My Memories & Melancholy A Paradox

by Haunt Tether

Shown through his eyes, this is the story of Haunt's final involuntary conscription by ⟨Redacted⟩ his endeavor for redemption ultimately developed to how he saved indeterminate amount of lives throughout the vast alternate realities against an entity that developed the same kind of ambitions ⟨Redacted⟩ had upon entering this plane of existence.

10. Chapter 3 - Sequence 3: Dereliction

⟨Darkness⟩

I wake up, exhausted and in pain as my eyes dart around, discombobulated and recovering from what would've been my abrupt end, my focus and mindset then recovered it's footing enough that I realize that I'm being dragged from behind by someone... perturbed coupled by dehydration and exhaustion, I didn't care why I was being dragged on the floor towards somewhere, besides I couldn't see who it was at that moment... my attention was more so focused on the concerning trail of blood I'm leaving behind, too tired and discouraged to try and see who it was... I was then let go hence I entirely lay flat on the floor, also it's at this point that I realize that I couldn't hear anything... my thoughts are then interrupted when I was helped to stand up by the person who was dragging me... it was a friend or rather the colleague whom I saved by taking a hit from a projectile... once on my feet I looked at him, based the movement of his breathing apparatus he spoke... which I unfortunately couldn't hear.

"Ears are broke-... can't hear shit," I said, weakly as he supports me as best as he can for me to reliably stand.

... both of us unsurprisingly had no plan whatsoever, but we both have the same notion that it's best taking our chances to leave this place and escape, even if our chances are bleak considering everything that we're up against... we then begin to walk together onwards, intending to find an exit from this place.

After a while, with some occasionally brief breaks to stay hidden or to let me recover enough to endure moving on again...

From the carnage and amount of corpses we saw along our way, it only emphasize more of how hopeless our chances actually are in getting out of this place alive... my friend then abruptly stopped hence I did as well since he was supporting me with my mobility and stability which I desperately needed, to keep on moving.

He looked back in the direction where we came from, I couldn't hear anything but I knew he heard something that's likely following us, I then spoke.

"My O2 is red," I remark again which he shook his head in response before leading me on once again.

"I'm gonna bleed to death anyway," I said before I stopped, resisting to keep on going.

My friend then tried to carry me which I didn't let him, presumably out of impulse he shoved me back which almost made me trip, he immediately regretted it and went by side to steady me.

"Grenade?" I asked which made him back off and look at me, sad.

He closed his eyes and look down as he shook his head for a bit before looking back at me, suddenly he raised his pistol and aimed it at my head which made me raise a hand as I shook my head in response, surprised but unafraid.

"You have no suppressor," I said struggling to breathe easily again as I point at his gun.

"Besides there will be none left of me when I'm done," I continued as I offer my hand out for him to give me what I want.

... he reluctantly lowered his gun before holstering it, he brought out and offered a C4 and it's detonator which I took before he saluted me which I return, he then left... digressing, I went to sit against a nearby wall before setting up the C4 on me.

After a moment of trying to stay conscious as I wait whilst quietly in deep thought and vigilant...

"Alone once again, even here you still managed to end up like this... also congrats, you've managed to get yourself a different ending even if you once again die... but that just means you're being yourself... I respect that truly, in a way I'm impressed," Juno comments meanwhile as I look at my surroundings, surprised by her sudden presence and that I can hear her.

"Disarray and unsteady, so much so it's like an affinity, through all that... heat, in that madness somehow a sense of order is founded... broken but sharp, convenient for me to tweak meaningfully and purposefully," she continues before she revealed herself in front of me.

"What am I... obsidian?" I asked which made her chuckle as she approached me.

"I like your answer," she replied.

Once close, she knelt down then delicately grab my hand that's holding onto the detonator whilst looking straight into my eyes... she shook her head a bit before she gently caress the side of my face which caught me off guard.

"What the fuck are you doing?" I asked, confused and a tad bit angry which made her giggle.

I was extremely suspicious of her gesture which was uncharacteristic of her, as a result, pessimistic that I am, I concluded that something was off and wrong, I then attempted to blow myself up intending to wake up... unfortunately I couldn't because of her, she spoke as she remove her hands away from me.

"What the fuck are you doing Gave?" she asked a tad bit angrily, confused and surprised by my thoughts and intention.

"... I- obviously tried to blow myself up... you were out of character there hence why, I thought-... just an instance of me getting lost of what's real or not... blame yourself for that," I replied which she shook her head a bit in response whilst sensibly grinning.

"Anyway, it's time Haunt, also your best friend is waiting for you," she said.

"Best friend?" I asked, confused, she sensibly nod in response, meanwhile my blood loss is once again taking it's toll against my efforts to stay conscious, although this time it's doubtful I'll win.

"You should try to heed the sense of being selfish more, it's amusing but also in a way saddening and a bit infuriating seeing you dying and dead at every ending, especially for people whom I doubt to be reliable in doing such an altruistic deed," she comments.

"Said by literal chaos and madness," I impulsively retort with a tad bit of loathe and contempt which made her sensibly smile then grin.

"Life is chaotic... Ironic natures is one of its aspects, amusingly it can work, *chuckle* it's insulting by nature at least for me... you could say it's like a middle finger by this plane of existence," she replied.

"Can you perhaps give me an example Haunt?" she asked.

"... making broken people-... fix?" I replied, unsure or not confident of my answer which made her giggle.

"That will do," she replied before sensibly smiling, contented.

"... speaking of broken, I'm unrivaled at being miserable-" I said before she cut me off.

"You're exaggerating," she said.

"That I am as-... evidently proven by... my set inclination or ramifications," I replied which made her sensibly smile.

"Alone... *chuckle* to be ultimately dead and forgotten... at least I'm dying differently this time, that's an achievement... even if I was intending to get the... the dead and degraded end for this rerun," I replied which made her sensibly smile at my morbidness.

"Differently, how come?" she asked even if she's already aware of the contents of my mind or the answer.

"I'm with you... aren't I?" I replied which made her avert her attention or look away, albeit sensibly smiling.

"... fortunately you are... anyway let's get back to the present Haunt, we'll talk again you after you die," she replied as she looked back at me before disappearing.

... curious of who this best friend of mine is, I looked at my hand that's holding onto the detonator and then just simply press-

⟨Darkness⟩

Returning to Main: Alignment Successful.

Pending, Please Wait...

Resuming...

I wake up sitting upright against a tree, no longer bloodied and wearing my full set of H.P armor, instead I was now wearing my attire I worn back at Moscow or during the Chaos Insurgency Incident... I intended to look around my surroundings before getting up when I was abruptly surprised to see a familiar dog... this dog is named Kerson, he belongs to one of my already deceased variants... more so about my pet, his fur would've been entirely black if it weren't for the patch of white fur on his back, I recall him as a loyal, timid, and surprisingly courageous friend, who's mostly quiet, which he all is... at that moment, he not really trying to hide behind a tree which was somewhere in front of me... his head poking out as he was looking at me albeit sensibly afraid, saddened, and nervous.

"Kerson?" I asked, surprised which made Juno sensibly smile in response to my happiness.

Suddenly I then felt something off about me... the way that I can describe it is that, there's something festering nearby my heart, something conceptually and sensationally heavy... kinda familiar to guilt but sinister and distinctly disturbing.

"I brought back an old friend of yours," Juno meanwhile said which distracted me of my thoughts about what I feel.

Kerson had his head and ears low, at that moment he was also seemingly appearing as if he was somehow oblivious of my presence, that he's searching for something unseen on the ground... but he was occasionally glancing back at me.

"Yeah, it was a mistake exposing you to such a potent level of stimulant... at least we now know that you're absolutely threatening at that state... besides we got rid of an evil force at play, deleting they're potential for future harm even if I risked losing you in the madness," Juno continued which reminded me.

"... at least, but you definitely broke something about me," I replied as I get up, referring to this festering and disturbing sense within my chest which she carelessly doesn't confront for now.

After looking around my surroundings for a bit I then looked back at my dog to timely see him go out from his cover to approach me with his tail in between his legs... in response I revealed my face as I slowly knelt down to then offer my hand out for him to smell, intended as a considerate gesture and means for him to assess in deciding whether he trusts me or not... Juno then spoke.

"Don't worry about being a polyglot, he's able to understand any of your preferred language you opt to utilize when communicating," she comments, meanwhile as Kerson cautiously approached my hand then sniffed it.

"I don't know why you're cautious around me but I acknowledge it," I said intended for my dog who is still cautious and sensibly afraid of me.

I gently began to pet his head which as intended made him relax a bit, comforted... he was also liking and savouring the familiarity of the moment even if under different settings and circumstances, especially considering I'm not the variant he got, but I smiled at the sense of nostalgia I got... it was a pleasant and content moment until suddenly, a surge of unpleasant memories and this urge of homicide then jab me, immediately I was tense as a result... but what was especially fortunate was that I manage to retract both my hands away, Kerson meanwhile in response immediately backed away from me whimpering... after he distanced himself away from me, he let out a sad tones which contributed in helping me stifle my impulses by distracting some of the kindling negativity in my mind... this sudden episode of insanity and to kill was close to fulfill what I impulsively would've done, which was kill my dog via crushing his head then proceeding to beat its corpse... an impulsive recipe that's a disastrous means to cope for the chaos and madness within me.

"Oh shit- get away from Kerson," Juno meanwhile immediately said in response, defensively, who was caught off guard by my sudden impulse.

"... *sigh* impulse," I said with clenched teeth before I sat on the ground, sad and also a tad bit angry considering what I regrettably could've done.

"That was close, could've been worse, could have been, worse... looks like utilizing your memories wasn't enough," she said referring to her non effortless means to offset the repercussions in my mind because of the underground incident.

"No shit, if you didn't decide to leave it by chance this would've been avoided don't you think!?" I replied, sternly.

"You're like one of these fucking people that I recall-... bastards, cunts," I impulsively continued as my loathe and contempt for her and people kindled a tad bit.

"I'm sorry," she replied.

"... *sigh* I want to shoot a fucking bullet through my head," I replied, digressing which made her sensibly smile.

After a brief moment of silence as I introspect...

At this point Kerson was now laying down on the ground in front of me, looking at me whilst sensibly sad which made me self conscious and ultimately look away, It's only then I was reminded of this disturbing sense in my chest hence I spoke.

"Will you get rid of this, please?" I asked referring to what I'm sensing within my chest and my now unusual thoughts of wanting to kill.

"Oh whoops, that went over my head," Juno said, reminded, she reverted me back to my state before we both massacred that evil underground community.

I felt much more relaxed and sane as a result, also immediately after my dog then stood up and ran towards me with his tail vigorously waggling, while he let out happy tones which made me and Juno smile in response, happy to see him happy as well.

"Obviously, I've made him a much more convenient and a reliable companion for you," Juno said while as I stand up and as Kerson brushes up against me.

"Is this one of many Kerson's?" I asked as I knelt down to pet my dog who's absolutely happy.

"Surprisingly no, he's one of a kind hence you're really lucky," she replied with a smile and sensible shrug.

"You're kidding right?" I asked which she shook her head in response then proved that in fact she's not via her anomalous means in mind.

"Well damn, how come?" I asked, astonished.

"By chance it just happens, but I doubt it, I should've said that this is the only Kerson that I've encountered," she retorts.

"... I hope you can forgive me," I said which made him whimper, sensibly sad of being reminded of his fate.

About his fate, apparently an unknown person poisoned him for whatever reason... dying was the reason why Kerson left my variant and ultimately died somewhere in the nearby park... out in the open and under the rain, alone... that was his fate.

"Well your variant really didn't do much to provide aside from providing food, a shelter, and friendship... could've done more and maybe, just maybe, his end would've been different," she comments before sensibly smirking which only made me more sad.

"... yeah, partly because my characteristics and aspects of being were inconvenient and unfortunate enough... if you want me to loathe- no, hate myself... then that's something that's always present," I replied.

"I can understand if a variant of mine isn't like me who has this form, skills, confidence, the kind of mindset... the kind of life I've experienced and had gain from... it's because of those that I'm able to go out and make something happen reliably or what I intend," I add, thoughtfully, which made her smile in response.

"If every variant of mine were this capable like me... well, apart from the rare misaligned variants of mine, I'm confident they'll strive for opportunities to do the right things... besides that they've done as evidently proven by you, if made this capable," I continued which made her smile sensibly widen more.

"I'm just testing you," she said, content.

"Anyway, like you he doesn't need to eat, drink, sleep and etc to live, those necessities are now only but choices subjected purely to wanting," she said as I continue petting my dog.

"I'm truly sorry bud," I comment, as my guilt bothered me.

"... maybe- oh wait... if you want, the soul or the person responsible for the death of Kerson, I-" she adds before I cut her off, making her sensibly smile in response.

"Let's not, besides don't bother since it's a waste of your time especially," I said as I stood up.

"Whoever that spiteful piece of shit is, he or she is already dead, along with everyone in that reality," I add as I begin walking onwards.

"... where are we?" I asked before I looked behind me to see if Kerson is following me which he was hence making me smile, nostalgic.

"Somewhere in the wilderness, specifically quite a distance away from the safehouse where Nat is at currently," she replied which made me frown, finding this setup suspicious.

"If she fucking dies I'll-" I said before she cut me off.

"Let's not get hasty... also known as you ending yourself for my inconvenience, this journey back is meant to be an exercise," she said before sensibly smirking.

"Bull, shit," I replied, skeptical which made her grin then laugh.

"Just- look... I set this up the way I did because it's necessary for the intended outcome of interest," she said sensibly smiling which I unquestionably complied albeit hastily, intending to be done with whatever's coming to get back to Nat as soon as possible for her sake.

"... besides you never want to come off as clingy," she adds which made me raise a brow before I looked back at my dog to see him happily following still.

"Come off as clingy?" I asked, confused, meanwhile as I continued my way onwards.

"She'll likely develop that impression from you if you're early," she replied which made me frown, annoyed and confused.

"... since you've upgraded my dog, what can he do to help me?" I asked, digressing which made her grin.

"Aside from contributing towards emotional support by naturally just existing even without my-" she said before I cut her off.

"You're about to begin, to ramble on again," I comment which made her giggle.

"I've made him an impeccable unit, he's has enhanced bite, strength, keen senses, cunning, agile, athletic, and intelligent," she said, sensibly smiling.

"All that upgrade for my pet dog, my bestfriend?" I asked inquisitively but contented, which made her smile.

"Don't worry, it's honest work and there's no catch," she replied before sensibly smirking.

"I can only hope, that expression I'm sensing, your smirk, isn't convincing me to be at ease," I replied which made her laugh.

"... you've made him a capable combatant, a killer, which is unsurprising," I said.

"No, I've made him a soldier, take a look," she replied hence I stop and look back at my pet to see him now equipping specialized combat doggo armor which looked cute on him.

"Don't worry, like your full set of H.P. armor it's conveniently lightweight and comfortable, obviously," she said referring to the armor she equipped Kerson who's vigilantly looking around as he follows behind us.

"Why are you this-," I said before she cut me off.

"Is that a problem?" she asked before giggling.

"Just unusual," I replied.

"Correction, you're still getting used to it," she retorts which made me shrug, in agreement.

"... is it because of our duration, our time... are we nearing our end?" I asked.

"... not entirely, but don't mistake it for being only days away... at least," she replied before sensibly smiling, sad.

"Alright, continue on, let's not start our journey thinking about our inevitable end... besides I don't like this line of questioning," she continued which I complied.

"What made you want this?" I asked referring to her reason of spawning Kerson.

"He's obviously a reliable supporting role, especially adding to my means of offsetting the repercussions about you without my effortless and anomalous means," she replied which reminded me about something.

"Although I failed in what I intend, I want to see how things will now play out with him now by your side," she continued sensibly with a shrug before smiling in response to my thoughts.

"... thinking about it, I now see a reason that convinced me as to why reality set me up to be miserable and tragic," I comment, referring back to the incident at that underground community which we've brutally ended.

"... maybe, but for me if anything that just proves how much of a threat you are... or in other words how much potential and value you have," she replied.

"Maybe for you only... but I appreciate your efforts and support... even if I'm still longing for my consciousness to be lost in oblivion, non existent," I replied which made her sensibly grin in response.

"I do my best Gave," she replied before sensibly smirking.

"... could you fucking quit using my first name, or my actual name in general, we are nowhere near that close," I said, annoyed.

"Instances like that I intend to make you uncomfortable, so no, I like poking you for fun from time to time via that way... besides we are close enough," she replied.

"Literally only," I replied which made her laugh a bit.

"... at least you're straying away from why I loathe and contempt you... I guess it's your means of negating your mischievous nature... I never know anything when it comes to you, let alone that's reliably certain which is unsurprising... but since that notion came up which is hopeful, I want that to be true hence I'll accept it as true," I replied which made her sensibly smile then giggle.

"... apart from the bad history I've made with you... directed to how far we've managed to come together, how would you rate your experiences with me?" she asked before grinning.

"Satisfactory enough with instances of tidbits of fun, plus you brought back my dog so... I give it a rating of five point five," I replied, thoughtfully with sincerity which made her chuckle, happy.

"At least, I'll take it... surprising actually," she replied sensibly smiling, content.

"That's subject to change at any time... what the fuck are we talking about... this doesn't matter, this is just small talk," I retort which made her grin then giggle.

"Just a friendly interaction... plus it not mattering, that's subjective," she said.

"Basically we'll have to wait and see," I retorted which made her smile.

After some time...

We arrived at the town Juno said where an interesting commotion will take place, specifically something that involves members of the survivor faction known as the "Bears", will be the cause... since Nat and Juno didn't give me any information about them, I took the opportunity intending to hopefully gain some insight about this faction which is what Juno wanted... at this point, we were now in a town which is unsurprisingly decrepit and mostly taken over by plant life, also courtesy of Juno I'm now equipping a variant of my full H.P. armor set that's a Ghillie Suit, hence I'm armored without compromising any of my stealth potential, moreover, she kitted me with a custom suppressed M13 that had camouflaged netting on it... currently, both my dog and I are stealthily and quietly albeit hastily making our way to my our deemed strategic position in the location of where this conflict will take place... we were expecting a gunfight, a mutiny within the members of the faction present in this town.

"Are you intending for me to wipe them all out?" I asked, in response to being equipped like this.

"Nope, just setting you up in advance," she replied before gunshots then abruptly rang out in the distance.

"Looks like by chance it happened to start early, makes things interesting," she comments in response.

"Slow down, it's best if you both get there when they think they're about to win or they've won," she said which I comply hence Kerson followed my lead as well.

After a while of us quietly and stealthily observing from afar...

"It's time," Juno then said hence I look at my dog.

"I'll go left and you go right, find a spot behind the main group that's clumped up, see what you can do when I announce our intentions," I said which he nodded in response.

"Be careful, I don't want you dead," I said worried, he brushes himself on my right leg for a second intended as a gesture that meant I should worry less before he left.

I stood up and headed inside towards a relatively intact building, utilizing it as a means to get closer without revealing myself from anyone likely viewing this direction... as a result I encountered a sentry, oblivious of my presence I killed them easily before advancing further within the area of conflict.

"They're local Marauders, they took advantage of the infighting hence they've won," she commented in response to my thoughts.

"Our objectives?" I asked.

"All three are alive albeit hurting, although the two are captured one is still managing to hide for now which is buying both you and Kerson some time to sweep and relocate strategically," she replied.

Eventually...

I managed to sneak myself within a building that was conveniently nearby the main group of enemies, unfortunately the last member of the surviving group of the "Bears" was founded, they're currently being interrogated or in other words getting beat up in response to their additional dead which I and my dog are responsible for.

"Is Kerson ready yet?" I asked as I looked at the group of Marauders arguing with one another.

"... yeah he is now," Juno replied which I nod then readied myself to push out and begin the assault.

After a bit of contemplating...

I then made my move and pushed out stealthily but hastily between cover, since there was a vehicle somewhere in front I waited for the right time before I relocated there which I managed to be able to do so undetected yet, once there I utilized the wrecked vehicle as cover as I aim... seeing an opportunity to kill two enemies in one shot I waited until they're heads were aligned, and fortunately happened hence I shot, as intended the bullet went through his head and killed his partner whom he was facing, I then proceeded to shoot hence kill two additional enemies and injured one before the group frantically dispersed.

... the franticness and alarm that descended upon the Marauders left the three people whom I intend to save alone which was fortunate... I then went out of my cover and advance out in the open albeit hastily striding with my weapon up and ready intending to lure any enemies to peek to shoot me for me to kill... an enemy spotted me and called out my whereabouts which I let him, utilizing my celerity I shot all three that peeked out from their cover intending to shoot me before in anticipation I dashed towards nearby cover as to not get shot by enemies I haven't noticed yet.

I then heard a horrific scream of someone being killed by Kerson in the distance, my dog let out barks presumably intended to get the attention of the enemies before fleeing as to not get shot, meanwhile my intuition was on point... I timely peeked out from my cover to kill two enemies that were distracted by the commotion Kerson made somewhere behind their group... fortunately the group dispersed further or fled in separate directions which allowed me to pick off three more people which luckily included the leader of this marauder group.

"Good job," Juno said meanwhile as I take cover nearby, Iris in response to my thoughts then activates the feature of my H.P. Mask which allows me to see through walls.

I spot an enemy somewhere ahead lingering likely intending to try to catch me by surprise until he was taken down and killed by Kerson, presumably Juno directed my dog of the enemy's position... by this point, assured that the stragglers of this marauder group are intent of leaving the area, I went out of cover and approached the trio who are hiding under a decrepit truck that's on the beaten road... once I was in earshot I quit utilizing my see through vision and spoke.

"I'm friendly plus they've fled, you guys can come out now, please," I said.

After a brief moment of quietly waiting...

"... *sigh* I'm aware that you three are under the truck otherwise I wouldn't have stood there facing your direction," I said as I knelt down intending to see one of them which I did.

"I'm just a wanderer, I'm no bandit," I add meanwhile as they begin to go out of their hiding spot.

The trio comprised of an elderly man, a man, and a woman who are bruised and certainly hurting looked at me, sensibly both relieved relatively but mostly afraid... the elderly man then spoke.

"What do you want?" he asked eying my assault rifle.

"Firstly for us to get out of here considering the ruckus," I replied which made them look at each other then back to me before they nodded in agreement.

"Wait, are you alone?" the woman asked.

"Nope, I have my dog with me... who is somewhere at the moment," I replied as I look at my surroundings a bit intending to spot Kerson.

"You did all this?" the young man asked as he looked around for a bit, referring to the body count of dead enemies nearby.

"For the most part but it wasn't only me," I replied.

"Where is Kerson?" I then asked in mind intended for Juno.

"Currently hunting the stragglers, I'll call him back," she replied.

"Are you all able to reliably walk for a while?" I said referring to their bodily condition which they look at each other in response, afterward they looked back at me before nodding.

Suddenly, an undead wolf came into view somewhere behind them, fortunately it was focused on a fresh corpse that's near a concrete barrier, I shot it at the head in response which killed it... some additional undead then began appearing in the distance and surroundings hence I spoke as I hastily albeit vigilantly begin to lead the way out of this town.

"It's time to move, follow me," I said which they did.

"What about your dog?" the elderly man asked.

"Don't worry, he'll make it," I replied which probably confused them.

After a while, eventually...

By this point we were now somewhere in the wilderness, before I could start my line of questioning Kerson then finally showed up, he was bloodied from murdering people but happy which startled the trio considering how scary he must've been for them.

"You're bloodied," I said which he only looks at me happily panting and waggling his tail in response.

"Good job comrade, but you need a bath and to brush your teeth," I continued as I knelt down then pet him.

"Sorry to interrupt but what do you want from us?" the woman asked.

"Just information," I replied even though I've acquired that via my anomalous means utilizing their mind and memories... but I wanted to take the extra mile out of respect and consideration which Juno respects.

"About?" she asked, skeptical.

"We'll get there, are you three in a rush?" I replied which made them look at each other.

"Nope," the young man said as the woman shook her head in response.

"No," the elderly man meanwhile replied.

"Good then take a seat, this won't be too long,"I said which they complied.

After a brief moment of silence between us all as I wait for them to get settled...

"Let's start with your names," I replied.

"... alright, my name is Lars," the elderly man introduces himself.

"The name is Kita," the woman introduces herself.

"I'm Chase," the young man introduces himself.

"What happened back there?" I asked referring to the conflict back at the town.

"... politics within our faction had grown tense these past weeks, all thanks to a douche who wants nothing more to lead... we were out to gather some supplies, we just happen to encounter another party of ours, unfortunately ones who sided with this douchebag that I've mentioned," Kita explains.

"... they idiotically escalated things which turned sour... fortunately we survived but then we got unluckily jumped by the people you've killed," she continues.

"Understood... what does your faction think about the Peacekeepers?" I asked which immediately made them tense and look at me, wide eyed.

"Calm down, again I'm just a wanderer," I remind, which made them relax a bit.

"It's not a matter of thinking, they're horrible people and that's the fact," Chase replied.

"What's the history between you guys and them?" I asked.

After a bit of silence between us all...

"A group of wanderers made it happen when they got wind of the kind of evil those bastards are, especially when they've met some people who survived run in's to the members of the Peacekeepers... the rest is history I guess," Lars explained which I nod in response.

"... but they weren't originally bad," Chase adds.

"Are we really just gonna spill a lot of beans for him?" Kita asked as she looked at both of her comrades.

"He risked everything he had including his dog to save us, we're just repaying what we can, besides what's the risk," Lars replied which Chase agrees.

"... anyway, from what we've been informed about this is that, the leader of that faction was replaced by someone else... ever since then the group over time gradually became different... corrupt," Chase continues.

"likely the same thing will happen to our faction if people become less sensible or braindead," Kita adds.

"... will you guys be alright?" I asked..

"We'll be limping for a while and quite the distance back to our home," Kita replied.

"Damn, I should've let you guys loot," I comment, bothered that I've just now thought about it.

"Yeah, we didn't think of it either so," Lars replied.

I then thought about something which made Juno frown, I ignored her which she fortunately tolerated and let me do what I intended... I unholstered my Deagle and its spare mag then offered those towards them as I spoke.

"Take them, as you all know it's dangerous to journey or travel without a weapon these days," I said which surprised them how recklessly generous and trusting I am especially to them.

"It's okay of a weapon, although it packs a punch but so does it's recoil, it's unlike the pistols that you three are mostly used to... just a heads up in handling don't tame it, otherwise its likelihood of jamming is increased, control it," I continued.

After a bit of silence...

"Thanks," Kita said as she slowly took the gun and its extra magazine, still surprised by my consideration and generosity.

"I hope you guys have some ear protection though because that weapon is louder than most pistols, more so indoors," I remark.

"We've never had one, I think," Chase said as he looked at Lars who gave a nod in response.

"That's-... I hope you guys will invest the time to find some for the sake of your hearing... oh and get yourself a much more reliable weapon, as powerful that gun is, it isn't good but since I have no alternative, hopefully it'll be enough for you three," I replied.

"Anyway I best be off, good luck and stay safe," I continued as I stood up before I began walking away while as Kerson followed me from behind.

"W-wait, where are you going?" Chase asked, I stopped in response and looked back at them.

"To scout a place," I replied.

"Are you really just a wanderer?" Kita asked as she stood up.

"You're doubtful?" I asked.

"Yeah, no wanderer would be this kitted and equipped, also considering your dog like who does that," she said.

"I do," I replied.

"... are you a soldier from the war?" she asked.

"No, trust me or not I'm just a wanderer," I replied before I turned around and continued on my way.

"You could be one of us!" Kita said.

"I'll pass on that, stay safe on your endeavors!" I replied over my shoulder.

"They didn't deserve and have earned nothing of what I'm able to provide-," Juno said before I cut her off.

"But they need it, besides you let me," I said which made her sensibly smile in response.

"I hope you won't despawn what I've given, especially plan to when they've encountered trouble," I remark which made her grin then laugh.

"Just for that, I won't," she replied, genuinely.

"... besides whether this matters to you or not, if they make it back to their safety then it's because of you," I said.

"... no, it's because of you," she replied.

"I disagree, let me remind you that you can delete the existence of what I've given to them... I'm just handing off your work Juno, since you didn't have the intention to give something for their sake," I replied.

"It's always been a choice for you," I add.

"... okay stop talking," she replied, sensibly annoyed which I complied.

After a moment silence between us as I walk onwards to nowhere in particular...

"Come to think of it, you would be a Bear," she said, thoughtfully which confused me.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"You about Bear disposition," she replied.

"Bear? Disposition? How come?" I asked.

"You can figure it out," she replied which made me think about it.

After a bit of silence between us...

"Anyway, I've been thinking," she continued.

"... thinking about what?" I asked which made her sensibly grin.

"In a mission, ensuring the highest or if not reliable chance of success is crucial, with that said, what would increase our chance of getting the intended outcome is that if we involved a dino-" she said before I cut her off.

"Oh fuck off," I impulsively said in response as I stop, thinking that she's gonna set me up to spend time for the purpose of taming one which made her laugh a bit.

"Don't worry about it, I've already picked one that I'll spawn along with your countable comrades for this assault or raid," she clarifies.

"Then thank fuck... why include one?" I replied.

"Apart from what I've already said, apparently the Peacekeepers have managed to tame two notable carnivores as their pets, I want to make things interesting... and for us both to witness something epic even if temporary, as an audience this time," she explains.

"... does it involve me being mauled at some point?" I asked which made her smirk.

"Tempting... but maybe no," she replied.

"Maybe huh," I said which made her grin the snicker in response.

"I hate you," I add which made her laugh before she teleported us to a convenient and hidden location that's providing a great view of the base.

... the base of the Peacekeepers a massive fortified compound, Iris in response to my thoughts then turned on the thermal vision feature of my H.P. Mask which enabled me to see the active personnel that are in the base... there were a lot.

"This is war then," I comment.

"Indeed," Juno replied meanwhile as Kerson who's no longer bloodied then went beside me and lay down, facing the compound, I pet him for a bit in response.

"What will be the name of our dinosaur?" she asked.

"... give me a moment," I replied which she nodded, sensibly smiling.

"This is her by the way," she said as she made me aware and showed me what this dinosaur is and what it looks like via my mind, instantaneously.

"Although evolved, it's obvious she belongs to the Ceratopsians," she continued.

After a moment of quietly thinking...

"I don't know... how about Pierce?" I asked.

"Pierce it is then," she replied.

"Anyway, here's how we'll get inside the compound, Peirce will go out in the open which will make the populace bunker down, most of the combatants will be lured out to station themselves defensively, thinking the worst case scenario," she explains.

"Pierce will seem agitated which will make the defenders nervous and eager to get her away from their base fast, but since she's built to tank they'll be stumped as to how they'll get rid of her without pissing her off to damage their compound," she continues.

"... they'll opt to release their two pets to deal with her as a result, thinking that it'll be the perfect solution to get rid of her without risking compound integrity... to the eagerness of the leader of the Peacemakers to spectate the conflict, perfect for Nat to obliterate him via the rail gun," she adds.

"Nat and your troops are being set up of having some time to prepare themselves to snipe meanwhile," I comment which made her smile.

"Yes, and once Pierce is done eliminating her two big problems she'll break the gates and let you and the troops with you in to storm the compound," she replied.

"... the night is a friend you know," I said which made her smirk.

"I'm aware, but I want things to be this interesting even if it's unsurprisingly one-sided still," she replied.

"... your plan indeed seems interesting even if bold," I comment which made her sensibly grin.

"Thank you," she replied before sensibly smiling.

"What about the Civies?" I asked.

"Not all of them are ignorant and evil, the ones I'm referring to will contribute to the downfall of the Peacekeepers at some crucial points, especially from within," she replied.

"... they'll sort themselves out especially with the help of Nat who will ultimately be the new leader that will restore the goodness and justice the Peacekeepers were originally known for which she'll succeed... even if she'll be forever incomplete by your absence in the end," she replied.

"Anyway, the side quests are done, are you ready to go back?" she continued which I nod in response.

"Yeah, I am," I replied before she teleported us beside a road that's familiar.

"Do you think she'll gut you for being late or worrying her that you might be dead or will never come back?" Juno asked meanwhile as I began to head back towards the safehouse.

"... nope, she's not that kind of woman... and I hope she'll remain to be," I replied which made her sensibly smile.

"What's your opinion about her?" she asked.

"You already know-," I said before she cut me off.

"That I want to hear it from you, a literal effort of interaction between us is the point, because yes I want it," she said.

"... the same, she's a good person that's unsurprisingly been through enough shit that she needed to adjust her character... relevantly for the most part it shed off immediately after we killed her party, as evident by what we already know and have witnessed about her, which is fortunate," I replied referring back to the four day journey with Nat to get here which made her smile.

After a while, eventually...

We reached the safehouse and immediately there was something off about it... I then spoke.

"Kerson, stay," I quietly said as I looked at him which he happily complied.

Trusting my gut I hastily albeit stealthily went inside to eventually see a man on top of Nat, from the state of Nat's clothing and me immediately being aware of this bastard's mind he intended to do immoral things to her unconscious body... enraged and disgusted I intended to knock him out by hitting him at the back of his head via my gun... unfortunately, I overdone it thus I broke the back of his skull, but courtesy of Juno she made it so that my intended outcome was achieved.

I dragged him outside meanwhile as Juno is sensibly smirking in response to my thoughts and intentions... I called Kerson... after snarling at the unconscious man on the ground for a second he approached me... Juno in response to my thoughts complied hence she wake him up... my dog immediately snarled again then growled at him which made the man unsurprisingly scared, especially when Kerson barks... he can be surprisingly loud, like you would think he'll be much more bigger basing from his aggressive barks alone.

Anyway, the man then looked at me shocked and afraid, speechless, I then spoke as I resisted the urge to kill him slowly myself, meanwhile as Juno sensibly smirks.

"Your friends and this world is better off without you," I said with contempt before I looked at Kerson hence he ceased growling and looked back at me.

I nod at him, as a result he looked back at the person then let out a growl before he lunged at him... Kerson proceeded to brutally kill the person meanwhile as I head back inside the safehouse to check up on Nat's condition, worried about her... fortunately she was alive albeit bruised up... utilizing my H.P. Mask, her condition was critical enough that it was concerning, Iris then spoke.

"She'll experience a fever, a week dedicated to rest and relaxation is recommended," she said before I pick Nat up and relocate her to her room.

"Start your apology by clothing her proper and comfortably, or just straight up heal her entirely," I said, sternly, intended for Juno.

As what I expected she chose to clothe her rather than making her instantly recover... I gently lay Nat down on her bed comfortably before I put a blanket over her... after turning on the AC in the room I went out of the room and gently close the door behind me... since my rage and contempt for Juno was kindling I went outside the safehouse, just in case if lost my shit because of impulse... the person by this point was unsurprisingly dead... Kerson sensing my kindling aggression whimpers before distancing himself away from me with his tail between his legs.

"I'm sorry to scare you again bud... Kerson go and uh, explore a new place nearby... get some fresh air and a change of scenery," I said to him which he whimpers before complying.

Juno then surprised me by abruptly going out to stand in front of me... Impulsively, I immediately charged up my arms then utilized my celerity... with the help of my intuition the timing of execution was spot on that she didn't anticipate it hence I managed to punch her head four times uncontested or uninterrupted, intended to kill, but unsurprisingly what I did only hurt her... I was then paused or put in stasis, unable to move, she then spoke.

"I expected it to happen yet you still managed to hurt me," she said in response, meanwhile as I sensibly felt her agitation kindling.

"Ты чертовски больной ублюдок!" I said, absolutely hopeful that she'll finally give in to her nature and kill me which made her look away, impacted by my intentions and thoughts.

"... *sigh* did you get enough of it out of your system at least?" she asked which I still didn't respond, pissed off.

"... otherwise, we'll wait for a moment until you're sensible again," she said, annoyed by my persistence.

After a moment of silence between us...

My rage for her by this point has now greatly decreased plus her kindling agitation has diffused... upon realizing that I'm now able to reliably discipline myself or control my impulses Juno quit subjecting me to be in stasis, she then spoke.

"Don't let it go unacknowledged, I let you hit me Haunt," she remarks which made me clench my fists as I look at her.

"... If only," I retorted intended as a threatening concept about me having a chance against her which made her giggle.

After a bit in silence as we stare at each other...

Juno then resided back within me via her spiritual means meanwhile as I let out a sigh, she then spoke.

"Are we good?" she asked.

"... I don't know- fuck off," I replied, sternly.

"I knew you would arrive on time to do something before that person could do anything to Nat, it didn't chance any displeasing outcome, it was calculated," she explains.

"Is this a test?" I asked, irritated.

"Yes," she replied.

"... a week, a fucking week of doing what?" I asked, agitated.

"Taking care of Nat as she recovers, alternatively for the most part we'll be in your mind again," she replied, as a result surprise replaced my hostility towards her.

"... what the fuck- you serious?" I asked, confused referring to her wanting to spend our time taking care of someone.

"Yes," she replied, genuinely before sensibly smiling.

"... great," I replied, annoyed but content.

"At least you get to test out your cooking skills," she said which made me unsure how to react.

A day later...

In that familiar neat and flawless transition I was able to breathe and see through the mask meanwhile as I made my way to Nat's room, upon arriving at the door of her room I gently albeit quietly open it, intending to be considerate and respectful of her peace and space... my gentle approach was pointless though when I see her sitting on the side of the bed wrapped up in her blanket.

She looked at me wide eyed before she unsteadily stood up then rushed towards me, she fell but I caught her utilizing my celerity which she fortunately didn't notice my much more absurd speed... she hugged me as a result.

"Please stay please, don't leave," she said emotionally as I hugged her back.

"I'm sorry," I said, genuinely apologetic and sad as I felt her embrace tighten a bit as she began to cry on my shoulder.

After a moment of us hugging each other meanwhile as she continues to tear up...

"I won't lie, I was getting really worried that maybe... just maybe you weren't coming back... or that you've abandoned me for some reason," she admits, genuinely scared of that concept.

"Now because of me being-... c-careless and-" she continues before I cut her off by pulling away then picking her up.

"You're stressed as it is, you need to recover," I said as I carried her then gently placed her back down on her bed.

After a moment of me soothing her...

"What happened to you?" she asked referring to the state of my equipment which confused me until Juno trivially informed me via her anomalous means about it.

The attire was the same one that I've worn back in the Moscow and Chaos Insurgency Incident, the only difference being is that the marks or damage I got from helping Kruger and Paige get the antidotes or samples of the cure is present, hence my body armor and mask has scratch marks on it.

"Oh, I inevitably encountered trouble along my way to get our backup," I replied.

"It cost me my pistol too at some point," I add.

"... maybe if you've taken me with you things could've been different," she remarks, displeased by my insistence to go alone.

"... maybe," I replied as I look away because of the guilt I feel for leaving her.

"Was it worthwhile at least?" she asked.

"Definitely... you'll be shocked and surprised when you meet my friends or the backup I got for us," I replied as I looked back at her.

"That's great... what made them agree, like I can't imagine-... do they want something in the end?" she asked.

"Nothing, like me they just want to help, also they wanted the challenge and excitement," I replied.

"Really?" she asked with a raised brow.

"Yeah," I replied.

"... you make it seem like stuff like that is easy to just get or have," she comments which I shrug.

"... you guys must've been through a lot together to have such trust... also capable of going all out like this, especially considering purely for want and the thrill," she continues as she looks at me inquisitively.

"... yeah we have... but for now, your recovery is our priority," I continued which she nodded in response before pulling the blanket over her and getting comfy on the bed.

"I'll go get you some water-" I said before she cut me off.

"Wait no stay... stay please, I-... I want to talk to you," she said worryingly and a tad bit pleadingly.

"... okay," I said before I sat at the edge of her bed.

"Where's-" she said before I cut her off.

"Dead, Kerson made sure of-" I said before she cut me off.

"Kerson?" she asked.

"He's my pet dog, a best friend," I replied, Juno is sensibly smirking in response to Nat's thoughts while I ignore it.

"O-oh, can I uh, see?" she asked.

"... sure, but after I get you some water, I can tell you're dying of thirst from your lips alone," I replied which made her smile and look away, I then stood up and left.

After finding Kerson and returning to Nat with him...

"Aw he- your dog is a he right?" she asked.

"Yes," I replied with a nod.

"He looks cute and cool," she comments, my dog approached her in response to being petted.

"You have a pet dog and you left him?" she asked as she pets my dog.

"I prefer to risk the journey alone, besides he's safer with my friends than being with an insane person like me who wanders," I replied meanwhile as Kerson went away from her to stand then sit beside me.

"... why do you wander?" she asked which I only shrugged in response.

"... be honest, you're a soldier from the war yes?" she asked.

"Nope, I'm just a wanderer," I replied.

"... if you say so," she replied looking away, doubtful which I ignore.

"Anyway as to how I ended up getting... in the days you were gone I mostly spent it exploring since I've never had the luxury of experiencing the kind of freedom you provided to me, which is unlike when I was part of the Peacekeepers back then," she explains.

"... at some point I met a group of survivors and although they were good, one of them was particularly interested about me... so much so that he's been following me and spying on me from afar without me knowing," she continues.

"... as evident by what you would've witnessed meanwhile as I was unconscious," she adds as she looked away, depressed and deeply hurt.

"Fortunately I arrived just in time before he could do anything to you, don't worry," I said as she began to wipe the tears on her face.

"Healthy meals will expedite her recovery," Iris comments which reminded me.

"You were out of it for a day hence I'll leave you here alone to cook something that'll contribute to your recovery... besides you and I don't want you hungry," I said which she nodded and smiled in response, I then went to leave her room.

"Hey Kozlov," she said hence I stopped at the door to look back at her.

"... thank you for everything," she said which I only nod in response before gently closing the door behind me.

"You just want me to cook, that's it?" I asked, intended for Juno as I made my way to the Kitchen of the safehouse.

"Obviously, also don't worry about the ingredients and other relevant things, I'll unsurprisingly provide those," she replied.

"As to the reason why I want this it's because... it's basically something different," she continues in response to my thoughts which I shrug in agreement.

"It definitely is, you surprise me," I replied with a nod which made her grin.

"Hey, besides that, as you work it'll be convenient for us to talk," she said.

"About?" I asked.

"Stuff, a lot of things which I'm eager for," she replied before sensibly smirking.

"Also since inconveniently slicing through like a chopping board is likely I'm gonna downgrade you, to save you in advance from being irritated by likely mishaps as you cook," she said before sensibly smiling.

"Let me find a chair to settle-" I replied before she cut me off, sensibly smirking.

"Nope doing it," she said.

"You-" I said before I was downgraded hence I-

⟨Darkness⟩

Memory Alignment: Successful.

Pending, Please Wait...

Playing...

After introspecting I opened my eyes the look at my squad who's understandably tense and sensibly afraid by the development of the conflict, besides who wouldn't be... we've been through enough already as it is before we chose to be deployed again... sent back into the frying pan... meanwhile the intense sound of distant hectic gunfire and explosions throughout the city continues on... we were all on our way to the objective via a chopper which is a Chinook, specifically the YHC-1A.

"LZ is reported to be clear for now, twenty seconds over," she said via comms.

"Copy," Tempest who is our squad leader responds via comms.

"Alright people, let's watch out for each other and keep an eye out for our objective, hurrah?" he asked.

"Hurrah!" the rest of my squad members replied.

"Ten seconds," the pilot announced via comms hence we all stood up and equipped our custom goggles the Foundation donated to the military.

The goggles protects the user against any harmful or deadly anomalies that requires to be viewed or looked at to take effect, plus it instantly identifies anomalies then conceptually share it to our mind so that we can be aware hence what to do... fortunately the goggles are anomalous to a degree, via sharing information to it's user without flaw and compromise... anyway, in a neat transition it booted up for a second indicated by the Foundation logo before I was able to see through the goggles like it was nothing.

Not long...

As the Chinook is about to land the back door lowered, after touchdown, me and my squad, the rescue team begin our dismount to form a defensive perimeter nearby the helicopter for a moment... the rooftop provided a good view all around to see how chaotic it's been, fires lit up the night as distant tracers and explosions occur throughout the city... Tempest then spoke.

"Alright, squad on me," he said before leading the way inside the building hence all three of us followed him from behind, leaving only the two pilots and the two assigned soldiers for vehicle security alone.

"Hey, be sure to come back alive guys alright, I don't want to go back with empty seats again," our main pilot said via comms.

"We'll do our best, out," Tempest responds.

"I hope that we will by the end of this," Mark comments.

"Likewise," Dunn adds.

"... the five of us off to save a bunch of people against God knows what and likely how many... we can do this," Lillie said.

... we were originally 12 people strong but because of unfortunate events and some fights, us five are the last remaining of our squad... we volunteered for this mission since we have less numbers hence more troop capacity for the ones we're gonna rescue and although we lack numbers... we've been through enough that we're much more experienced and conditioned for any potential combat.

Eventually...

We succeeded fortunately without any incident to the relief of the pilot... we didn't expect that many people hence as a result all five of us remained on the rooftop, unsurprisingly prioritizing the safety of everyone else.

After some time...

"Dagger 2 this is Overlord over?" High command then asked via comms, from his voice alone we could tell he's exhausted like everyone else in the entirety of this conflict.

"High command this is Dagger 2, read you loud and clear over," Tempest responds.

"I'm deploying you and your team to Baker to reinforce in defending an incoming attack, it's looking hopeless there, but considering it's one of the major evacuation sites I'm hoping you guys can help in buying some time for the evacuees over," he said.

"... copy that, we'll give it our all," Tempest responded.

"Acknowledged, break-... a chopper is en route to your position for transport, I hope you guys make it back alive and may God bless us all, Overlord signing off," he said.

"... *sigh* looks like this is it guys, our likely final calling," Tempest comments.

"It was bound to happen eventually, but that doesn't mean I'll chicken out, after all this is... this is what I've signed up for, putting my life on the line for a right cause," Dunn replied.

"... I've got nothing to lose so even though I'm scared, I'm with you guys till the end, truly," Mark retorts.

"Actually, we all have a lot to lose-," Lillie replied before she was cut off.

"Well you get the point," Mark said which made the rest chuckle.

"How about you Haunt?" Lillie asked which still bothered me.

... me being referred to as such like this isn't all just a simulation of a memory belonging to one of my God knows how long deceased variant... specifically bothered that Juno made something so that I will be conveniently findable or identifiable for her... hence why I'm Haunt... memories like these it's evident that this happening has been implemented by God knows how long... my thoughts were then interrupted when Lillie spoke again.

"Earth to Haunt, are you okay?" she asked, worried.

"I just have a lot of things in mind," I replied as I looked at her then to the rest of my comrades.

"Yeah, there's a lot to take in," Tempest said, thoughtfully.

"But I'm looking forward to going fully automatic with my M240," I add which made them smile, although I can't see it because we all were wearing respirator masks, I sensibly can tell.

After some time, eventually...

"All units be advised, Baker is being overwhelmed, anyone intending to resupply and evacuate there is to immediately reroute or divert themselves to a new one break-," Overlord announced via comms meanwhile as I continue shooting.

"Fuck I'm out, relying on secondary!" Tempest then announced via our comms barely audible due to the hectic gunfire, plus the sounds of the countable tanks and IFVs that are fiercely defending the evacuation site as best as it can.

"In three minutes an airstrike is inbound to Baker, I repeat in three minutes an airstrike is inbound to Baker," Overlord then continues as audibly more helicopters somewhere behind us defending troops begin to take off.

"Keep hitting them with the M240 Bravo!" Lillie exclaims at me as she drags Dunn who's gravely injured, behind a nearby cover, intending to patch him up.

After a brief moment of addressing enemies from afar via my gun...

"Tempest is down, and... fuck, I-I... I can't see anymore," Mark said, fearful.

"Mark stay put... I'm on my way," Lillie responds meanwhile as I reload my weapon.

"Please hurry," he replied.

"I-I don't know what to do," he continues.

"Hang in there Mark I'm on the way," Lillie meanwhile responds.

After a while of doing my best to shoot as many enemies hence help as many of my comrades as possible from a distance...

"A10s are inbound, 30 seconds!" I hear a nearby soldier exclaim somewhere.

"Haunt behind-," I hear Lillie exclaim before I-

⟨Darkness⟩

Returning to Main: Alignment Successful.

Pending, Please Wait...

Resuming...

I wake up expectedly laying on the couch still, I sat up and looked around to see things the way they were before Juno and I went back into my mind, Kerson then appeared around a corner then happily approached me with his tail vigorously waggling, I pet him in response.

"Juno, you there?" I asked.

"Worried?" she asked before sensibly smirking.

"Just asking," I replied as I stood up which made her sensibly smile.

"Nat is outside ready and waiting," she said which I nod in response before I go to meet her outside.

... when I got outside the safehouse to the front, Nat immediately smiled at me, she looked pretty and neat which made me sad since I'm aware she purposely want to increase the attraction between us, discreetly... digressing, I wave at her which she waves back, she stood up off of the rock she's sitting on then spoke.

"You looked peaceful, like you were having a really good sleep so I didn't bother waking you up," she said as she looked at me intently.

"You good?" she asked.

"You seem to be in a blooming mood," I replied which made her grin.

"Why wouldn't I be... I still can't believe you have that many friends or whatever you call me sometimes... uh comrades! yeah that's it... plus you guys have a tamed dino especially that's literally rumoured the most doubtful to be tamed which is bonkers... I'm more than impressed," she replied.

"... what if I didn't have those?" I asked which made her sad and self-conscious.

"My opinion about you would still remain unchanged, I prefer you than anyone else that I'm sure... besides even without anything else but together, with you by my side we'll manage to find a way," she replied, genuinely as she looked me straight in my eyes.

"There are countable things about her actual character that are founded in Hesh, don't you think?" Juno asked, sensibly smirking which I ignore, meanwhile as I nod intended as my response to Nat.

"I hope your belief in me is not misplaced," I replied which made her frown, saddened by my words.

"... you're tough sometimes you know," she comments referring to the instances of conversational interaction with me that she finds surprisingly strange and melancholic in nature.

"I would be lying if I said I certainly know that it's not misplaced considering the factors beyond our control, but what I'm certain about is that you're invaluable, priceless for me," she said, genuinely, which made me smile.

"I'm just testing your character," I replied, content, which made Juno sensibly smile in response.

"Okay," she replied with a raised brow, confused.

"So anyway... do you need time to-," Nat said before I cut her off.

"No I'm good," I said.

"How about you?" I asked.

"I have everything, like you I'm good," she replied which I nod before I begin leading the way to our transport vehicle which is the same one we drove to get to the safehouse on our first day here.

"O-okay," she said as she follows beside me to the right since Kerson was on the left following.

"... you didn't question my opinion about you," she said as she glanced at me.

"Is it all bad?" I asked.

"Nope... plus it's not just an opinion," she replied.

"Oh, that's good then... I expected less," I replied, content.

"You're hard on yourself," she comments.

"... If you only knew," I replied, impulsively.

"Knew what?" she asked as she looked at me.

"My unpleasant history," I replied.

After a brief moment of silence between us...

"... Kozlov, you're... you're the most genuine and upright man I've ever met in the apocalypse," she said.

"I strive to be-" I said before she cut me off.

"That's not all, I... I-I liked to... correction, I want us to... be more than just... comrades," she said.

"... this is too much, can you make it so that-" I said in mind intended for Juno before she cut me off.

"Nope," Juno said which made me frown, annoyed.

"... I'll give my answer when... this is all done," I replied intended for Nat which she bit her lip in response before she then suddenly grabbed my right hand in a firm grip hence making me stop, she then spoke.

"You-... make it impossible not to fall for you... I confess, I-... I understand that you need some time since this may be sudden for you... but just know that I'm willing, absolutely willing to go a step further with you," she said as she looked at me intently hence I noticed her eyes dilate a bit.

"I don't give a damn if we'll face adversity and shit... I really want you," she continued before stepping closer to me.

"... thank you for understanding Nat," I replied with a nod which made her blush then hug me in response, meanwhile as my guilt began to kindle.

"I... I love you Koz," she said, genuinely which added more to my anger for myself and Juno.

"... I hate everything, most especially you Juno," I said in mind, sad for Nat and really angry at Juno who's smirking in response, while I return Nat's hug as my reply to what she just said.

After some time, eventually...

It lasted long but we've unsurprisingly succeeded in taking down the Peacekeepers, although Kerson and her troops including Peirce at this point were despawned out of sight from anybody since this is the end of my Journey with Nat... I was currently on my way to leave the compound by this point, intending to be gone before any of them realize I'm not present... there were only a few people left at the end of the conflict, but fortunately those who were the good ones, they're trustworthy and especially reliably genuine, more so in being actually altruistic which had me surprised... I also wanted to leave immediately because I didn't want to confront Nat about the development of our relationship... this would've been trivial if Juno didn't decide to make me journey ourselves out of this compound, risking the likelihood or potential to be found or detected... unluckily she suspected this or saw my intentions.

"I knew it," she said which surprised and startled me hence I stopped before I looked at her.

"... knew what?" I asked.

"You're already taken aren't you, you already have someone?" she asked looking at me, deeply saddened and hurt by this concept.

"No, I'm not," I replied.

"Oh, so I'm just not good enough for you," she said, heartbroken.

"That's never been it or anything relevant to relationship... It's just best if I don't for the sake of us both-," I said before she cut me off.

"Weren't you listening to me back then!? I said I don't care if we face adversity and shit, I want you, I want you Koz," she said.

"... I don't have this disposition to be altruistic because I wanted to have something or someone... I deserved and earned nothing," I said which made her close her eyes and ball her fists, emotional, sick of me being self-deprecating and sad.

"I doubt that you think I'm entirely good or innocent which is fortunate, because you're right and I'm happy for that, truly... although I strive to be... Nat you deserve better and believe it or not, I'm absolutely no better," I continued.

"You are better-," she said before I cut her off.

"Which is unsurprising for you to conclude considering the times we've spent together, in your position I can imagine myself saying that too," I said.

"You're killing me Koz," she said, depressed by my persistence.

"I know... you should've just let me go," I replied, saddened that it has to come to this.

"And be tortured by the thought that you left me for unknown reasons? Fuck no!" she replied, displeased by that notion.

"I haven't failed you yet about informing you about things, evidently proven... now trust my words again when I say that I am not worth it," I continued.

"Is that why you wander, alone?" she asked as she opened her eyes and looked back at me which I nod.

... tears then begin flowing down her face and unsurprisingly I'm melancholic or absolutely depressed by this... I never intended to hurt her like this, she's depressed and really hurt by this point... she then hastily walks towards me then ran, once close she lunged to hug me which I return, she then spoke.

"Stay, please stay... you can always improve, more so with me by your side, please trust me... I can prove it to you, let me help you because I can, please," she said pleadingly as she continues to cry and hold me close as if I'll cease to exist if she doesn't.

"I... I can't and I shouldn't," I replied, sensibly sad.

"Why?" she asked as she pulled away a bit to look me straight in my eyes.

After a bit of silence between us as we stare at each other...

"... *sigh* Nat, give me your hand," I said which she complied with, meanwhile Juno sensibly grin in response to my intentions.

Holding her left hand, I then anomalously shared to her memories, the duration was only a couple of seconds but adequate, intended to explain why, this was also intended to convince her that it's best if she let me go and forget about me... unsurprisingly, she pulled back away from me, she was conflicted and further saddened.

"No... no this is just a trick of yours," she said, wanting to deny what I've evidently shared which I shook my head a bit in response.

"... those are all real, I'm sorry... especially if I ruined what good opinion is left-" I said before she cut me off.

"But that doesn't mean you can't change, I believe in you, please let me help you," she said taking a step closer towards me, whilst looking at me intently, pleadingly and longingly.

"Times up Haunt, say your final words before we go," Juno said.

"... there are things beyond control besides I've always been hopeless, it's time for me to go comrade, I'll remember you," I said, depressed to leave her like this.

"No please stay!" she pleadingly said as she lunged to then hug me again, intending to keep me in place.

"I don't want you to go," she continued, depressed, which was beginning to break me, more so that she's crying.

Juno then teleported me away, I found myself surrounded by nature, once again somewhere in the wilderness... I was still perturbed in mind of what happened between me and Nat which Juno respects for the moment by quietly waiting for me to adjust in mind.

After a moment of silence between us as I stare ahead, unsure what to feel nor do...

"All that was just me testing you again," Juno said, which I didn't respond to.

"Haunt?" she asked.

"... you fucking suck," I replied as my contempt for her kindled which made her sensibly smile.

"Glad to have you back, you had me worried there," she replied.

"Bullshit," I replied, sternly, which made her giggle before smirking.

"Walk and talk?" she asked hence I let out a depressing sigh before I begin walking onwards to nowhere in particular.

After a brief moment of silence between us, while I walk, perturbed in mind...

"Nat truly fell for you, she'll feel incomplete without you but in the grand scheme of things she'll achieve notably many great things, especially since you taught her a lot... you've made a reliable hero this day, you're her inspiration after all," she said, genuinely.

"... it wasn't only me who made that outcome possible," I replied referring to her which made her smile.

"Oh right," she replied before sensibly grinning.

"... to be honest, I had my doubts that you aren't misaligned, especially because of what happened after I upgraded you during the Baseline incident," she admits.

"Plus we both know it's not entirly that," she adds.

"... why'd you keep it or leave it actively set?" I asked, curious, also confused upon thinking about it more.

"Although it added to risks and complications potentially inconvenient for me... I wanted to make things interesting, plus it's also sort of a test of character... besides, otherwise, the value of us being together wouldn't be the same," she replied, genuinely.

"... no comment," I replied, unsure what to say and feel in response.

"Just for that, I won't bug you about this unsurprisingly developed likelihood between you and Nat," she said.

"Although someone's gonna be cautious as a result of that," she continued before smirking, referring to Hesh.

"Like it'll matter in the end for me," I retort which made her sensibly frown and avert her attention, affected by choice of words and thoughts all of a sudden.

After a moment of silence between us as I quietly introspect...

"Anyway, how come?" she asked referring to my anomalous means of sharing the contents of my mind.

"... I learned it from you," I replied as I tapped the side of my head.

"... I just needed some time and the repetition," I add which made her sensibly smile.

"... I'm impressed," she admits before sensibly grinning.

"It was never my intention," I replied which made her giggle.

"Can we lighten the mood?" she asked which made me frown.

"Can we?" I asked.

"Without you utilizing your effortless or anomalous means," I continued which made her smirk.

"Hmm... I'll make an effort, give me a moment," she said before sensibly smirking which I shrugged in response.

After a moment of silence between us...

"... you're set to be watered down," she comments.

"No shit," I replied as my loathe and contempt for her kindled a tad bit which made her grin then giggle.

"Fortunately you're tough and you treat it like this," Juno said before smirking.

"... treat it like what?" I asked, wanting her to finish the sentence.

"Letting your days go by, let the water hold me down, letting your days go by, water flowing underground, into the blue again, after the money is gone, once in a lifetime, water flowing underground," she sung which immediately made me chuckle and shook my head a bit, amused.

"Tell me, why is that?" she asked, sensibly smiling and content.

"... because there's a hole in my heart, where you've been, that's the start, now it goes on and on and on," I replied which made her grin, happy.

"Okay, how about this, spoiler this belongs to your favourite piece," she said.

"Okay," I replied which she smiled in response.

"It will take a while, to make you smile," she sings before she stopped, intended for me to finish it.

"Somewhere in these eyes I'm on your side," I completed it which made us both smile, although sad but in a way soothed.

"... fall back into place," I add, thinking about my damned fate this plane of existence set me for.

"Did I succeed?" she asked.

"I'm not sure if that's lighting the mood considering the ending... but since you manage to make me genuinely smile so yeah... I'll count it... currently sad but content," I replied which made her sensibly smile in response, content as well.

"I just felt like taking it into that direction, one that resonates with you," she said.

"... Haunt, can happiness be achieved without sadness?" she asked.

"... my opinion, no... but you already know that," I replied which made her sensibly smile, content.

"Subject to change?" she asked referring to my answer.

"Likely in the future, it depends," I replied.

"... what's with this dialogue by the way?" I asked.

"... there are a lot of people in this world that are better or stronger in their own way, but they aren't you, that's why you're special to me, personally," she said.

"If I wanted to be able to understand or experience melancholy... to be able to relate... to be human... I'd definitely pick you, I can guarantee Hesh has this reason as well," she adds.

"... do I really have that effect on you?" I asked, skeptical which made her sensibly smirk and look away.

"Yes," she said, genuinely.

"... I'll take your word for it," I replied.

"You're not a tool to me," she said in response to my thoughts, sensibly offended.

"Not just a tool?" I asked which she ignores.

"... anyway, as for-" she said before she stopped when at an instant everything was different.

"... can't be," Juno said sensibly worried referring to where we are now.

"What the f-," I meanwhile said in response before I stopped myself, surprised.

"What's this place?" I asked as I looked around and unholster my combat shovel in preparation to defend or fight.

... her fear and nervousness was sensible which was concerning or worrisome... the place was desolate and barren, notably the sky was blood red and sensibly off... moreover the sense of this madness energy was really potent everywhere lastly my sense of danger was going off in every direction... suddenly I then felt something off, something missing within me, that's where I knew Juno was gone.

"Juno?" I impulsively asked, while unpleasant memories and whispers of familiar voices begin to creep in my mind.

"Iris where are we?" I asked, sensibly unsettled as I look around my surroundings to see that there are an abundance of rock formations all around us.

"Somewhere... in... Nevada," she replied with some glitchy discrepancies, but was sensibly worried.

"Where's Juno?" I asked, unfortunately this is when her sayings were entirely intelligible and glitchy that she muted herself.

"I don't know," she replied in my mind.

Suddenly somewhere in front I sense this distinct level of danger... unfortunately for me it's timing was on point plus its speed... these several chains which anomalously spawned out from a nearby rock hit me which penetrated my body armor and because of the force of impact I was knocked back.

... the chains were embedded in my body, specific in my chest or torso... the pain was horrific, even just breathing made me want to die because of the pain... I immediately let go of my combat shovel to support my other hand that's holding onto one of the chains that's embedded within my chest... I intended to break the chains in two by hand but I couldn't, but desperately I kept on trying.

If it wasn't horrible yet I was then forcibly dragged towards the rock where these chains are originating from, albeit at a steady pace, adding to my suffering... the pieces of rock around and nearby the chains then fall off to reveal a surface nothing but absolute darkness or this ethereal material of Musou Black.

"Gave talk to me, you're hurting- no you're dying," Juno communicates in my mind via her anomalous means, genuinely worried.

... somehow it's because of this connection or link, it made it possible for me to be aware of the content within her mind or maybe it's because she allowed it... Juno was genuinely worried, fearful of losing me... let alone like this... meanwhile as I cease my intentions of trying to break free because of the overwhelming and horrific pain.

"... Gave Kozlov please say something you idiot!" she exclaims, sensibly afraid of losing me.

"I-... *pained wheeze* I-I'm sorry," I somehow managed to say with blood filled mouth, which sensibly horrified her as I began my attempts to resist being subjected to whatever to no avail.

"Don't give up Haunt, fight through the pain," Iris said in mind, sensibly afraid of losing me as I'm struggling to stay conscious and alive.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" she said, enraged, sensibly directed at the first Auditor.

"Gave hold on-... SEND HIM BACK!" she continued, genuinely and absolutely troubled and enraged, especially of losing me, as well as like this.

Her genuineness and conviction, also since my end is at reach I wanted or attempted to say something, but couldn't even reliably begin, even if I did manage to start it was ultimately unintelligible... fortunately, she's aware of the contents of my mind via our link, although I forgot about this temporarily, she knew what I wanted to say as my final words which was...

"You were all I had even when you're my enemy... you're realer compared to everything from my plane of existence... you're the only one... things could've been better but especially now I'm content... thank you for the good memories Juno".

I genuinely meant it too... I was depressed after my attempt since I was ultimately mumbling incoherently, but as a result of her sensible reaction to this I was reminded of our link, that she knows, which made me content, relieved that she at least knows... that best way I can describe her feelings in response to my intended last words was that... it broke her which was the first instance I'm fortunate to be aware of, to sensibly understand entirely, furthermore, she was absolutely melancholic or depressed... those emotions or reactions, let alone the level or in her ethereal case, the potency were obviously unfamiliar to me... those were the only things I was fixated or focused on before I unsurprisingly-

⟨Darkness⟩

⟨End of Recording⟩

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Next: Chapter 4 - "Frisson."