--- [Alex’s perspective]

  As we’re strolling through town, the small talk begins.

  “So what brings you here? A mission? I assume you’re not here for me haha!” – Isaac

  “I am, actually.” – Alex

  “Really? How come?” – Isaac

  “Well, you see…” – Alex

  You know what?

  No reason to beat around the bush.

  We can make small talk later; he deserves to know immediately.

  “I’ve found some people in The END that I consider trustworthy.” – Alex

  He comes to a complete halt.

  “… What?” – Isaac

  He looks at me with pure confusion in his eyes.

  With…

  With a hint of betrayal…

  I am the only one he has ever told about his past trauma, his trauma with The END.

  He related to me, and I related to him; I understand why he might feel betrayed.

  “Listen. It’s not as bad it looks. I’m not on their side, I just know couple people on the inside.” – Alex

  He completely ignores what I said.

  “Alex… Why would you even associate with them? You know how bad they are better than most!” – Isaac

  “I know! I know…” – Alex

  “Then wh-” – Isaac

  “We’ve found Gael.” – Alex

  “…” – Isaac

  He’s speechless.

  “Or at least, we’re going to find him soon…” – Alex

  “What do you mean?!” – Isaac

  “I made a deal with them. One of my conditions for accepting the deal was that they would find him, and hand him over to you. I know how horrible what you went through must have been… When we last talked, I promised you you’d get your revenge. I never intended to break that promise. You deserve it.” – Alex

  “Alex…” – Isaac

  He’s an open book; you can tell what he’s feeling from just a glance.

  Happiness.

  Excitement!

  Dread…

  And fear.

  He’s a whirlwind of emotion; I mean, who wouldn’t be?

  The thing he desires more than anything else in the world is about to come true; he’ll finally have a chance to set things right.

  He takes a deep breath and swallows all the complicated emotions.

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  “So… Uhm. When? Where?” – Isaac

  “There’s this place, nowhere special. We’re supposed to meet them there in about a week’s time. If you have anything you need to get done before then, do it now. We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.” – Alex

  “Right…” – Isaac

  --- The day of the meeting

  We’ve been here a few days now, and Leanne still hasn’t showed up.

  No big deal; today is the day we planned to meet, not before.

  Although…

  If she could have returned earlier, I don’t see why she wouldn’t have…

  But let’s stay hopeful.

  I’m sure she’ll be here soon.

  The day just started, after all.

  “Today’s the day, right?” – Isaac

  “Yup.” – Alex

  “Alright… Just checking.” – Isaac

  We’ve talked a lot these past few days, but I’ve tried to keep it positive for the most part.

  I have no idea how strong this Gael guy is, for all I know, he could be a monster…

  If he’s a B-ranker like Leanne, it doesn’t matter how much he wants his revenge.

  He will lose.

  Isaac probably has a rough idea of how strong he is, and normally I’d think he, or anyone else for that matter, wouldn’t be stupid enough to engage in a fight to the death with someone they know will beat them, but…

  Well…

  I fought Seth, didn’t I?

  Few things will cloud your judgement like when revenge is on the table…

  “Hey, listen…” – Alex

  How should I say this…

  “I’m pretty sure I know what your answer will be, but I just need to make sure… If anything were to happen, do you want my help?” – Alex

  “No.” – Isaac

  That’s what I thought…

  If it was Seth that was coming back right now, I wouldn’t want him to interfere either…

  It doesn’t matter if I have a better chance of beating him with Isaac’s help; killing Seth is something only I’m allowed to do.

  “Alright…” – Alex

  I will respect his wishes.

  No matter what.

  Even if he’s about to be killed, I won’t step in.

  This is his fight.

  “I know it’s cliché, but… Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” – Isaac

  I…

  I don’t know if I believe him…

  “There’s simply too much on the line for me to lose. No matter what it takes, by the end of today, Gael will be dead.” – Isaac

  --- [Leanne’s perspective] Right after Leanne found Gael

  “Get lost. I’m busy.” – Gael

  “Please. Just give me a minute, you’ll want to hear this.” – Leanne

  “Fine, but make it quick. Our break is only 15 minutes.” – Gael

  You and me both…

  Any time now, the higher-ups could come storming after me…

  “You see…” – Leanne

  Wait…

  How do I even explain this?!

  ‘So there’s this guy that wants to kill you, please come with me.’

  Aghh!!

  I was too busy worrying about finding him, I didn’t really give it a thought!

  There’s no good way to explain this.

  Just from this short interaction, I can tell he’s the ‘no bullshit’ type.

  If I don’t give him a good reason, he won’t come with me.

  But if I tell him the truth, he definitely won’t come!

  “Hello?” – Gael

  Shit!

  I need to say something, quick!

  But…

  Gaaah!!

  “If you’re just gonna waste my time, why bother me…?” – Gael

  Just as he turns around, I grab his shoulder.

  “Wait! It’s important…” – Leanne

  Saying anything is better than nothing…

  “There’s this guy who wants to meet you…” – Leanne

  “Who?” – Gael

  “He’s… A friend of a friend.” – Leanne

  “What? Just spit it out already!” – Gael

  Saying his name is risky…

  He might not want to meet him.

  If that’s the case, it’s over the moment I say the name ‘Isaac’…

  But, I don’t think I have any other choice.

  If my next words are too vague, he’ll just leave, and he won’t look back.

  “Isaac. Isaac Lux.” – Leanne

  “I… W…” – Gael

  He scans his surroundings.

  “Come with me.” – Gael

  He grabs my arm and pulls me into a nearby alley.

  “How do you know Isaac?” – Gael

  “Like I said… Friend of a friend.” – Leanne

  “…” – Gael

  “Look. I’ve promised to set up a meeting between the two of you. I would really, really, appreciate it if you cooperated.” – Leanne

  “What does he want?” – Gael

  I can’t tell him…

  Let’s just make up some random reas-

  “And don’t lie. Tell me the truth, or I’m leaving. I know Isaac better than anyone, I’ll know if you’re lying.” – Gael

  …

  Shit.

  It’s risky to tell him the truth, and it’s risky to not.

  Can he really tell if I’m lying?

  Maybe…

  I don’t know.

  Whatever I do, there’s a chance we’re all screwed.

  If Alex doesn’t join The END, we likely won’t ever be able to stop the Emperor.

  To hell with it!

  I’ll tell him the truth!

  “He wants you dead. I’m here to arrange the match.” – Leanne

  “…” – Gael

  “As another member of The END, I’m not allowed to lay a finger on you, and I promise, I don’t intend to break that rule. To be honest, I don’t really care whether you live or die. This entire situation is bigger than either of us. Finding you is just a part of a deal I made. A deal that’ll have bigger consequences on the future than you could imagine.” – Leanne

  “Listen… I don’t need your entire life story, ma’am. I’m coming with you.” – Gael

  …

  He…!

  He agreed!

  Yes!!

  “When is it? I’m a little busy right now, but-” – Gael

  “Right, I’m actually in a bit of a hurry myself! Meet me on the surface outside in six days. Is that enough time to get ready?” – Leanne

  “Plenty.” – Gael

  “Great! We have a deal then!” – Leanne

  I give him a thumbs up, then quickly start gunning for the door to the other side.