The day felt like a dream—a fragile, fleeting moment I wanted to hold onto forever.

It began with Bluey and Bingo in the living room, playing Just Dance as the morning sunlight streamed in. Bluey's movements were effortless, always a step ahead, her laughter filling the room as Bingo struggled to keep up. Despite her best efforts, Bingo could never beat her sister, but the competition didn't really matter. They both collapsed onto the couch, breathless and laughing, the kind of laughter that felt easy and natural like it used to.

Later, the family gathered around the dining table, sharing stories from when Bluey and Bingo were kids. Bandit leaned back in his chair, gesturing animatedly as he told the story about how they turned the backyard into a "desert island" and insisted on eating nothing but imaginary coconuts for hours. Chilli added in her own memories of the chaotic fort-building days when every blanket in the house would somehow end up draped across the furniture. Bluey chimed in with a few memories of her own, grinning as she recalled the silly games they used to play.

I just sat there, smiling, soaking it all in. I didn't even realize how much I'd missed this until now.

In the afternoon, they went to the mall as a family, strolling through stores without any real plan. Chilli and Bluey pointed out things they thought were cute, while Bandit cracked bad jokes that made Bingo roll her eyes—though she couldn't help but laugh at a few of them. They stopped at a small café for drinks, the four of them squeezed around a table, chatting and laughing. Bingo found herself watching them more than she joined in, trying to memorize every detail—the way Chilli's hand rested lightly on Bandit's arm, the way Bluey's eyes sparkled when she spotted something funny in the café window.

I didn't want this to end. I could almost convince myself I belonged here again.

Almost.

As the day died down, they returned home and decided to watch a movie. The couch barely fit all four of them, but they made it work, settling under a blanket together. The TV's soft glow lit up the room as they passed popcorn back and forth, the sound of quiet laughter and gentle breathing filling the air. At some point, Bluey rested her head on Bingo's shoulder, and Bingo stayed perfectly still, afraid to break the moment.

For the first time in so long, I wasn't Knives. I wasn't the bounty hunter or the killer. I was just Bingo.

A daughter.

A sister.

It was perfect.

And I loved every single second of it. But Archer is out there, and no matter how hard I try to forget, I know I can't stay. I have to leave. I have to keep them safe.

But before I go… I have to tell Bluey.

I have to.

….

"Isn't it just nice, Bingo? Walking together like we used to do?" Bluey asked, her voice soft with nostalgia as the two sisters strolled through the quiet streets, just a few blocks away from their house. The evening air was cool, and the sky above was a deepening shade of gray, heavy with clouds that promised rain at any moment.

"Yeah," Bingo replied with a small chuckle, glancing up at the sky as a faint drizzle began to fall. "Though looks like we might get caught in the drizzle. Some wonderful Christmas weather, eh?" she added, her tone light as she cast a sideways grin at her sister.

"Heh, yeah," Bluey quipped back, her smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Just what I've always dreamed of—rain and humidity for the holidays."

The sisters walked in an easy rhythm, their footsteps falling into sync as they continued down the dimly lit street. Despite the looming storm clouds and the slight chill in the air, there was a warmth between them—a familiarity that felt like coming home.

Neither of them dressed festively this time around. It wasn't that kind of evening. Bingo wore her usual practical attire: a black tank top paired with tan sweatpants and black sneakers. Her look was simple, almost muted, the kind of thing that blended into the background.

Bluey, on the other hand, was a splash of color and life, as always. She wore a pink graphic T-shirt tucked into a pair of denim shorts, her feet clad in casual white sandals. They couldn't have looked more different, yet the contrast only seemed to highlight their bond.

Bingo's phone buzzed faintly in her hand as it played "I Wish for the Rain" by Liana Flores, the soft, melancholic melody drifting into the cool air:

"I wish for the rain whenever you go,

And I'm digging my grave after the show…

Only drifting away…"

The music was quiet, almost like a gentle hum beneath their conversation, but it filled the silence between words in a way that felt strangely perfect. The lyrics wrapped around Bingo's thoughts like a second skin, making her chest ache with a feeling she couldn't quite name.

"This song," Bluey spoke after a moment, tilting her head slightly as she listened. "It's kinda sad, isn't it? But… it's pretty."

"Yeah… it is," Bingo murmured, her voice quieter now. She didn't elaborate, didn't let her thoughts spill out. She couldn't. The song was beautiful, yes—but it was also everything she felt in this moment and everything she couldn't bring herself to say. Weird how this song set the tone.

Bluey glanced at her sister, noticing the way Bingo's gaze seemed far away like she was somewhere else entirely. "You've been a little out of it lately," she said gently. "What's going on, Bingo? you know you can talk to me."

Bingo froze for a heartbeat, her breath catching in her throat. Her fingers tightened slightly around her phone, the music still playing softly.

What do I even say?

Bingo thought, her mind racing.

The weight of what she knew—the danger, the secrets—was almost unbearable.

But she couldn't tell Bluey... Not yet.

"Nothing," she finally said, forcing a smile as she looked over at her sister. "Just… being back here. It's a little overwhelming, I guess?"

Bluey studied her for a moment, her expression softening. "Well, I'm glad you're here. I've missed this, y'know?.. Just you and me, walking and talking like we used to."

Bingo's heart twisted at those words, a pang of guilt cutting through her. She wanted to savor this moment, this rare bit of normalcy with her sister. But deep down, she knew it wouldn't last. She knew what was coming.

The drizzle began to fall a little heavier now, the soft patter of raindrops joining the song on her phone. Bluey laughed, tilting her face up toward the sky as the rain dotted her fur. "Guess it's not a drizzle anymore!"

Bingo managed a laugh, though it felt hollow in her chest. Her eyes stayed on Bluey, watching her smile in the rain. She wished she could bottle this moment, freeze time, and stay here forever. Because she knew—she knew—that this fragile peace was about to shatter.

As the rain soaked through their fur and the song reached its final notes, Bingo's thoughts were loud and relentless.

She doesn't know

Bingo thought, her chest tightening.

And when she does, it'll never be the same.

"Bluey…" Bingo spoke softly, her voice barely carrying above the faint patter of rain on the pavement. She stopped walking, gently grabbing her sister's hand to make her turn and face her. "…I've gotta go back to Melbourne."

Bluey's smile faltered, her cheerful expression dissolving into something more fragile, more uncertain. Her ears dipped slightly as she looked at Bingo, confusion clouding her features. "What…? Bingo, you just got here. You've been gone for ages, and now you're leaving again? You can't go back! You haven't even spent Christmas with us yet.."

Bingo swallowed hard, her gaze darting away. She couldn't meet Bluey's eyes—not when they were so full of hope and hurt. "I… I know," she muttered, her voice cracking slightly. "But…" She hesitated, searching for the right words, the ones that would hurt the least.

Just tell her. Tell her right here, right now.

She clenched her fists briefly before releasing a shaky breath. "…Something urgent came up at the office, and they need me back," Bingo finally said, her voice strained. "I'm gonna pack my things and head out tomorrow morning."

The lie felt like shards of glass in her throat.

Bluey studied her sister for a long moment, her expression shifting from sadness to quiet suspicion. The way Bingo avoided her gaze, the slight tremble in her voice—it wasn't like her.

"You don't work at an office, do you, Bingo?"

Bingo froze. Her eyes widened just slightly before flicking back to Bluey. "…What?"

Bluey's voice trembled now, but her words were steady, deliberate. "Sis… that look in your eye…" She paused, her lips pressing into a thin line before continuing, "Most people I know, they've got a little twinkle in their eyes. You know, that spark. But you? That twinkle's gone."

Bingo's breath hitched.

"Your eyes are dull," Bluey said, her voice tightening. "And that tells me something's happened to you. Something you're not telling me.."

Oh my god.

Bingo's heart thudded painfully in her chest. Her pulse roared in her ears as she tried to think of something—anything—to say. But before she could speak, Bluey stepped closer, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Talk to me, Bingo." Bluey pleaded, her tone equal parts anger and pain. "Tell me what job is so important—so… life-draining and secretive—that it's made you want to leave your family again. What job is more important than us? Because it feels like I'm losing you all over again…"

Bingo flinched at her sister's words, the guilt in her chest twisting tighter with each syllable. Their eyes locked, and at that moment, Bingo could see the hurt swirling in Bluey's gaze.

It wasn't just confusion or sadness—it was betrayal.

"My coffee's getting colder while I wonder where you've gone…

Better off alone than be a fool in the rain, hoping you'll come by…"

The soft lyrics of "I Wish for the Rain" played faintly from Bingo's phone, the melancholic melody weaving through the tense silence between them.

But the song only made it worse.

Bingo's chest felt heavy, the weight of her secret pressing down on her like a storm cloud. She could barely bring herself to breathe, let alone speak. Bluey's words cut deeper than any blade ever had, because she was right.

I'm hurting her… I'm hurting her by hiding the truth.

"I…" Bingo started, her voice breaking. She wanted to say something, to explain, but the words lodged in her throat like stones. "Bluey.. I.."

Damn it, say something!

Bluey sighed and took a step back, her shoulders sagging. She looked smaller now, almost defeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "You've changed, Bingo.. the ways you've been acting around us, the way you've been carrying yourself, the secret that you're keeping from me, your sister.. it's… it's like.. it's like.. I don't even know you anymore..."

The rain fell harder now, the steady rhythm growing louder against the pavement, but Bingo barely noticed. Droplets streaked down her face, blending with the tears she couldn't hold back any longer.

Bluey's words cut deeper than any blade ever had. They echoed in her mind, tearing at the fragile wall she had built around herself.

I can't… I can't keep doing this.

"You…" Bingo's voice wavered, barely audible over the rain. Her eyes stayed fixed on the ground, her shoulders trembling as she fought to find the courage. "You wanna know why… why I've changed?"

Bluey blinked, startled by the raw, shaky tone in her sister's voice. The air between them felt heavier now, almost suffocating.

Bingo slowly lifted her head, meeting Bluey's wide, shimmering eyes with her own dull, haunted ones. The words came out quietly, but each syllable hit like thunder.

"I've changed because I'm a bounty hunter," Bingo admitted, her tone soft but weighted with years of pain. "A professional killer."

Bluey's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat. She stared at Bingo, searching her sister's face for any sign of hesitation, of a joke. But there was none.

Only grief. Only truth.

The silence between them was deafening.

"I…" Bingo's voice cracked as she struggled to continue, her hands trembling at her sides. "I never told anyone because… because I didn't want anyone to get hurt because of me" Her tears fell freely now, blurring her vision, but she didn't care. "I didn't want you guys to look at me like some kind of freak. I thought… I thought I could keep you safe by staying away, but—"

She choked on her words, gasping for breath as the floodgates burst open. "It tore me apart, Bluey! Watching as I drifted further and further from you all… I missed you! I missed spending time with you, with Mum and Dad. I missed being innocent. I missed being… being normal!"

Her voice cracked again, and she clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

"But now?" she continued, her tone rising in despair. "Now I've seen and done things that no girl my age should ever have to do! I've taken lives, Bluey. I've done terrible, awful things. And I…" Her voice broke into a sob, her shoulders shaking violently. "I'm a monster, Bluey. I've become a monster, and I…"

Bingo's legs felt like they would give out beneath her. She covered her face with her hands, unable to bear the weight of her own words. "I don't even know who the fuck I am anymore." Her voice was barely above a whisper now, hoarse and full of anguish.

For a moment, there was nothing but the sound of the rain.

Then, suddenly, warmth.

Bluey stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Bingo, pulling her into a soft embrace. Bingo froze for a second, her breath hitching in surprise.

"You're not a monster," Bluey whispered, her voice trembling but firm. "You're my sister. My little sister. And I'll love you no matter what you do, Bingo."

Bingo's walls shattered completely as she melted into Bluey's arms, her sobs muffled against her sister's shoulder. Bluey held her tighter, her own tears streaming down her face as she whispered again,

"No matter what.. I promise..I'll always love you, Bingo."

The rain continued to fall, but at that moment, it didn't matter. For the first time in what felt like forever…

Bingo wasn't carrying the weight alone.

The rain continued to pour, streaking down their faces, mixing with tears they no longer tried to hide. Bingo and Bluey remained in each other's arms, the world around them fading into nothing but the warmth of their embrace. Their clothes were soaked, their fur clinging to their bodies, but neither cared. At that moment, nothing else mattered—just the connection between two sisters who had finally laid their walls bare.

I feel so much… lighter

Bingo thought, the weight on her chest lifting with every tear she shed.

After all this time, I finally told her… and she didn't push me away.

For the first time in what felt like forever, a sense of peace washed over Bingo.

I feel… blessed. Blessed to have a sister like Bluey.

I don't feel so alone anymore.

Bluey gently pulled back from the hug, her red-rimmed eyes locking onto Bingo's. She sniffled and smiled softly, reaching up to wipe the tears from Bingo's face with a trembling hand.

"It's okay, Bingo," Bluey said, her voice steady despite the emotion behind it. "You don't have to carry this by yourself anymore, okay? You've got me."

Bingo blinked, her heart swelling with a bittersweet warmth. Slowly, she nodded, a small, genuine smile tugging at the corners of her lips. For a moment, she almost felt like her old self again, the girl she used to be before her life spiraled into chaos.

"Let's…" Bingo sniffled and wiped at her face, glancing around at their drenched surroundings. "Let's get out of here. We're soaked," she chuckled weakly, trying to lighten the mood.

Bluey let out a soft laugh, nodding as she tucked a strand of her wet fur behind her ear. "Yeah… Mum'll probably yell at us for tracking water into the house."

The sisters shared a small, quiet laugh, ready to head back home, but just as they turned to leave—

…

From a distant rooftop, perched in the shadows, Archer watched the scene unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Rain slid off his hood as he adjusted the angle slightly, the faint glow of his scope catching in the dim light. His one visible eye narrowed with a smirk.

"Aww, how touching." Archer muttered to himself, his tone dripping with mockery. "Family reunions… always a treat."

He flexed his finger, moving it over the trigger, lining up the perfect shot. The crosshairs centered on the unsuspecting sisters.

"Happy holidays, Knives." he sneered, pulling the trigger.

BANG.

The shot rang out, piercing through the rainfall like a scream.

…

Bluey froze, her body jolting slightly. Her eyes widened in shock, confusion clouding her gaze. Slowly, she looked down at her shoulder, where blood blossomed across the fabric of her pink shirt like a crimson flower.

Bingo stood there, in complete shock. Her eyes widened and her pupils dilated.

"B-Bluey…" Bingo stammered, her voice trembling as her wide, horrified eyes locked onto her sister.

Bluey opened her mouth to speak, but instead, a wet gurgle escaped as blood trickled from her lips. She stumbled forward, her legs giving way beneath her as she crumpled to the ground.

"BLUEY!" Bingo screamed, her voice raw with panic and fear. She dropped to her knees, catching her sister before she hit the wet pavement. "No… no, no, no! Jesus Christ, NO!"

Bluey's body was limp in Bingo's arms, her breathing shallow as blood seeped from her wound, pooling around them. Bingo's hands frantically pressed against the injury, her heart pounding as she screamed into the rain.

"Stay with me Bluey, stay with me! Please.. please don't close your eyes.."

The sound of the rain drowned out everything else, but Archer's cruel smirk lingered in the distance, unseen by Bingo as her world shattered in an instant.

The red heeler frantically looked around, her breathing heavy and panicked as she started to lose herself.

The rain pounded harder now, masking the sound of Bingo's ragged breaths as she cradled Bluey's limp body in her arms. Blood soaked through her hands, staining her tan sweatpants and pooling in the cracks of the pavement. The sight of her sister, barely conscious, tore at Bingo's heart like a blade, sharper than any weapon she'd ever wielded.

"Oh my fucking god.." Bingo's voice trembled as tears mixed with the rain streaking down her face. She pressed her palms harder against the wound on Bluey's shoulder, desperately trying to stop the bleeding. "Bluey, stay with me! Don't.. don't you dare leave me, you hear me? You…" Her eyes teared up more, "You can't.."

Bluey's eyes fluttered weakly, her lips parting as if to speak, but only a soft gurgle escaped, tinged with blood. Bingo's heart raced, panic setting in as her breaths came in shallow gasps.

She needed help. Bad.

"HELP! …. HELP ME!" Bingo's voice cracked as she screamed into the empty street, her desperation echoing off the surrounding buildings. "Somebody, PLEASE! I NEED HELP!"

She looked down at Bluey, her hands shaking as she tried to keep pressure on the wound. "You're gonna be okay, you hear me? You're gonna be fine, Bluey. Just—just keep your eyes on me." Her voice faltered, breaking under the weight of her emotions.

Bluey's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, her soft, trembling voice barely audible over the rain. "B-Bingo…"

"No, don't talk! Save your strength!" Bingo snapped, though her tone was laced with fear, not anger. She glanced around frantically, searching for anyone who might help, but the streets were eerily empty. She felt so exposed, so powerless…

Nothing like the skilled bounty hunter she was in Melbourne.

I can't do this alone. I can't lose her. Not her. Please, someone… anyone…

She screamed again, her voice raw and hoarse. "H-HELP ME! PLEASE! MY SISTER'S BEEN SHOT!"

Bingo leaned closer to Bluey, her hands trembling as she stroked her sister's face. "..I've got you," she whispered, more to reassure herself than Bluey. "I've got you, Bluey... You're not going anywhere, You hear me!?"

Bluey coughed weakly, her pink shirt now completely soaked with crimson. "Sister…" she murmured, her voice faint but steady. "No matter… what…" She coughed more blood.

Bingo let out a broken sob, shaking her head as she choked on her own tears. "Stop talking like that! You're not dying Bluey! You're not!" She pressed her forehead against her sister's, her tears falling onto Bluey's fur. "Just hold on, okay? Just hold the fuck on…" She called out again, her own throat hurting, "HELP!"

As if a miracle had descended amidst the chaos, a shadowed figure emerged through the pouring rain. A German shepherd man—middle-aged, dressed in a simple raincoat—hesitated when he caught sight of the scene before him. His face twisted with shock, but his instincts took over as he rushed closer.

"Oh my God… What happened here!?" he exclaimed, his voice trembling as he knelt beside Bingo.

Bingo, drenched and shaking, barely looked up. "Please… please call an ambulance!" she cried, her voice cracking under the weight of her desperation. "She's been shot! She's dying!"

The man fumbled for his phone, quickly dialing as he glanced at Bluey's blood-soaked body and Bingo's tear-streaked face. "Hang on, I'm calling—stay with her, okay? Help's on the way!"

Bingo nodded frantically, her hands never leaving Bluey's wound, even as her grip weakened from exhaustion. "Bluey, they're coming. You hear that? Help's coming," she whispered, leaning close to her sister's face. Bluey's eyes fluttered faintly, but she didn't respond.

Soon, as if the commotion had stirred the quiet street awake, more people began to gather. A few onlookers stepped forward cautiously, their faces reflecting a mixture of horror and concern. Someone held an umbrella over Bingo, shielding her from the rain, while another attempted to offer her comfort.

"Move back, everyone!" a voice called as the sound of sirens pierced through the downpour. The flashing red and blue lights reflected off the wet pavement, casting eerie shadows on the crowd. Two paramedics rushed forward, kneeling beside the sisters as Bingo reluctantly let go of Bluey.

"She's losing a lot of blood," one paramedic said urgently, pulling out medical supplies.

"Her pulse is weak but stable," the other confirmed. They worked quickly, stabilizing Bluey as Bingo sat frozen, her hands trembling and stained with blood.

"You're coming with us," one of the paramedics told Bingo, helping her into the ambulance alongside Bluey.

The ride to the hospital felt like an eternity. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor filled the tense silence, each sound was a fragile reminder that Bluey was still alive—barely. Bingo sat beside her, gripping her sister's hand as tears continued to spill down her cheeks.

"Stay with me, Bluey…," Bingo whispered, her voice barely audible over the chaos in her mind. "I can't… I won't lose you…"

….

The hours bled together, the sterile white walls of the hospital room blending into the overwhelming haze of exhaustion and grief. Bingo sat by Bluey's side, her chair pulled as close to the bed as possible. She hadn't moved in hours, her fingers curled tightly around Bluey's hand. Bluey lay motionless in the bed, her face pale, her chest rising and falling slowly. The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor was a cruel reminder of how close she had come to silence.

When Mum and Dad arrived earlier, the anguish on their faces was unbearable. Chilli gasped, she covered her mouth with trembling hands as her eyes filled with tears. Bandit, normally so composed, had clutched the doorframe for support before rushing to his daughter's bedside. Their whispered reassurances to Bluey, though meant to comfort, only added to Bingo's guilt.

The family poured in one by one as word spread. Uncle Stripe and Aunt Trixie arrived, followed closely by Muffin and Socks. Even Radley and Frisky stopped by, Radley's jaw clenched tightly, his emotions buried beneath a thin veneer of strength while Frisky was horrified. Each of them tried to speak to Bingo, but she was unreachable, her gaze fixed on Bluey as if willing her to wake up.

Bluey shouldn't have survived. The doctor had said as much. The special-grade bullet had been designed to do maximum damage, leaving shards of metal embedded in her shoulder and chest. But by some miracle—Bluey would live.

She would survive, but recovery would be long and painful.

Hours passed, and the room gradually emptied. Family members trickled out one by one, murmuring reassurances to Bingo as they left. Eventually, only Bandit, Chilli, and Bingo remained.

Chilli stood near the door, arms crossed over her chest as she exchanged a look with Bandit, who was sitting on the couch, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

"Bingo…" Chilli's voice was soft but firm, breaking the heavy silence in the room.

Bingo didn't respond. She sat stiffly in the chair, her eyes glued to Bluey's face. Her sister's fur was pale, almost ghostly, and the sight of the IV line running into her arm made Bingo's chest ache. She gripped Bluey's hand tightly, as if letting go might cause her to slip away.

"Bingo," Chilli repeated, stepping closer. "Sweetheart, you've been here for hours. You need to take a break. You haven't eaten, and—"

"I'm not leaving her side." Bingo interrupted sharply, her voice low but resolute.

Bandit sighed, pushing himself up from the couch. "Bingo, we know how much you care about her, but you have to let the doctors do their job. Staying here won't make her heal faster."

Bingo finally turned to look at her parents, her eyes red-rimmed and hollow. The bloodstains on her clothing—Bluey's blood—had dried into dark patches, and her face was pale from exhaustion. "I can't leave her," she said, her voice trembling. "Not yet. You two go. Get something to eat or drink... Please."

Chilli hesitated, glancing at Bandit for guidance, but he shook his head softly. "Bingo, we're not asking you to leave forever. Just step out with us for a little while. She needs rest, and you do too."

Bingo's grip on Bluey's hand tightened. She looked down at her sister, her voice barely a whisper. "Give me thirty more minutes. That's all I'm asking... Please."

Chilli knelt beside her daughter, placing a gentle hand on Bingo's shoulder. "We'll give you thirty minutes, honey. But then you have to let us take care of you too, okay? Bluey wouldn't want you to hurt yourself over this."

Bingo nodded weakly, the fight draining out of her as she looked at Bluey's still face again. The beeping of the machines continued to fill the room, a haunting melody that wrapped around her heart like a vice.

"…Just thirty more minutes," Bingo whispered, holding onto her sister's hand as if it was the only thing keeping her grounded.

Chilli and Bandit had silently left the room, their footsteps soft but heavy with sorrow. The door closed behind them with a faint click, leaving Bingo alone with Bluey once more.

God… why her? Why not me? Why not me, damn it?

Bingo's fists clenched tightly in her lap as her emotions churned violently. Anger boiled under the surface, gnawing at her chest. She stared at Bluey's pale face, the machines around her beeping in an almost mocking rhythm. Every sound was a reminder of her failure. She was a bounty hunter, someone trained to protect and fight—and yet, when it mattered most, she hadn't been able to save her sister.

"I failed you," she whispered, her voice trembling with rage and guilt.

The room was suffocatingly quiet until a soft voice broke through.

"Hey."

Bingo's head snapped up. Standing in the doorway was Judo, her usual confident demeanor softened by the weight of the situation. The chow chow stepped into the room, her eyes darting to Bluey's unconscious form. A flicker of pain crossed her face as she took in the sight of her friend lying lifeless on the hospital bed.

"…Why are you here?" Bingo asked flatly, her voice lacking warmth. Her gaze dropped back to Bluey, unwilling to meet Judo's eyes.

"Bluey's my friend," Judo replied, her tone gentle but steady. "And I came to see her."

Silence settled over the room like a thick fog. Neither of them spoke for what felt like minutes, the tension hanging heavy in the air.

Bingo finally broke it, her voice sharp and bitter. "If you don't have anything on Archer… you can leave." Her jaw tightened, and she shook her head, the venom in her words undeniable. "I'm going to rip him limb from limb."

Judo's expression hardened, though she didn't snap back. "…I'd do the same," she admitted, her voice calm but firm. "But this isn't my fight. it's yours to handle... but I'm going to help you win it, to an extent."

Bingo raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued despite herself. "How?"

Judo sighed, stepping closer to the bed. "I have information on where Archer might be. He's still in Brisbane. There's a party tonight—one of those underground gatherings for bounty hunters. His name is on the guest list."

Bingo narrowed her eyes at Judo, suspicion flickering across her face. "How do you know that?"

Judo smirked faintly, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I have my resources." she said simply. Her gaze shifted back to Bluey, softening again. "Look, I know how you feel right now, and I get it. But you can't stay here forever, Knives. Bluey needs time to heal. And while she's doing that, you need to take care of business."

Bingo's grip on Bluey's hand tightened. Her voice was quieter this time, tinged with doubt. "You're asking me to leave her.."

"I'm asking you to do what you do best," Judo replied, her voice carrying an edge of urgency. "Bring the fight to Archer and every single one of those Black Widows. They crossed a line, Knives. And you can't let them think they'll get away with it."

Bingo looked down at Bluey, her resolve wavering. For a moment, she felt like that innocent little girl again, the one who used to look up to her big sister for everything.

But that girl was gone, buried under years of blood and violence. Slowly, she let out a shaky breath and released Bluey's hand, her fingers trembling.

"…Send me the details about the party," she said quietly, her voice hardening with determination. "I'll be there. Guest or not."

Judo nodded, her expression serious. "You've got it." She hesitated, her gaze flickering back to Bluey. "…I'm sorry, Knives. For everything."

"Don't," Bingo said sharply, cutting her off. Her voice cracked slightly as she gestured toward Bluey. "It's not your fault. It's mine. I should've gotten out when you told me to… and now look." Her hand fell back to her lap, clenched into a fist. "But now? Now I've got to get even. For her."

Judo's voice softened again. "And you will, Knives… you will."

"…You can call me Bingo," the red heeler replied, her voice quieter, almost hesitant.

Judo's eyes widened slightly, caught off guard. She had known Bingo for some time now, but she had never seen her let go of the hardened mask of Knives.

For a moment, Judo said nothing, her gaze softening as she realized the weight of what Bingo had just said.

"Alright, Bingo." Judo said, at last, her tone gentler than before.

The two stood in silence for a moment, their eyes fixed on Bluey's still form. The steady beeping of the machines filled the room, a sharp reminder of her fragility. The tension was suffocating, each beep seeming louder than the last.

Bingo shifted in her chair, her hand still resting on Bluey's. Her gaze lingered on the faint rise and fall of her sister's chest as if that movement was the only thing anchoring her in this storm of emotions. She took a slow, shaky breath, her mind warring between staying by Bluey's side and chasing the vengeance burning in her heart.

When the thirty minutes were up, Bingo rose from her chair. Her legs felt like they were weighed down by lead, but her resolve had hardened. She gently let go of Bluey's hand, her fingertips lingering for a moment longer than necessary.

Judo followed her to the door, the soft click of their footsteps echoing in the sterile hospital room. The door closed quietly behind them, but to Bingo, it felt as if she were shutting the door on a part of herself.

"Bingo."

The red heeler paused in the hallway, turning to face Judo.

"Yeah?"

"I'll protect her while you're gone." Judo's voice was steady, her eyes unwavering as they met Bingo's.

Bingo stopped, her heart tightening at the simple promise. She studied Judo for a moment, searching her face for any hint of insincerity but found none. Slowly, a small smile tugged at her lips.

"…Thank you, Judo." Her voice was soft but filled with genuine gratitude.

Judo gave a firm nod, her expression resolute. For the first time in what felt like forever, Bingo felt like she wasn't entirely alone in this fight.

Soon, they both parted ways. Bingo headed back home with Chilli and Bandit…

The air outside the hospital felt different—colder, sharper. Bingo's heart pounded as she stepped into the night, looking up at the rising sun.

This wasn't just about vengeance anymore.

Now? It was personal.

….