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Jaiden looked at her drawing again. Something was missing. She started to think but couldn't find it. "That's enough for today." She muttered and went out and started collecting the tea in the tea garden. "TIA JAIDENNNNN!" Jaiden turned around when she heard the voice. Richarlyson was looking at her with a smile. “Oh Richarlyson!” When Jaiden opened her arms, Richarlyson ran to her and hugged her. “Aww, I missed you so much!” Richarlyson approved her with the same love “I missed you too, Tia! Where have you been? Dad said he'd kill the Federation Empolyess if you didn't text him some more." Jaiden's smile faded as Richarlyson stepped back. "He didn't do anything, did he? You know, I tried very hard to calm Cucurucho's anger." Richarlyson looked away. “Well, you should have told at least one of us that you were on duty.” Jaiden shouted “I told you so! Foolish knew too!” Richarlyson turned away from her as he ran away and laughed “Hey there's nothing better than watching some chaos! You were the one who taught me this, Tia!” Jaiden was just noticing the little girl's presence when she rolled her eyes laughing, “Oh! You weren't alone!” Empanada waved her hand in embarrassment and said, "Hello." Jaiden walked over to Empanada. “Hello.” She sat down on the ground so that she could talk to her comfortably. “Your hat is very beautiful. Pink and black.” Empanada swallowed and said quietly, "Mamae Mouse knitted this for me." Jaiden shook her head. “Mouse is very talented.” When she said, Empanada approved her "This little carrot must be from Tina." When Empanada nodded again, Jaiden looked at Richarlyson. Richarlyson gave her the blessing to continue. Jaiden took a deep breath. She vowed to take Richarlyson to the chaos room for doing this “I was in there making a cake. Would you like to stay for dinner?” Richarlyson shouted “Yes! God Tia, you haven't done anything nice in a long time!” Jaiden frowned “Hey! I couldn't do it because I was kidnapped! You little brat!” When Richarlyson ran in, Empanada heard for the first time that Jaiden had been kidnapped. “Umm, have you been kidnapped?!” When she held Jaiden with worry and anxiety, Jaiden smiled, “Oh, it's no big deal. And I don't even remember." Empanada was still confused “Didn't anyone come looking for you? Didn't anyone look at you? Tio Cellbit? Tio Roier? Anyone?” Jaiden understood what she was trying to say and made a brief statement “You know, I'm not leave here. I usually hang out with Foolish, but I'm not that close with the others." Empanada continued to be surprised “But you are the family of Tio Cellbit and Tio Roier. Didn't they notice?" Jaiden just smiled. “We'd better get in before the cake gets cold and Richarlyson eats it all.” Empanada wanted to cry. “But this-” She looked after her mother when Jaiden was already inside. “But this is so hurtful.” " she whispered and walked in slowly.

It was more beautiful inside than she thought. The scent of the roses and the decoration were wonderful. Of course, she saw all the pictures taken with Bobby and felt crushed under these pictures. "I wonder if my pictures will be here one day?" Richarlyson heard this, but Jaiden didn't "Tia, shall we draw after the cake?" Empanada looked at her brother, but Richarlyson was looking at Jaiden curiously. “Okay! I was also working on a painting. I will have finished it. I found what was missing.” When she looked at the Empanada, Empanada looked at Jaiden incomprehensibly. When the canvases arrived, everyone was in silence, drawing pictures. Empanada wanted to draw all her mothers. Richarlyson was trying to draw a picture of Miku to make Jaiden happy, and one of her songs was playing in the background. Empanada was still nervous, but now she felt little calm in her heart. As a long time passed, Richarlyson fell asleep. Jaiden had finished her painting and left a blanket on Richarlyson so he wouldn't get cold. "Is it finished?" Empanada nodded and hesitated before showing her drawing to Jaiden. “Well, I drew you too.” Jaiden smiled as she muttered, “Really? May I look?" Empanada nodded and showed her picture “These are my mothers. It's you here." Jaiden didn't expect the picture of the Empanada to be this perfect “Wow! You are very talented, Empanada. I love this picture!” Empanada felt relieved. “Thank you.” She said and watched her mother look at her picture with admiration. Her mother was a loner woman than she thought. This hurt Empanada. Her mother was alone. “Can I hang this on one of the walls in the room?” She felt like her heart was going to stop with excitement at the desire for Empanada. “O-Ofcourse!” Jaiden stood up and when she went up Empanada felt her cheeks turn red. “Richarlyson. You were right.” Richarlyson opened one eye as she whispered to her brother, "I'm always right." Empanada screamed in fear “Weren't you asleep?!” Richarlyson laughed and hugged the blanket, "No, I wasn't sleeping." Jaiden came downstairs “Are you okay?” When she asked, Richarlyson shook his head. “We are fine! I just scared Em." Jaiden took a deep breath. “Oh my god, Richas. It's getting dark,” she muttered "You may need to leave. I just talked to Bagi, she said it's okay for you to stay, but this place is dangerous for children." Richarlyson shook his head. “We'd better not go out tonight, Tia. Empanada has only one life.” Jaiden stopped in her tracks. “How?” Richarlyson looked at the Empanada and said, “Well. The men who were working for  The Eye beat me." For the first time Jaiden couldn't hold back "Oh What the fuck?!" Empanada was surprised that Jaiden was angry, but secretly she was happy. That means she cares about Empanada, right? “Who beats a little child! My god. Did Cucurucho say anything about this?” Okay she didn't care about the Empanada. Se was angry that a little girl was being beaten. “We don't know. They keep failing to protect us.” Jaiden took a deep breath "Wait here." When she walked out the door, Richarlyson looked at his sister excitedly and said, “I love this moment. The only person on this island who can shit in Cucurucho's mouth is Tia Jaiden! Great- Em why are you sad?” Richarlyson asked "She was just angry that a child was beaten," Empanada said sadly. Richarlyson opened his eyes wide. “Em, don't be ridiculous. She was worried about you!” Empanada said sadly, "Was she really worried or just angry that one of the children on the island was hurt?" When Empanada looked into Richarlyson's eyes, Richarlyson took his sister's hand and stood up. “There's only one way to find out.” When the two came out, they saw both Cucuruchos standing next to Jaiden. “Come on! I know you're doing something. Osito?” When Osito turned his head and looked at the sky, Jaiden frowned. “Cucurucho?” Cucurucho looked at Jaidena with blank eyes. “Classified.” When he said that, Jaiden took a deep breath in anger. "Okay, we will talk about this when the kids are not around." She said, “Who wants to play games now?” Osito and Richarlyson quickly raised their hands. When Cucurucho looked at Empanada, Empanada hid behind Richarlyson “Hey. Don't scare the children.” Cucurucho approached Empanada and handed her a small bubble blower “A little gift.” When they heard Cucurucho speaking, both children looked at the man in surprise. When she got the bubble blower, Cucurucho straightened his tie. “We came for game night, but if you want us to go, we can.” Jaiden nodded “We can play games. You go to the table. Let me bring Monopoly." Empanada looked at Richarlyson with fear. “Are we going to play games with them? Really?" Richarlyson shook his head. “I played with Cucurucho a few times when I came to Tia Jaiden. I told you, you've seen the federation from everyone's perspective, but you've never seen it from Tia Jaiden's perspective. Take a look at them. They were two scary guys, weren't they? But when Tia is around, they both turn into normal people. They are playing games and fighting. Osito loves corn and Cucurucho loves drinking tea. I learned this information when I was around Tia Jaiden. Nobody even knows about it. Isn't it very strange? Sometimes when I feel lonely or bad, I come here and talk and play games with Tia Jaiden. Here is a wonderful place." When Jaiden came out, she had corn, tea and a book in her hand. "Richarlyson, come here." Jaiden called Richarlyson and said, "Give this book to your father in a week, okay?" Cucurucho and Osito were ignoring them and setting up the game "What is this?" Richarlyson was about to open the book when Jaiden stopped him. “Not now, Richas.” She said and they sat at the table. "Cucurucho, if you cheat, I will inform Cellbit." While Osito laughed at Jaiden's words, Cucurucho just smiled, "It must be a dream right now." Empanada was watching what was happening in amazement.

Before leaving, Osito gave Richarlyson and Empanada a lot of gifts. Jaiden and Cucurucho were talking about something serious away from them. Empanada was wondering “Osito.” When she said that, the worried man looked at her and said, “Will Mamae Jaiden be okay? She's so lonely." Osito did not answer this and went to Jaiden and Cucurucho in the distance. “Richas, today was very nice. I met Mamae Jaiden for the first time and I thought I was going to die of fear.” Richarlyson was reading the book Jaiden gave him. He frowned and looked like he couldn't believe what he was reading "Richas-" Richarlyson looked at Empanada "Em I have to go. Like now.” As Richarlyson disappeared with the teleportation stone, Empanada watched in surprise as her brother teleported. "Empanada?" Realizing that she was alone with Jaiden, Empanada looked at the woman with her mouth open. "Richarlyson is gone." Jaiden smiled when she said, “I know. If you want to go, we can call Bagi.” Empanada gulped “Do you want me to leave?” Jaiden smiled when she asked. “If you want to stay, I won't stop you.” Empanada's cheeks turned red when she said, "Then I want to stay. I want to get to know you." Jaiden nodded “Okay. Let's go inside and ask me anything you want.”

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Empanada had hated sleeping alone all her life. One of her mothers would always be with her. They would either read fairy tales or sing songs, but this was very different. Jaiden was sitting next to her, drawing, and Empanada was silently watching her. “You should sleep.” Empanada was surprised when Jaiden spoke without looking at her. "What are you doing?" she whispered to her mother "A little gift for you," Empanada's heart beat fast. “To me? Is it a gift? Really?" Jaiden put down the pen and turned to the Empanada, petting her hair “Yes. For you." Empanada closed her eyes with the warm hand. “Do you want me to sing?” Empanada mumbled sleepily, “No need. Don't be so hard on yourself. Thank you for this day.” As Empanada slowly drifted off to sleep, she heard Jaiden humming and smiled.

While eating breakfast, Empanada was asking Jaiden questions: "Do you know how Tia Baghera and Tio Cellbit came back from Purgatory?" While Empanada was eating the jam in front of her, Jaiden was making her little cupcakes with funny faces. When Empanada couldn't hear her mother, she turned around and said, "Are you okay?" When she asked, she noticed Jaiden staring into space. “Yeah? Oh sorry what were you saying? Oh yeah. No, I do not know. How did they come back?" Empanada continued “Pomme and Richas saved them, The Watcher brainwashed them and turn them into monsters, but love saved them! I want to be like Pomme when I grow up. Strong enough to save my mothers.” Jaiden came to her. She took Empanada's hand and sat on the ground. "Empanada, listen carefully to what I say. We can get hurt as much as we want, but you can't do that. If something happens to me, you should not leave your mother Bagi's side, okay? Because that's what all your mothers wanted. You have to live no matter what. You are so special, that's why you can't die." Empanada didn't expect to hear these words. She couldn't speak because of excitement. "A-Am I special?" H-How?” Empanada waited as Jaiden pretended to think about it. “Hmmm, you're so cute. Yes. Your thing is that you are very sweet.” Empanada suddenly started laughing. “Cute?” Jaiden frowned "Why are you laughing? Did I say something wrong?" Empanada continued laughing at Jaiden's serious face. "You're so funny." Jaiden started laughing too, “Thank you. I guess." She said and they both continued laughing. Empanada stopped laughing and watched Jaiden “Um, can I hug you?” Jaiden's smile faded and Empanada immediately regretted what she said, "I'm sorry. Never mind-" Empanada was about to pull her hand back when she felt herself slipping off the chair and suddenly found herself in Jaiden's arms. Jaiden took a deep breath “I know I'm not a good mother. Sorry Empanada. I understand if you hate me.” Empanada couldn't believe what she was hearing. “A bad mother? Mamae, you are a wonderful mother. I'm sorry I can't be more like Bobby. You will never love me as much as you love him.” When Empanada's eyes filled with tears, Jaiden hugged her tighter and said, "Empanada, you are you. You can't be compared to anyone. Yes, your brother may not be with us anymore, but he is always here. And never forget this, I love you very much.” Empanada didn't answer. "Well, why don't we go see Bobby?" Empanada retreated. Her eyes were red. “ See Bobby?” When she asked, Jaiden suddenly picked her up "Mamae, I can walk!" Empanada felt bad for calling Jaiden 'Mamae' when she covered her face in shame. "Sorry Jai-" Jaiden interrupted, "You don't need to call me by my name, sugar." Empanada hugged her tightly around her neck and smiled. Her mother called her 'Sugar'. The sun was still out as they climbed a long hill. “This is where Bobby and I talked. Bobby always told us, 'Don't worry if I die. I will always be watching you at sunset.'" Empanada looked at the sun, it was still not setting. “This place is beautiful. Bobby is really lucky.” Jaiden didn't answer. “Can you tell me about Bobby? What was he like? What would you do with him?" Jaiden placed Empanada on Bobby's chair, but Empanada didn't know that. Jaiden started to talk and Empanada listen. After a long time the hill only hear the laughter of the two "When Bobby fell off the wall, Roier jumped after him without thinking and saved him." Empanada put her hand to her mouth in shock “Tio Roier? I thought he was emotionless or something!” Jaiden frowned “Emotionless? Why?" Jaiden asked with a serious face "Because he hits Pepito and doesn't care what he thinks," Empanada explained. Jaiden couldn't breathe. "Roier?" she asked “Yes, I think something changed in him. Tio has changed a lot since Tio Cellbit wasn't around.” Jaiden shook her head “I might need to talk to him. How about you come with me? Besides, you can introduce me to Pepito.” Empanada shook her head quickly. “What else happened?” She asked and asked Jaiden to explain, “There was a day when we were cycling. We couldn't keep our balance because we were riding in the woods, and Bobby was always very much on his own. He pretended to fall off a cliff on his bike and Roier rode after him. He fell off the cliff to save Bobby. Bobby laughed so much that it was the first time I had ever seen him having so much fun. Do you want to ride a bike one day?” Empanada stopped. “Bicycle? I don't know how to ride a bike.” Jaiden held her cheeks as Empanada tilted her head “Great then I can teach you how to ride a bike! We have a lot of things to do with you Empanada, don't we?” Empanada looked at Jaiden in surprise. She was making plans and promises with her. Could she believe this? Jaiden was very different from her other mothers “Mamae… Can I trust you? Can I believe your words? I am scared. Did you really accept me? Will Bobby accept me as family?” and a wind blew. One of the blue flowers broke off due to the wind and fell in front of the Empanada. Jaiden laughed in surprise as Empanada looked at the blue flower in surprise. “I guess Bobby accepted you.” She took flower in her hand "I cant believe." she whispered and looked at Jaiden. Jaiden pulled out a small canvas from behind where they were sitting. This was the surprise she told the Empanada yesterday "Do you want to look?" When Empanada nodded, Jaiden pointed to the canvas. It was a picture of the two of them hugging each other "Wow!" Empanada looked at Jaiden's face in the picture. She drew herself very happy. “Are you really happy?” asked Empanada. “I'm really happy.” Jaiden said and as the sun slowly set Jaiden waved at the sun “Hi Bobby! I wanted to introduce you to your sister. Isn't she very sweet? Like sugar." Empanada looked at the blue flower in her hand and whispered, “Hello Bobby. I'm Empanada.” Jaiden smiled and took a deep breath. 

Empanada didn't want to go, but she knew the other mothers missed her. She missed them so much too. “Mamae?” It still felt weird for Empanada to call Jaiden that way. Was Jaiden feeling weird too? Jaiden looked at her “I think it's time for me to go now. Mamae Niki was coming today. I haven't seen her for a long time." Jaiden smiled “So quickly?” She said and told her to wait with her hand. While Empanada was waiting curiously, Jaiden took out a blue, black and white jacket and said, "This is my gift to you." When she put her Miku jacket on Empanada, the jacket was too big for Empanada. "You're smaller than I thought, sweetie." When she said that, Empanada laughed. She liked when Jaiden calls her 'Sweetie' When she returned, she would tell her mother Bagi everything. She felt very happy “This is my favorite jacket. From what I've seen, you've inherited something from all your mothers. It's getting cold. I want you to give this jacket from me too.” Empanada nodded excitedly and hugged Jaiden. “Thank you so much, Mamae!” Meanwhile, the door was pounded. "I wasn't expecting a guest," Jaiden pulled back. She muttered and opened the door. Jaiden was pushed back as Empanada examined jacket. When Empanada poked her head in to see what was going on, Jaiden shouted, "Fuck Empanada, run!" When Empanada frowned, The Eyes working on The Watcher came in. "We found Blue Bird!" Empanada took a step back in fear. “Em-“ As they started to walked in, Jaiden quickly pulled back them. She closed the door on them and quickly came to Empanada and stood in front of her. "Empanada, listen carefully to what I say." The Eyes were breaking the door and the windows. “Teleport and inform Foolish and Cellbit. Remember what I told you. You are more valuable and rest assured and also I don't want to fight with Bagi hahaha. That's why you must live. And I'm sorry. All this time I walked away from you like a coward, but I swear I love you so much. Now go-“ The door broke down and they entered. Empanada still wasn't moving. Jaiden looked up. Even though Empanada shook her head negatively, Empanada suddenly felt herself being pulled back. When she opened her eyes, Jaiden wasn't there. Bagi and Tina hugged her anxiously “Empanada! Are you okay?!" Empanada stepped back as Bagi and Tina hugged her tightly “How am I here?! Mamae Jaiden! Mamae she is in danger!” Empanada started shaking Bagi “Eyes! They have arrived! Mamae Jaiden is alone!” Only Empanada's screams could be heard in the hotel. "What are you saying, Empanada?" Phil's worried voice came from the other room "Tio Phil! They are attacking Mamae Jaiden! We do not have time!" Bagi looked at Tina. Empanada was still begging Bagi “Mamae! We need to help her! How did you teleport me here!” Empanada was crying “Jaiden sent an emergency code to the chat we opened for the kids. All the kids were teleported to the hotel. Don't cry Empanada.” Bagi hugged the Empanada and continued to cry.

When Cellbit finally deciphered the secret codes written in the book in his hand, he pulled his hair with his hand. "Jaiden, what did you do?" he whispered "Papa? Is this what I think?” Cellbit shook his head "The coordinates of this Luffy thing, but why and how did Jaiden know this?" Cellbit took the book “What's the reason you gave this to me? Does Cucurucho know about this?” He speaks to himself. Richarlyson watched his father silently. "If Jaiden knows about this, that means they're after her." Meanwhile, a message suddenly arrived.

Jaiden: Tttttttttt

Richarlyson suddenly disappeared. Cellbit understood that this was not an emergency message for children. Jaiden was in danger right now.

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Empanada still couldn't stop her tears. At the beginning, her mother Tina was talking to her worriedly, “My little Em, please don't cry anymore. I promise we will find Jaiden." Empanada sobbed, "Mamae, it's all because of me." Tina quickly interrupted, “No no no. Do not talk like that. Nothing happened because of you, Empanada. Remember what Cellbit said. They've been after her for a long time. After all she is a federation employee.” Empanada started crying harder “Why don't you look for her? Was it always like this? She was always so lonely.” Tina couldn't swallow “I know. I know, Empanada. I am so sorry." Tina kissed Empanada's hair and wiped the tears from her eyes without Empanada seeing. "We're looking for her, okay? Cellbit will go to talk to Cucurucho today. Don't worry." Empanada nodded and hugged her jacket. “The first gift she ever gave me.” she murmured "It's beautiful,"  Tina said and looked at the jacket. Then she looked at the picture next to her and said, "Did you have fun?" she asked, Empanada smiling with her eyes closed “Yes. She called me 'sweetie' and 'Cute'" Tina laughed. "Well, we call you 'sweetie' and 'Cute' too.” Empanada giggled when she said, “You are different! At first I was very afraid. What if she treats me coldly? I was so worried what if she didn't want me, but then I saw her, Mamae. She was so- She was so lonely.” She opened her eyes and looked at Tina. “So lonely.” Tina didn't say anything more when she whispered "Ahh Em please I promise you okay? For every tear you shed, I will kill everyone who caused it." When the fire in the fireplace suddenly burst into flames, Tina jumped in fear. "What was that?" Tina barely smiled as Empanada looked at her mother in surprise. “Nothing, honey. Why don't you get some sleep? Your mother will take care of everything, okay?” Empanada closed her eyes.

The clock was showing midnight when Empanada opened her eyes due to the noise she heard. She slowly stood up and walked towards the door. She slowly opened the door and started listening to the voices "Foolish you can't do this!" It was her mother Mouse's voice. "If you act alone-" Mouse's voice was interrupted. "I won't be alone. I'll be with Agent 18 and some Federation officers. Cucurucho gave me this task.” Empanada frowned, "Foolish, you can't act alone, I'm coming with you." At the sound of Cellbit's voice, Empanada felt relieved. The trust she felt towards Cellbit comforted her. “Cellbit, did you inform Roier?” There was a pause. “Roier is not well right now.” Another silence “What does this mean?” Bagi asked worriedly “I don't know, he is acting strange. Sometimes I catch something sinister in his gaze that bothers me. Anyway, Roier can't help us right now.” Empanada clenched her teeth. She was weak. She wasn't like Pomme or strong like Tallulah and Chayanne. She didn't know how to fight. She was a coward. “Maybe I should talk to the Cucuruchos, too.” She mumbled and went out into the backyard. It was dark. She looked around. “Umm,” she thought about how Jaiden had called them. She looked around “Cucurucho?” She called out into the dark forest but did not receive an answer. “Osito? Does anyone hear me? I want to talk to you.” When she didn't get an answer again, she turned around, but she let out a little scream when she saw the white fabric. Cucurucho was looking at her. "You scared me!" Empanada muttered and gathered her courage. “I didn't think you would come.” Cucurucho was nervous when she said, "You Ja-" he took a deep breath. "I thought it was someone else calling me, but it was you." Empanada gulped when he said “Mamae Jaiden. Where is she?" Cucurucho did not answer “Please. Is she okay? You knew this would happen, didn't you?" Cucurucho did not answer again “I-I was there. I was there when they took her.” Cucurucho was still listening to her “I-I don't want her to get hurt. P-please save her-“ Empanada was silenced by the hand placed on her head “Don't worry. We are looking for her. Jaiden is strong. She is intelligent and little trouble maker, but don't worry. I will find her. If you blame yourself, it will make Jaiden feel worse, and Empanada, mark my words. A person who has nothing left to lose is the best pawn for the federation. Orders come from above, we carry out the orders. I never wanted anything like this.” Cucurucho's hand was on Empanada's head, preventing Empanada from looking at him. That's why Empanada did not resist and bowed her head and listened to Cucurucho's words: “Everyone was wrong. You are a good person." When the hand on Empanada's head left, Empanada raised her head, but there was no one in front of her. "EMPANADA!" At Bagi's worried voice, Empanada turned to her mother, "Oh my God, Empanada!" When Mouse ran and hugged Empanada, Bagi frowned and looked at Empanada. "Why are you here, Empanada? Who were you talking to? It's too dangerous to be out alone." As Mouse kissed Empanada's cheeks, Empanada smiled, "I'm sorry, Mamae. I wanted to get some air. Now I'm better. Any progress?" Mouse held Empanada in her arms, "Let's talk inside, little devil." She said and everyone went inside.

Adults were talking while Richarlyson, Leonarda and Empanada were sitting in the living room “Phil said he wanted to be with the team that found Luffy. According to him, Luffy was the key. When we give Luffy back, we can get Jaiden." Richarlyson approached Empanada "This is for you." He said and handed over a blue flower. “After that incident, we went home again. I found this on the ground and I thought it might be you and I don't know if you saw but Tia Jaiden put another chair in the garden. For you." Empanada looked at the blue flower in her hand. “Bobby.” she whispered and closed her eyes.

“Please help me brother. Help me find our mother. Help me to be strong.”

Leonarda stood up and said, "I want to go home." she said and went to her father: "I want to see Mapachita and Mapachito." Foolish was surprised. “Right now?” Leonarda nodded “Yes. I don't want to stay here any longer. I want to make a gift for Tia Jaiden until she comes, and I want to take care of the animals she gifted me." Foolish nodded. "Okay then." He stood up and looked at everyone. “I'll drop Leo home and come back. If anything happens, let me know. Please." He said and they left the house. Jaiden gave Leonarda Bobby's animals. While Empanada was thinking about this, Richarlyson quickly said to reassure her, “This happened while you were not around. Tio Foolish and Tia Jaiden are closer than you think. Tia and Tio never lie to each other and know everything about each other. They're like siblings. It can even be called twins. When the two come together, no one is safe." Empanada smiled, “I'd like to see the two side by side.” While she was saying this, one of the furniture in the house started to burn. Tina said with fear, “Fuck. I'm sorry, it's my fault." Then Bagi held her hand with concern, "Calm down." Tina mumbled, took a deep breath, “I know. I am sorry." Bagi smiled sadly “Why don't we get some air. We will continue tomorrow. It's very late. The children needs to sleep, too." Empanada stood up quickly. “Is that it? Aren't we going to do more research? What if Mamae Jaiden is being tortured right now?” Cellbit sat down on the ground to get to Empanada's height. “Empanada, trust me. I'll find Jaiden, okay? But unfortunately this will take some time. You can stand this, right? Jaiden is a very strong woman.” When Cellbit grabbed Empanada's shoulders, Empanada backed away angrily. "How do you know?" she asked "What?" Said Cellbit “How do you know? I saw. Mamae Jaiden was just pretending to be strong! I saw the loneliness underlying every smile! She was living alone in a huge house! Even Tio Roier is not left alone! Do you think I'm stupid? Even though it's been two days, I saw it. You didn't trust her because she was working with the Federation, but look, you are working with them too, and Tio Foolish is also working with them. This is ridiculous! Why did you leave her alone? Why did you do what the Federation wanted? Isn't it obvious? You can make a person who has nothing to lose do anything you want!” Everyone was listening to Empanada in shock, and Empanada ran into her room. She thought a lot, but she understood the words Cucurucho said to her were not just words. Cucurucho knew. He knew they didn't have time. Where was Jaiden right now?

“Sinners know very well what pain is, and you are a helpless servant who does not even know what your sin is.” Jaiden was listening without speaking. “Tell me, sinner. Where is he?" When Jaiden didn't answer, The Watcher laughed. “You must have forgotten. We are not gathered here to have fun. This is the place where sinners suffer. Purgatory.” Jaiden listened to screams of pain from above. Purgatory was still ongoing. It wasn't over “You and your team did a pretty great job. You were my best art. They also knew you were good. So that's why you were working with them. Bluebird.” When she heard the name Jaiden looked at The Watcher “Oh so I got a reaction. Are you still insistent on not talking?" Jaiden spat on the ground “Hahaha Okay. So that's your answer. Please continue. I wonder if you'll still be able to look at it the same way after what's about to happen. Bluebird.” Jaiden fearlessly turned to the two men standing behind her. Two masked men grabbed her by her wings and turned them around. Jaiden screamed as she fell to the ground in pain, blood flowing from her wings. They broke her wings

Phil looked around with the pain he felt in his heart. As he stood up, he fell to the ground with the pain of his wings. "Fuck." he whispered. Phil's eyes were purple when Chayanne came running to him.

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“Look, Jaiden, these little dots you see are called stars.” Jaiden looked up and looked at the little dots. "They're so bright, Roier." Roier laughed. “I know, Cellbit said if we got out of here, we could reach them.” Jaiden turned to Roier “Get out of here? We talked about this, Roier. I don't want to leave Cucurucho alone." Roier suddenly turned to her “Jaiden.” His voice became strange when he said “Jaiden! Wake up!" Jaiden looked around the wind started blowing “Roier?!” She shouted into the void, but there was no answer.

She opened her eyes in deep pain and seemed to be out of breath. She looked around, she was still in the same cell, covered in blood. “Fuck.” she whispered.  The last thing she wanted was to remember her past, she didn't want to go through this right now. The screams coming from above still reminded her of where she was. Purgatory.She screamed at the sharp pain in her back and turned her face to the ground and hugged herself. At least her loved ones were safe.

Empanada looked at the wilting flower in her hand. Badboyhalo smiled sadly as he looked at her. “Em, why don’t you talk to Dapper for a bit. I’m sure he has a lot to tell you that will interest you.” Empanada looked at Dapper. Dapper was very sad, like all the other kids, he was worried about Jaiden. Everyone left the kids with Bad after Empanada’s words and got down to business. Phil changed his mind suddenly and told everyone to get ready so that Jaiden could be found first. “We need to be with them too.” Everyone turned to Pomme with Pomme’s worried voice. “Pomme, there’s nothing we can do. Let the adults handle it.” Chayanne was calmer than ever, like a robot. “Tell me Chay, what are you not telling us?” Everyone turned to Chayanne when Ramon asked. “I-“ Tallulah silenced Chayanne. “We know as much as you do.” Leonarda took a deep breath and let it out. “Tallulah, we all know that you’re protecting Chayanne, but don’t forget that we are your siblings too. If you have something to hide-" Tallulah looked at Empanada and then turned to Leonarda. "Last night Phil felt something." Tallulah calling Phil by his name meant something big was going to happen. "You know Phil's connection to birds, especially crows, and Jaiden is one of the few who enters that special realm." Chayanne continued. "The other night my father felt something. Pain. From Jaiden." Bad understood what he was about to say. "Oh my God," he said and covered his mouth with his hand. "Jaiden's wings were cutted last night." The flower in Empanada's hand fell to the ground. "How do you know?" she asked. "How do you know?!" She began to cry. "It's not Jaiden. It's not my mother. Please, Chay. Please." Empanada began to cry so hard that her siblings chose to cry quietly with her. "What do I tell Bobby?" Empanada fell to the ground crying. Bad hugged her tightly.

Cucurucho looked at Quackity and Roier in front of him. “So you’re leaving us because of Jaiden.” Clone Roier rolled his eyes. “Yeah, idiot, how many times do we have to tell you?” Roier was struggling not to attack himself. “If you bring Jaiden, I’ll see what I can do for Bobby and Tilin.” Quackity spat on the ground. “Don’t mention Tilin’s name.” He said and shouted from behind the bars. “Get us out.” Clone Roier took a deep breath. “Do we have to use everyone? Jaiden isn’t very important-” He collapsed to the ground as a bullet passed through his forehead. “Holy shit. I just watched myself die.” Roier turned to Osito in surprise. “Dude, good to see you, aww.” He got out of the cell and hugged Osito. Then he looked at Foolish who was watching them from afar. “Good to see you too.” Foolish shook his head. “Roier, this is serious. We’re under attack.” Roier got serious. “What’s going on?” He asked and looked at Cucurucho.

“The sinners are almost dead.” Jaiden ignored the voice she heard and continued to writhe in pain “You are special, you have always loved this island. You don’t remember it though. You have been here before. While the children cried in fear, you and your team would look around curiously. You would always ask me questions. You never wanted to go back to your own island. I remember it very well. That little escape plan. That little escape plan that was full of failure that separated you and brought you back together after so many years.” Jaiden raised her head “You never wanted to run away, did you?” He touched the wound on Jaiden’s back with a laugh. Jaiden shouted with the pain in her back “Let’s see why you are so special. I think I can do whatever I want until I give you back.”

Chapter Text

Cellbit and Phil were moving so cautiously it felt like they could barely breathe, knowing the Federation’s eyes were everywhere. They were rushing to find the portal to Purgatory and repair the train tracks.

Cellbit was crouched beside the broken train carriage, examining the complex mechanism with her hands. “Phil, if we can’t fix this machine like this, the portal will close and everyone trapped inside won’t get out,” he said worriedly.

Phil looked off into the distance, pursing his lips as he replied, “Having to move this fast under the Federation’s pressure makes our job even harder. But we know every second counts. Everyone in Purgatory’s life is in our hands.”

Cellbit nodded. “Even if we’re being watched, we have no choice but to try. If the train doesn’t work, we won’t find or open the portal.”

Phil pulled a small device from his pocket and stared at the screen. “This device detects the Federation’s portal signals. But to locate it, we need the train’s energy.”

“So, we have to bring both the train and the portal back to life at the same time,” Cellbit muttered. “Just when it’s the worst timing.”

Phil took a deep breath. “I know. But there’s nowhere else to run.”
At that moment, the train doors silently opened. Stepping inside were the names Cellbit and Phil had been waiting for: Cucurucho, Quackity, Foolish, and Roier.

Cucurucho took a deep breath. “We’re not the Federation agents you think we are. We’re here to disrupt their plans. For Jaiden.”

Roier’s eyes darkened. “Let’s fix the train and open the portal. Then we’ll strike where the Federation least expects it.”

Phil looked at Cellbit and whispered, “Can we trust them?”

Cellbit hesitated but stepped closer to Phil. “I don’t know. Lately, Roier hasn’t been himself.”

Phil took a deep breath. “Well, we don’t have another choice. If anything happens to us, we’ll have to rely on Baghera and the others.”

Baghera crouched by the cold, rusted train tracks, her eyes scanning the area ahead. The faint shimmer of the portal flickered weakly in the distance, barely visible through the haze. Beside her, Mouse wiped sweat from her brow, her fingers nervously tapping on the communicator.

“We’re in position,” Mouse reported softly into the device. “Waiting on Cellbit and Phil to get the train up and running. They said once it’s fixed, we’ll have a clear path.”

Tina shifted uneasily, her gaze darting between the darkened portal and the shadowy surroundings. “The portal isn’t stable yet. We don’t know how long it’ll take before it’s fully active.”

Baghera nodded, clenching her fists. “We can’t afford to wait too long. If we don’t get back in time, Jaiden and the others might be stuck on the other side.”

Suddenly, the communicator buzzed with Cellbit’s voice, tense but determined: “We’re almost there. The train’s engine is responding, but the power source is barely holding. We’ll need you ready to move the moment the portal opens.”

Mouse’s eyes widened. “Understood. We’re on high alert. Just give us the signal.”

Tina took a deep breath and scanned the horizon again. “No enemies in sight, but something about this place feels… off. Stay sharp.”

Baghera exhaled slowly. “We stick together. No mistakes. For Jaiden.”

Badboyhalo was watching the children sitting quietly outside with concern. His mind was both on Jaiden and the friends who had gone to save her. Empanada was silently staring at the withered blue flower in her hand, while the friends sitting around her silently watched the green grass.

“I’m sure there’s something we can do,” Leonarda murmured.

“What can we do? We’re all down to one life. If we trip and fall here, the Federation will come for us,” Ramon said sharply, stating the painful truth.

“Look, here’s what I’m thinking,” Chayanne said. “Tallulah and I can go home and get some supplies. Pomme, Dapper, you’ve been there before—tell us everything you remember about the place—”

Tallulah interrupted her brother mid-sentence.

“Chayanne? What are you saying? Are we going to fight? Ramon’s right! If we trip, we’ll die!”

Chayanne fell silent and looked at Empanada with sorrowful eyes. Meanwhile, Jaiden’s scream echoed in Empanada’s ears: “Run!” She took a deep breath.

“Let’s leave this to the adults,” she murmured. No one responded.

“Hey,” a voice said, causing them to lift their heads.

“Osito?” Richarlyson asked.

Osito nodded and held out a flower to each of them. The other kids were afraid of him, but tried to stand strong.

“Osito, why are you here?” Dapper asked.

Osito looked at each of the children in turn.

“To protect you,” he said in a robotic voice.

Just then, Badboyhalo came running over.

“Stay away from my kids!” he shouted, visibly angry.

“I don’t know what’s going on, Osito, but if you’re here to take them, I’ll kill you!”

The kids stared at their uncle in shock, while Dapper watched his father with pride.

“To protect them—” Osito started, but Badboyhalo cut him off.

“Cut the crap, Snowflake! What’s going on?!”

Osito took a deep breath.

“Let’s talk in private,” he said, gesturing toward the inside of the house.

The silence in the cold metal chamber was almost alive, pressing against Jaiden’s ears like water. Her breath was shallow, her body aching, chained and wounded. She thought the pain was finally fading, until—

“How many times have you forgotten?”

The voice was smooth, otherworldly. She flinched.

From the shadows emerged a tall figure, cloaked in white. Its face was hidden behind a mask without eyes. But she could feel it watching her — no, studying her.

“You’re not Cucurucho,” she muttered through gritted teeth.

“No,” the voice echoed calmly. “That was just a mask. I’m the one who truly sees. I’m The Watcher.”

Jaiden tried to sit up, her wrists pulling against the chains.

“What do you want from me?”

“To give you what you lost.”

The Watcher leaned closer. “Your memory. Your truth.”

Without warning, his hand brushed her forehead — and suddenly, her mind was ripped open.

Jaiden screamed.

Visions crashed into her skull like thunder:

A younger Jaiden, laughing with people she couldn’t recognize—yet somehow knew.

A massive underground base, a broken control panel, alarms blaring.

Cellbit’s voice shouting, “We can’t trust them! Fall back!”

Philza reaching for her hand as the world crumbled around them.

A red-eyed figure dragging her away… and silence.

“Stop it!” Jaiden screamed, writhing against the flood of memories.

But The Watcher’s voice remained calm.

“You asked to forget. You begged for it. But forgetting has a price, and now it’s come due.”

She saw more:

Herself standing beside Federation figures — willingly.

Signing something… something with her real name.

A child’s voice calling, “Mom?” and her turning away.

“These aren’t real,” she gasped, tears forming.

“They are. You just chose not to live with them,” The Watcher replied.

“You weren’t captured, Jaiden. You came back.”

Jaiden froze. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

Her memories weren’t stolen.

They were buried.

Chapter Text

Cellbit was still crouched by the engine, his gloves torn, fingers stained with grease and blood. Sparks flew from the wiring, but the train wasn’t responding the way it should. The energy kept pulsing, stuttering, dying.

Phil leaned against the edge of the broken control panel, watching him silently. There was tension in the air—too quiet. As if even the Federation had paused to watch.

“I’ve rerouted the circuits twice already,” Cellbit muttered, wiping his face with the back of his sleeve. “This thing should be working.”

Phil didn’t answer immediately. He was looking down at a rusted metal plate near the gear shaft, something barely visible beneath layers of grime and time.

“There’s something here,” he said, kneeling beside it.

Cellbit shifted over. Together they cleared it with their hands, scraping the dirt off piece by piece—until the faded carving underneath was finally legible.

Don’t forget. The train runs on truth. Without it, the track loops forever.

Another line, half burned, barely hanging on:

We chose to forget Jaiden.

Cellbit froze. His throat tightened. For a moment, all the sounds of the world dulled into silence.

“That’s my writing,” he whispered. “That’s my handwriting.”

Phil looked up, eyes narrowing. “What the hell does that mean?”

“It means this train… it isn’t just a machine.” Cellbit’s voice cracked. “It’s connected to us. Our decisions. Our memory. We buried something—and when we did, this whole system stopped responding.”

He sat back, breathing shallow, as if the truth itself was crushing his lungs.

Phil stared at the engine, the wires, the flickering lights—and then slowly reached into his pocket, pulling out the device tracking the portal. The moment Cellbit spoke those words, the readings spiked. The portal flickered in the distance like a heartbeat coming back to life.

“You saw that?” Phil asked quietly.

Cellbit nodded. “It’s tied to us. The train. The portal.”

He looked down at the melted message again. “We didn’t just lose her. We chose to.”

Baghera could barely feel her fingers anymore. She crouched near the cold train tracks, eyes locked on the shimmer in the fog. It was growing. Weak, but it was there. A pulse. A call.

Mouse glanced at the flickering portal and then back at Baghera.

“What is that?” she asked quietly.

“I think… They coming.”

Inside Purgatory, Jaiden’s eyes snapped open. The chains on her arms shuddered. A warm light spilled across the floor for a second before fading again.

She gasped.

“They’re remembering,” she whispered. “They’re starting to remember.”

But The Watcher stood in the doorway, unmoving.

“Good,” he said. “Now we can begin.”

The room was quiet.

Osito stood near the window, his back to the children, staring out at the horizon where the faint shimmer of the portal pulsed like a dying star.

The kids were all seated now — unsure, afraid, but watching him. Badboyhalo sat by the door, tense and silent, arms crossed tight. He didn’t trust Osito, not fully. But something in the air had changed, and for once, he didn’t interrupt.

“I wasn’t supposed to come here,” Osito said without turning. His voice was low and flat, mechanical — but underneath it, something strained. “Not yet.”

“What do you mean?” asked Leonarda cautiously.

“I was built by the Federation,” he answered. “A failed prototype. They wanted something that could monitor emotion, loyalty, memory. Something that wouldn’t forget like you do. Something that would remember for them.”

He finally turned around.

“But something happened. I learned to remember for myself.”

There was a pause. None of the children spoke.

Osito looked at each of them in turn — and for the first time, his red eyes didn’t seem threatening. They seemed… tired.

“You’ve heard about the train,” he said. “The portal. How it’s broken. But what no one told you is that the portal doesn’t run on machines. Not really. It’s alive. And it only responds to one thing.”

He pointed to the center of his chest.

“Memory.”

Pomme frowned. “Memory like… remembering where it is?”

“No.” Osito stepped closer. “The kind of memory that hurts. The kind you wish you could forget. The kind that stays in your chest even when you stop talking about it.”

Tallulah shifted, curling into herself. “Why us?”

“Because you loved her,” Osito said simply. “Because you still do. More than anyone else.”

Chayanne looked down. “We’re just kids.”

“That’s exactly why,” Osito replied. “The Federation thought your memories wouldn’t matter. That they could control you, keep you scared, distract you long enough to forget her face. But you didn’t. That’s power they can’t understand.”

Dapper stood up slowly. “And if we remember her?”

“The portal will recognize you,” Osito said. “It will open. Not all at once. Not without risk. But it will feel you.”

“And Mamae?” asked Empanada, her voice sharp, hopeful, shaking. “Will she feel us too?”

Osito nodded.

“She already does

There was a long silence. Even Badboyhalo didn’t speak.

Then Pomme stepped forward, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a crumpled drawing.

“I drew this,” she said quietly. “When she was still here. She helped me color it.”

Osito knelt and took the paper, holding it gently as if it might crumble.

“Then we start with this.”

Cucurucho looked at the train engine, watching the way the light pulsed. The blue flicker reminded him of something. Something faint. Something forgotten.

“I monitored this train for a long time. Watched it break down. Watched the attempts to restart it. None of them worked.”

“Because they didn’t understand,” Phil muttered.

“Because they didn’t remember,” Cucurucho corrected.

For the first time, Cellbit saw something shift behind the mask. Not rebellion. Not defiance. Just… conflict.

“You’re Federation,” Cellbit said slowly. “You were built to enforce, to silence, to suppress. So why help us now?”

Cucurucho paused. His hands remained folded in front of him, unmoving.

“I was taught to record. To obey. But memory doesn’t obey. It resists.”

He turned his head toward the console, then pulled something from his coat — a slim silver drive, blinking faintly.

“This contains interface data for the train’s original memory core,” he explained. “Before it was overwritten. It will sync with the portal if the energy is stable enough.”

Phil blinked. “You had this the whole time?”

“I wasn’t allowed to give it to you,” Cucurucho said. “Not until I decided to stop following orders.”

He offered it to Cellbit.

Cellbit didn’t take it right away.

“I don’t trust you.”

“You shouldn’t,” Cucurucho replied. “But the kids don’t have time for your distrust.”

The moment broke.

Cellbit grabbed the drive and moved toward the main panel, snapping it into the port. The engine surged. Lights across the train flared brighter. Outside the broken windows, the fog around the portal shimmered like water hit by wind.

Phil watched the readings spike again. “It’s syncing. The emotional data is merging with the memory core.”

“The children made the portal remember her,” Cucurucho said, stepping beside them. “Now you must make it remember the path.”

Cellbit exhaled slowly, gaze locked on the screen. “Then let’s bring her home.”

The cold crept beneath Baghera’s jacket, seeping into her bones as she crouched low beside the rusted train tracks. Her eyes locked on the portal’s wavering glow—a pale shimmer cutting through the dark horizon.

Beside her, Bagı shifted nervously, clutching a small pack of supplies. Her breath formed quick clouds in the chill air.

Mouse sat silently on a nearby rock, sweat glistening on her brow despite the cold. Her fingers trembled slightly as she tapped the communicator.

“Signal’s steady,” Mouse whispered. “But the portal isn’t stable yet. We don’t know how long it’ll hold once it opens.”

Tina stood apart, scanning the mist-shrouded landscape. Her sharp eyes caught every flicker of movement, every shadow out of place.

“This place feels wrong,” she murmured. “Like it’s waiting for something.”

Baghera clenched her fists, jaw tight. “We can’t wait for something to happen. We have to be ready.”

Bagı nodded, voice steady. “For Jaiden. For everyone trapped beyond.”

The portal pulsed again—brighter, stronger—casting long shadows over their tense faces.

Mouse’s voice held urgency. “Cellbit and Phil are almost there. The train will be powered soon.”

Tina’s gaze sharpened. “But the Federation isn’t far behind. They know what we’re trying to do.”

A sudden rustle from the bushes froze them all. Baghera’s hand went instinctively to the knife at her belt.

“Stay alert,” she whispered fiercely. “No mistakes. Not now.”

The mist thickened, swallowing the edges of the tracks. The portal shimmered like a heartbeat.

“We stick together,” Baghera said, eyes fierce with determination. “For Jaiden. For all of us.”

The mist curled thicker around the train tracks, swallowing the edges of their small circle. Baghera’s eyes narrowed, every muscle coiled and ready. Mouse shifted, clutching her communicator tightly, heartbeat loud in her ears.

A low, mechanical whir began, faint at first — then sharp, slicing through the silence.

“Drones,” Tina whispered, voice tense.

Bagı’s breath caught. “They’re here.”

From the shadows, sleek metallic shapes emerged, their cold lights piercing the fog like searching eyes. The Federation had arrived.

Baghera raised her knife, steady and sure. “No matter what — we protect the portal. We protect each other.”

Mouse glanced at the flickering portal beyond the clearing. “Cellbit and Phil need time. We have to hold them off.”

Tina crouched, pulling a small device from her pocket. “Ready to disrupt their comms. When I say.”

The drones advanced, silent and relentless.

Baghera’s voice cut through the tension. “Now.”

Tina activated the device. The drones’ lights flickered, their signals scrambled.

Chapter Text

The drones swarmed closer, their cold lights scanning, weapons humming low.

Baghera’s sword flashed through the mist, slashing a warning in the air. Mouse ducked behind a broken rail, eyes darting for a chance.

Tina’s fingers flew over her device, jamming signals, but the enemy was relentless.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the tension.

“Nowhere to run!” Quackity’s voice rang out, cutting through the fog like a blade.

From the shadows, Roier appeared, moving with lethal precision. In his hands, two gleaming swords caught the faint light.

Quackity followed, a grin splitting his face despite the danger.

“Thought you could use some backup,” Quackity said, already throwing a smoke grenade toward the advancing drones.

The smoke billowed, thick and choking, masking their movements.

Roier’s swords danced through the air, flashing strikes that sent drones sparking and crashing into the dirt.

Baghera’s eyes widened, relief flooding her expression. “You came.”

“No way we’re letting the Federation win,” Roier said, his voice low but fierce.

Mouse peeked out, a shaky smile breaking through. “Thank God.”

Tina dropped her device, pulling a compact crossbow from her pack. Together, they pressed forward — a small storm of defiance against the cold machine.

The portal shimmered behind them, waiting — pulsing with promise.

The cramped train carriage vibrated beneath Cellbit’s hands as he worked feverishly to stabilize the controls. Sparks flickered from exposed wires, the engine’s hum rising into a jagged roar.

Phil crouched beside him, eyes scanning the flickering monitors. “The portal’s response is growing. The kids—they’re holding it together, but it won’t last.”

Cellbit’s jaw tightened. “We have to finish syncing the memory core with the train’s power before the Federation closes in.”

From the shadows near the doorway, Cucurucho stepped forward, the silver drive still clutched in his hand.

“Here,” he said quietly. “This interface will connect the train directly to the portal’s memory stream. But the energy spike could fry the systems if you’re not careful.”

Cellbit took the drive, his fingers steady despite the chaos. “No choice.”

He slid the drive into the slot beneath the control panel. The screen flickered, then glowed steady with a pulse that matched the distant portal’s shimmer.

Phil’s eyes widened. “It’s syncing. The portal is stabilizing.”

A sudden shudder rocked the train, throwing them off balance.

“Federation forces are near,” Cucurucho warned. “They’ll try to cut power.”

Cellbit exchanged a glance with Phil — no words, just understanding.

“Keep the engines running. I’ll finish the sync,” Cellbit said, voice sharp.

The seconds stretched like hours as the train hummed louder, a bridge between worlds flickering into life.

Outside, distant echoes of battle rippled through the mist.

Inside, Cellbit’s hands flew over the controls — one last surge.

The portal flared brilliantly, a glowing gateway opening against the darkness.

“We did it,” Phil breathed.

But Cellbit’s eyes never left the screens.

“We still have to get everyone through.”

The portal’s flickering lights grew stronger by the second. Energy crackled through the air, vibrating with raw power. Then, from the center, a thin beam of light stretched outward — the gateway was opening.

Tina’s voice came sharply over the radio, calm but urgent:

“Baghera, Mouse, Cellbit, Phil… The portal’s open. Move now!”

The train’s engine rumbled deep and low. The metal tracks shuddered beneath it as the train began to roll forward, slowly at first, then gaining momentum.

Tina stood at the edge of the portal with Baghera and Mouse, their eyes locked tight — caught between determination and fear.

“Ready?” Tina asked, reaching out her hand.

Bagi nodded.

“Let’s go.”

One step, then another, and they stepped into the portal.

Light swallowed them whole — warm and cold, frightening and hopeful all at once.

The portal was waiting.

The train’s engine roared louder, shaking the rusted rails beneath them. Sparks flew from the wheels as it gathered speed, rolling faster and faster toward the shimmering gateway.

Inside the cabin, Cellbit’s hands danced over the controls, every lever and button a lifeline.

“Power levels rising,” Phil said, eyes glued to the monitors. “We’re pushing it to the limit.”

The glow from the portal intensified, growing from a fragile shimmer into a blazing gateway of light and energy.

Outside, the wind whipped through the broken windows, carrying the distant sounds of approaching footsteps—Federation forces closing in.

Cellbit’s voice was sharp. “We don’t have much time. Keep it steady.”

The portal pulsed in rhythm with the train’s thunderous advance, the connection between machine and memory strengthening.

With a final surge, the portal burst fully open—a blazing circle of light tearing through the darkness.

The path was clear.

The alarms screamed through the Federation command center, red lights flashing like warnings carved in blood. Screens blinked erratically, displaying the portal’s energy readings—far beyond expected levels.

An officer slammed a fist on the console.

“The portal is fully open. Unauthorized activation—immediate containment failure.”

A cold voice echoed from the shadows.

“Mobilize all units. Seal the gateway at any cost.

“They’re using emotional energy to power the portal,” he said quietly. “It’s destabilizing the system.”

Another agent growled, voice laced with fear and fury.

“If they succeed, everything we’ve built will collapse.”

Outside, armored squads prepared, weapons gleaming beneath the harsh lights. Drones hummed to life, rising like a swarm of metal vultures.

“Deploy suppression teams. Cut the power source. Stop them before it’s too late.”

The Federation’s grip was slipping.

But they wouldn’t give up without a fight.

The children stood huddled close, eyes wide as the portal’s light bathed their faces. The air thrummed around them, charged with energy they barely understood but deeply felt.

Osito’s mechanical voice was calm but firm.

“We must protect this place. The portal’s strength depends on your resolve.”

Empanada gripped the withered blue flower tightly, heart pounding. The memories they’d shared—the laughter, the fear, the hope—flowed through her like a river.

Richarlyson looked around nervously, stepping closer to Osito.

“What if the Federation comes?”

Dapper’s jaw clenched. “Then we fight. Together.”

The wind stirred, carrying the distant hum of approaching footsteps.

Tallulah’s voice trembled. “Are we really ready for this?”

Chayanne stepped forward, eyes steady despite the fear.

“We don’t have a choice. For Jaiden. For all of us.”

The portal pulsed brighter, a beacon of light and hope—and a target on their backs.

They linked hands, a silent promise passing between them.

No matter what came next, they would stand together.

Empanada closed her eyes tightly. A soft whisper brushed against her ear:

“You can do it, sister.”

Startled, she opened her eyes and glanced around. Bobby’s voice echoed clearly in her mind, but when she looked, only her siblings stood beside her — no one else.

The fading warmth of that voice lingered, giving her a flicker of strength amid the growing tension.

Badboyhalo watched the children nervously, his eyes scanning the shadows. Then, spotting a familiar figure, he let out a relieved breath.

“Foolish!”

Gasping for air, Foolish called back, “Bad!!!”

They faced each other, the tension melting for a moment. Foolish caught his breath and glanced toward Leonarda.

“What’s Leonarda doing right now?”

Badboyhalo smiled faintly.

“Long story. What about you? What’ve you been up to?”

Foolish nodded as if remembering.

“I teamed up with Cucurucho, Roier, and Quackity! They’re at the portal, and I came to warn you all!”

Badboyhalo frowned. “Warn us?”

Before Foolish could answer, an arrow zipped past them, silencing the moment.

“Yes! They’re here! The Federation is here!”

—————

The visions crashed harder now, relentless waves pounding her mind.

She saw herself, a younger Jaiden — laughing with faces both familiar and strange, voices echoing from a life she’d tried to forget.

A cold room filled with harsh lights, where she stood beside figures clad in dark uniforms — the Federation’s insignia glaring from their sleeves.

She remembered signing papers, the weight of decisions pressing down on her like chains heavier than the ones binding her wrists.

A child’s voice rang out — small, innocent. “Mom?”

She turned away, tears blurring her vision.

Pain, regret, and a strange, aching love tangled inside her chest.

“Why?” she whispered to the empty room.

The Watcher’s voice came softly, like a shadow’s breath.

“You weren’t a victim, Jaiden. You were part of it.”

Her breath hitched.

The truth was bitter, sharp — but it was hers.

And now, it was time to face it.

Jaiden’s eyes closed and her mind sank deep.

She was there again, where she had been as a child — a bright, hope-filled time. But she was alone. Because the other children… they had left her and run.

She had once been just like the children now. Just a small piece among those who demanded perfection, who ran cruel experiments. As the tests increased, and the children suffered, they gathered together to escape.

Leaving Jaiden behind wasn’t a necessity — it was a choice.

Red alarms flashed all around. The children were firing weapons as they ran.

It was terrifying. Horrifying.

And in the chaos, she met their eyes — Cellbit and Roier.

They were the ones who had led the others. This was their plan.

Jaiden watched, frozen in disappointment.

And then it all stopped — with a bullet tearing into her stomach.

The sounds faded into muffled echoes.

“JAIDEN!”

She heard Cucurucho’s voice.

A tear rolled down her cheek. Blood pooled in her mouth.

Cucurucho cradled her head on his lap, his white suit stained red.

“Cease fire!” he screamed. “Cease fire! I said CEASE FIRE!”

Jaiden looked at him. Her vision was blurring.

“It’s okay—”

Cucurucho hushed her. “Shhh, don’t speak, little bird.”

Her eyes fell shut.

“MEDIC!”

The only thing echoing in the black void was Cucurucho’s scream.

“MEDIC! MEDIC!!”

But help came too late.

As Jaiden’s body grew cold, her mind still rang with the sound of those red alarms.

That moment — when she was left behind, when their eyes met, when the bullet dropped her —

it never left her.

And that was when everything changed.

She awoke in a white, sterile room. No voices. No warmth.

No one by her side… except Cucurucho.

And silence.

And the hollow ache where trust used to live.

“They didn’t leave you because they had to,” Cucurucho said one night. “They left you because they chose to.

But I chose you, Jaiden.”

And she understood then —

a part of her had died in that hallway.

Her childhood.

Her faith.

Her hope.

All that remained… was duty.

The identity the Federation wrote for her.

A forgotten past.

And buried anger.

Over time, that fury faded into numbness.

She forgot the faces, the pain, the warmth.

But now, chained and trembling beneath the eyes of The Watcher, it was all flooding back.

Every siren.

Every bullet.

Every lonely second.

She hadn’t buried the past.

She had buried herself.

When Jaiden returned to Purgatory for the second time, she didn’t let go of Cucurucho’s hand.

Her eyes swept across the facility with emotionless calm.

The Watcher stared at the young girl in surprise.

“They’re all here,” he said, turning to Cucurucho.

“None of them escaped. It was a failed plan.”

His voice was muffled but clear enough.

Jaiden stood behind the glass, staring at the wounded children on the other side.

“Some will be left disabled. Others have already gone through the water test. The memory erasure has begun.”

Cucurucho nodded in quiet agreement.

“Have you thought about the offer I gave you?” he asked. “The Purgatory Project?”

Then, Cucurucho let go of Jaiden’s hand.

“Yes. We can begin construction.”

The Watcher spun in place with excitement.

“There it is,” he whispered.

“Kill them.”

Both turned sharply at Jaiden’s voice.

She had placed her hand on the glass, watching the children suffer in silence.

“They’re all failed experiments. We don’t need them.”

Cucurucho smiled softly.

The Watcher, thrilled, leaned closer to Jaiden.

“Would you like to do it?” he whispered. “Just one syringe. A painless death.”

Jaiden was silent for a while, then looked to Cucurucho.

“If you want to,” she said coldly.

Cucurucho nodded and opened the door.

Chapter Text

After everything, Jaiden agreed to have her memory erased and became one of the first to arrive on the island to help the Federation.

From that point on, everything changed.

Along with her forgotten past, the Federation gave her a merciless mission.
She would be assigned to take care of a child — alongside one of the people who had once shot her.

A special child.
The child who would always be special to Jaiden.

Bobby.

He came into her life like sunlight.

For the first time in so long, she was happy.
Peaceful.
She didn’t remember the past — but she didn’t care.
This new life she was given felt like a gift.

Her closest friend and family became Roier.
And then, Cellbit.
The irony was cruel.

If she had remembered,
Jaiden would’ve never forgiven them.

“Mom!”
She smiled at the voice.

“Look! It’s a bazooka!”

Her eyes widened. “Who gave you that?!”

Bobby grinned wickedly and started running in circles.
“I’m gonna destroy EVERYTHING! Mwahaha!!”

Jaiden laughed, chasing after him to take the toy away.

Jaiden was peaceful. She had to be. Peaceful.

Bobby died.

Jaiden was peaceful.
Everyone else had accepted it. Life moved on.

Jaiden was peaceful.
At home. At work.

Jaiden was peaceful.
Everyone she loved was happy — but they didn’t trust her.
That was okay.
She didn’t expect them to.
Roier always trusted her.
That was enough.

Jaiden was peaceful.
Foolish was like a twin to her!
In the Federation, or wherever they were, nothing could stop Foolish and Jaiden!
The Chaos Twins.

Jaiden—
Jaiden was in pain.

She woke up with nightmares.
The time she had spent in Purgatory had left scars on her mind.

Now, she was sitting with Cucurucho and Osito, drinking tea.

“Jaiden,” Cucurucho said calmly, “a person with nothing left to lose… is the easiest to control.”

Jaiden felt uneasy.
She had learned where Luffy was.
She had to help her friends.
She had to betray the Federation.

Jaiden remembered.

Jaiden lost all peace.
Just like when she lost her wings.

Painful. Bloody

Chapter Text

Roier took position behind him.

“Even if this ends in just a conversation,” Roier said, “we go in ready.”

Cellbit stopped walking.

And so did everyone behind him.

As if the air itself had frozen.

A sound came from the wall.

Low. Distant.

A voice. Familiar and wrong at the same time:

“Why now?”

Cellbit didn’t flinch.

His hand stayed at his sword, but he didn’t pull it.

“We’re done running,” he said.

“We remember now.

And we’re not afraid of you anymore.”

He took a step forward.

From the darkness, Jaiden appeared.

Her face pale, blood dried and crusted over her body.

“This is not the place you think it is,” she murmured.

“Jaiden!” Cellbit stepped forward, but she took a step back.

“Luffy has been found. He had to leave me. And he did. We can leave now.”

When Cucurucho approached her, Jaiden didn’t retreat.

“ What did he do to you? ” Cucurucho whispered.

Jaiden was like a daughter to him — an invisible, fragile bond tied them together.

He slowly placed his hand on her cheek.

“I’m okay. I want to go home. Can we leave?”

Cellbit shook off his hesitation quickly.

Plans could be made at home too.

Right now, the only thing they needed to do was get out.

And that was simple.

The portal was still open. The train still operable.

As everyone began to return, Jaiden ignored the pain burning in her back.

“I don’t want the children to see me like this.

I’ll be the first to go home.”

Roier stepped beside her.

“I’ll go with you.

Phil might want to join us too.

Maybe with his power, he can ease the pain in your wounds.”

Jaiden shook her head, not in refusal but in a sad acceptance.

“Pain is what makes us human,” she murmured.

“No worries. It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

She continued, voice barely a whisper

Jaiden’s steps faltered more than once, but Roier never left her side. When she stumbled, he caught her. When she trembled, he steadied her.

Cucurucho stayed a few paces behind, eyes never leaving her.

He had seen many things over the years.

But never this.

Never her like this.

As they reached the platform, the train pulsed with quiet energy, waiting like a sleeping beast. Its doors opened without command. An invitation.

“Jaiden first,” Cellbit said.

She nodded, stepping inside.

Roier followed, and so did Phil, who had caught up in silence, his wings half-unfurled, his face pale as ash.

“Do you trust this thing to take us home?” Phil asked.

“It’s not about trust,” Cellbit replied, staying outside with Cucurucho. “It’s about having no other option.”

The doors began to close.

Jaiden, now seated, lifted her head to Cucurucho.

“I’m not who I was,” she said. “Don’t wait for her.”

And then the train was gone.

Just Cellbit and Cucurucho remained.

“We’re missing something,” Cucurucho murmured.

Cellbit nodded. “And whatever it is… it’s still down there.”

A long silence stretched.

Then, a faint sound—like metal dragging on stone—from deeper in the facility.

When they returned, Jaiden squinted—she hadn’t seen sunlight in a long time.

Baghera wanted to help her, but no one could touch her.

Except for Phil.

The purple light that flowed from Phil’s hands eased the wounds on Jaiden’s back, covering them at least partially.

“We’re not children anymore,” Jaiden murmured, looking at Phil.

“Isn’t that right, Phil?”

Phil didn’t know why she was asking that, but he nodded anyway.

“Yes, we’re not. Are you okay?”

It was a silly question, but he couldn’t think of anything better.

“I’m fine. I just want to rest. Those people on the island won’t bother us anymore. You can be sure of that.”

As she spoke, her gaze lingered on Cucurucho.

He didn’t respond.

But he knew something no one else did.

The moment he saw Jaiden, he remembered—

Blue Bird had returned.

But colder.

Emotionless.

No child, no human could ever bring her back now.

And only the gods knew what would come next.

Even the Federation that had followed them… was now nowhere to be seen.

“Cellbit.”

Her voice broke the silence as everyone turned to her.

“I want to talk to you. About an old dream. Now.”

Cellbit looked at her. “Do you really want to talk about this now?”

They had taken the teleportation papers.

“Now. And only the two of us. The others can take care of the children.”

She tore the paper in her hand—vanishing.

“We need to return to the Federation,” Cucurucho said.

“Quackity, Roier—let’s go.”

Cucurucho started walking.

“I thought you were done with us,” Roier said.

Their voices faded as they followed him.

Those who remained prayed that this would be the last mission.

There had been no casualties.

Whatever had happened… had happened.

Now, they could finally turn back to the children.

But the moment they moved, a horrific sound rang out from the rails.

The bridge collapsed—crashing into the water.

“At least they waited until you guys left,” came a breathless voice.

Everyone turned to the two figures—bloody and limping.

“Bad! Foolish!”

Everyone rushed toward them in concern.

Meanwhile, Osito held tightly to the children’s hands.

“Tía Jaiden? Where is she?”

The kids were exhausted.

All they wanted was to sleep.

And as each person picked up their child and held them close,

they all finally fell into a peaceful rest—

safe at last

~~~~~~

The teleportation light faded.

Cellbit opened his eyes to find Jaiden already walking ahead.

They had arrived near a ruined observatory—somewhere familiar, but now buried beneath moss and silence.

“You said it was about a dream,” he called after her.

Jaiden stopped, her back still to him.

“I don’t think it was a dream,” she said.

She turned around—her eyes sharp, but tired.

Not the tiredness of the body, but of something deeper. Of knowing too much.

“When I was locked away… when he left me… I saw things. Heard them. Felt like I was inside someone else’s memories.”

She stepped closer.

“There was a bird. A blue one. And she wasn’t me. But I was her. Does that make sense?”

Cellbit didn’t answer.

Jaiden continued, “She fought the Federation long before us. Alone. Everyone she loved disappeared. But she never stopped believing she could save something.”

Her voice cracked.

“And she died, Cellbit. She died knowing she couldn’t save them. Not even herself.”

Silence.

Only wind.

Jaiden’s hand moved to the center of her chest, where Phil’s light had touched her.

“I think she came back in me. Not fully. Not as a person. But as something… colder. Stronger. Willing to do what I couldn’t before.”

Cellbit stepped forward now.

“You think you’re her? That this is some kind of reincarnation?”

“I know I am,” she said.

“Do you remember this place?” Jaiden asked.

Cellbit looked around.

“It feels familiar, but I don’t remember ever being here before.”

Jaiden let out a hysterical laugh. It didn’t sound real.

“Lucky you,” she muttered, and walked toward the small pond.

“When we were kids, Roier almost drowned here. They told us to stay away, but you and Roier were always chasing adventure. And I… I followed you. To keep you out of trouble.”

She crouched by the water.

“This pond didn’t look so small back then. In your little fantasy world, you were fighting monsters. And Roier fell in. You jumped in after him to save him. I remember. I was so scared.

When you came out, I hugged you both and started crying. Then you both started crying too. And we fell asleep like that, in each other’s arms, for an hour.

Cucurucho was furious when he found us. I took the blame. You two stayed locked in a dark room for two days. But I—

I was alone. Blood tests. A week straight of watching cartoons about why we should obey the rules.”

Cellbit looked confused.

“What are you talking about? As kids? None of us were ever here when we were kids.”

Jaiden’s rage flared. She used to be bad at controlling it.

Now she was worse.

“Then try to remember, Cellbit! Or I swear to the gods, I’ll split that tiny head of yours open just to make you!”

She shouted with fury—but her weak body gave out, and she collapsed.

“Jaiden!” Cellbit rushed forward.

But a blade at his throat made him freeze.

“Whenever I fell,” Jaiden whispered, “you or Roier would always lift me back up.

But then… you were the ones who pushed me down.

Praying I’d never get up again.”

Cellbit still didn’t understand.

“You don’t remember, do you?” she said bitterly.

“You never will. I had to be tortured just to remember.”

She laughed, lowering her sword.

“Where did you get the blade?” Cellbit murmured.

“Oh, they gave me two choices,” Jaiden said.

“Kill you, or run away with you.”

She looked into his eyes.

“We were talking about a dream.

One you’ve had since you were little.

Now I’m going to make it come true.

Gather everyone. You’re leaving this island. Any way you want.”

~~~~~

When Cucurucho, Quackity, and Roier entered the Federation building, they found no one.

“They’re already gone,” Cucurucho said, and immediately started moving quickly.

“Grab every weapon and file you can find.”

Roier frowned. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“The one who returned wasn’t Jaiden. It was Blue Bird—the ruthless killer we created. A child who learned to enjoy herself by taking lives.

The Federation got word of this beforehand and fled.

There’s no time to talk. Take everything you can.

We’ll gather everyone and get out of here.

Quackity—you have to protect Roier.”

Quackity looked at Roier.

“Why the fuck should I?” he asked bluntly.

“There’s no time to explain! Go!”

When Empanada opened their eyes, Jaiden was watching.

“Mame?” she asked softly.

Jaiden smiled.

“Hey, cupcake. I’m glad you like the jacket.”

“Where is everyone?”

Jaiden glanced around, just like Empanada.

“Oh. We’re heading to the ship. I’m getting you all out of here.”

Before Empanada could say a word, Jaiden lifted them into her arms and started walking.

As she stepped outside, chaos was waiting.

“Oh, Empanada! You’re awake!” Tina called, taking them into her own arms.

“Jaiden. We’re ready,” she said.

Jaiden nodded and raised her voice so everyone could hear.

“Alright, everyone! No one’s coming after us.

Thank you—for trusting me, after everything I told you.

Now let’s get the hell out of here.”

As they boarded the ship, Cellbit looked around nervously.

“Jaiden, Roier still isn’t here. I’m going to find him.”

But Jaiden stopped him.

“You all go ahead. I’ll find Quackity and Roier and follow you.

Cell—trust me.”

She moved fast, leaving Cellbit behind, breath catching in his throat.

Everything was happening too fast—he didn’t even have a moment to think.

“Cellbit, come on!”

Phil called out to him.

And with that, Cellbit walked toward the ship.

~~~

Cucurucho watched the ship carrying everyone away on the island’s surveillance feed.

“No…” he whispered.

“For god’s sake, what is happening?!”

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment.

“This—” he said, switching the screen to show a different island,

“—is proof of what a trained assassin is capable of.”

Roier stared in shock at the island engulfed in flames.

“This place—” he began, but Quackity cut him off.

“Purgatory,” he murmured.

“Did Jaiden do this?” Roier asked.

Cucurucho shook his head.

“No. Blue Bird did this.

We didn’t find her.

She found us.

This was a distress signal from Purgatory.”

The audio feed crackled:

“We’re under attack! I repeat—under attack!

Blue Bird! Blue Bird has returned!

Watcher is dead!”

“She came back… for us.”

Cucurucho’s last words were spoken just before a bullet tore through his skull.

Bang.

“Tch.

Old man already told you everything.

Coward.”

Jaiden’s voice echoed through the empty white room.

~~

The ocean stretched endlessly in every direction.

Most of the children were asleep, tucked in tight.

The adults sat quietly, processing. Healing. Trying to feel normal again.

Phil stood by the edge of the deck, watching the clouds.

Cellbit joined him.

“She said she’d follow us,” Cellbit muttered.

“She will,” Phil said. “You have to trust that.”

Cellbit nodded slowly—but something in his chest twisted.

Then—

An alert beeped on the ship’s dashboard.

BadBoyHalo was the first to hear it.

He rushed to the controls and tapped the screen.

“…Emergency signal detected.

Source: Purgatory Island.

Status: Total annihilation.

Casualties: Unknown.

Threat: Blue Bird.”

Everyone froze.

Tina stood, her voice trembling. “What the hell is going on?”

Empanada, half-asleep in her lap, blinked. “Mame Jaiden?”

But no one answered.

Cellbit stepped back from the screen, jaw clenched.

“She’s not following us,” he said quietly.

“She’s hunting.”

BOOM!

The ship shook.

Everything trembled at once—the floor slid from under their feet, children screamed, files flew through the air, and the sleeping were thrown to the ground.

“Shit, shit, shit! Abandon the ship! Now! Tallulah! Chayanne!” Phil shouted, and all the families grabbed their children and boarded the lifeboats. A second explosion echoed. Cellbit fell, hitting his head so hard that his vision blurred.

“Cellbit!” Fit grabbed him and pulled him up. They got on a lifeboat and began quickly returning to the island.

“Cellbit! Wake up!”

Cellbit moved his head side to side.

“Jaiden! I told you I’m tired!”

The little girl giggled.

“Cellbit! But if Roier’s not with me, are you gonna be scared of Roier?”

Cellbit’s eyes shot open—but no one was standing next to Jaiden.

“You always fall for that trick! Come on, it’s playtime!”

Cellbit got out of bed, grumbling.

“I get mad every time you do this.”

“You can’t stay mad at me. We’re siblings.”

Cellbit rolled his eyes.

“I already have one little sister. I don’t need another.”

Jaiden clutched her chest.

“Ouch!” she said with a laugh.

“One day, you’ll accept it. I know you will.”

She skipped ahead.

“Never!” Cellbit shouted as he ran after her.

They had shifted to another moment. Everything around them was dark, and the only light came from the cartoon playing on the projection in front of them.

“This is so stupid,” Roier whispered toward Cellbit.

“I don’t get why Jaiden likes this.”

They both turned to Jaiden.

“Because you two idiots don’t like it, and I do,” she said confidently.

They both rolled their eyes and looked back at the cartoon.

“They’re brainwashing us,” Cellbit muttered.

Roier and Jaiden turned to him.

“What are they doing?” they both asked at the same time.

A Federation officer standing in the distance shouted, “Shhh!”

The three of them lowered their voices.

“Brainwashing,” Cellbit repeated. “They’re brainwashing us so we’ll obey them. Roier, look at Jaiden—her brain’s already been washed.”

Jaiden looked at them with fear in her eyes.

“So I’m dumber than you now? My brain’s washed? Did they open my head?”

Roier looked at the little girl, who was nearly in tears.

“Jaiden, stop. Don’t. Don’t cry!”

Jaiden pressed her lips tightly together.

“Am I gonna die?” she whispered.

“No, idiot! I’m gonna save you! Don’t worry. No one’s brainwashing Jaiden while I’m here.”

Cellbit laughed, and Jaiden sniffled.

“Blue Bird!”

Cucurucho’s voice rang out, and the three of them turned around.

“We’re leaving,” he said.

Jaiden stood up.

“Then hurry up and save me,” she whispered, running forward to grab Cucurucho’s hand.

Cellbit opened his eyes.

They had already returned to the island.

Jaiden, Roier, and Quackity were waiting for them.

“Hope you liked my little game!” Jaiden grinned.

Everyone was soaked, exhausted—too weak to fight.

And yet, Jaiden—despite being in far worse condition—played her part so well that no one noticed.

“Jaiden…” Cellbit took slow, unsteady steps toward her.

“I remember. I remember everything,” he whispered, breathless, not caring about the water streaming from his hair.

“Then remember the pain you made me feel, too.”

A shot echoed.

Cellbit collapsed to his knees, clutching his leg.

“Cellbit!” Roier cried, turning toward Jaiden with blazing fury.

“You’ll regret this!” he shouted.

“Oh, will I?” Jaiden laughed coldly.

“Hey, Empanada—this isn’t one of your sweet little tragic stories anymore.”

When Jaiden yelled at Empanada, the little girl clutched her mother in fear.

“This is my story. The one about revenge.”

But then—

Another gunshot.

“I’m sorry, Blue Bird…”

Jaiden’s eyes widened as she turned.

“…But your story ended a long time ago.”

“And it ended with you.” 

Blood poured from her chest, staining her wet shirt a deep red.

Only one word escaped her lips:

“…Foolish?”

She turned around and saw the one holding the gun.

It was Foolish.

His face was twisted in rage and regret.

His eyes were filled with tears, but his resolve hadn’t wavered.

“No one else could’ve done it,” he said.

“I couldn’t let you kill Cellbit. We… we had to protect you from yourself.

But it’s too late now. Too… late…”

Jaiden fell to her knees.

Her eyes were still alive, but her expression had gone pale.

“I…” she whispered, but couldn’t finish the sentence.

Roier rushed to her side, collapsing to the ground and catching her.

Cellbit, despite the pain, dragged himself over and held Jaiden’s cold hands.

“No…” he whispered.

“It wasn’t supposed to end like this.”

As Jaiden struggled to breathe, she rested her head on their shoulders—just like she had as a child.

“When you’re with me… I’m not afraid,” she said, one final time.

Little Jaiden had fallen to the ground.

A broken toy lay in her hand.

Cellbit and Roier were gathered around her, gripped by panic.

“Is she dead?!” Roier shouted.

“No, no… she’s just… she just fainted!” Cellbit cried, lifting little Jaiden into his arms.

“Jaiden, please… wake up…”

Suddenly, the small girl opened her eyes and, with a faint smile, whispered:

“When you’re with me… I’m not afraid.”

THE END