Morning sunlight filters through the leaves and intricate patterns of light across the narrow gravel paths and nearly trimmed grass. The psychiatric hospital sits on the outskirts of Linkon City. The lobby’s automatic doors slide open. Two young men approach the front desk and hand their fake IDs to the staff.
“Mr. Xavon, Mr. Jeremy. Are you here to handle your friend’s discharge?” the nurse asks. “Since you’re not immediate family, I need to see your authorization letters.”
The caretaker leads the two men to the backyard. A young man in a light blue hospital gown sits alone on a swing. He happily dribbles a rubber ball with one hand. “I still don’t get why you insisted on sparing him back then,” Jeremiah says. “Whatever happened in Philos was one thing, but Isaiah has never shown you merch since we arrived here. When he attacks, he intends to kill. He won’t hold back.”
“Why do you remember this better than me?” Xavier asks. Jeremiah sighs and says,“Right now, he’s harmless and sort of crazy. But who knows how he’ll get his revenge if he ever regains his memories. If he brings those people back then into this…We’ll both be dead.” Xavier massages his temples, ignoring his friend’s warning.
“Did you look into who’s following that lead?” Xavier says. “I’ll deal with it.” Jeremiah stares at him. “Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on that old oath to bring everyone home. You’re insane!” Xavier shakes his head faintly. “You’re overthinking it. There’s something about him I need to investigate.” Jeremiah gives up.
“You must be exhausted. I’m sorry I couldn’t provide more assistance,” the nurse says to you. “But why did the Association only send you? It was always two people every year.” Her question reminds you of Xavier, your partner who’s been elusive lately. He’s probably doing another secret mission again.
“We’ve been really busy, so they just sent me,” you say. Once you and the nurse are at the exit, you say goodbye and finally check your phone. Several messages from Jeremiah pop. He sent them that morning. He had to leave but felt uneasy about leaving some rare new flowers unattended. The automatic doors swing open before you.
You freeze when you see who’s standing outside. You and him make awkward contact. “Xavier, Jeremiah…What are you doing here?” you ask. A rubber ball bounces and rolls on the floor. Only then do you notice the young man behind them. He has a vacant look in his eyes; he has Xavier’s blonde hair and blue eyes. “Is he a friend?” you ask. “Yeah…Lets go with that,” Jeremiah says.
As soon as you send a text, two more pop up. Xavier’s words warm your heart over the phone. When you enter the elevator, you press the button for his floor without a second thought. When you reach his door, you knock. But nothing comes through. Confused, you use the spare key he left you to open the door.
After investigating the apartment, you come to the realization that Xavier isn’t there. Your phone rings. “You’re done training?” Xavier says. You answer yes. “Good,” he says. You raise a brow. “Just ‘good’?” you ask. Xavier pauses. “What is it?” he asks. “You have nothing else to say?” you ask. Another pause. “I do, actually,” Xavier says. He lets out a breath on his side of the line. “Can…you pick me up?”
After discovering that he’d been through a tough fight and now has a fever, you take him back to his apartment. On the balcony, sunflowers droop like their weary owner under the overcast sky. He isn’t injured; he just has a fever. You guide him to his bedroom for rest.
Xavier’s hold tightens on your waist as your about to leave. “You won’t ask why?” he says. The medicine isn’t doing much. “If you’re angry, take it out on me. I’m too weak to fight back.” You try to pull away so he can rest, but he pulls you into a tighter embrace. “…No,” he mumbles. “I want you to stay.”
Xavier’s body trembles ever so slightly. He’s weak, and his fever is getting worse. His skin keeps heating up and cooling down.