Cutter watched anxiously as the medical team worked on removing the bullet from Kate's body.

He had brought her back to the castle to be treated by the royal medical team. She was an essential part in exterminating and detaining members of the Red Raven gang, and was granted permission by the King to be treated as a hero.

The room was black except for the operating table.

Don't die.

Cutter clenched his fists. If he had paid better attention to his surroundings; he would have noticed the leader. He had gotten overly cocky and it may have cost Kate her life.

He replayed the moment in his head repeatedly. Watching Kate stab the man, and then fall off of his body.

She had been shot somewhere around the stomach, which meant her chances of survival were low. She had also hit her head on the ground when she fell. If Kate were to die- Cutter would never forgive himself.

She had been trying to befriend him over for the past few months, and he continuously rejected her efforts. His paranoia prevented him from taking anything at face value. He would give in from time to time, but often met Kate's kindness with sarcasm or silence. He had walked her home to try and interpret exactly what his dream meant, but instead- the short moments together blossomed feelings within him that he'd never felt.

His status, upbringing, and job often left him without time for a relationship. But for her...maybe he would change that.

He stepped closer to see how the operation was progressing. Even under the oxygen mask and the stark operating light, he couldn't help but admit that he still found her beautiful. He always had, yet he never admitted it until now.

Live...please...

Cutter promised himself that if Kate were to live; he would return the kindness she deserved. He owed her his life after all.

"General Cutter". The main doctor removed his mask as he made his way over. "The wound is stable for now, but we're not done operating. Before we inject her with more sedative; perhaps you'd like to have a word with her? I understand we have detained one of the members who was hiding, but I highly suggest extracting as much information as you can, in case she..." He looked to the ground gravely; his actions telling Cutter all he needed to know. "The last dose of sedative may still be lingering, so do not panic if she seems somewhat loopy."

Cutter nodded. "Very well. Please have the team leave us for a moment."

The medical team left the room as Cutter took a seat, leaning towards Kate's face.

She woke up slowly, her face grimaced with pain.

"Cutter?" She smiled, a sense of relief seeming to come over her body. "I'm so glad you're alright. How are the others?!" She tried to move, but her body from her chest down was numbed.

Cutter chuckled. Here she was close to death and the first concerns she had were for others. "They're being looked after as we speak, and I'm alright thanks to you, kid." A look of worry came over Cutter, unsure of how to proceed. It was the first time he had shown any real emotion, but luckily for him- Kate had missed it.

Kate closed her eyes, the smile remaining on her face. "You're such an amazing fighter." She thought to how calm he seemed as the men attacked him. "You and Kaku are the most amazing fighters I've ever seen, and you even use the same techniques."

Cutter tilted his head in confusion. "Come again?"

Kate's eyes remained closed. "I heard you as you came down. You said 'shave'. It's something I've heard Kaku say as well. As soon as you both say it; you disappear and reappear out of nowhere." She tried to laugh, but it came out as a cough. "If I were as strong as you I-"

Her breaths became quiet and short. Cutter ran outside as the medical team rushed back in.

As much as he wanted to stay, there was something he needed to find out.

"I knew that punk looked familiar."

Kaku waited anxiously outside the castle gates. No matter how desperately he pleaded; they wouldn't let him inside. He was divising in his head how he would sneak inside. Unfortunately, he had no idea what the layout was, or where Kate was being kept.

Kate...

He was growing impatient. He had to know she was okay.

"Hey."

Cutter walked through the castle gates. Kaku felt his heart drop as he noticed the blood on him.

Is that Kate's?!

"I need to have a word with you."

Cutter lead Kaku to a quiet spot by the river. It was a place where royal guards disposed of bodies as it was away from the public eye, and the river flowed straight into the ocean at this point.

Kaku had his guard up, unsure of what was happening. "Where's Kate?" He knew that Cutter could tell him exactly what he wanted to know.

Cutter lit a cigarette, staring into the sky. "She's in the castle being operated. She was shot near the stomach and took a blow to the head. I'm not sure if she'll make it." He realised how blunt his answer was, but if Kaku was who he thought he was; he would be fine.

Kaku's expression didn't change, the shock seeming to paralyze him.

Cutter turned towards the younger man. "I'll let you see her...but on one condition." He stomped his cigarette out. "You have to be completely honest when I ask you this question, regardless of your morals." He stared Kaku down, ready to analyze him for any deception.

Kaku nodded. "Well then, what is it?" He would answer whatever questions Cutter had if it was the only way he could see Kate.

Cutter took a step closer to Kaku. "Which Cipher Pol are you from? I'm guessing 9." His face remained unchanged.

Kaku's eyes widened, taken aback by Cutter's question. "How...how did you know?" He began to panic. Did he know this whole time?!

Cutter scoffed. "I knew you were familiar. I was with Spandam when he was recruiting members for his CP9 team. I would have been part of it too, had I not been assigned to run CP1 here on this island." He laughed. "You know, you have a pretty memorable face for someone whose profession is deception."

Kaku was speechless. He never guessed that Cutter was a Cipher Pol member. What if he knew this whole time and had told Spandam about him and Kate?!

Cutter turned his back towards the shipwright. "Don't worry, I haven't talked to that idiot in years. But Kate doesn't know about any of this...does she?" He waited for an answer.

Kaku shook his head.

The general scoffed "You're playing a dangerous game, Kaku." He started to walk back towards the castle. "Don't worry. She saved my life, and I intend to do everything in my power to return the favor. I'll send someone for you as soon as she can take visitors... or I'll send someone to help you make...arrangements." He prayed that wouldn't be the case.

Kaku clenched his fists until they bled. ""Dammit ...". Blood dripped from Kaku's hands as he stood there. Helpless.