The wind outside was cold and whispering, rustling the trees beyond the compound walls. A hush had fallen over the Fifth Division command post, broken only by the occasional chirp of a distant bird or the low hum of the ceiling lights. Warmth still clung to the shared dining space where plates, cups, and napkins bore traces of the celebration that had ended only moments ago.
Lucien stood near the exit, his fists clenched at his sides.
Jason was the first to speak. "You sure about this Lucien?"
Lucien didn't look at him. "They'll be here soon. Maybe an hour. Maybe less. I need to be gone by then."
Rylen stepped forward. "There's no guarantee they'll even come here. We covered our tracks pretty well when we left the prison."
Lucien turned slowly. His expression was calm, but there was an old sadness behind his eyes. "I destroyed half a military-grade prison. Killed dozens of soldiers, scientists and guards. Fought the commander of the prison and killed him in broad daylight. You think they're just going to let that go?"
A silence fell over the room. No one could argue. No one tried.
"I won't let them drag you down with me," he said. "So you'll go back. Play your roles. Pretend none of this happened."
Karu crossed his arms, bristling. "You really think we're just going to sit around while they hunt you like an animal?"
Lucien smiled faintly. "No of course not. I think you'll be smart about it. That's how we survive this."
Lisa gave him a long look, then nodded. "Fine. But you're not disappearing on us forever."
Before he could respond, Emiluna stepped forward and, without a word, wrapped her arms around him. Rylen and Jason joined her, a quiet group hug in the center of the now-empty room. Karu gave a reluctant nod. Lisa offered a small salute.
As Lucien walked to the door, Rylen slipped him a simple wristband—silver, barely noticeable.
"What's this Rylen?" Lucien asked.
"Just in case," Rylen said, keeping his voice low.
Jason winked. "You didn't really think we'd let you vanish without a way to find you, did you?"
Lucien stared at them, emotion flickering in his gaze. Then he nodded and turned away.
Without another word, he stepped out into the dark.
1:03 A.M.
Three sharp knocks at the metal door.
Emiluna was the one to open it, blinking against the bright flashlights pointed in her face. On the other side stood five figures—two from the Tokyo Special Police, three in Nightguard uniforms. All armed. All watching.
"Emiluna Uminari?" the lead officer asked.
She nodded slowly, feigning confusion. "It's late. What's going on guys?"
"We're here to ask a few questions. About your colleague Lucien, the one that escaped."
Jason appeared behind her, rubbing his eyes. "Did something happen?"
The officer gave him a long look. "He escaped from a maximum-security facility earlier today. Left a trail of destruction that includes multiple fatalities and critical military assets. We believe he may have come here."
Rylen walked in next, calm and barefoot, as if roused from bed. "You think we're hiding him here?"
The Nightguard agent stepped forward. "We're not accusing. Just verifying."
"Then please come in," Emiluna offered, stepping aside. "Search whatever and wherever you want."
They entered without hesitation. Flashlights scanned every corner, rifles at the ready.
The lead officer gestured to a younger agent. "Room to room."
As the search began, the interrogations started.
Rylen – Interrogation
Two officers. One recorder. A sterile, silent room.
"You're Rylen Minazuka, correct?"
Rylen nodded. "Yes sir."
"You served with Lucien in Division Five?"
"I still do."
"When did you last see him?"
Rylen tilted his head. "The day you guys arrested him here at the fifth division command post 32 days ago."
The officer frowned. "Okay sounds real."
Rylen leaned back. "I know."
"Did you know anything about him breaking free?"
"No why would I?"
The officer narrowed his eyes. "You're aware of what he's done right?"
Rylen exhaled slowly. "I've seen the footage and i was there at the time on the battlefield."
"And if he came to you for help?"
Rylen met his gaze squarely. "I'd help him."
Jason – Interrogation
Jason slouched in his chair, arms crossed, chewing gum obnoxiously.
"Jason Higamizu," the officer began, voice clipped. "Let's not waste each other's time please."
Jason blew a bubble, let it pop, then wiped it on his sleeve.
"Did Lucien contact you?"
"Nope."
"Did he visit this command post after he broke free earlier today?"
"Not that I saw."
"We have footage of five people eating dinner here three hours ago."
Jason shrugged. "We cook for a lot of people. Could've been anyone."
"Matching the height and build of Lucien."
"Maybe you should be questioning tall people instead of me."
The officer scowled. "This is serious. Harboring a fugitive—"
Jason sat up suddenly, the smirk gone. "Can i go now? I would help him either way if he asked for it because he is my family okay and you can´t arrest me for that. Lucien is my friend. And if he's gone rogue or not… then still, I would protect him."
A silence.
The officer scribbled something on his pad. "We'll leave it at that."
Emiluna – Interrogation
Her hands were folded neatly on the table.
"Miss Uminari. You're a smart and handsome lady. You will tell us the truth right?"
"Yes."
"Then you also understand that if Lucien came here, and you didn't report it, you'd be complicit."
Emiluna met the officer's eyes, her voice calm. "I haven't seen Lucien since the day he had been arrested just like Rylen and Jason. That does check out right?"
"That is also what the other guys said yes you are right miss Uminari."
She nodded slowly. "Then I hope you will not ask stupid questions again."
The officer watched her carefully. ''That was my only question for you."
"Okay then bye."
The lie tasted bitter, but she swallowed it like steel.
End of the Interrogations
After nearly an hour, the agents regrouped in the common area.
"Nothing," one said. "No heat signatures. No new logs. Nothing unusual on surveillance either."
"Except the dinner," another muttered.
The lead agent gave a grim nod. "They're good. Too good."
"So what now?"
"We'll leave them be. But from now on—"
He turned to Rylen, Jason, and Emiluna, now gathered near the table again.
"You three are under direct surveillance. Every movement, every communication. Two weeks. Don't leave this compound without permission."
Emiluna raised a brow. "Are we being charged?"
"Not yet," the agent said. "But if we find out you're hiding anything—anything—we'll be back."
Jason rolled his eyes. "Looking forward to it."
The agents left. The door shut behind them with a metallic clang.
Under the Bridge – 3:37 A.M.
Rain slashed across the asphalt in sheets, turning the streets into silver rivers. The world was quiet except for the drumming of water and the occasional car passing in the distance.
Lucien sat alone beneath the skeletal arch of an overpass, his back to a concrete pillar, hood drawn up against the cold. His clothes were soaked, clinging to his skin like second skin. His breath came out in faint clouds.
He had nowhere to go. No shelter. No bed. No plan.
Only the silence.
The streets had always felt empty. But now they felt hollow, like the skeleton of a life he couldn't quite rebuild.
He clutched his knees to his chest, shivering.
All that power. All that rage. And still, he was just a boy in the dark.
He thought of Rylen, Jason, and Emiluna—of Karu's sharp tongue and Lisa's quiet strength. For a moment, he let himself believe they were still close. Still safe.
Then he shook the thought away. Better they were far from him. Better they lived.
Raindrops dripped from his eyelashes.
The tracker on his wrist blinked once—just a pulse of red light. He hadn't removed it.
Because a part of him still hoped they'd find him again.
But for now… he was alone.
Again.
And the rain kept falling.