in synchrony.
As they slowly pull back from the kiss, their lips part reluctantly, hovering close as if tethered by an invisible force.
Lee remains within the circle of his embrace, her forehead resting gently against his.
Her eyes search his face with a newfound concern, the playful glint replaced by a softer, more earnest gaze.
"You seem tense. I'm guessing the reunion didn't go according to plan." her voice barely above a whisper like a question hanging between them like a fragile thread.
Bloom's eyes momentarily drift away before returning to hers with a hint of vulnerability.
"Kagan...his arrival was sooner than I expected," he admits, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and resignation. "As far as I can tell, he already knows who we are hiding, who they belong to anyway. He disrupted one of my scheduled deliveries, leaving no survivors. Both Zeenar and Persephone have become curious about my recent activity."
Bloom looks elsewhere.
"I can't believe after all this time, he's been holding onto Eudora's scent and randomly decided to give it another sniff."
He sighs.
"He left me with too many questions, I now have to wonder, how much does he really know and how to prepare."
Lee's expression shifts from concern to determination, her brows furrowing as she processes Bloom's words.
"Which child?" Lee asks.
"I don't know." Bloom coldly responds.
Lee tightens her grip around him, offering silent support, and her voice gains a steely edge.
"Then we'll have to be careful and stay one step ahead of them," she says resolutely, her mind already racing with plans to outmaneuver Zeenar, Kagan, and Persephone.
Bloom's eyes flicker to the ground, his jaw tightening as he recalls Kagan's cunning nature.
A shadow passes over his features, the memory of past encounters stirring a deep unease within him.
Despite his composed exterior, the thought of Kagan's intelligence gnaws at him, reminding him of the many times he underestimated his adversary.
Lee slowly releases her hold on Bloom, her fingers lingering on his arms for a moment longer before she steps back.
With a sigh, she turns and gracefully perches on the broken fence, the wood creaking softly under her weight.
Her eyes remain fixed on Bloom.
Bloom slips his hands into the pockets of his lab coat, his fingers brushing against the cool fabric as he contemplates the situation.
His brows knit together in thought, his mind sifting through the myriad possibilities and strategies they might employ.
The quiet rustle of his coat seems to echo his inner turmoil, as he weighs the risks and potential outcomes of facing Kagan once more.
"I wonder if he knows about the others already. His words were unexpectedly yet rather wisely chosen." Bloom cautiously remarks.
Lee lets out a soft, playful chuckle, a sound that lightens the tension in the air. "Wise? Kagan might be resilient, but let's not give him too much credit," she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Her laughter is infectious, momentarily dispelling the weight of their predicament and reminding them both of their own strengths.
"Wise and Kagan don't mix. Zeenar and Persephone must've told him everything he knows."
Bloom's expression shifts to one of deep concern as the mention of Zeenar stirs an uneasy feeling within him.
The thought of Zeenar possibly knowing of their betrayal heightens his anxiety, causing his fingers to clench tightly in his pockets.
His mind races through memories of their past interactions, wondering if he missed any signs of deceit, and the suspicion gnaws at him, amplifying his worry about what Zeenar might do next.
"Persephone… If she's truly this suspicious, it won't be long before she shows up too."
Lee's playful demeanor fades as her gaze shifts to the desolate landscape surrounding them.
Her expression hardens, eyes narrowing as she takes in the scars of conflict etched into the ground.
The gravity of their situation settles over her, and her lips press into a thin line, reflecting the solemn resolve within her.
Lee's mind drifts to the countless battles they've fought, each one leaving its mark not just on the land but on their souls as well.
She reflects on the cost of their struggle, wondering if the end justifies the means and whether they have the strength to see it through.
Despite the uncertainty, a steely determination rises within her, fueled by the knowledge that they must stand firm against Kagan and whatever Zeenar and Persephone might unleash.
"So, it has truly begun," Lee says.
Bloom nods slowly, the weight of her words sinking in and stirring a mix of emotions within him.
A sense of urgency sharpens his focus, compelling him to push aside the lingering doubts and fears that threaten to paralyze him.
He draws a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead, and meets Lee's gaze with renewed resolve, ready to face whatever lies ahead together.
Bloom: Yeah
Lee: Too late to turn back now, huh?
Bloom: Yeah...
Lee lets out a soft smile, one that carries a hint of nostalgia and a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty.
Her eyes soften, momentarily brightening the somber mood as she draws strength from the bond they share.
It's a silent promise, a reassurance that no matter the obstacles, they would face them side by side.
"Well, as long as we are together, I don't care what happens."
Bloom strides past Lee with purposeful steps, his boots crunching on the gravel beneath.
He pauses beside her, where she sits on a broken wooden fence, and gently places a hand on her shoulder.
"You should go home and get some sleep. I'll figure out our next steps," he suggests softly, his voice carrying a note of concern.
Lee's fingers curl around the fabric of Bloom's lab coat sleeve, halting his movement.
Her grip is firm yet tender, conveying a mix of determination and vulnerability.
Bloom stops in his tracks, glancing down at her hand.
Their eyes shift away from each other, gazing out into the distance, each lost in their own thoughts.
Lee stares toward the horizon, her expression blank yet contemplative.
Meanwhile, Bloom looks in the opposite direction, his face void of emotion, reflecting the quiet storm within as he contemplates their uncertain path.
Lee breaks the silence, her voice barely above a whisper, "Have you heard anything about Maria?"
Her eyes flicker with a mix of apprehension and determination, as if she's weighing the gravity of the question.
Bloom hesitates, knowing the implications of her inquiry, before replying, "Why do you ask?"
Lee turns her gaze back to Bloom, her eyes searching his for answers.
"What exactly do you plan to do with her?" she asks, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of urgency.
The seriousness of her question hangs in the air, demanding honesty and clarity from Bloom as he considers his response.
Bloom remains silent, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studies Lee's face, carefully weighing his words.
His expression is one of deep contemplation, revealing little about his thoughts or intentions.
After a moment, a subtle shift in his posture indicates he is ready to address her concerns, though his face still holds an air of mystery.
"She's one of the-"
"But it doesn't matter anymore, right? If we are really deep in this now and there's no going back, Theo..."
Bloom gently places his other hand over Lee's, enveloping her grasp with a calm yet cautious touch.
He leans in slightly, his eyes softening as he searches for understanding in her gaze.
"Is this about revenge, Lee?" he asks carefully, his voice a blend of concern and curiosity, probing the depths of her intentions without judgment.
Lee's eyes widen slightly, a flash of surprise mixed with defensiveness crossing her features.
She hesitates, the question stirring something within her, before she finally responds.
"Not entirely," she admits, her voice gaining strength, "This is just about making things right."
Bloom studies Lee's face intently, searching for any sign of deception or hidden motives in her words.
His eyes scan her expression, hoping to find sincerity in the depths of her gaze.
But as she turns her head away, avoiding his piercing look, doubt begins to creep into his mind, leaving him to wonder if her quest for justice is truly as noble as she claims.
"Is she lying?" Bloom wonders in his mind. "She won't show me her face."
Despite the rising doubts, Bloom knows he must tread carefully.
He decides to give Lee the benefit of the doubt, hoping that trust might coax the truth from her.
"You have something in mind?" he asks, his voice gentle but firm, hoping to draw her back into the conversation and uncover her true intentions.
Lee turns back to Bloom with a gentle smile, her eyes softening as she meets his gaze once more.
Her head tilts slightly in a cutesy manner, as if trying to assure him of her sincerity.
The small gesture seems to bridge the gap of doubt, inviting Bloom to trust her words and intentions.
"Of course, it was you who taught me to always think ahead."
As Bloom observes the sincerity in Lee's smile and the earnestness in her eyes, he feels a warmth spread through him, dissolving his lingering doubts. Her familiar gesture, reminiscent of their shared past, reassures him of her genuine intentions.
"Then you can do whatever you want. I'll keep the Governors off you until you are done."
Lee hops off the fence with a graceful ease, landing softly on her feet.
"It's not necessary for you to cover for me; you already have plenty on your plate. Let me use one of my mimics to fill in."
She turns to Bloom with an appreciative smile, her eyes shining with gratitude.
"Thank you for trusting me, Bloom," she says sincerely, her voice filled with warmth and determination.
Bloom nods in acknowledgment, then turns to leave, his footsteps light yet purposeful as he makes his way down the path.
Just as he begins to disappear into the shadows, Lee's voice rings out, stopping him in his tracks.
He turns back to see her holding up his mask, the one he had carelessly left behind.
"Bloom, don't forget this," she calls, a playful smirk on her lips as she waves the mask in the air.
Lee tosses the mask to Bloom with a casual flick of her wrist, the mask sailing through the air with a gentle arc.
Bloom reaches up with practiced ease, snatching it mid-air with a swift, confident motion, as he secures the mask in his grasp.
"Maybe you are the one that needs rest after all."
A blank expression appears on Bloom's face as he stares down at his mask.
"Not enough time these days."
Lee bites her lip gently, a subtle hint of longing in her eyes as she watches Bloom.
The way her gaze lingers on him speaks volumes, a mix of admiration and desire simmering beneath the surface.
Her lips part slightly, the soft bite a testament to the emotions she struggles to contain.
"Next time we meet, let's do more than kiss."
Bloom remains still for a moment, his face betraying little emotion as he processes her words.
A faint flicker of surprise dances in his eyes before he quickly masks it with a calm composure.
He offers Lee a small, almost imperceptible nod, acknowledging the unspoken promise between them.
"Till then."
Bloom turns away, his figure gradually blending into the bleak horizon as he strides confidently into the desolate wasteland.
Each step echoes softly in the stillness. Meanwhile, Lee moves in the opposite direction, her silhouette framed against the barren landscape, her footsteps leaving faint imprints on the dusty ground as she ventures into the unknown with quiet fortitude.
To Be Continued.