Hellborus Fields

by JillOfTrades

Summary:

A righteous officer, a deadly criminal, and a two-faced pulling all the strings.

Mirror (Simplified, no effects, no hover notes):
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Chapter 1

With the clacking of the wagon wheels over the stone road, dense smoke and dust emerged from each step that was taken and traversed.

The streets in a village nestled in the huge country of Russia was bustling with activity. Makeshift stands were on the side while salesman and saleswomen advertised with their voices. Fruits, milk, meat, tools-the length of the market on this road could go on and on. It was another busy day in a village full of supplies and riches. Kids running through each cracks that were made with the stands and the crowd, playing tag or whatever creative game they come up with on their minds.

...and it was just another patrolling day.

A very tall man, adorned with a uniform and small badge, walked and looked at each detail going on. His hair was sloppily tied up, and the color swirled with a mixture of lavender and pale white color-matching his skin tone. Luckily, the shoddy work was covered by his ushanka. While walking, he examined each stand with every glance made; to make sure there were no swindlers or robbers. He heard each word and chatter from the gossip on the streets, to make sure nothing was being planned or something was going on. He looked at every dark crevice and opening to make sure nothing shady was happening, like a cloaked woman punching a civilian to the ground and stealing a bag of money.

...Wait.

He snapped and looked back at the scene.

"Hey!"

His pace quickened as he curbed through the crowds. As he approached, voices and groans were heard.

"...maybe next time you won't falsely advertise your cheap junk." The woman with long hair put the bag of money in her coat and tightened her gloves. Her demeanor apparently matched her dark-blue hair.

"Halt!" The man said. In the alley, it was a dead end for her and the merchant that was lying on the ground.

The woman looked straight at him and scoffed, unamused.

"Oh goody. What rare sight to behold. An actual officer doing their job." she said. He approached her. "This isn't a fight you can't win. Just drop the rubles and things will be easier for you."

The woman was irritated and let out a sigh. "Funny. It's scum like you officers who make the job harder for us. Now, get out of the way."

She started walking towards him. The officer tried to apprehend her by grabbing her arm first...

...and was greeted back with a punch through his gut. He tried to tackle her, but she quickly backed away as he fell to the ground and jumped over him. She walked and stepped over him to get through. She turned back and looked at him, her middle finger extended.

"Be a smart boy and leave me alone."

"Krusveto?" The officer heard a voice.

"Hey, it's her again! Stop her!" Another voice spoke.

The woman looked both ways and noticed she was nearby a fruit stand. With brute force, she pulled one of the sticks, making the apples fall on the ground between her and the two men that attempted to corner her. She ran alongside the walls on the street to get away.

"After her! She-"

"Let's worry about our comrade first, Mikhail." The standing officer put a hand on the other man's shoulder. They brushed through the apples on the ground and head to help their fellow soldier.

With help from one another, they help up the man, who was called Krusveto.

"Are you alright, comrade?"

"Yes. It's been a while since an incident happened here." Krusveto said, brushing off the dirt from his uniform.

The other man laughed. "And of all of them, it had to be her, huh?"

"Igor..."

"Ah, Mikhail, don't be so serious. Dear friend," Igor continued as he looked at Krusveto. "Head down to headquarters and file a report. We'll meet and gather with the others to see if we can capture her. Think of it as...an easy break for you." he winked.

Krusveto's interest piqued at that statement, but he was right. He would need to head down below to file a report and follow up with the higher-ups.

"Will do."

As he walked onto the streets, he heard muttering from his colleagues.

"We can't fool around anymore. Citizens will catch on..."

"I know, I know. The streets are busy today. Let's handle this seriously this time..."

---

Krusveto walked through the busy streets and alleyways within the village. The further he walked, the less crowded the streets became. The smell of trickling water and soot lingered in the air as he walked in a cramped street with small living spaces. It was a one-way street, and like any law-abiding citizen, he went through the right direction-even if it meant it was an extra walk.

The officer came across some steps leading downward, making it seem like the small compartments in the area were just built above a tunnel. His boots made steps through the crampped stairs down below. He opened a wooden door, and it shook with the metal and chains attached to it.

Pale light from the day illuminated the winding tunnel Krusveto traversed. Some areas were illuminated with hanging lamps-some having their light flickering just like fireflies. The walls of steel made voices and noises echo around the tunnel. After passing few hallways and fellow colleagues that were chatting, he opened the door to an office.

"Krusveto."

"Lieutenant."

In front of Krusveto sat Lieutenant Piter, head of the police-force of the busy village. His suit was dark green and adorned with a higher-ranking badge. Krusveto had a past with him as a child. They always looked up to the police-force. While Krusveto only made it up to where he is now, Lieutenant Piter was able to climb to the top. As children, they shared secrets without consequences. However, times have changed and some things had to be left unspoken-albeit classified.

Piter smiled and chortled. "What happened to you? First incident in a while, and you come back to me with a face like that?"

Krusveto sighed. "That's why I am here, per order: reporting incidents immediately, including failed ones."

"Of course, of course." Piter said as he reached to take a manila folder. "So who kicked your ass this time?"

"Piter..." he said as he held the palm of his hand to his forehead.

"Ah, friend. Don't be like that. I'll skip the jokes for you. So, go on and continue."

"5th market street on the 1/2 alleyway. Subject was a woman with dark-blue hair and a long jacket. She was mugging a merchant. Got away with the rubles. Officers Igor and Mikhail were..."

"Hold on there...Rschvanya?"

"...Lieutenant?"

Piter let out a laugh that echoed the room. "No wonder you are coming in like a русалка. Vasil and Andrei just brought her in." He put the folder away and picked up another folder packed with papers-presumably of that Rschvanya woman. "Listen, the guard left and the other one is running late. While you file this, why don't you stand guard over there until then?"

"Standing guard for a criminal that defeated me? I'm not sure how to feel about that, Lieutenant Piter."

"It goes whatever way works in your favor, Krusveto. You can leave for the day once the other guard shows up."

He sighed. "Fine." He grabbed a pen from the desk and the folder from Piter and walked in a room, that had separate rooms of a group of cells.

He opened the file and looked through it as he was walking down the corridors of cells, the metal floor clacking and echoing. The criminals he passed by were either young punks, repeat offenders, or homeless people that are thankful for a crappy meal and crappy place. From across, it sounded like they were begging Krusveto to let them out. However, the voices were drowned out as Krusveto looked at the information of the file.

'Name: Zavinskovna Rschvanya Gazvelovna
Gender: Female
Height: 180.34cm
Weight: 56.2kg
Criminal Class: A
Criminal Status: Active, Contained.'

As he reached a door, he opened it and walked through it.

'Crime Documentation:
Thievery
Assault
Arson
Destruction-'

The man heard clinging of thick chains. As he looked to the left, there she was.

The criminal, Rschvanya.

She looked at him. "Well, look who it is. You weren't a comfortable doormat." The woman sat on a creaky metal bench. Her hands were completely covered in metal and linked together with a short chain.

"Hmph." Krusveto looked away as he continued trying to read her file.

'Poison
Smuggling
Mur-'

"Aw, don't tell me you're that bitter with me." Rschvanya said. "Are you trying to be a perfect officer, to uphold order? To keep everyone in line? To protect 'everyone'...for the 'greater good?'"

"It's better than acting like a scumbag. It's criminals and troublemakers like you who destroy this village." He closed the folder and clenched it. "Shouldn't someone like you be more contributing to society-maybe a maid at least?"

"Maid? Why would I be one when there is a butler before me?" she said with a smug look.

His patience was wearing thin, as being told by the folder being squeezed too hard and his teeth gritting. "Looking at your file, you're lucky they haven't considered the death penalty." With them separated by bars, Krusveto towered over her. "And you're lucky we're separated by these bars. I wouldn't mind putting you in your place. Those cuffs on you aren't giving you any mercy."

"I think you're mistaken. These cuffs are a 'mercy' to me."

Krusveto glared at her. It seemed like every threat he made to her was countered with an insult, and she was doing well at it. Just who does this bitch think she is? With multiple charges and no doubt multiple imprisonments, how does someone like this slip through the cracks?

"...How about I make you an offer, officer?"

"You? What could YOU possibly offer from a prison cell? Do you think you can bribe me for you to escape? Don't be coy."

"It would make the job easier for the both of us...mostly you."

"Why don't you humor me, because I'm not seeing the joke here."

"All you have to do is unlock these handcuffs and my cell...and once I escape, I'll be sure to spare you."

Some voices were heard in the other side of the tunnel. It seemed like the next guard was here.

Krusveto grinned. What was this woman thinking? Surely, the lack of air from the useless chatter has driven her mad. "You want me to set you free, so you won't kill me...when you can't even lay a finger on me at the moment." He turned and walked down the hall. While looking back at her cell, he left a final message.

"I'm done being entertainment for you. Гни в этой камере, блядь, бродяга."

Krusveto slammed the manila folder to the guard who was coming in for his shift. His anger and irritability translated that the guard shouldn't be this late next time.

----

The officer bent down and walked up the stairs as he was coming out of the headquarters. The streetlights began to turn on as the night fell on the formerly busy streets. He wiped his forehead, regretting that he hasn't acted formally or maintained his composure during his conversation. The only thought that could lessen the guilt was that woman was nothing but a criminal. They were nothing but trash to the perfect society of this village.

"Krusveto?"

Alongside the street on his usual route, he came across a small elderly woman. She was holding a basket of bread, fruits, and vegetables.

"My, you're running late. Have they kept you in there too long?"

"Mrs. Sascha. I'm shocked you still waited. I was hoping you'd be inside. The night is no place for a бабушка to be out." Krusveto said.

"And no young man like yourself should be overworked to the bones." she retorted. "Have you heard anything about my husband?"

Krusveto sighed, hating to disappoint her again. Mrs. Sascha has been so kind to everyone around her, especially him. Almost every day when walking out of the headquarters, there she was with her basket of food to help lessen the burden of his job. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Sascha. There is still no sign or leads..."

She sighed, but seemed like she was expecting an answer like that. "As always. You must be annoyed by my pestering."

"I made this my usual route ever since for that reason, Mrs. Sascha. You have given so much to me and the fellow citizens in this village. You know I won't rest until your husband is found."

"Боже мой and that is what happens when you overwork yourself. Look at you. You had a rough day. Bend down, boy." Sascha said as Krusveto bent down, and she fixed his face and hair with a pat each. "Here. The merchants had extras for the day. Treat yourself to this cornucopia and rest well tonight!" She pushed the basket of food towards him and let go, making sure he took it.

"T-thank you again, Ma'am." Krusveto took the goods. "Now go, go." Mrs. Sascha waved her hands. "You want me to be indoors, so the quicker you move, the better!"

With that, Krusveto walked away and Mrs. Sascha went inside to close her door.

This was one of the reasons he dreamed and wanted to become an officer. The citizens of the village have been giving each other so much. The merchants always in stock of food, the workers keeping a surplus of materials, and people like Mrs. Sascha who give back to others and had her arms open for them. He always saw people in danger, and being helpless as a kid, he couldn't do anything.

Now he could.

He could give something back.

He could protect those who need it.

He would make sure no one was left behind.

Krusveto arrived at his house, which was attached to others like every other citizen. He reached in his pocket and tried holding the basket at the same time, pulling out his keys. With a turn, he walked in and the steps on the wooden planks was heard. The room was pitch black-thanks to the night sky and preserving the light for the town. He pulled a metal string, which illuminated the entire room.

He looked straight ahead into the kitchen, and the basket of food fell from his hands as he stood in shock. The fruits and vegetables rolled on the ground, accompanying the dead silence in the atmosphere. Someone was here. She was sitting at the table, with sickle in her hand.

"Welcome home." Rschvanya gave a huge, mischievous smile. And with that, Krusveto knew he was in trouble.

Chapter 2

"Give it up, Piter! I won the race-AGAIN!"

The sun was shining. The grass was bright green and was accented with a few patches of dirt and bright flowers. Two kids, sworn friends, finished running in the area outside the small village. While there wasn't much to play and do around, the children made the best of it...

...or a contest of it.

"Что за чушь, no fair! You cheated! You didn't count down all the way!"

"That doesn't matter! You're just too slow!"

A child with short white and purple hair stood in front of a smaller child. They glared at each other to justify who won or not. Piter brushed his brown and green hair from his eyes and spoke. "Fine! But I pick the next challenge!"

"Oh yeah? Name it."

Piter laid on the ground, stomach down, and puts his hands to position himself. "Push-ups! Whoever goes the longest wins!"

"ты выбираешь худшие проблемы...suit yourself!" The other child laid and positioned his hands on the ground.

"Ready...set-"

"GO!" The opposing child interrupted.

"Krus!" Piter yelled, annoyed.

The child, Krusveto already had a head start and started doing push-ups. One, two, three, he continued. Piter's progress, however, was slightly slower. One...two...three...he then sped up a bit and was close to outnumbering his friend.

Krusveto looked to the side, realized he was losing. He realized something...his hands made his push-ups go slower...

...so he removed his hands and only did push-ups with his feet only.

"Hah! I'm still faster!" Krusveto smirked, effortlessly doing push-ups with only the tips of his toes.

"...huh-wait that's cheating! No fair!"

"What are you boys doing?" An adult man walked infront of their challenge.

Krusveto and Piter stopped. "Oh, папа." Piter got up. "We were seeing who was the best!" Krusveto shortly got up after. "Which was me again."

"Hey!"

Piter's dad laughed. "You know, it's not all about strength if you want to be a soldier. You have to have good aim too!" he looked at his son. "Piter, why don't we show your friend how this family aims a gun?"

"Alright! Hear that Krusveto? You can't even shoot a gun!" Piter taunted.

"At least I can punch your face to борщ!" Krusveto cracked his fists. Piter laughed and ran ahead of his father as the other boy ran after him. He caught up and the two ended up fighting, playfully, as he tackled Piter to the ground. Laughters rang as they shoved and pushed one another during the rough-housing.

...

...

"Piter..."

"Do you think things will change between us in the future?"

----

Krusveto was petrified in fear. His hands started shaking, sweat was flowing from his face, and all he could hear was the sound of his own heart beating. The criminal, who was locked up in a secure prison with the strongest handcuffs known to the Motherland, was sitting down as a free woman in his own home.

He recalled the seemingly silly conversation, where if he released her, he would be spared. Instead, he left saying...

Krusveto slowly reached for his pocket. He had a gun where one shot would be enough to incapacitate someone, but as he flinched...

Rschvanya threw a knife straight at him near his head, cutting a piece of fur from the ushanka he was wearing. The door was now impaled, adorn with a piece of the fur.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." She grabbed her sickle, got up, and walked slowly towards him as she threw it up and caught it by the handle. Krusveto backed away to the door as close as he could. He has never been this fearful of a criminal in his entire life. If anything, it would have been criminals begging for mercy from him when they were being brutally interrogated. Thoughts raced through his mind as she came closer. How did she escape? How did she get past the guards? Is she REALLY that dangerous?!

Rschvanya closed her sickle towards Krusveto's neck, and her eyes and smile wanted revenge.

"Do you remember what I offered?"

The tall man, intimidated by the smaller one, couldn't find the words.

"Do you remember what your last words were to me?"

...He now regretted that sentence he left her with.

"I want you to say that again."

"...W-wh-what-"

"SAY THAT AGAIN!" she yelled, inching the sickle closer to his neck.

Krusveto's voice quivered as he began to spoke. "...Rot in that cell...you fucking tramp."

"Hmph." she put her weapon away and turned around. "That's what I thought." She headed towards back to the kitchen. "It's not shocking to see that you're just another naive-"

Rschvanya was tackled to the ground by Krusveto in a split second. He held up his fist and tried to strike her face. However, it was blocked by her palm. She was holding back his fist and bent it. As a result, groaning from his pain, another fist appeared and punched her in the face. Before another punch was landed, Krusveto yelled in her face.

"I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU BEFORE YOU GO BACK TO THAT CELL!"

"And not find out what happened to Sascha's husband?" she smirked as blood leaked from her mouth.

Krusveto's fist stopped before he could lay a final blow that would have knocked her out. She chuckled. "Seems like you're interested after all."

"You know...Sascha's husband?"

The woman slipped from the grip from him and the floor and stood up. She wiped the blood from her face and the dirt on her coat. "Who DOESN'T know Sascha's husband?" she scooped an apple from the floor and threw it towards Krusveto and he caught it. "He basically tied everyone together-through the slums, through the village..." she walked around the table and sat down again. "Alexandr was a friend to many...and enemy to a few."

Krusveto glared and threw the apple down. He sat across from her and put his ushanka down on the table. He took out a notepad and pen and threw it on the table. His fingers were laced in between his hands.

"Tell me everything you know."

Rschvanya gave a blank stare, and ignored his professionalism. "That depends. Will you follow through the investigation? And I expect to get paid for it."

He glared back. "The only payment I'm giving you is sparing your life. Now tell me everything you know."

"So does that mean I'm walking free after this conversation?"

Krusveto looked down at a lost for words. Any retort made towards her was useless at this point. "Please...Mrs. Sascha has done so much for everyone-for this village...for me. Anything will help to bring justice for them."

"Well then..." she began. "You better start writing, because I'm not going to repeat it again."

Rschvanya took a deep breath and began, and Krusveto readied his pen.

"Alexandr was a hero to me-not just everyone. It was a usual day for him. Sascha throwing him out because she couldn't stand the lovey-dovey talk, and he was late for his errands and meeting others. He headed back to the slums to give out clean water and leftover food from the merchants. It was thanks to him there were less breakouts of fights in that area. I was watching from the rooftops that day when he was pulled aside by a filthy rich bastard and two guards. It seemed like they wanted to make an offer with him."

"Can you tell me what he looked like?"

"Little shorter than me. Had hair that resembled volcanic ash. He really loves blue. You can tell by his clothes, like he's a complete sapphire."

Krusveto's eyebrow raised. He does remember someone looking like that, but the lowest corners he traveled was just the market streets. Why would he be in the slums? But more importantly...

"What is your relationship with Alexandr? It seems like you keep a close eye on him." he asked, looking at her suspiciously.

A pause was made between the two and Rschvanya finally spoke.

"I won't say. All I can tell you is...I owe a lot to him. I owe him my life." Rschvanya looked away as if one of her eyes had a hint of water in them.

"Hm..." As Krusveto finished writing some words down, he looked up. "The next day after that, what happened?"

"He never came back." She finished her story with a solemn look.

Krusveto clenched his pen with his fingers even more. He didn't want to jump to conclusions...but hearing those words from Rschvanya, even if she was a criminal, seemed credible. "Anything else?"

"That's all I know." she slowly got up. "I could find out more from that kludde, but..." she smirked at him. "There's just one problem."

He put his pen down and looked at her. Krusveto didn't like the look she was giving. Even with the small amount of time he got to know her, he knew she was up to something...or had something in mind. "What problem is it?"

"Well..." Rschvanya gave a chuckle. "As you can tell from any rich bastard, their homes are heavily guarded. It would be difficult to break in-much less, get out of one. There's no doubt I'll be arrested again. And..." she continued. "I may have to get away with a couple of things to find more intel in the crowds."

"What are you implying...?"

"Simple. When we meet again, just let me off easy-шлепнуть по запястью...and I'll give you the information."

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Krusveto slammed his fists on the table as he yelled, and the home shook. A vase and some knick-knacks toppled from the other side of the room and broke. "You think you can be treated any differently, even if you help?! Don't make me laugh. You're lucky that you're even walking out of here alive!"

"Fine. Approach him and his home. I'm sure he would sing like a canary." Rschvanya leaned across the table. "But he won't, will he?"

The man glared at her.

"Then, you will have to gain permission from Lieutenant Piter to even investigate the area. And what would be the reason you'd request that?"

Krusveto clenched his hands even more.

She smirked. "Exactly. Because you heard from me, the escaped criminal." Rschvanya leaned closer to his face. "How would Lieutenant Piter feel that you're working with a criminal at large? That would be a shame, would it?"

"You..."

"Oh come now." she pulled away. "We're both getting what we want here, aren't we? You'll be getting information about Alexandr, and I...well...let's just say I'll have a little more fun this time."

Rschvanya headed to the door. She pulled the knife from the door. As she turned the knob, a large hand slammed against the door, blocking her from leaving.

"Listen. While I may be getting information from this, that doesn't mean you can get away with anything...that you may regret. If anyone is harmed, I won't hesitate to kill you on the spot." Krusveto finished with a stern look. "Do I make myself clear?"

The woman turned and looked up at him. She grinned and stroke her finger under his chin.

"Don't worry, officer. I'll behave~"

Krusveto's face drowned with red out of anger and embarrassment and backed off. He turned around as Rschvanya opened the door and waved at him. After hearing it closed, he turned back around.

The officer couldn't help but be angry. She was playing him as a fool-an instrument. He just realized how powerful that bitch was. Then, he remembered Mrs. Sascha's sunny face.

The truth was because of no leads, the police didn't place the case as a "high priority." For months, not a single hint of evidence-not even a chatter from a stranger, popped up to even lead the case to the right direction. And what would the next conversation be the next day with Mrs. Sascha, and the day after that; maybe the next month even? He wouldn't dream of it being a year without finding anything on Alexandr.

...

The young man sighed. It was a rough night, and he lost his appetite due to it. He decided to turn in, regardless of the mess he made around his home. He unbuttoned his jacket, hung it on the door, and pulled the string to turn off the light. He walked towards his bed and sat down, taking his boots off.

Krusveto lied on his bed, looking at the blank canvas of the bland ceiling obstructed by the darkness. In order to solve a case, especially one that means so much to him, would require him to work with...a criminal. That thought angered him and he gritted his teeth because of it.

Before he closed his eyes, he muttered to himself.

"I should stop by the church tomorrow..."

Chapter 3

Bang. Bang.

Bang. Bang.

Gunshots were heard in the horizon as the child Krusveto approached the shooting range, used by the military. Smoke, dust, and a hint of wood filled the air as he got close. Ahead, he saw his concentrating friend bent down in a stall. He was aiming, shooting, and reloading each shot. His speed was so quick, you could almost say he was part of the army already.

Piter squint his eye and pulled the trigger of the sniper rifle. The bulls-eye's center was drowned in the residue that hit that spot. His other friend approached behind him, brushing away the hay with his feet.

"Piter!"

The boy turned around as Krusveto put his hand on his shoulder. Piter jumped. "Krusveto! Ты напугал меня до смерти! What took you so long?"

"What took...I was waiting for you the whole time back at town!"

"Sorry, Krus." Piter reloaded and shot the bullseye again. "Father wanted me to focus on practicing all day. He gives me a different gun each time..."

Krusveto analyzed his friend's bullseye marks. "I don't see why you have to keep going. You're making every shot."

Piter sighed and dropped the gun. "да. He's been wanting me to train more than usual." Then, he heard his stomach growl. His face ended up filling with pain and embarrassment from the hunger. He was there all morning to the point where he had no time to eat!

"I figured this would happen." Krusveto rolled his eyes. "Here." He handed Piter a pack of bison jerky and bread rolls.

"Bison jerky! How can I repay you?!" he began scarfing down the jerky and bread.

"Maybe don't forget our meetings again! You missed all the fun today!" Krusveto laughed. Piter looked down. He seem to have forgotten about having fun lately. His friend looked at him, concerned. "Are you o-"

"Piter!" Krusveto's voice was interupted by one of the two men approaching, Piter's father; and it wasn't just any other man next to him.

"This is General Nikolai. General, I believe you can see the results and fruits of our labor!" The father introduced him. He was a middle-aged man who was wearing a suit adorned with many different badges and honors.

General Nikolai eyed at the bullseye. "Эта точность...I never thought a child would have such accuracy!"

"We're hoping to continue the legacy of our family-the force to protect our ideals and all of the Motherland."

"Well now...I believe we should have a discussion. Don't you agree Piter? You seem like good material."

"It's nothing." Piter pulled Krusveto to him. "Krusveto here is strong too-stronger than me! Krus! Show him!"

Krusveto looked both ways and saw a full ammo box nearby. He walked to it and picked it up with both hands-effortlessly. He then put it down after a few seconds, the huge weight of the ammo being smashed to the ground.

The General clapped. "And even friends with a strong bear cub! I like that. Krusveto, would you like to come along too? I remember you having a fondness of the law and the service to protect the village!"

"Yes! Please!" Krusveto had a sparkle in his eye. The adults always heard the idle chatter of the boy admiring the police-force. Sometimes he was allowed to try on the badges and the coats.

"Put those rations away then, young men. Tonight, we'll have a feast to honor our future!" The General said and the boys cheered. The rest followed and exited the shooting range.

----

The next day arrived as the soft blue sky appeared and shone through the windows of home. Doors started opening, blankets were flapping to get rid of dust, and everyone on their way to do their jobs. As the streets began to crowd with people, a man decided to take a detour.

Krusveto stood before the grand church of his village. He looked up and appreciated the monumental building that was made in order to connect and honor God. Being around the beauty of the carefully carved marble and the colored art of the stained glass felt as if he was being hugged by God Himself. With the comfort of the clean trickling water from the fountain nearby and the sun hitting his shoulders, the young man bowed his head to pray.

"Дай мне силы и ясность, чтобы помочь нуждающимся..."

"Officer Krusveto. It's been a while." A man approached him. He appeared to be a priest, as such described by his cassock and Bible in hand.

Krusveto turned to the side and looked down. "Father Siergie. Good morning."

"Another glorious day created by the Lord Himself, yes?" Father Siergie continued. "What brings you here?"

He sighed. "It's been very stressful. I wanted to stop here before I head to the higher-class neighborhood."

"It is a rare sight to see you like this. Why so nervous?"

While he wish he could confess and ask for advice, cases are always classified if they were not involved. "I'll be asking some questions to help solve a case."

"Is that so? Please give the nobles my regards. Their donation has helped plenty for continuing our devotion and spreading the word of The Lord."

"I will, Father Siergie."

"Господи да пребудет с тобой."

"с тобой тоже."

Krusveto continued walking into the high-class district. He remembered the conversation last night with Rschvanya. Hair like volcanic ash...dressed like a sapphire. It was no other than Lord Evgeniy.

Lord Evgeniy is one of the merchants and traders that helped bring this village to it's prosperity. It was thanks to him that development could be sped up and relations from nearby expedited the resources. With his power and reputation, he could easily make a mere market stall boom in business, or the greatest one reduce to shrapnel.

The square was adorned with marble and mosaic streets. The buildings were pristine and clean-reaching the heavens. All of them at least had one statue standing outside, whether it was an animal to represent or the pride of the owner. The entrance to each home was glorious, either fenced for security or with a grand arbor. The citizens in the area wore their everyday clothing-which was much more formal than everyday villagers and citizens.

He noticed a few officers were already in the area, and two of Lord Evgeniy's guards were near him as well. He also recognized a familiar face-one he didn't expect.

Lieutenant Piter.

"Ah, Krusveto! Come here." Piter said with a small wave. "Lord Evgeniy, this is my best officer, Krusveto. We go way back."

"Officer Krusveto. An honor I must say! Thank you for coming all this way, especially after what happened." He smiled. Lord Evgeniy was donned with a cloak covering most of body. The cloak was a deep, velvet blue with white and gold accent lines. His tunic was also in a beautiful blue and held together with a gold-colored belt and bright blue dress shoes. The description fits, of course. The way he was dressed were like the blue-fiery eyes of a kludde.

"Lord Evgeniy, the church wishes to thank you for your support." Krusveto looked at him and Piter, noticing the scene. "What happened here?"

"A little rat was sneaking in my beautiful abode. Luckily, my guards and I were able to apprehend her quickly. Lieutenant Piter heard the news and came as fast as a bullet! It's good to have Pied Pipers able to curb these vermin away from this refined area."

"...Yes. We take our job seriously." Krusveto said with slight hesitance, taking offense to the derogatory remark of his status. However, by the looks of it, it seems that "rat" was Rschvanya.

"I will leave you two be to further investigate this. I'll be sure to hear the good news of how you dealt with her." Lord Evengiy turned and walked away with his guards.

As some distance was made from the noble, Lieutenant Piter took out a huge bag of rubles and revealed them to Krusveto. "Look at this, friend. A tip from the Lord himself!" He laughed, as he opened the bag and fiddled the coins with his fingers.

"Piter? I hope you're not taking bribes from anyone." Krusveto looked concerned. He has never seen him accept any money from anyone.

"нет, no. It was long overdue. Hey, it has been such a long time since we treat ourselves to a lunch, yes? Come." he said, extending his invitation. "Let us dine-at least let me repay you for that rough day you had."

Krusveto sighed and smiled. He was glad to see it was the same Piter, his old friend, the one always by his side. Regardless of stance, they still remain close friends and he always did his best to make time for him. He accepted the invitation and followed Piter into the town.

----

The bar was halfway filled since today was a working day for the majority of the citizens. The scent was filled with a mix of vodka, smoke from cigars, and home-cooked meats and vegetables. Krusveto and Piter sat a bit close to the wall; as the jukebox filled the room with a slightly upbeat swing song with trumpets and other forms of brass instruments. On the table were two hats together: Krusveto's ushanka and Lieutenant Piter's cap.

"Like old times, eh?" Piter said as he took his cigarette from his ash tray, puffed, and blew the air out to the side. "The same music, the same place..."

"The same cigarette?" Krusveto chuckled and sipped his coffee as Piter interrupted, "And the same coffee, you lightweight! I could never have a proper drink with you!" he slapped the table.

The two, respectively, drank his coffee and smoked his cigarette.

"It's been a long time since we hang out as just friends." The Lieutenant said, dusting off the loose ash of his smoke. "Ah, things were simpler back then."

"Back then, we thought it was a fairy tale, trying to join the police-force."

"And look where we are now!"

They both laughed. As time passed and they ate, their table held two empty plates of a scrumptious chicken kiev feast. The music on the jukebox changed to a slow guitar and quiet cymbal sound, accompanying the smooth jazz melody. The room was now in a relaxing atmosphere as some customers left the scene.

"I was such an idiot. Every physical challenge I started with you was a mistake. You always outpaced me."

"Remember when I ended up challenging you at the shooting range? I became that idiot."

"Two idiots, banding together against the chaotic world!" He laughed again. "Высматривать, KGB!"

Roars of laughter were made between the two. After a pause, Piter looked at Krusveto.

"I do miss some of the things in old times."

"Hmm?"

"I miss the days skipping shooting practice to hang out with you and the others." Piter took his cigarette remains and smashed it into the ashtray with a pinch. "The days where our talks would be unfiltered. I wonder..."

Piter took out another cigarette and lit it with his lighter, with a hint smell of naphtha floating by. He then finished. "I wonder if we were just officers...together instead. Would things be the same as the old days? Or would it still turn out different?"

"Piter..." The Officer looked concerned as his friend inhaled smoke.

It always has been a thought between them. What would have happened if Krusveto became lieutenant instead? What if he worked alongside Piter as an officer? Would their relationship have been better or worse? Would their traditions remain?

Krusveto brushed those ideas away as he became sentimental. He hid his feelings with a remark after he gulped down his coffee. "We would still challenge each other like the same idiots if we were fellow officers."

"Haha! Of course. The never-ending cycle of our story that won't come to an end!" His solemn face was replaced with a joyful smile.

DING.

DING.

DING.

The noises of the clock repeated itself to sum up the time of the day. "Ah, shit. Noon already? I just started this." Piter said looking at his cigarette. "I can never catch a break. Вся работа и никаких развлечений..."

Krusveto rolled his eyes. Yes, for sure, he complained a lot. "I'll head back to the headquarters and let them know you'll be on your way. Relax, Piter." He got up and picked up his ushanka to carry out.

"I could always count on you, Krusveto. Thank you." Piter leaned against the table and took another puff of smoke. Krusveto walked in between the tables and chairs of the bar. As he opened the door to exit, the smell of smoke rushed out to escape. He put on his ushanka and looked up to the sky. With a sigh and a smile, he started heading back to the headquarters.

----

The heavy door with loose metal made the usual loud noise as Krusveto walked in and close it behind him.

The underground tunnels were the same as ever, except it was more wet than usual. As he walked by, the smell of metal and dirt passed through him. He looked on the side rooms he was walking past by. Some were doing their job by examining and writing down things, the rest were either slacking off or on break.

He heard laughter as he got close by to a room. More specifically, the interrogation room. The door was halfway open and Krusveto looked in the room. He saw Igor, Vasil, Andrei, and two more officers circling around a civilian on the ground. He was tied up and face down. Mikhail stood back against the wall, looking away and being nervous with his blonde hair shielding his face.

"Krusveto! You're just in time! Get in here!" Igor beckoned him. "Take a look at this piece of shit." He laughed as he used his foot to turn over the civilian. His face was slightly battered.

"What is he doing here?"

"Get this-he had the ego to try and mug an officer-Mikhail even!" He said. "The bastard thought he was so smart by bumping into him, coming on the wrong side of the street!"

Vasil spoke. "This сисси was so scared and even begged us to let him go, saying he has a family and a child!" The burly officer stepped on the civilian's ankle and he groaned in pain.

"Oh, we'll let him go..." Igor grinned. "After we teach him a lesson!"

The Officer grabbed the civilian's hair and lifted him up. "You're in for a real treat...Krusveto here is responsible for most of the interrogations...he does the beatings for us!" He threw him on the ground in front of Krusveto.

"Come on, Krusveto! Show him what we're made of!" Igor laughed.

The officers cheered for the upcoming brutality. Krusveto's mind had a lingering thought. He has a child and family...why should he hurt him over something so simple? Then again, he reminded himself two things. One was that if he had a family, he shouldn't have done that in the first place. The second thought was he should have picked a different target, rather than a respectable officer.

Krusveto stepped forward and kicked the criminal in the gut. The cheers became louder and the crowd wanted more as the man was yelling in pain. The Officer grabbed him by the arm and lifted him up to his knees. He made a fist and punched him once, which smashed his nose and bled as a result. The man's eyes closed and his tears flowed, hoping for mercy. Krusveto punched the left side of his face, whereas he drooled blood after. Finally, he grabbed him by his hair and lifted him up. He kicked him in his stomach, and he flew across the room against the wall.

"Wonderful work as always, Krusveto!" Igor said, slapping his hand on his back. "Vasil, untie that piece of garbage and tear off that record. He's free to go...if he can!" The crowd laughed alongside him as Vasil untied the criminal and laid there, battered and bruised like a toy. Everyone, but Igor and Mikhail, walked out of the room. Krusveto walked out shortly after.

Krusveto put his hand on his forehead, his conscience wondering if what he did was right...no. He shouldn't think that. He is doing his job, upholding the law, and teaching those that dare to break it. Then, he remembered who he came back here for-not just for Piter.

There was no need to fetch her folder, so he headed immediately through the tunnel. The prison population was half compared to yesterday. He went through the tunnels and continued walking. At the dead end, he looked to the left and there she was-the "rat" Lord Evgeniy has mentioned.

Rschvanya.

Chapter 4

The colder weather approached as two boys walked through the streets of the village. Excitement from each other rang as they chatted about the day they had. It has been a few days since General Nikolai first talked to the two future soldiers that would be a part of the Russian law and army.

"Did you hear that!? I'll personally be trained by the General! I can't believe it!" Piter said, looking down at his hands in excitement while walking alongside Krusveto.

"Really? Earlier you were complaining you were practicing too much!" The boy noted. It was true, though. He has been complaining about training too much and spending so much time away from the village.

Piter's mind, however, was racing with possibilities and thrills. "It's different now! General Nikolai-A GENERAL-will be teaching me! This is going to be cool! Maybe I'll operate a tank, wear a uniform, have my own badge, and-"

"What's wrong with you?" Krusveto laughed. "You'll be too busy-you won't be able to hang out with us anymore!"

"...No I will. I promise!" Piter swore. As he said those words, the pitch black of the night was illuminated by the street lights. "Oh...the street lights are turning on..."

"Yeah...guess we better head home..." The other boy sighed, as his warm breath could be seen through the frigid temperatures.

"До скорой встречи!" Piter waved as he ran off. Krusveto continued walking.

The boy passed under the lit street lamps and went through the alleyways, taking an easy shortcut to home. A few rats were scurrying by, trying to hide from any sight or sound made. Passing by, he heard some sniffling. He was looking for the source of it and found it as he looked above. He heard a little girl crying that was coming from a thin opening with bars.

"Hey! Are you okay?" Krusveto yelled.

"...No..." she continued sniffling.

"Are you in trouble?"

"...Mhm..." It sounded like the girl was confirming that statement.

"I'll go get help! I'll be-"

"NO!" she yelled.

"Huh?" The boy stopped in his tracks after the plea.

Fear was accompanying her hoarse voice, struggling to talk clearly. "Don't...please...if you do...I don't want to..."

"What are you talking about?" Krusveto looked worried. What is she hiding? Why couldn't she say anything?

"Please..." she begged, "Just...all I want is someone to be there for me. I just want someone to talk to...I don't want to be alone."

The boy looked helpless. He wanted to help, yet felt powerless to do so. Would it do more harm than good to let someone know?

Then again, with the possibility of General Nikolai's help, he would become an officer. He remembered there were certain steps that needed to be taken, especially for safety reasons. He didn't want to see...or hear her getting hurt. But...unable to do or say anything, what would an officer do at a time like this?

Krusveto nodded in affirmation and sat near the building as a speck of snow was floating. "Okay...I'll stay with you."

"Huh?"

"I'll stay and talk with you. I...I don't know what we can talk about, but I'm here! I won't let you be alone!"

"T...thank you..." The tears and sniffling were calming down slowly as snowflakes began to fall in the alley.

----

The tunnel of cells were dimly lit by the daylight from the small windows above the ground. The creaks of metal and the softness of dirt were part of the ambience. In the cell sat the usual criminal that Krusveto comes across. It almost seems like it's becoming the norm to see her. She was in the same handcuffs, but this time, her feet were restrained as well. Rschvanya looked up and her glare pierced Krusveto's eyes.

"Had fun back there?" she sat, with a hint of disappointment in them. She appeared to have a bruise mark on part of her face.

Krusveto was confused, then jumped as he realized what she was talking about. It was from earlier. He shook his head and looked away. "It's none of your business."

"Don't play with me. I heard what happened. These walls aren't thick, you know." the criminal said. "Your stupid "police-force" is nothing but a gang, full of monsters and pigs!"

"Watch your tongue, woman." Krusveto warned. "I won't tolerate any further insults of my colleagues. I wouldn't mind adding another mark to that face of yours!"

"Add another 'mark' to my face, and see if I tell you what I found about Alexandr." she smirked. Krusveto gritted his teeth as he was back to the familiar feeling he hated the most: anger and helplessness. He looked down with a palm on his forehead, and took a deep breath as he brushed away the lip that was given to him.

"What did you find?"

Rschvanya stood up from the bench, her feet wobbling from the chains. "I managed to get into Evgeniy's room. Looking through his stuff, I found Alexandr's belongings. It was mainly the medallion he wore, his wallet, and some sort of promissory note." she continued, trying to remember what the note was. "I couldn't read what the note said. The writing was either too fancy for my tastes, or the handwriting was that terrible."

Alexandr's belongings, in Lord Evgeniy's home? Then that would confirm that Lord Evgeniy had to do something with Alexandr's disappearance. However, wouldn't nobles have more interesting things to focus on-albeit their own selfishness, rather than a commoner? Plus, what could that note be about? Before pursuing anymore questions, he analyzed her face and looked at her mark, which seems to have come from a slap.

"Was anyone harmed during this..."infiltration?" He coughed as tried to phrase it to make it seem like it was just part of the law or investigation.

The criminal grinned, as she was proud of her behavior. "Oh...maybe something happened to someone's finger..."

"WHAT?!" Krusveto yelled and the walls shook.

Rschvanya continued taunting him in a low voice, with a smug look. "Watch out, Officer. You don't want others to know what we're really doing, do you?"

"We had a deal! No harm-"

"Oh, quit the morality. All I did was bit Evgeniy's finger. Serves him right. He played with me like a toy doll." she rolled her eyes. "His finger is probably broken, if anything. I held up my end of the deal anyway."

"...Very well, then..." Krusveto said, holding out his hand. "Show me the items."

The criminal looked back with an annoyed look, lifting the handcuffs to show the reason she can't show evidence.

"Ah, of course." Understanding the reason, he took out a small key; but before reaching out for her hands, he realized something.

"Wait..." The Officer remembered that day she first appeared in his home-being free from her previous restraints. He looked at her with suspicion.

"Why would you need me to remove them if you were able to before?"

Rschvanya laughed, as she sees him finally catch on. "You're not as dumb as I thought after all." Her wrists were slightly moving within the handcuffs. It seemed like she was doing multiple attempts on trying to break free, but after a minute...

The heavy handcuffs fell on the ground.

"How did you..."

"Heh." She pulled her sleeve to reveal a thin bracelet with different holes and latches. "When you get captured one too many times...the locks are easy to catch on." she rubbed her wrists to relieve the pressure. After that, she pressed a circle on the bracelet where a long pick popped up. She bent down, squeezing the pick into the cuffs on her feet, and easily broke them off.

"What the...hand me that!" Krusveto reached his fingers through the large bars, his hands couldn't fit. Rschvanya backed off and laughed. "Ah, ah, ah...Не так быстро. Do you also remember the deal we had?"

He glared at her.

"For the evidence, a slap on the wrist. Isn't this my ticket to leave?"

"You're not leaving until I get that evidence and your lowly contraptions!"

"I leave whenever I like, Officer." She bent down and removed a large panel off the wall, revealing a tunnel. Krusveto is shocked. Now he knows how she was escaping. How many more tricks does this girl have? First the bracelets, now secret passageways?! No wonder why security will have to improve!

"But...I'll give you this." Rschvanya reached into her pockets and pulled out Alexandr's medallion. She threw it in between the bars, landing on Krusveto's boots. "If you're really serious about finding him, meet me at the slums tonight."

The man bent down and picked up the medallion. It appeared to be pure gold, with a double-headed eagle on it. The wings and even the details on the medallion were carved and shaped beautifully, as in someone put their heart, soul, and a part of the Russian heritage on it. He looked on the back and notices Alexandr's name carved in.

He looked back at the cell where the panel was-now closed, and couldn't help but be annoyed at how easy it was for Rschvanya to escape. She wasn't just a criminal. She was a professional and always had something up her sleeve, even literally.

"Krusveto?"

Krusveto turned and looked down. It was Piter, who came back from finishing his smoke at lunch. He looked up at his colleague, who seemed a little too focused on something.

"Pi-...I mean Lieutenant." The Officer caught his tongue, and quickly hid the item in his pocket. "I believe we need to improve the security here. There is a...possibility...that former prisoners are finding ways to escape back into town." He made a nervous pause during his sentence as he had to remain discreet about what and how it happened.

"Security? Nonsense, Krusveto. The security here is flawless." Piter took out one of his keys and opened the cell door, where three types of unlocking was heard. He then looked at the wall, turned towards him, and knocked the thick metal of the wall, particularly the panel above the one Rschvanya escaped to.

"The prisons of Russia are impenetrable. Even if they escaped through the cells, they would have to go through tens of our fellow, powerful comrades." He gave a taunting smile.

...Krusveto was not sure if Piter was an idiot, that he, himself, was an idiot....or both of them were idiots.

----

Sunset came and loomed over the village, making a burning glow within the headquarters. After his shift ended, Krusveto walked out of the headquarters and went on his usual route to his home. As he was walking, he heard an argument starting. He saw a man with a red shafka with blonde hair poking out. He also saw an elderly woman, with the woman speaking the loudest.

"Это нонсенс! It's been months since I've heard anything about my husband! What is going on? Are you even investigating?! WHERE IS HE?!" It was Mrs. Sascha yelling and was poking a finger in one of his comrade's chest.

"Моя леди, please. We are doing everything that we can..." It was Mikhail from before. He was trying to calm her down, but how would you calm someone who hasn't seen the love of their life in so long?

"What are you even doing?! All I see is just you and the others trying to calm this "old lady" and you bring nothing-NOTHING! He could be dead!" She was starting to get impatient and hysterical as she spat in his face. The Officer understood what she was going through and did his best to remain hopeful and professional.

"Please, we don't want to jump to conclusions-"

"TALK TO ME WHEN YOU ACTUALLY FIND SOMETHING!" The elderly woman screamed and slammed the door in Mikhail's face. He sighed with a solemn look and hid his face with his shafka. "милостивый..."

Krusveto's eyebrow raised. "Mikhail?"

"Oh, Officer Krusveto. I apologize for that scene." Mikhail said, feeling discouraged. "I don't really think I can remain hopeful for Mrs. Sascha any longer. This has been a cold case for us..."

However, that could change. "Hmm...today I may have something-a lead maybe-"

"What?!" Mikhail was shocked. "You have?! We need to tell Mrs. Sas-"

"As you said," Krusveto interrupted him, "We shouldn't jump to conclusions."

Krusveto continued walking, but the other officer stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. "But Krusveto...we haven't updated that case file in so long. How on earth did you even find a lead?!"

Krusveto stopped in his tracks. How can he explain to Mikhail on how he got Alexandr's medallion? How can he explain to Mikhail, his fellow officer, that he had to pull some strings in order to even get there? How can he explain that he's working with a Class A criminal to solve Alexandr's disappearance?

He had to brush him off...and the one way to do it was stooping so low...

"Why don't you tell me what really happened in that interrogation room?" Krusveto turned with a scowl.

Mikhail was at a loss for words. All he did was watch the "show," standing against the wall and trying to block the sights and sounds of the brutality. While it was true Krusveto was at fault as well, he was the one who brought the "criminal" there in the first place. There was more to it than meets the eye. His voice stuttered as if he wanted to explain his side of the story.

"I...I..."

But...he couldn't.

He turned away and hid his eyes by shifting his shafka down, hiding his guilt on what caused the man to be brutally injured from before.

"Sorry for bothering you...Krusveto...." It seemed like Mikhail was about to say "Officer" as it was part of business, but it wasn't. It was out of respect.

He walked away and went about to mind his own business, as the other officer seemed to have some other business to attend to...

Chapter 5

Tiny steps could be heard in an alleyway as a young boy was running with a huge book in his hand. The rats around the area dispersed as the increasing sound approached. It was a different night, yet the same time he had came through the alleyway.

He saw the streetlights turning on from afar. He looked up at the same building with the same opening.

"Hey! Are you there?" The boy asked.

A gasp could be heard from the building. "You came back!"

The boy nodded. "Of course I did! I promised!"

The girl laughed. "You really do keep your promises."

The child Krusveto looked down at his book. "I...uh...remembered that we didn't talk much last time, but I brought a book from home!"

"Really? What kind is it?"

"It's a book full of fairy tales! I remembered hearing some stories from it. My mom used to read them to me."

A giggle could be heard. "Aww your mom reads you stories? That's cute."

"Hey!" he yelled with a pouted face. "I'm much older now, so it's different!" The child sat against the wall, opening the large book. "Let's see...hmm...what stories do you like?"

"Any is fine! I'm happy to listen to any kind!" she responded.

"Okay, how about "Норка-зверь?" It's about three princes and a beast!"

"Sounds exciting!" He heard clapping from her gloves.

"Okay...then..."

----
Night began to fall as the street lights turned on. The Officer walked out of his home and locked the door, bundling up with his jacket and ushanka. He tucked in Alexandr's medallion in his pocket. Although it wasn't his shift, he stuck on the main roads, thinking he could catch troublemakers while passing by. He kept his hands behind his back as he surveyed the area, watching empty stands, citizens packing up and heading home; and the homeless trying to keep warm with their blankets that were discarded by others.

The streets became a bit darker as he was approaching the poor side of the community: the slums. Worn shacks and compartments were bundled together. The stone road was a bit unattended, with loose rocks popping out and being kicked. Krusveto could smell a hint of an unidentified foul smell, but luckily the cold weather inhibited it.

He looked around the area for Rschvanya. However, all he could see was women with heavy make-up, smoking cigarettes and waiting for their next "customer" as well as two male "escorts" that could also provide "a good time."

Krusveto heard a familiar voice after.

"...no I'll be fine."

Some more muttering was heard from another man. He was peeking through a slot of the door of a much bigger building.

"If he doesn't show up, then that's it."

The slot slammed.

"I'm here."

The criminal turned to face Krusveto. She raised an eyebrow, looking surprised. "So...you showed up after all."

"It's not a wise idea to let me know where you would be after you escape."

"And it's not a wise idea for an officer to be on this part of the slums. Aren't you afraid of rumors that say you took a woman or a man home?" she smiled. When will there be a moment in his life without a retort from her?

Rschvanya turned and knocked on the door. A slot opened revealing a man with a thin mustache with pink eye-shadow.

"Password?"

"Yanni, I was talking to you a few seconds ago. Open the door."

"Password, dear Rschvanya~."

The woman rolled her eyes.

"Революция."

A few locks could be heard clicking as the slot closed. The door opened and revealed what seems like to be a brightly lit bar. It was spacious, as if it was one of the restaurants in town. Smoke, musty odors, and the scent of vodka and cheap wine filled the air. For a bar in the slums, this seemed like a well-kept establishment, except for the crowds and type of people in here.

Speaking of crowds...

A couple of people looked up and glared. Some of them had second looks, realizing who and what was in the bar.

Suddenly, the majority of them got up and pulled out guns, knives, and blunt weapons-even the women were locked and loaded, ready to kill him.

As Krusveto panicked and quickly reached for his gun, Rschvanya stopped him, putting her hand on his.

"Everyone, he's with me."

Muttering could be heard between the crowds as they sat back down and minding their own business...well, except for some talking about him. Why would an officer waste his time here? They have never worried about the slums or the unfortunate. If anything, they would come here for...well...other reasons.

As Krusveto and Rschvanya passed by, conversations could be heard.

"An officer-here? Great. As if we're not safe enough already..." Someone said. "Aww, come on. Maybe he's shopping around for a lady." a slap on the table was heard with a laugh from another person.

"I heard there was a tribe that speaks in beeps and boops. I'm not lying!" A female said.

Another conversation was heard. "In America, they have humanoid robots and humanoid animals. What a country full of freaks!" he laughed.

The Officer was weirded out with this crazy chatter. What kind of propaganda have they been hearing or making? Ignoring them, he continued following Rschvanya. Weaving through filled tables and a few kids out and about, they approach a table with a worn-out-looking middle-aged man with an eye-patch. He looked up and glared at Krusveto with his eye.

"Rschvanya. You told me we were talking to someone that could help us with Alexandr."

"Yes," she said. "and he's right here, Savva."

"Этот чертов офицер? We'll take our chances without those scum. Get him out of here."

Before Krusveto talked back at the rude insult and remark, Rschvanya held up her finger to stop him. "He's different. This one keeps his promises."

Savva gritted his teeth, showing a gold tooth. "I would spend all the time here to tell you how furious I am with you and what your so-called organization has done to my family, but my main concern is helping Alexandr. So sit down, boy; and you'll speak when spoken to."

Krusveto glared at him and took off his ushanka and sat down alongside Rschvanya. Knowing the tone of this man, he knows that he's just another degenerate. To Krusveto, anyone who hates the police-force or any of his comrades are automatically an enemy to him.

But this has been the closest that he has been to in solving Alexandr's disappearance. The Officer wouldn't want to press his luck or authority and ruin it all.

The gold-toothed man spoke. "I managed to break into Lord Ardalion's mansion. He was discussing business with the high-class merchants. When I broke into his lock-box, I found this." Savva threw a few items on the table. One of them was a thick slip of paper, which appeared to be Alexandr's merchant license. Another was a knife with a beautifully-carved gold handle with jewels embedded on it. The last item on the table was what could be the biggest lead to his case.

Alexandr's journal.

"I don't know what to tell you, Rschvanya. I am personally losing all hope in finding him." Savva sighed. "For all I know, he could be de-"

"Don't-"

"Don't say that."

Rschvanya turned to the side and looked at the person interrupting her, Krusveto. Her formerly solemn, discouraging look changed into a shock of hope.

"We are not jumping to conclusions until we have a definite answer on his whereabouts. Until then, we'll continue the investigation." The Officer reached out to take Alexandr's journal, but was met with a knife stabbed through the table.

"And how do we know you're not in on this as well? I've seen your type-bending the law and turning the tables just to get extra pay." Savva scowled, holding onto his weapon.

Gaining the trust of these low-lives would be tough, as by just entering the bar, he was already met with a gamble on his life. He already knew Savva had a bad experience with the law, and the fact that Krusveto, himself, is still by Rschvanya to this day baffles him.

He sighed and ended up being honest with him, throwing Alexandr's medallion on the table after. "Each day, I walk the same route back to my home. I stayed true to that path so I could update on Mrs. Sascha about the case. Every time...every day I pass by, I wish I had good news to share. It has been so long since anything has turned up for Alexandr. She has given so much to our people...and I could not give her rest to her own mind."

The one-eyed man pulled the knife from the table, looking at him with approval. "So you know Mrs. Sascha...well then, that's all I need to know." He shoved the items toward the officer in front of him.

"Rschvanya, let him keep all the written stuff. You best keep the extra items with you. He means well...but I'm not sure about the others." Savva took out a flask and started drinking from it. Krusveto was satisfied enough with that type of trust. At least now this opens up new possibilities and connections to the case.

"They've been making special trips here, so you know where to keep them." And with that, it appears the conversation with Savva was over.

Rschvanya got up and grabbed the medallion and knife. Krusveto picked up everything else, including his ushanka, and followed after; wondering where she was going.

The woman stopped at a bookcase and turned to him. "You can leave now. If you're thinking of getting these items, I'll take back the other things in an instant." she glared.

"I...no, no. That wasn't my intent." He tried calming her. "I was only curious where you were going."

She sighed and tilted a book from the bookcase. A loud click was heard, and she slid the bookcase to the side, revealing an opening. Rschvanya stepped in first and Krusveto followed after. She slid the bookcase closed, as if closing the door.

Krusveto looked around the room, which was surprisingly cozy. The room was dimly lit with a welcoming glow. A bed with blankets against the wall, accompanying a side table with a gutter poking out. A cabinet of clothes was nestled close by, with a clock on top of it. There was a private room for hygiene. The right side, where that room was, caught his eye as he looked at the wall and floor.

There were child-like drawings pinned to the wall, and a few stuffed toys were laying around-some of them that looked like were made by children. Krusveto became curious. "Do you...have children?"

"No. The children I've met have no parents." Rschvanya said. "I take care of them and watch out for them when I can." She walked to her cabinet and put the items in a drawer.

Krusveto eyed a crayon drawing, where it showed a little girl holding the hand of someone familiar. It was an adult with split blue hair, a long jacket, and a smile-all of those features that seemed to resemble the "criminal" Rschvanya.

Something was written on top in the same color as the hair was.

"Мой герой."

He asked another question, looking at the toys on the floor. "Were any of these from your childhood?"

"I had no childhood." She said in a bitter voice, gritting her teeth. She walked to her side table by the bed and opened the drawer there. As Krusveto trailed behind her, he noticed a small photo frame.

It appeared to be an old man, who looked like Mrs. Sascha's husband and another was a little girl who-

Before he could get anymore details from the photo, Rschvanya slammed it down.

"Hey!"

"That's none of your business." She took out two bracelets-the ones that were similar to the ones use used to escape. The woman grabbed Krusveto's hand, opening it, and placed the bracelets on his palm-including the note she stole earlier today. "In case it ever comes to that moment...or if you're only out for you and your "fellow" officers' skins."

Krusveto looked down in guilt. The bracelets could be used to improve security...but seeing the background of Rschvanya's life gave him a sick feeling in his stomach. There were certain times in life where he would question himself...was the law the answer, or was being human the answer?

The Officer looked at the woman. "Rschvanya." She looked up in surprise.

This was the first time he referred her to her name. Not woman, not scumbag, not tramp-her actual name.

He continued. "Thank you for your help for this case. It means a lot to me."

"Hm. Don't thank me. A lot of us just want to see Alexandr again..." She turned away.

With the implication that she was finished talking, Krusveto slid the door open and stepped out in front of the bookcase, closing it.

A smirk came across Rschvanya's face as she heard Krusveto making distance away from the bookcase. She reached under her jacket and pulled out a bag of rubles. She tossed it up in the air and caught it.

"Looks like I am treating myself to dinner tonight.~" she chuckled.

----

The bar appeared to be less crowded than before. There were only a few people left that were still sitting and talking, or wallowing in their own world with the alcohol. Krusveto walked to head out the establishment, but once he got closer to the door.

"Officer Krusveto, was it?"

He turned and looked at the man at the bar with the same eye-shadow and mustache. "Yes?"

The man put his rag and glass down and spoke to him. "Come back two days later, here. The same time of day."

Krusveto was suspicious of those simple statements. He then inquired about it. "...Why should I?"

The barman's look was serious. "If you really care about your people, you will." With a tone like that, he hoped it wasn't a threat. Otherwise, he would be in trouble.

The Officer put on his ushanka and walked out of the bar. It seemed like the prostitutes dispersed for the night or had business to attend to. The temperature was much colder than before, and his breath could be seen in the air. He tightened his jacket and put his hands in it to keep warm.

He went back through the main road, taking the familiar route back to his own home. The wind had a small breeze, brushing some of the dirt on the stone roads away. The street was so quiet that there was a faint echo to his steps.

This has been an eventful day and a long night. Krusveto had lunch with his good friend, found the secrets to Rschvanya's escape, and most importantly-he found a huge lead to Alexandr's disappearance. At this rate, this case could be solved within a year-no...within a few months! With most of the evidence with him, this could lead to more answers than questions!

As Krusveto approached the door and reached for his keys in his pocket, he realized something peculiar...

His bag of rubles, where he normally keeps with his keys, was missing.

...and it only took a few seconds to realize what happened.

"ТЫ ЧЕРТОВАЯ СУКА!!!" He screamed at the sky.

Chapter 6

She ran.

She ran as fast as she could through the bitter cold. Ran as fast as her body could take her. Ran as fast that her legs felt they weren't there anymore.

The storm grew and the winds were either with her or against her. She couldn't go anymore. She had to stop. She had to rest.

But she can't...or else...

She looked back and noticed the shadows within the blizzard. She dove into the thick bushes and covered her mouth. The sharp branches cut through the little warmth she had left from her coat and hat. Her legs were scratched by the thorns that adorned the sticks, with blood seeping out of them.

"Where is that little shit?!" Steps on the snow could be heard near the bush.

"She'll pay for what she did!" She heard another voice nearby.

"Once I find her, I'll..."

As she covered her mouth and closed her eyes, the flashlights that were shining nearby were dimming.

"Shit...she ain't here..."

The voices and banter grew farther away, but she could not tell if it was the wind pushing the sound...or if they were really gone.

Her willpower tried to keep her heart and soul warm. She had to be strong for them. She had to be strong to stand up for them. She had to be strong...to save them.

...But...

She left them behind. She left behind her fellow children during the pursuit, as everyone-including the guards, split up and went different ways.

Her heart sank in despair. She left them. They left her. She left...him-the thought came up as she hugged the flower ring on her finger, that he made for her...

It was the same enemy she keeps facing each time-whether she was running from or running towards to.

Loneliness.

----

In a cozy room comforted by an orange light, laid a woman in bed covered in a blanket. She hugged the soft pillow with her hair untamed-as if they were strings on top of the bed. She was sound asleep, snoring, and wrapped in the fluffy blanket tightly.

Next to her was a wooden side table, and on the ceiling was a thick metal gutter. It was open, but rather than diverting rain or anything, it served another purpose. The clanging became louder, and a voice was heard.

"Rschvanya~...Time to wake up."

Rschvanya turned to the other side, denying to get up from the bed that was hugging her. Her unconscious-self refused.

Then, the same voice started singing.

"Хей, да густой туман! Хей, эй, да батька атаман. Да батька ата-"

Rschvanya reached out and hit the gutter with her fist to make a noise. All that came out after was a laugh, as if it enjoyed teasing her.

She sat up and rubbed her eyes, getting the sand left by the sandman out of them. It has been a little more than over a week since she had a decent night. Her sleepwear was nothing but a top and shorts. The woman sat on her bed and yawned. She looked to the side where the gutter was, and looked at the photo. A little spark of hope filled her heart and encouraged her to get up and get ready for the day.

After she cleaned up, hair brushed, and dressed up; she slid the door which made the bookcase on the other side shake. She walked out and saw half of her bar family drinking coffee, eating, and talking. She walked up to Yanni, the bartender, and sat on a stool. The bartender looked at her and smiled, which annoyed her.

"Finally woke up, eh?"

"You know I hate that song so much."

"And all the better reason to use it." he laughed, taunting her like he's her brother. He handed her a bowl of steaming hot solyanka. Rschvanya started eating sloppily. She wasn't the type for manners...well for the way she raised herself.

"So what's your plan for today?" Yanni asked, finishing drying some of the glasses with a towel.

After a gulp from the soup, she spoke. "I'm breaking into Evgeniy's home. It's about time we find some information or anything on Alexandr."

The bartender slammed a glass on the bar. "Evgeniy's?! Do you know what you're doing?!"

"Don't worry, I got my "get out of jail" card if I get caught. So...you got the architect drafts?"

The man sighed, reaching down below the counter to grab a paper wrapped like a tube. "I don't know how you get away with things like this."

"Anything is possible if you play the cards right." It was a phrase that she lived by ever since learning to defend herself. Yanni unwrapped the draft and placed the recently cleaned glasses to hold it. Anxiety was building inside of him as the girl analyzed the paper. As Rschvanya was eating, munching on a piece of crayfish meat, she pin-pointed key areas.

It was a small mansion, a two-story building. The bottom floor was the basement, where all the treasure was kept. The first floor was mainly used for entertaining venues, where he and his workers spend most of the time catering to guests. The second floor was for Evgeniy's and his wife. It was a simple, long hallway with a couple of rooms. One was a personal library. Another was the dress quarters for Evgeniy's wife. Another was her bedroom, alongside his next door.

There was one particular characteristic for Evgeniy: he had many openings, but ways to fill those openings thanks to the guards stationed by. The window to Evgeniy's wife's room was always open during the day. The main fireplace had vents circulating through the entire mansion-big enough for someone to slip through, and not worry too much about cleaning them. If traversed right, she could be in and out without being detected.

Her plan was calculated, and noticing the time of day, there's no better time than now. After popping the last olive in her mouth, she drank the rest of the broth while holding the bowl.

"Rschvanya, милый! At least keep your face clean!" Yanni reached out to wipe the broth off her face with a towel.

The girl brushed off his gesture and did it herself with her sleeve. "Yanni, seriously. Stop treating me like a baby."

He sighed and looked at her. "Are you sure you will be okay? They have been ramping security up there..."

"I've been doing this since I was a kid."

"But that's the last time we heard where Alexandr was...I don't..." Yanni brushed a tear off his eye, his eye-shadow rubbing off of it. "I don't want you to be next."

Rschvanya tried her best to not make anymore close connections, but her heart can't help it. When she first met Yanni, it was like a brother she never had. Sure, he was annoying and knew what buttons to push to make her angry, but their companionship and constantly crossing path were the result of that. Yanni looked up to Alexandr like a father-being raised by him ever since he was a kid himself and being ousted as a freak for being into the same sex.

Rschvanya sighed and looked at him. "I promise I will be fine. I'll be back tonight." She tightened her belt that was holding her sickle and throwing knives. "Depending on how it goes...I may have a guest."

"Все работает для вас в конце концов. I don't know how you do it..."

Trying to cheer him up, she grinned at him. "At least in the meantime, you can stare at Savva more."

"R-Rschvanya! Don't say that!" Yanni blushed and the girl laughed as she walked out.

Closing the door, a thin fog adorned the worn-out stone road to greet the sunlight. Rschvanya tightened her belt, made sure she had the necessary tools, and began heading out.

"Mama Rsch!"

...Until, that is, the running children stopped her.

There were five kids that ran to her. Two of them were girls and three of them were boys. The oldest one appeared to be a male teenager, while the youngest being a small boy. The children's clothes were decent, despite being old. One of the girls wore a floral dress, while the other was dressed in boy's clothing. The rest of the boys had normal attire with their scarves, shirts, and jackets.

A warm smile filled Rschvanya's face. "Привет! Nice to see you kids again! What have you been up to?"

"We walked together in the busy market yesterday!" The smallest boy said.

"It was crowded and scary..." The little girl said.

"But look!" The tomboyish girl held out a bag of rubles.

Rschvanya analyzed the children and the loot presented. She recalled teaching them some tricks on how to easily pick-pocket others without noticing. In some ways it was a professional thief trick. In other ways, it was a "magician's secret."

"Гладкий карманник...I'm so proud!"

"So did you get us anymore candy?" The oldest boy asked.

"Did you get us any new toys!?" One of the other boys asked.

The woman laughed. "You show me a bag full of money, and you're asking for candy and toys? I spoil you too much." She shook her head and reached behind her jacket. While she had no toys to give, she took out a bag of chocolates.

"Here you go. This is for all of you."

"Yay! Шоколад!" The little girl jumped. The other girl eyed at the chocolate the little one was holding, but realized something.

Her bag that she stole was gone.

"дерьмо! Where did it go?" She looked all over, even eyeing the boys around her.

Rschvanya grinned. It seemed like one of her thieves in training still had a lot to learn.

"Looking for this?" The woman held out a bag.

"Ah, Rsch!" The girl's pride had fallen. The oldest boy laughed. "Hah! I told you that you would lose it today!"

"Shut up! You were in the middle of the crowds the whole time!"

"Was not!"

"Oh stop pointing fingers." Rschvanya sighed. "You forgot one of the important lessons I taught you-always be aware of your surroundings..." She looked at each child. "...even with your friends!"

"Looks like I'm your enemy now!" The girl laughed.

"хорошо, хорошо." The woman said. "I have a busy day, so you children play elsewhere. Spend that money wisely!"

"Chocolate!" The little girl grabbed the bag of rubles and ran into the crowds. "Hey!" One of the boys yelled and the group followed after her.

The woman's look was melancholic. While it was meant survival for her to steal, she at least turned it into a game for kids to let them have fun and be happy. As the kids' laughters fade in the distance, she walked on to her upcoming objective.

----

She wandered far. She tried gaining warmth, shielding the frigid cold with her arms. She was walking for what seemed to be an eternity in an unknown direction. At the very least, it was away from them and that place. She would have rather died in there than go through the same brutal torture each day. Her face had a layer of frost as she tried to use her breath to keep it warm. However, the wind and snow was blinding her travel.

Walk...the voice keeps speaking in her head. Keep walking...

As she looked up from breathing on her hands, she saw lights illuminating from the boxes ahead. Her heart was relieved-she had finally found somewhere to rest and hide from death's grip of the cold. Her pace quickened to a jog and ran towards the small village.

She tripped and fell. The stone-cold, hard snow scraped her knee like a sharp knife. She looked up, her tears frozen. She was almost there. Almost there. Just a few steps.

She pulled onto the snow and dragged herself. She was so close. The entrance was right there. Just a little more...just a little more...

Her vision became blurry and dark. She could hear a creak of a door with a hint of warmth, but she was so exhausted. She couldn't go anymore.

Maybe it was just the sound of heaven's door...that is, if heaven even exists...

----

On the outskirts of the area housing nobles, Rschvanya was laying down, covered in a worn cloth to keep hidden. She peeked from it using her binoculars. The woman was carefully observing each person in her eyesight and area, mostly where Evgeniy's mansion was. She could see women in fancy dresses and jewelry, laughing and talking about their pointless gems and delicacies they have been savoring. The men clad in suits, capes, and ties were dealing with business with their personal guards and servants doing their errands.

There he was as she shift her binoculars to the entrance: Evgeniy, his ash-colored hair styled and wearing a blue-white suit with a tie, greeting a few guests to invite him into his home. Seemed like an important meeting of sorts.

Besides that, she was looking for the important detail, and there it was-the usual window that was already open.

The crowds in the area dispersed, far away where they wouldn't even notice a person among the shadows. Rschvanya put away her binoculars, covered her head with her hood, and jumped down, using the tarp below to slide down onto the ground.

The sun only shone on her for a moment as she tried to keep herself in the shadows that were cast by the tall buildings. The fine marble streets echoed her scurrying as she ran to the side of the mansion. She pulled out a rope, attached her binoculars to it, and peeked for a moment to throw it up to the open window. Trying to keep the rope still, she took one last look.

Everyone was either far away enough or distracted. And with that, Rschvanya climbed up and broke into the mansion.

----

A crackle of fire could be heard as the child was stirring in her sleep. She hugged the blanket and warmth tightly, after her energy was nearly depleted earlier. The comforting smell of wood and smoke filled the air by the wood stove. Her eyes fluttered open, and she rubbed them.

She looked at her hands, where her fingers were individually bandaged up. She looked below the covers to notice that her feet were in the same state as well. Her legs were scattered with bandages and bruises. She touched her head to realize part of her forehead was bandaged as well.

She looked around. This wasn't heaven. This wasn't the bad place. This was...

"Ah, I see you're finally awake. Thought I lost you there."

She was sitting up on the makeshift bed which was just a very thick cloth and a thick blanket. It was a shack that seemed like to be built alongside a building. It was a bit drafty, but thanks to the wood stove nearby, it provided enough warmth. Her body that was formerly frozen with the storm was now defrosted, warm and comforted by the light and heat.

She looked up to a worn-out man, tending to the fire and the pot that was steaming hot. His hair was sloppily dyed black. He wore a worn out, shaggy brown shirt; and cloth pants with patchwork done on them. He had a long, dark-blue jacket with an unused hood. A bowl with a dark broth, meat, and vegetables was handed to her. "I know it's not much, but-"

Suddenly, she took the bowl and ate and drank every piece of food and broth that was in it-not even grabbing a utensil. She couldn't recall the last time she had a decent meal, or even ate anything while escaping. The food filled her stomach and the warm energy of the dish traveled throughout her body. Her stomach was relieved to finally have something to eat.

"Hey, hey! Slow down!" The man sighed. "Goodness...I've never seen a young girl eat like that." He grabbed the bowl and poured the rest of the stew into it with the pot. It appeared to be the last serving.

As the bowl was handed to her, she took it. "T...thank you."

"A little girl wandering through one of the worst winter storms in Russia...what has happened to you?"

Memories started flooding back to her. How she was just waiting for someone to return...how she was taken away...how she watched her friends being tortured...how she ended up being completely alone and cut off...how she...

Tears flooded her face. She laid the bowl on her covered lap and cried into her own arms. She thought she was finally away, but the haunting, painful memories were still there.

"No, no. Don't cry, little girl. I didn't mean to make you sad." The man tried to calm her down. "You don't have to say any more"

He took the bowl and handed it back to her. "You must have been through so much, poor child. Take all the time you need."

She was handed a spoon. She dipped the spoon into the bowl and bit the metal. Her eyes shifted, looking around the room as her mind tried to calm herself down.

This was the first time in a long time that an adult had treated her kindly...

Chapter 7

A few hours passed after the girl ate the rest of the food and drank hot water to continue warming up. The winter storm outside was calming down. The man kept the fire going with the little wood he had left. During that time, not even a single word was exchanged after she cried.

As she warmed up to the kindness and sacrifice of his meal, she spoke up; but slowly, as the memories were painful.

"I...I was running away...the kids and I...they locked us up. They beat us...threatened us...made the children do work. They said that if my parents decide to pay the money back, they would let me go..."

The homeless man looked at her in concern. "О, Боже..."

"We...were able to come up with a plan as we passed notes...but..." Her face could no longer cry any tears, as she and her emotions were worn out from the trauma. Her cheeks were puffy and her eyes looked tired. All she could smell other than the fire and the lingering food was the tears she cried from earlier. "We were separated...I don't know...where they are now..."

He sighed. "You picked the worst time to do it."

"Mm..." she looked away, holding the cup.

"Are you able to feel your fingers and everything else?" He asked.

"Mhm." She said, nodding, as she looked at her hands and wiggled her toes within the blankets. Her legs still felt sore, but she could move them.

"Well, you're safe now. You can stay on that bed until you're fully rested."

She realized as she looked around. There was no other bed or sitting place. All that was in the shack was the stove with the wood, a couple of blankets, and the bed she was sitting on. "This is...your bed?"

He nodded.

"I'm sorry."

Regardless of the cold weather, the tired face was full of sun. "Child, you have nothing to apologize for. Worry not about me. Stay as long as you need to."

She regretted not telling her name to the boy. She hugged the flower ring that was in her pocket. She didn't want them to hear his name...he probably would have gone through the same torture she had if that happened.

But...the man, by the looks of it, sacrificed what he had to help her; and she was no longer at that bad place. Opening her trust to him, the words left her mouth.

"My name is R-"

"Don't say your name." The man responded coldly, making her take the words back. The girl looked at him, wondering why. "Names are the worst mistake ever made in humanity."

She was confused. It was only her and him, and no one else around. "W-why?" she asked.

"You'll learn in the meantime."

----

Rschvanya looked around the room. It was a smell of thick, floral perfume. The room had all the required necessities, even the unnecessary ones. The room had a fireplace, a small table with chairs for tea time, cushioned loveseats, and a large bed with red velvet sheets and a curtain. She looked to the side to see a dresser with a mirror and a fancy, jeweled hairbrush. Her boots melted in the carpet as she walked around, staying as quiet as possible thanks to the floor.

She walked to the tea table as she spotted a box of open chocolates, the high-end ones. Knowing that she was a "guest," she helped herself to a few pieces, wondering if they tasted any different-or maybe better...no. They taste the same, like a rip-off. It tasted the same as the ones she usually buys for the children.

If it was an easier escape, she wouldn't mind stealing the rest of them for later for the children, but she had her priorities in place.

The room she was aiming for was Evgeniy's room. She stood against the wall near the open door, seeing if there were any sounds or voices lingering by.

"...And wanted me to fetch her the same vase she asked for, again, after placing it back."

"What a spoiled lady. Those two flowers will die anyways-what's the point of finding the "perfect" one?"

Drat...Of course the guards would be on this floor since Evgeniy was entertaining. She looked around the room. Rschvanya remembered there was a vent that connected to each of the rooms. There was nothing but pointless furniture. She looked against the walls and noticed the dresser had the vent under it.

The woman took a pick from her bracelets and tried to unscrew the vent. It made a creaky noise when she went fast, so she had to take her time.

After a minute, the panel was off, and she crawled in.

----

The girl sat on a large crate during daylight as the snow melted. It's been a few days since she was found and recovered thanks to the man. She recalled the conversation she had after her senses came back.

"Names are the worst mistake ever made in humanity."

He wasn't wrong, as she didn't share her name for the boy's safety. The habit of telling your name is normally followed by theirs; but to a point where names are a mistake of humanity? Are they really that bad?

She heard clacking of steps and jingles of metal. The man returned.

"Now then," he began, "let's get started."

Started? With what she wondered? He handed her a bunch of thin knives. They were pretty sharp, as if they were recently tended to.

"Focus on that wooden board in front of you. See the hole?" He pointed at a hole that stood out of the uneven wooden board. "Take the knives and aim for it."

Not knowing why, she obliged anyway. Holding the knives, she reached out to pick one out. As she nearly cut herself while touching them...

"The dull end. Use the dull end and throw it."

Correcting her touch, she picked up a knife at a small, thin, dull end. She looked at the open hole. She wasn't sure what he was looking for or how to throw it; but without further ado, she threw it at the board.

The knife bounced off.

He chuckled. "On the first try, not surprising."

"First try? For what?" she asked.

"Why, knife throwing of course." He took one of her knives, aimed it at the hole, and threw it. It pierced on the wood surrounding the opening.

"You'll have to learn to defend yourself, especially if they find you again." The man walked and pull out the knife. The girl concentrated, aim, and threw another knife at the hole...but it bounced off again.

"This...I don't think I can do this." She was discouraged as her second time was the same result.

"Первый блин всегда комом." He said. "There is no better time than to start now."

And with that, and no more questions asked, her training in knife throwing continued.

----

After crossing a huge gap in the vent, a cough could be heard from Rschvanya as she crawled out. As she got up, she dusted the ash she attracted from the vents. She looked around in a much more lavish room.

The room had a much bigger bed than the previous one. On top of it was a cushioned blanket like a sapphire that appeared to have a gold colored thread that was used to sew together. There was a blue, velvet bench at the end of the bed with a purple pillow. They were facing a door-less cabinet on the other side made of cherry-wood, adorned with blue cloth. On the right side, there was a desk with a bookshelf nearby. There was a blue pen adorned with sapphires with hints of topaz.

Rschvanya thought to herself that Evgeniy should have married the color blue since it appears he loves it so much-maybe more than his wife. Seeing that color everywhere is annoying.

She's already in the room, so there is no time to waste. If he had something of Alexandr, it could mean that they would be in one of two places. One would be that cabinet that is being displayed, the other could be the desk. For a merchant, he wouldn't be THAT stupid-so the only answer is the desk.

The woman ran behind the desk and pushed the chair aside. She bent down to hide herself and opened the thin, top drawer. She peeked in it and she could not believe her eyes.

A worn-out wallet, a note, and Alexandr's army medallion.

She knew it. She knew Evgeniy had something to do with his disappearance; and the evidence there spelled it! Rschvanya took a look at a note, which had Evgeniy's signature at the end. However, everything else was intelligible to her. Either his handwriting sucked, or his handwriting was too fancy.

That idiot giving her a free pass should be able to read it. That's a dumb officer's job, and she had no time to read and decipher whatever the hell this is. She grabbed the items and put them in her jacket. Now all she has to do is leave undetected...

...that is until she noticed a woman at the door, with her brown hair tied up with white ribbon and wearing a frilly, red dress locked eyes with her.

Evgeniy's wife.

----

Hours passed, and the girl's arm was worn out. She must have thrown more than a hundred times, getting up and grabbing the knives as she ran out. She found her precision, but it wasn't fully mastered yet. There were some cases she was able to at least pierce the wood, but most of the time they bounced off.

As she massaged her arm with the other, the homeless man came back behind her and handed her a loaf of bread. The girl wasted no time and began eating ravenously.

"Well done, well done. Your aim needs to be worked on, but I see you have made great progress."

As she swallowed the last piece of bread, she could not help but ask the man a question that has lingered on since...

"Mister?" The girl asked, looking at the man standing beside her while she was sitting on the crate.

"Yes, child?"

"You said that names were a mistake...why is that?"

The old man sighed and grabbed a few knives. He threw one which pierced a wooden barrel.

"Names are dangerous. They are used to attach yourself to someone."

He threw another one, aiming at a weak metal pipe that was poking out of the building.

"They are used against you."

He threw the last one he had, piercing the opening on the wooden board.

"Names serve no other purpose than pain."

The girl looked down at her knives as the old man finished his sentence. "What should I call you then?"

"Anything but a name."

"...Can I call you "Mister?"

"...That is acceptable, Child."

----

"AAAAHHHHH!!!"

Shit...shit...she was afraid this would happen! Rschvanya dashed back into the vent and crawled.

"Guards! It's her! The killer! Help!" she could hear the screeching voice of the pompous siren.

The escaping woman tried to cross over as quickly as possible in the vent. However, the medallion she was holding fell out of her pocket and was on the other side. She tried backtracking to reach it. As she grabbed it with her other hand behind her...

Her hand slipped from the ash on the other side, and most of her body was now hanging in the opening gap leading to the first floor. Her hands tried to hold on, but the leftover ash and the blinding dust was lightening the grip.

"дерьмо..."

Rschvanya's grip was lost on the metal vent. She dropped down and had a painful fall. As she was struggling to reposition herself and making noise, she could hear Evgeniy's voice.

"What's going on in there?"

She continued cursing under her breath. Now they hear her as she was on the first floor. The only option left was to climb down into the basement level. Maybe she could hide herself within the treasure until the guards give up. She descended down further into the vents-crawling, bending, and dropping as fast as she could.

The criminal kicked the vent that opened to the basement floor, dust flowing in. As she hopped out, her eyes darted quickly to see where would be the best place to hide. All the treasure was neatly sorted and stacked-even the gold coins and jewels.

As she was about to dash behind the fine porcelain vases, two guards appeared by her. One was pointing a spear, and another was pointing a gun at her. She could do nothing but raise her arms in defeat.

...She failed to escape.

Chapter 8

Food was difficult to find and buy, let alone steal anything as well. The girl's stomach seemed to go back to survival mode each time she skipped a meal. She was lucky enough if she even had two meals a day-even if it was an incomplete one.

The homeless man and the child walked side-by-side in a busy market street; with the riches of food, drinks, and jewelry around. While the murmurs and talk were bustling in the atmosphere, their conversations were clear as they exchanged.

"Child, look around you. You see anything?"

The girl looked around. She saw some stands, a van here and there with the backs open, and the people around her. She wasn't sure what he was specifically looking for, so she kept it simple.

"Just...people...walking."

"Yes, but what else do you notice?"

She wasn't sure what else to answer.

"There are certain people who act careless with money. They think that the rubles are like rain-falling from the sky. See how their pouches hang low?"

The girl looked to the side. After careful examination, she did notice a few people with pouches tied to their coats and pants-their money was in plain sight.

"It makes them even more easier to grab. Confrontation is never the answer. You have to move within the crowds and with the people to grab what you want."

The homeless man and girl reached the end of the street. They went through an alleyway and stopped.

"Now, when we go back out, we'll repeat the same thing. Remember what I said-grab when you can, whatever is the least noticeable."

"Did you mean this?" The girl pulled out a velvet bag, filled with a small amount of rubles.

As his eyebrow was raised in surprise, the homeless man smiled. "You catch on pretty quick. Now, let's go buy you a meal."

----

Rschvanya was pulled by the two guards back up to the first floor. The ash was dragging onto Evgeniy's beautiful blue carpet. As she was tripping and falling while being dragged, one of the guards pulled her hair up to make her stand.

As they approached the noble near the exit of his home, they pushed her down to the floor. She looked up at the kludde while she was kneeling on the ground, being cuffed in the process. It seemed like a very important meeting he was in as she took a closer look, with his ash-colored hair was styled and attired consisted of a blue-white suit with a tie.

"So this was the rat that was sneaking around here in my own home." Evgeniy glared down at her.

"Rat?! The only rat that is here is you! I knew you had something to do with Alexandr!" Rschvanya yelled at him.

Evgeniy didn't expect a statement like that from a thief. He sighed and snickered under his breath. "Alexandr? Is that was this is about? I thought you were after my treasures."

"Why would I want any of your useless shit? The only good it's for is to show off!"

He glared at her as she insulted his possessions. "I'll have you know this "useless shit" was hard to get-I had to use my blood, sweat, and tears to earn it!" He then looked at the woman, getting other ideas. "However, speaking for show...I wouldn't mind having another gem alongside me." He said, caressing his finger on her chin. "Such a shame a beautiful face like yours has stooped so low to being a crimin-"

CHOMP!

"IIIIEEEEEAAAAHHHH!"

"Lord Evgeniy!" One of the guards said in shock and concern, as his finger was being held down by the iron jaw of the criminal.

"GET HER OFF, GET HER OFF, GET HER OFF! GET HER-" After the painful screaming, the noble slapped Rschvanya across the face, making her release his finger. The guards were now holding her shoulders and neck to prevent any further possible attacks.

"чертовски дерьмо...that whore!" Evgeniy winced in pain, holding his hand.

Rschvanya spat out the disgusting nature of the noble and growled. "Never...touch me...like that...again." She wasn't afraid to do it again either, especially after he screamed like a girl. Her whole head could be used as a weapon.

The butler that was standing by the door, formerly hosting guests, looked at Evgeniy. "Sir?! Do you need us to do anything?! Do you need a doctor or-"

"Just...agh..." Evgeniy said, still holding his hand. "Just call Lieutenant Piter already, dammit! He can deal with that cunt!"

The familiar name mentioned annoyed Rschvanya. He was the last person she wanted to deal with today...

----

Months have passed, and the girl obtained many skills. Her aiming and precision for knife throwing was near-perfect. Her ability to grab items and money without being detected improved. She had even gained more strength then before.

On the rooftops, it was just the homeless man and the child. He looked down at her. There was nothing else to teach...except one hard lesson-and his heart felt guilty for doing this.

However, it was a necessary lesson.

He sighed. "I have taught you everything I know. However...there is one more thing I have to teach you..."

"What's that, Mister?" she looked up, curious.

In an instant, she was pushed down off the roof.

Her back crashed into a large wooden crate. She struggled to get up as the splinters attached to her back and the dust blinded her. As she got up, she was almost punched in the face.

"M-mister?!" The girl dodged each strike, but was ultimately punched in the chest. She fell over. It didn't hurt as it normally did, but the force caught her off-guard. As she looked up, all she saw was the man's blank face and expression shadowed. Why was he doing this? Did she do something wrong? Was this a trap all along?!

"You've already been through hell and back-I can tell." He said coldly. "But luck means nothing if you don't have the skills." He bent down and picked up a piece of wood from the destroyed crate. He then tried to slash her. She kept jumping back until she hit the brick wall.

She looked back at him, and there he was-about to stab her. Before that could happen, she bent down and dash through in-between his legs. She stood up to face him.

"Why are you doing this?! What did I do wrong?!" She yelled, tears filling her eyes. It felt like her trust was betrayed and thrown aside.

The same dark expression appeared. "You did nothing wrong." he said. "This world...is unkind and merciless. It doesn't care how weak you are. It doesn't care how rich you are. It doesn't care how lucky you are."

She wasn't sure what to do. She didn't want to hurt him-after all he's done for her. He gave her shelter. He gave her food. He taught her how to survive. How could she fight someone that has given her so much in her life?!

She ran through the alleyways, hoping to lose him. She bumped into another large wooden crate. Above it, there was a large crack in the wall-nothing but pitch black inside. She jumped onto the crate and slipped into the shadows.

She held her breath and covered her mouth as she heard footsteps stomping on the gravel nearby.

"Do you not see, little girl?!" The homeless man yelled as he stopped and searched around for her. "In this world, it's kill or be killed-the survival of the fittest! No one helps the weak. No one helps the poor. No one helps those who are cast aside!"

The girl closed her eyes, hoping he would give up and leave. She couldn't help her tears peek out of her eyelids.

"You think this is a fairy-tale?! You think your knight in shining armor will come?!"

It was the bitter, unforgiving truth. She didn't fight back. She waited a long time, hoping things would fix itself, hoping her parents would come back to get her, hoping someone would save her...

But it didn't happen...it never happened...and he was right on that as well-luck meant nothing, and luck doesn't last long. The memories of being in that prison paralleled with her in the danger she was in now. She was restrained. She was whipped. She was beaten. She was tortured...

He yelled for her again. "When you want things done, you have to do it yourself! No one will be there to help you! No one will come save you!"

The past and the present flashed back and forth while the adrenaline rushed through her body. The girl's eyes turned bloodshot, and now, the instincts of survival kicked in. She clenched her dagger on the side with her hand.

"Nothing matters, but yourself! If you value you your life, then fight for it!"

"RAAAAARRRRRGHH!!!" A scream was heard as the girl jumped from the shadows-both of her hands clasping the hilt of the dagger. The man tried to parry with his arm, which ended up getting stabbed.

He bent down, covering his arm-the blood dripping through his hand on the stone ground. The girl panted as the blood slowly dripped from her dagger. The groan of pain from the man slowly turned into a grin.

He looked up at her and smiled. "You did it." he laughed, feeling proud of her. "You fought for yourself."

She looked down, her face flooding with tears. She tackled and hugged him. "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry!"

"Child, never apologize for defending yourself."

"But your arm!" She looked at it as she took her hat and applied pressure to his arm.

"...I've had worse."

----

A knock was heard from the front door. The butler opened one of the doors from the double-door and bowed, the glorious light being reflected from outside shined the room. Evgeniy turned around with his face beaming.

"Lieutenant Piter! Thank you for coming here so quickly."

Piter walked in, looking around as he carried a bag behind him. He looked down and noticed Rschvanya on the floor. "I dropped everything once I heard the news, of course. So...this is the criminal that was apprehended?" He looked down and smiled at her.

"Very much so...and look what that rat did to me!" He held out his bruised, swollen finger.

Lieutenant Piter stared at it. "I apologize for letting that happen, Lord Evgeniy. We'll be sure to teach her a lesson."

The kludde looked at him, noticing he was hiding something behind his back. The smell of iron lingered slowly. "While you are here, do you have any business to attend to?" He said, with an eyebrow raised and smirk, expecting an answer.

"Well, I did consider your proposal..." Piter reveals holding a bag with a blood stain on it-which seemed to be the same size of what was holding it, with a returned smirk.

The noble clasped his hands together in glee. "Ah, so you actually carried through with it!" Lord Evgeniy reached behind his cloak and pulled out a smaller, slightly heavy bag.

"I'm glad we could finish this transaction." He took the heavy bag of rubles. Evgeniy turned his head behind at Rschvanya, with a disgusted, disappointing look.

"She never stops and gets away with everything...How many more crimes will it take for this wench until she gets the death penalty?!"

"Oh no, Lord Evgeniy. We can't have that...she's my "ticket" for getting all my business done after all." The Lieutenant grinned under his breath. "I need to teach this young lady some manners. If I may, I would like to have a word with this girl...alone."

Evgeniy's eyebrow raised when he heard the word 'ticket.' "I understand, Lieutenant Piter. By all means, I wouldn't mind another "transaction" from you-even related to her!" The noble laughed and walked outside, closing the door.

Chapter 9

The next round of winter storms were coming to a close. The homeless man looked around businesses and even scarce pieces of wood to provide warmth.

Everything and everywhere was out of stock. Not even spare pieces of wood-rotted or not, could be found. Even the trees formerly surrounding the village were gone. Even the alternative-blankets, clothes, any type of fabric was gone. The street lamps and houses nearby held no fuel or oil to keep its fire lit.

The shack was barren inside-nothing but darkness could be seen. The wood stove had nothing but ashes that were formerly wood. The girl and man earlier split the fabrics between them evenly.

This was no ordinary storm. It seemed like a spell was cast over the town, bestowing the coldest air known to man. The snow blew in the town, the metal and wood being encased by the shell of frost. The wind picked up slowly...quickly...and slowly again-as if it was a giant holding its breath and blowing its air toward the town.

The makeshift home shook. The man looked down at the girl, sleeping. His eyes were tired, but for the safety of both of them, he had to stay awake. As hours passed into the night, the temperature dropped even more. He looked over at the girl, sleeping. She was cuddling close to the blankets and her breath was rapidly increasing. The man took half of his fabrics and laid them on top of her.

The whistle of father frost increased. Cold seeped into the shack with flurries of snow sneaking in. He looked over at the girl again, who was trying to preserve warmth. He moved the blankets over her head and bundled the fabrics even more like a cocoon.

He sat down and watched, trying his best to keep his eyes open. In the army, he was exposed to extreme cold like this. However, he isn't in the army anymore...and he isn't young like he was back then. Surviving in the streets was child's play to him compared to that. It was a shame he didn't keep up with his exercises and strength that helped him see through the battles.

Crrrk...crkcrk...

The homeless man looked around for the source of the cracks.

CRASH!

The door to the shack was shattered opened-shrapnel and splinters blown into his face.

"ДЕРЬМО!"

The man took whatever pieces of boards nearby to try and close the door once again. The cold was closing in and coming quicker than ever before-the outside of the storm in front of them. The snow blew in and piled up nearby-dragging into the inside of the shack.

As he tried to hold the boards together, he looked over at the girl, who was shivering.

There was nothing else to use. She had all the fabrics, blankets-whatever form of insulation that could be used to protect her from the cold. She was literally encased in a coffin of fabric. The only thing he had was...

He took off his jacket and covered the girl with it. The boards he formerly used to block the cold fell onto the small snow pile. He placed the boards again, only for them to be blown away once more. He tried to move the wood stove on the other side, but his strength was slowly being sapped away from the frigid air.

There was one way to hold those boards in place...

The former army soldier, who was sworn to protect those in need, piled the boards to cover the hole. He braced them with his hands and sat down on the cold, rocky ground from the street; using his body as a blockade to hold the boards in place.

The cold snuck into the remaining cracks through the blockade, and flurried onto the man's back. It pierced through his body-the furnace that was keeping him warm.

He shivered.

He shook.

He cursed under his breath.

He could feel his body slowly freezing as a result. He looked at the girl across, who was shivering but not as much as before.

"Heh..." He smiled.

She was one of the strongest kids he ever met. She almost surpassed him in his skills. Normally, people didn't stay around the man too long. He didn't want to have any close connections with others...but that fateful day...finding her...it gave him a reason to keep living-maybe a reason to die for someone...

That girl...he wished to see what kind of life she would grow up in. Maybe she'll be an officer...maybe she'll even be a hero...maybe she'll be the greatest assassin known to man...maybe she'll...

The man was worn out and tired due to the cold. Maybe, if he just closed his eyes for a little while...just to rest a bit...

Just for...a little bit...

----

Rschvanya was kneeling on the ground, her arms behind her back with the cheap handcuffs the guards apprehended her with. There was no one else in the building but her and Piter. She could try to use her bracelets to unlock the handcuffs. She could even break them with the strength she has, but she already found clues to Alexandr's disappearance. She could not afford to lose the items she found. It would make things more difficult to meet that officer again.

The Lieutenant had his hands behind his back and looked down at her. He gave a smile that made the woman want to punch him.

"We meet again."

"Fucking asshole." she cursed. "Why can't you leave me alone for once?"

"You know we can't have that." He said. "We all have our roles to be upheld-at the very least you're keeping your infamous reputation intact."

"My 'infamous reputation' is because of you, you piece of shit! Every sick, twisted thing you do is pinned on me! Everyone knows the truth-you can't hide forever!"

"Really? It seems like even Evgeniy's wife knows it's you. The crude drawings over your poster doesn't seem to help either. It seems like the real criminal all along was you. Say, how long have you had that bloody bag?" He smirked.

"Ты...бля..." she growled.

He turned around and brushed off some bloody dirt off of his uniform. "Although, I do have to thank you for making that delivery easy to Lord Evgeniy. He was requesting a certain someone's arm...and well, I wouldn't like to keep something like that on me for too long. What perfect timing that was..."

Rschvanya was sick of this game. She was sick of being the scapegoat for everything he did. It seemed like every time she bounced back up, she went right back down each time. "Why are you doing this...Why me? Why not someone else?!"

Piter sighed at the remark, almost feeling sorry for the unfortunate girl. "You have to understand: there needs to be order in this town; and power is the only way to do that. Doing such things wouldn't look good on my record, would it? Think of it as...a noble sacrifice. You're doing the village a huge favor in order to reach its goals and uphold the law and order of this place."

What a disgusting, twisted sense of order and justice...What sort of justice is this for those in the poor conditions of the slums? What sort of justice is this for the children who had to fight and live in poverty everyday? What sort of justice is this for those that wronged her? What sort of justice is this group of his, him and his colleagues abusing their power?

But...speaking of colleagues, one came to mind-that one good apple in a barrel of bad ones.

"What about Krusveto?" Rschvanya mentioned. With eyes widened, a shiver ran down Piter's spine as he heard his name.

"What. Did. You. Say?" He turned around, his face filled with anger. Why did she specifically bring him up?

The woman grinned. She loved the look on his face. It seemed like she hit a nerve. "Yes. That's right. Your "friend." she said. "What if I told you he was working with me?"

"You best be jesting about this..." Piter bent down, his glaring eyes meeting hers.

"Oh, am I? Well, if that's the case...perhaps you should reassign him so he doesn't keep checking on "criminals" like me," she said, chuckling under her breath. "Why not assign one of your female officers to deal with me rather than the men?" She rolled her eyes and diverted them. "...Or maybe I could seduce them instead and reveal them to the other side of the cover; so I can show them how much of a disgusting pig that you are."

Rschvanya showed no regrets as she continued to anger Piter, who was shaking and gritting his teeth-trying to contain his emotions with a clenched fist.

"Or don't. Maybe Krusveto will swoon for me. I already hit a few buttons on him. He would probably focus on me so much that he would forget about you. He would probably do ANYTHING just to get my affection-maybe even destroy your so-called organization! Imagine that-your friend working with someone like me!"

Did she really mean all that? Of course not. She wanted to piss the hell out of her mortal enemy-the one that framed her, that blackmailed her, and even threatened her "family." Rschvanya wanted to make him as angry as possible, after him putting her through all that trouble just to hide his own crimes. Killing him wasn't an option, so making his life complicated was the only solution.

He grabbed her by the neck and squeezed the air out of her, lifting her up as his eyes pierced hers in rage. It wasn't the fact that he was angry about her being involved with his best friend. It was the fact that Krusveto could end up suffering like Piter did while growing up, especially with the sacrifices he had to make. He didn't want him to go through the same mental and physical torture he did to maintain his rank. He didn't want Krusveto to lose his position as Officer.

The difference being...Piter learned to love and enjoy it. Krusveto would lose himself if he went through the same thing.

"Listen to me, lady," He said furiously. "Krusveto and I have been friends since childhood, and I refuse to let anything happen to him; especially from the likes of you. If you even think about seducing him and breaking his heart or even hurt him in any way...it will be much worse than the usual beatings you go through. I'll make sure of that."

As Piter let go of his grip, Rschvanya cough and gasped for air.

"I already have my eyes on you. I already know where you live. I already know the people to pick off...if you even dare to step that far."

He walked to the door and put his hand on the knob. He looked back with an eerie smile.

"In the meantime, count your blessings; and let's enjoy this little game of cat and mouse while we can." The door opened and two familiar officers that Rschvanya came across appeared. "Igor, Mikhail, take her back. I have more business to attend to."

Igor nodded. "Yes, sir."

As Mikhail was also leading Rschvanya out of the house, his conscience was filled with guilt. "Sorry, ma'am."

The woman scoffed. "Piss off."

As Rschvanya was pulled by the two men and heading outside, the sun trying to shine on her face, she muttered under her breath as they were passing by Piter.

"...Would he even support what you are doing? He's different than you think..."

Piter turned with a smirk. "Believe me, I know Krusveto more than you do. I am confident that he is aiming for the same goal as I am..."

----

The storm peeked into the shack, as the little girl cuddled as close as she could to the blanket. She closed her eyes to preserve the warmth she had, lulling into a deep sleep in the process.

She stirred in her sleep as the winds finally calmed down, which surprisingly provided a comfortable sound earlier.

She could hear the birds' chirping increasing. She opened her eyes, with the hint of dawn shining on her. She noticed that she was now covered with a familiar jacket-the one that the homeless man normally wears. She looked around for the man, wondering why she had his jacket.

He was standing against the door, the exit of the small shack. He was looking down.

"Good Morning...?"

No response. She didn't see or hear him breathing. As she was still covered up with the blanket and jacket, she crawled towards him and shook him.

"M..Mister?"

No response came, and after a hard shake, the man fell over. His body was cold to the touch like the grim reaper's scythe.

She covered her mouth, trying to avoid crying the tears. Why? Why did he give her his jacket? All the blankets he had? He needed them more than she did! She could handle this! She was used to this torture! She survived while wandering in the wilderness! Why?!

Why?! Why?! Why?! Why?! Why?!

As she looked up to whatever entity that existed, she noticed that the board of the door was broken. It seemed like the wind was so strong that it ripped it off. He was sitting there to keep it closed as the wind rushed in.

Loneliness.

That word. That feeling. She recalled why he taught her all this.

It was the worst enemy she ever had in her life.

The frigid morning lingered on. To comfort her cold heart, the little girl laid down by the lifeless man. She curled into him, grabbed his arm to cover her, and cried.

Chapter 10

The heat of the sun baked the town nearby as Krusveto ran on the streets. The taps of his feet were filled with excitement as they hit the stone road and changed onto the dirt path, heading to the training grounds.

It was the best day of his life.

He was excited. He found out what unconditional love meant. It didn't require doing anything. It didn't require acting like someone else. Unconditional love meant that no matter the mistakes made and what skills one possesses, love had no requirements-and he learned that from the church in his area.

He finally stood up for himself. He couldn't wait to tell him the news. He had no more time-constraining activities. He had no more schedules. He didn't have to wear a mask. He didn't have to be picture-perfect for the entire crowd of the nobles district.

He was finally free, free to be who he wanted to be: himself.

As Krusveto turned by one of the shacks and approached a brick house, he began to yell out.

"Piter!-"

"DID YOU THINK THIS WOULD BE EASY?!"

Krusveto backed away and hid behind the corner as he heard the yelling. He peeked and watched everything unfold.

"Did you think this would be 'fun?!'"

The boy looked at his best friend with messed up hair, looking down and away from General Nikolai who was stepping back and forth. He had a soldier uniform on that was tailored just for him. His face was a complete mess-bruised up and dirty with a black eye.

"Useless-useless I say! I have trained you on my own personal time-and it was all wasted! You can't keep up physically, you hesitate on vital commands, and you waste your time wanting to 'play' with delinquents!"

Piter looked away, teary eyed. He recalled the grueling workouts under the sun-probably more than what Krusveto normally did. He remembered all the gear he carried for General Nikolai and his subordinates-it almost felt like twice his weight. He then recalled the command to kill a sickly dog. After that thought flashed back to him, his tears increased and dripped like raindrops on the grass.

"You're crying now?! Over THAT?! Are you crying because you can't take a beating?! Or are you crying just because you're a complete failure and waste of time? You're lucky you have a use in this village, coming from a lineage of soldiers! You should be thankful for this rank!" The General said, continuing to walk and degrade him. "You're nothing but a parasite-a leech to this country! If it wasn't for your friend being adopted by his aunt and uncle of nobles, he would have been a much better improvement compared to you!"

Krusveto shrunk as he heard that last sentence. His aunt and uncle? But they just...and he just...

He then looked down. "But I guess I am stuck with you, aren't I?!"

Piter continued sniffling and sobbing.

"Be on time tomorrow-or I'll tell your father how much of a failure you are!"

General Nikolai turned and walked away. "Pathetic. Just pathetic..." He said, indirectly heading towards Krusveto. The boy hid on the side as the General walked past by. As he left, he revealed himself and slowly walked towards Piter.

He got a closer look at his friend...he could see how dirty and filthy he looked. His hair was caked with dirt. He could see all the bruises on his face and neck. He even noticed how swollen his black eye was. It wasn't the usual Piter he hung out with-the one that wouldn't stop bragging and talking; the one who was so ambitious and daring, the one who was so fearless...

Krusveto's heart sank, and he reached out slowly to his friend who was completely shattered.

"Piter...?"

Piter turned and looked at Krusveto. He felt so weak, filled with humiliation and embarrassment. He wanted to tell Krusveto everything-the day he had, the pain he went through, the things he had to do...

Instead, all he could do was hug and cry onto him, his face sobbing and muffled onto his shoulder. The endless tears of pain, sorrow, and shame were let out.

...

"Piter..."

"Are you alone in this world too?"

---

The chill air and faint morning light peeked through the windows as Krusveto sat at a table. The house was filled with the scent of wood and the aroma of his finished bowl of kasha. He moved the objects owned by Alexandr and laid them on the table. He surveyed the items he had-his wallet, merchant license, a fancy note, and the biggest key to this case:

His journal.

Delving into the journal head-on would be too much at once, so he analyzed his wallet first. The contents were empty and bare. Savva had mentioned that he had snuck in Lord Ardalion's mansion in order to get more of his items. Could this mean that all of the belongings he had on them were distributed between the two-maybe even more? This would be a bigger conspiracy if that were the case.

Krusveto looked at the merchant license on the table. As he inspected it, he noticed that the license was expired. This could be a good reason as to why Alexandr was pulled away by Lord Evgeniy-since he was a powerful merchant. That would lead to the fancy note next.

Written in a sapphire blue, he read it:

"Hello Alexandr,

I have heard a lot about you of the services and charity you have provided in the slums. Such a shame that you're wasting your time in such a trashy area for someone with such skills, potential, and riches.

I do believe we could come up with an agreement that would benefit us all: I, you, and the people of the slums you care deeply about.

I will meet you in that unspeakable area as soon as the businesses open in the market for the next morning. If you are interested in my offer, then please do keep that note handy. It can be your golden ticket to an irrefutable opportunity.

Lord Evgeniy"

The writing seemed valid-especially for the large, fancy signature of Evgeniy...but why would he be eyeing someone in the slums? It's rare and unimaginable for a noble like him to have any concern for someone and someplace there.

Lastly, the one thing that could tie together the rest of the evidence.

Alexandr's journal.

As the Officer inspected it, it was pretty bulky and stretched for a binder that was designed to be small. As he undid the small belt that held the contents together...

POP!

The journal opened up with the thick pages, small notes, and even pictures stuffed in it.

He piled up the small pictures in his hand, and went through each memory that was taken.

The first one was a photo of Alexandr in his uniform...more specifically, the lieutenant rank. He did remember in his lifetime that a lieutenant retired, so that could explain the uniform photo and the medallion he had as well.

The next two prints were from a wedding of Mrs. Sascha and Alexandr. One of them with just the two together, and the other with some familiar faces-though hard to tell. He does recognize Yanni in it, as it seemed like Alexandr and Mrs. Sascha got married when they were elderly.

The next photo was of a young boy, standing by Alexandr. The other photo was the same, except this time a young girl was standing by them. The next photo was a picture of a familiar bar but empty. Despite being faded, it did look a little more pristine than he first entered it. It was probably newly constructed.

He pulled out the final photo from his hand.

It was Alexandr, and a young girl who looked like-

!!!

Then the memory clicked.

It was the same photo Krusveto saw before it was slammed downward in Rschvanya's room.

So, she wasn't lying. She did have a past with him, and she does know him...but why did she hide the photo yesterday? Is she hiding something? Does she actually have any ill-intent toward him; especially being around him for a long time and watching him? No...she wouldn't be that stupid. She helped him get the evidence from Lord Evgeniy. As a matter of fact, she also wouldn't have sneaked in his own home.

Then his teeth gritted as memories flashed back after that thought.

Rschvanya beating Krusveto up and walking over him in a humiliating defeat in front of his colleagues. Her, taunting and insulting him from her cell. Her, the smile of death and the sickle towards his neck. Her, with that finger of hers on his chin. Him, being so powerless...

"Dammit..."

Krusveto covered his face in embarrassment and humiliation. How dare she make a fool of him! How dare she deceived him-working with her and taking his rubles away! How dare she...

He looked up at a clock on the wall as his mind was filled with slight confusion and anger. He then look at the journal entries he hasn't read yet.

The Officer sighed and got up to put his ushanka on. He didn't want to be late to his job. Then, he remembered something. Just before he opened the door to leave, he turned around and looked at his bedside table. He walked towards it and looked at the special bracelets that Rschvanya gave him before she robbed him. A quote flashed back at him:

"In case it ever comes to that moment..."

What was she talking about? What did she mean? Did she mean that he could be stopped or arrested for delving too much into the case?

Of course not! How absurd! Why would his fellow officers-even Lieutenant Piter-arrest him, who's job it was to protect and help others?! The more he thought of it, the more angry he became of all the times he came across her-and even giving him the idea that he could be betrayed. That deceitful witch...

If anything, it would be him being captured by who knows what-not his fellow officers. He clasped the bracelets on him. He could see many holes and tiny switches. How was she able to activate them?

...

The longer he stood there and thought, the more he realized he was running late. Without further ado, his walk turned brisk and left his home. He could probably figure out how they work as he walked.

Krusveto stepped out of his home as the wooden door creaked and slammed-causing the metal and wood to shake. Normally he would be keeping a watchful eye around the citizens as he headed to work. However, this time his watchful eye was on the bracelets. He pressed each circle on one of them and noticed different sized and shaped needles popping up.

But how was Rschvanya able to activate them while she was cuffed? Was there some sort of motion she had to perform? Did she have to use force to make them pop up? It would have been easier if she explained to him how to use it once she gave them to him.

----

A few days passed and Krusveto went to meet Piter at the same spot: the training grounds. He peered over the fence and saw many soldiers, under training and doing their exercises.

The sun shone and sizzled over the gravel. The boy looked over the army and pinpointed his friend, who was in the middle of the grown-ups that were in training and doing push-ups. He remembered and knows that Piter was personally being trained under General Nikolai...but not like a young adult.

He was hoping to surprise him with some flavored ice sticks he got from the ice deliveryman to share...but they're already melting...and he felt guilty to even start on them.

"Тридцать...тридцать один...тридцать два...тридцать три...тридцать четыре..." Krusveto heard General Nikolai aloud, counting, as he walked and looked over the soldiers.

He walked over to Piter, who could not keep up with the others. It should have been easy, right? He remembered the challenges they always did and contests like these for fun...

But it wasn't fun...it was torture...

The man looked down at him and placed his foot on Piter's back as he yelled, unable to push back up. His hands were now planted on the hot cement, burning and searing his palms.

"It will be a lot worse out there..." General Nikolai said. The young trainee laid on the ground, his hands now floating above the ground for relief...but was short-lived as the General pressed his foot on one of them.

"Oh, Krusveto!"

The boy turned. It was Piter's father.

"I see you're just as inquisitive as ever-especially when it comes to the soldiers' training." He looked over the fence. Krusveto looked at him, hoping to see some sort of reaction. Angry? Sad?...A concern maybe?

But it was none of the above.

"Ah, I see General Nikolai is still busy. I'll come back later." As he walked and turned. "And don't coddle Piter so much! He's a soldier, not royalty!" He turned back again and shook his head. "Nobles...so spoiled."

He looked down at his hands and notice the sticks were nothing but syrupy stubs...

Krusveto looked helplessly ahead-not even Piter's father was there for his friend. He was hoping to make his friend feel better with the treat he brought him.

Instead, he only saw him suffer.

----

As the bulky wood door slammed, Krusveto walked down the stairs and walked through the hall. While he did, he stopped as he overheard a conversation in one of the offices. It sounded like the officer sisters.

"So then, I went to report it. Most of the officers didn't sort their paperwork properly...again." The lady sighed, holding a stack of manila folders and placing each one in certain areas of the shelf. Only the back of her shoulder-length, rich purple hair could be seen.

There are a few desks that were filled with papers, and drawers were open with documents peeking out. Some of the lamps on the desk were still on, with the jade-green shade lit the ceiling while the yellow illuminated either the bare or busy desks with papers and pens.

"What happened after?" The other one said, who appeared to be slacking off as she leaned her back next to the shelf and crossing her arms.

"I opened the door. I looked down at him sitting down...looking at one of THOSE magazines." She shuddered.

"Ew...well it can't be as bad as Evgeniy, right? I hate coming across him."

"Believe me, I'll take working with the черника rather than witness that again..."

Krusveto coughed as he suspected who the ladies were talking about.

"Officer Aileen. Officer Valene."

"Agh, shit." Aileen said as her flowery-pink hair waved in shock while moving towards her desk.

"Oh, Officer Krusveto! Good morning!" Officer Valene swiftly turned and said as a fringe of her hair accompanied it. "I'm almost done sorting these papers. Did you need anything?"

He had to keep it discrete or suspicion would rise. "Well, I was wondering if you had any knowledge of any tools criminals would use nowadays. Lately there have been many that were able to sneak out easily..."

"Oh...hmm." Valene thought as she slipped a thick folder up on the shelf. "The only tools that have been surfacing lately were simple lock-picking needles and shivs being carved. It's been escalating to a point where even simple belt-buckles had to be confiscated." She paused to see if she was missing anything else in her mind or the shelves being stuffed with papers. "That's all I could think of."

Krusveto hid the bracelet under his sleeve. It appears it's the same tools the degenerates have been carving and making-and the staff are not aware of a contraption such as this. Knowing Valene, however, she might have an idea of what it is-and he might be able to get it to work as intended; since she is an expert on the tools in the organization nowadays.

He looked up as the conversation from Valene continued. "Why do you ask?" she said.

Surely, someone like her would think of it as some form of jewelry; and he doesn't have to mention where he EXACTLY found it either...

"Hm...well, I searched the cells one day and came across this." The Officer said as he slipped the bracelet off to show it to her.

"Ah...this seems peculiar." She twiddled it with her fingers and even tried it on herself. She poked the holes for the needles to pop up. She couldn't see how she could activate them using her wrist. While Krusveto watched, he noticed a wedding band on her finger. He wonder if 'he' finally popped the question to her.

Officer Valene took the bracelet off and came to a conclusion-which was more like an assumption. "It seems more like a weapon to me than a tool. Maybe you can ask Lieutenant Piter yourself once he gets back for a second opinion."

"Yeah, since you're such a подхалим to him..." The peach-haired sister walked with a stack of books and files.

"Aileen!"

"What? It's true, and you know it!" The sister defended her insult as Krusveto glared at her. He was going to offer to help since she wasn't as strong as Valene is but changed his mind. The fit woman sighed as she continued her work shortly after.

Before Krusveto could inquire about Valene's wedding ring, a voice appeared in the room.

"Krusveto!" The Officer turned as his name was called. It was Igor in the hallway.

"We got another one that won't talk. It's another fraudster from the noble district."

Krusveto sighed as he turned to walk out. Most of the nobles can be selfish. However, it always seems the ones that are too kind that are targeted the most...

"В пути..."

Chapter 11

"Ow-ow! дер....!"

"Hold still!"

Sitting on a stone wall, Krusveto poured clear alcohol on Piter's red, burning hands. The healing pain sizzled on his palms as his friend rolled the gauze around it to turn it into a small cage of cotton. The boy winced in pain and even tried his best to avoid cursing, but every hint of movement and trace of touch just made it worse.

On Piter's last hand, Krusveto tore the last piece of gauze with his teeth to secure the wound in place.

"There."

Piter looked at his hands, covered and bandaged from the torture they had to endure. His eyes showed remnants of drops, from withstanding through the healing pain during the bandaging.

"Thanks..." Piter said under his breath. He looked ahead as the life and light of his eyes were dimmed away from him-clouded and dull. "Don't mention it..." His friend responded as he looked and the sun beginning to set.

Krusveto was recognizing the same signs he went through on his friend. The pressure, the torture...having the privilege to be where you at-whether you asked for it or not. He felt what he had felt...and again, asked the same question.

"Piter...are you sure you're alright?" He asked.

The young soldier looked at his hands, pondering that question. Was he alright? He should be. He is on the path to his dream...being a perfect marksman, becoming a soldier...

...and knowing that his friend doesn't have to go through the same he did...

Yes...he should be. He should be happy.

"Yeah...I'm fine." He tried to be happy, but it was blank-as if he wore a mask. Krusveto felt he couldn't pry anymore further. His friend's words said so, but his look said otherwise. His hands were shaking, and his eyes closed.

Piter's thoughts ran through the silence. It is normal for what he is going through, he thought to himself. It's normal going through brutal training, being degraded, being under so much pressure. That is how a soldier is built, no matter the age-even if he was still a child.

"You're lucky, you know..." Piter spoke. "You have everything..."

The boy looked at him.

"You live with the nobles...you're rich...you live in a comfortable mansion...you always have food on the table..." Piter's voice shook as it sounded like he was about to cry. "You don't have to worry about anything...at least..." He wiped his eyes with his bandage, feeling a slight sting from the alcohol smell. "At least you don't have to do this...you're lucky being a noble..."

Krusveto felt guilty. He did have everything-everything as Piter described. He didn't have to worry about being fed. He had a warm bed. He was rich. He even had the privilege to learn so many skills.

He was a noble. He was the shining star among the peers and citizens.

...But he threw that all away...he wasn't happy with that...at all, and it robbed his happiness. He had to tell him. He's been wanting to tell him, but never had the chance.

"Piter, I have something to tell you..."

...

...

...

"What?"

---

BAMF.

BAMF.

BAMF.

Krusveto punched the man tied to the chair, supposedly a criminal-one who stole money from someone who was gullible and innocent. Someone who had a good heart. Someone who worked hard for their earnings. Sure, it was true that most nobles were jerks, ill-mannered, and critical-but those were the ones who were smart enough to not being taken advantage of.

And the ones that do are the same like the unfortunate, kind-hearted souls of the village.

The dim light of the morning from the top windows shone through the room on the man's face, alongside a hanging flickering light on top of him. Blood leaked from his hair and face that was adorned with bruises and slight disfigurement.

"Держать." Igor said and he walked towards the person, grabbing his hair and glaring down at him.

"I won't ask again." He continued. "Where is the money?"

The criminal gasped and spat out blood as he coughed. He looked worn and tired as if he was about to faint.

"...Home...lock-box...in fireplace..."

He threw the man's head back, then turned. "Keep him locked up until we retrieve it."

"Should we treat him for the injuries?" Another officer asked as he untied him.

"Only if you want to waste your time with him." Igor bluntly stated. Krusveto internally agreed with Igor, even if it was rare for him to do so. Chances are, if not dealt with, they would just do the same thing again. It's for the best that they put those criminals in their place, and make them think twice before doing acts like this again.

Speaking of that, a thought came to Krusveto as he and Igor were in the interrogation room. Even though it was uncommon for them to work together, they have a job to do.

"Officer Igor, did you ask him if there were more working with him? This has been a problem for quite a while."

The Officer looked up at him, and scoffed. "Bah. The people that make it out here alive are living proof of what happens when you mess with us. Once they look at him, they'll second-guess their intentions."

"...and what happens if he lied about the location of the rubles?"

Igor smirked and laughed. "Oh, we'll thank him for his time and find some way to end him-maybe poison his food. What's he going to do about it?" He looked at the exit of the room, hearing the groans fading away into the cells. "He's battered enough already."

Krusveto knows that Igor is a slacker-he wouldn't want to do extra work on delving deep into the trickery and ruse of this case. He knows that this problem has been going on for quite a while and were recently ordered to find any close contact the fraudsters may have.

And in this case, Igor has not. There's a chance that this valuable information could die.

Fiddling with one of the bracelets under his sleeve, Krusveto still had no luck on figuring out how it worked. Knowing his conduct, it's for the best he doesn't mention the bracelet to Igor-he always finds a way to mock anyone and anything. The last thing he wanted to tolerate from him is another insult, probably something about a girl's jewelry-and he has had enough insults for the last two days.

"Igor," Vasil walked in. "He lied about the location."

"Already? We just-"

"No, not that one. The noble's prisoner." The portly officer corrected.

Krusveto's thoughts broke once he heard yelling from the tunnels.

"WAIT-NO! I CAN SHOW YOU-"

BANG.

Igor sighed. "Dammit. Ardalion is not going to like this."

"Wait...Lord Ardalion?" Krusveto inquired. The last time he heard that name was...

"Yes. Someone broke into his mansion to steal his money. He finally fessed up the information..." Igor rolled his eyes. "...but apparently lied where he hid it. Ardalion said to do away with him if we came up with nothing."

Some nobles in the high-class district have their own prisons. They were allowed to hold prisoners if they break in or entered without permission. Lord Ardalion was one of those nobles. Most, if not all, prison conditions in their mansions were much better than the station's. After all, the quality of the prison has to match the quality of their own home. Impressing measly peasants is just as important as impressing your neighbors.

Krusveto sighed and let him knew what he was thinking anyway, after hearing the last words of the scum. "It just seems like you're being lazy again..."

"Nonsense! If I was, I wouldn't have bother with something like this! I am only following protocol!"

"It appears that you're taking shortcuts on protocols then..." The Officer shook his head in disbelief. As he looked and walked away to examine his wrist again, Igor looked over to him, who realized he was toying with a bracelet.

"Eh? Что это?" Igor looked on Krusveto's wrist, his arms behind his back.

"It's nothing-"

Igor grabbed his wrist to lift it up and once he spotted the object... "A piece of jewelry?" he laughed. "Either you're trying hard to be a girl or trying hard to be a noble again!"

Krusveto's eyes snapped and shot at him like a bullet firing from a gun, powered by the blood rushing through him. He immediately countered and grabbed Igor's wrist to remove his hand, squeezing and wringing it. Igor yelled and groaned in pain as retribution was delivered to him.

"I thought. I told you. TO NEVER speak of that again."

The smart-mouthed man was trying to back off. "Эй, эй! I'm just joking around with you! Don't be so testy!" Krusveto sighed and lets go of his wrist as his anger died down. Igor rubbed his wrist that was in pain. What is with his colleague? Can't he take a joke?

However, Krusveto abhors any mention of his past as a noble, and there was a good reason for that as well-even if it was unusual.

---

"YOU WHAT?! YOU THREW ALL THAT AWAY?!" Piter screamed in Krusveto's face. How long was he planning to hide it? How long was he going to keep his friend in the dark?

"I was miserable! I felt like a prisoner in there!"

"A prisoner?! Krusveto, you had everything you needed! How could you be miserable?!"

"It was...I had no choice! They were going to burn my book! It was my only companion in there!"

"I'M YOUR COMPANION! Why didn't you tell me?! Why didn't you stand up for yourself?!"

Krusveto's voice toned lower. "You don't know what they do to me when I talk bad about them...or when I have something they didn't buy for me..." As he spoke those words, the shadowed, smiling faces of his aunt and uncle hovered over as a picture in his mind.

The young soldier's mind ran back in circles to one of the reasons why he stayed with the General. Now that Krusveto was no longer a noble... "You're such an idiot! Don't you realize what that means?! If General Nikolai finds out, you'll be enlisted too! You're going to suffer the same thing I did!"

"I don't care." He said. "It's better than being manipulated...that book had everything from my life." He recalled everything in the book from memory. Letters from his father and mother from the past, the keepsakes and reminders that God loved him from the church, bits and pieces of memories from the girl he tried to comfort from the other side of the wall. It was more dear to him than the incomprehensible riches of the nobles.

But Piter couldn't see or even known that. All he saw was an opportunity gone to waste. "DAMMIT KRUSVETO! Можно точить топор о макушку! What's so special about that SHITTY book? If I had to choose between a book and a lavish life like you had, I'd let them burn it to dust!"

BAMF!

As if a twig snapped in half, Krusveto punched Piter across the face, and he fell on the ground.

"YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH!" He yelled, his fist still clenched. His blood boiled as his...friend had the nerve to think he was living in heaven-when actually he was living in hell.

"DID YOU EVER WONDER WHY I COULDN'T MEET WITH YOU AND OUR FRIENDS?! BECAUSE MY AUNT AND UNCLE PINNED EVERY ACTIVITY ON ME-EVERY HOUR!" Krusveto face turned redder as he continued roaring, while Piter was hurt from his punch-rubbing his face. "EACH HOUR, EACH DAY, I WAS EXPECTED TO BE PERFECT! DANCING, MUSIC, ART, SINGING-ALL OF IT! I HAD TO MASTER IT ALL! IF I MADE ONE MISTAKE-EACH TIME I SKIPPED OUT, I WAS PUNISHED FOR IT! THEY DIDN'T CARE! THEY DIDN'T CARE FOR ME AT ALL! I WAS ONLY USED AS A DOLL-A STUPID PUPPET!"

The boy huffed with a hoarse voice and his gritted teeth, his fingers now digging through his skin as his fist became tighter and tighter from withholding and releasing the anger built inside him. How dare Piter belittled his treasure! How dare him that he rather see his book burn!

...then a moment of realization hit Krusveto as his eyes widened and a hard gasp went down his throat.

He lost control...

He yelled at his friend out of anger...

He punched someone, a close friend-who he looked to as a brother...

Piter got up and looked down, his hand off of another bruise on his face-one that came from his friend this time. He felt hurt-betrayed in both ways. The young trainee looked down and solemnly turned his back.

"Have a good day, Krusveto."

"Piter, I-"

"I SAID HAVE A GOOD DAY!"

Piter stomped away. He was training to resist pain, empathy, and any form of sadness. He should be able to withstand this...

But he couldn't withstand it any longer...after it was from his best friend...

...

Krusveto looked down at his hands, with bruises, scratch marks, and a hint of Piter's blood from his fists.

The phrase echoed and repeated in his head as the shadows of regret hovered over him:

"What have I done?"

Chapter 12

He regretted it.

He regretted what he had done.

Krusveto sat in one of the pews in the empty church. The shadow of guilt hovered over him as the pale moonlight shone through the church-but it wasn't enough to penetrate the darkness in front of him. His hands never escaped the gaze from his eyes, as all he could see was the regrettable wrath unleashed by them-onto his own friend...

He was shown a new light. He was forgiven by the grace of God for his guilt and sins. He was recently taken into the church and was given a new life.

...and he blew it. He blew this one chance he had.

A tear dropped from Krusveto's face as he was no longer frozen in an empty, emotionless state and started shaking.

Then another drop...

...and another...

He buried his head into his hands, crying and filling with tears that start to drop and fill his hands. However, the tears escaped to the cold stone floor as his hands could no longer withold any more.

"Krusveto...my child, what is the matter?"

The boy looked up, seeing Father Siergie. Clearly, the boy was in anguish. Why is he not in bed like the other children?

Krusveto didn't know what to tell him. He knew that if he told Father Siergie what had happened today, it would only prove Father Vadeem right-he couldn't change for the better; and he couldn't atone for his misdeeds. He always marked and pointed out the sins Krusveto has made-the times he was rash and violent, being ungrateful for his upbringing, and being the cause of things he didn't intend to happen.

"Father Siergie...I...I..." The boy bawled and continued sobbing.

...

...

"I see...so you had a fight with your friend."

Krusveto tried to calm himself down and take deep breaths while telling him what happened. He wiped the cooled tears on his face burned with sadness.

The Priest sighed shortly after. "Krusveto...you have to control your anger-"

"I know! I know! I didn't mean it!" He cried. "Father Vadeem was right! I deserve this! I'm unredeemable-I'm-"

"Father Vadeem's judgment doesn't affect your path or fate." Father Siergie stated. "It is decided by you."

Krusveto sniffed. Regardless of Father Vadeem's comments-and how harsh he normally acts, he was always reassured by his mentor that anyone can change for the better. It always seemed that he was there for him even when God's hammer was being slammed by the stricter priest.

However, there was one fact proven by Father Vadeem, and he seems to accept it every time.

His uncontrollable anger.

His wrath was equivalent to a fully-grown brown bear. Whenever the other kids irked him and poked fun at him for being a noble, it always ended up with one of them being with a pulverized face.

"Have you talked or seen him since then?" Father Siergie asked, breaking the silence after it seems that the boy calmed down.

"No..."

The priest, despite not knowing the complete story, tried to share his wisdom to the young boy. "Maybe you need to look at the point of view of your friend. Maybe he is continuing his training not only because of tradition, but in order to protect you as well."

"Why would he have to? I don't need anyone to protect me."

"Oh? Is that so?" Father Siergie questioned his contradiction. "Remember when I first met you-more than meets the eye, yes?"

Krusveto jumped at that statement. He caught him there. He recalled the newly built church and meeting the new priest-

"Most actions done by others are left unspoken. While the cover of the book appears to be in plain sight, there is a deep purpose in each one." Father Siergie said. "You were rich and had everything you need...but that was only the cover, was it? Looking through, something didn't seem quite right with you. You may look like you had everything...but there was something missing. Do you remember what that was, my child?"

"...happiness..."

The word slowly muttered from his mouth.

"That's right. Now look at your friend. You have told me he was always training whenever you tried to meet with him. He knows that he and his family have a duty to their country. If that duty wasn't performed, it would have been passed to you. Just as you previously had your duties, so does he."

That was true. Even back then, Krusveto had trouble meeting up with his friends and Piter at the end of the day. The constant schedule of every activity was pinned on him-even sitting down for a proper meal. Piter probably thought the whole time that he was living a life everyone dreamed of. However, it wasn't as great as anyone would think.

Maybe...maybe Father Siergie was right. He remembered that he didn't have to volunteer in military training since he was adopted by his aunt and uncle of nobility. He remembered how General Nikolai compared him and Piter-the latter being inferior according to him.

...Was it true though?

Was it true that he is continuing in order to protect him, just so that the General could focus more on his friend rather than himself?

If it was or is...then he doesn't have to do-

"Let us wait until tomorrow morning. The children will be jealous that you are staying up past your bedtime." The priest chuckled; as if the children weren't jealous of him already, Krusveto thought...

"Worrying and crying more will only bring more pain. For now, please wash up and rest that weary head of yours..."

----

"Krusveto!"

As his name was called, his mind awoken as he stopped analyzing the bracelets; and looked up from one of the desks in the office. Earlier, he went back to help the sisters with the sorting of paperwork and evidence.

It was Vasil, alongside Igor and some other officers. Has that much time passed already for shifts to be ending? There was no clock in sight-and not even a window to show the time of day. Was he that enraptured in these contraptions on his wrists?

"Our colleagues and I were heading to the bar for a drink. Mikhail is also there waiting for us. Are you coming?"

That is true. It was Mikhail's day off today. It would be a nice opportunity to catch up with him, especially after seeing Valene. However, before Krusveto could speak, not only he didn't drink but he realized...

"...I don't have any money on me." And the bitter thought also floated within his mind of the culprit.

"AH don't worry about that!" Vasil patted him on the back. "We'll be happy to treat a good friend like you!" Krusveto's bitter embarrassment turned to a sigh of relief.

"It will be our gift! After all, it's a job well done we've been doing lately!" Igor chimed, even though he did hardly any of the work today according to Krusveto's thoughts. At the very least, he won't have to pick up their tabs this time when they all walked out on him.

Igor glanced at the two female officers that were in the room. A smirk appeared across his face as a mischievous idea filled his head.

"Hey, Aileen! Valene! You two want to join us? Maybe for other reasons, eh?"

Aileen looked disgusted and flipped him off while Valene glared at him. "Ugh...no. Fuck off, жопа перхоть."

Igor and Vasil laughed at the ladies' response and remark while the rest of the officers did not appear amused-especially when one of them is to be wed! Why does Igor always make a show, having to leave the two sisters annoyed? Krusveto shook his head as he questioned himself.

----

After a long walk and wading through the streets, the Officers entered a bar in the middle-class district. The smell and fumes of smoke polluted the atmosphere with a jukebox letting out sounds of ragtime. It appeared that the day was still going, as there was a small crowd of people sitting and enjoying their drinks in the brightly lit bar.

...How could anyone enjoy the burning taste going down their throats? Krusveto thought. At this rate, they would be better off drinking acid than something that is exorbitantly priced.

"Comrades...this is the life." Igor said after inhaling the smells of, what he deems to be, paradise.

"Is that so, Igor?" Krusveto rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't be shocked if all that smoke and alcohol messed with your head."

"Friend, friend..." he smirked and raised his hand on the officer's shoulder, even though they weren't 'friends.' "Thanks to this place, we have everything we'd dream of to our beck and call-vodka, fine cigars, and women!"

Krusveto could reiterate the previous statement he made. What does he think he has? Power? They were customers-nothing more.

Speaking of women...

"Hello, my handsome Чозяинушко." One of the ladies said rushing to Vasil. He returned with a grin. "Hello to you too, my darling." The small Officer looked up at the giant. "Hey Krusveto, you want one? They got plenty more in the back if you know what I mean..."

He sighed in annoyance. "I am not interested. I came here merely to meet Mikhail." The Officer just placed his hands behind his back and walked on as the others went about...whatever they normally do on their break.

"Одевают, Krusveto! More for the crew...and more for me!" Vasil said.

The Officer shook his head. Why does he, and everyone else, keep staying around Igor? He's a bad influence and role-model to the other Officers. The fact that Vasil stays beside him most of the time just adds a secondary troublemaker to the group.

The words faded as the Officer quickly walked away to not delve into the sinful acts of the others. But before he could take further steps to get away from them...

"Well, well, well...Officer Krusveto. Fancy you meeting here."

Oh no...

It was Lord Evgeniy...with his two mistresses sitting by him.

"Oh, Lord Evgeniy. I didn't expect you to be in an establishment like this." He said and thought to himself. Weren't there finer places in the noble district?

"Hah. Same quality at a better deal. How else can you stay rich?" He said drinking a shot of pure alcohol.

It was annoying dealing with that noble on the day of the robbery...and him being here made it even worse.

...but...

Krusveto sighed and thought to himself. It's for the best to tolerate his egotistical behavior in order to keep things running smoothly between the citizens and his colleagues.

...despite Lord Evgeniy being an embodiment of what he hated as a noble.

As he was calming his temper, he noticed something quaint that stood out in the noble's hand-...or part of his hand.

It appeared to be a prosthetic gold finger, with its joint connected by jewels-and it seemed to replace an actual human finger.

"Is...that a new decoration, Lord Evgeniy?"

"I'm so glad you noticed! That criminal damaged my finger so horribly, it had to be done away with." He took another sip, finishing the glass. "I had a troubling time writing for others. Luckily a craftsman was able to sculpt a prosthetic to match my own gloves." He stomped his glass lightly on the table, and one of the mistresses poured another glass. Lord Evgeniy continued eyeing the detail of the jewels and gold metal. "But...the doctor said I should be fine. Just plenty of rest and a good drink everyday. It's nice to know it has other uses other than writing."

"I'll say..." one of the blushing mistresses spoke while being whacked by the other.

With a disgusted thought, look, and ignoring the statement, he saw the perfect time to leave after the actions of the mistresses-and Krusveto walked away from another despicable noble.

The worst thing out of all this though?

Rschvanya lied to him. She didn't just bite his finger...she bit OFF his finger. One of the agreements they had while working together was that no harm would befall to anyone, and even if it was just a finger of a hated person, she broke that agreement.

But before his mind could wander off in rage, he tried reminding himself that he was here to relax for a bit.

While squeezing through the close tables and crowds, he searched ahead for a friend.

When Officer Mikhail was new to the force, he was assigned under Krusveto after a heroic deed he performed. Shortly after, though joke not intended on Mikhail's height, Valene and Aileen worked under him. Officer Aileen proved to be difficult of course due to her attitude, so settled in doing desk work only, while Officer Valene proved her strength, marksmanship, and loyalty to work with the other Officers when sent out to investigate or follow protocol.

The two male Officers had an interest in antiques they see as they window-shopped areas in the market and neighborhood districts, sometimes before heading into the slums in case of possible riots. However, afterwards, Mikhail was assigned to partner with Igor due to multiple complaints from his unruly, slacking behavior.

"Mikhail."

Krusveto approached a table at the corner of the bar, an unusual place the Officer would be at-since it would bring bad luck if what was happening was happening.

He jolted up. "Oh, Krusveto! It's rare that you come to a bar."

"I heard from the others you would be here. May I..."

"Yes, yes, of course." He gestured. "I am just taking a break." Krusveto took off his hat and placed it on the table.

The silence remained between them, accompanied by the thick smoke and perfume around. It has been a long time since they were on break together, but due to different shifts and stationed positions, it was near-impossible to spend time together.

While trying to start a conversation and sate his curiosity, Krusveto analyzed his fellow Officer's hands as his hands were laced rather than playing with his drink earlier. After analyzing, Krusveto confirmed...

...a shining ring was on Mikhail's hand.

Krusveto laughed, being surprised by the turn of events. "I knew it! So you finally proposed to Valene after all! Congratulations!"

Mikhail jerked up, wondering how he knew-then turned his head towards his hand. He chortled after. "Oh. Yeah. I was looking for the perfect moment and way to do it-I couldn't believe she said yes!"

"So...how did you do it?"

Despite Mikhail looking tired, he began. "Well..." he said. "I was researching on Aileen's and Valene's homeland-Ireland...so, I wanted to make it personal to her." He looked up, holding his own ushanka since his other hat was no where to be seen. "I tried putting my shafka on the doorknob, but the wind blew it off." he sighed. "The only other family member I could ask was Aileen...well, you know how she is."

"Yes, yes. That would be a big mistake." Krusveto was reminded of her impudent behavior. Mikhail didn't have the guts to ask someone like her. He couldn't imagine what embarrassing thing Aileen would ask him to do. "So...what did you settle on?"

He blushed. "I kept it simple." The Officer recalled the moment. It was perfect. The day was bright, there weren't many citizens nearby, and... "We were taking our break together that day. When we were at the bridge, I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I took the ring box I was holding and...told her I had something for her...she took it and opened it in front of me. I didn't...well...couldn't say anything..."

Mikhail's vision was as clear as day as moment continued playing in his head on repeat. The sun shining and sparkling on the water, the two standing side by side, and the two without looking, exchanging hands as one of the hands handed her a tiny box with a wishful, everlasting bond. The purple-haired Officer looked at the small box and opened it, revealing a radiant diamond ring. With a loud gasp and jubilant joy, she held and constricted him with a hug.

Krusveto then finished his sentence. "...and then she said "Yes?""

He laughed. "I couldn't believe it myself-I thought I was dreaming!...Well...until she picked me up and squeezed me to a hug." Mikhail's tone got lower at the end of that sentence as his face turned red. "I thought she would choke me to death..."

"Who would have thought you two would be together, especially when Igor had doubts! ты действительно засунул его себе под пояс!"

"Hah, yes! In your face, Igor!" He said to himself. Igor always had a bad time getting along with the women, and his past encounters proved it.

Slowly after, Mikhail's jubilant expression turned into slight sorrow.

Krusveto analyzed him after. It should be the happiest moment of his life-why is he sad? "...Is something the matter, Mikhail?"

He sighed. A lot of things have been racing in his brain-not only with the proposal to Valene...but the many unknown reasons and mysteries to his job.

The Officer's loyalty was unwavering to his village and country...but he couldn't help question his comrade who was in the similar rank much longer than him...would it be appropriate at a time like this? It should be a conversation of celebration, not chagrin.

Though, he couldn't hold his questions any longer.

"Krusveto...ever since I worked here, I've begin to have...doubts." Mikhail said as he began trying to walk around and around.

"Doubts? What are you talking about, Mikhail?" The Officer questioned.

"When I first came here, I asked what the name of this village was...and I couldn't get a straight answer. The response I get each time is that they don't know the name or that it doesn't have a name." he continued.

Mikhail did make a good point, according to Krusveto. He never bothered finding out-as in fact, growing up, it wasn't a concern to any of the kids. They had more questions about the locked shed in the forest rather than names.

But, when one wanted to show their pride, it would be of their household-not the town.

The Officer's eyes positioned left and right, hoping that none of the other patrons were overhearing his qualms.

"Don't you find it odd that all of the upper-class citizens and nobles...are 'branded?'" Mikhail added. Nobles and upper-class citizens have a signature mark on a chosen part of their body, noting which family they belonged to. However, something like that, it never did cross Krusveto's mind. He assumed it was merely a family tradition.

He reached under his neck where his...

"When I mentioned that to Valene...she never heard of any village or country doing such thing...and I know that she and Aileen come from a noble family in their country."

Maybe there were other traditions in other countries? Most likely having some form of jewelry or badge is possible in other countries.

Mikhail sighed and muttered under his breath, but it was loud enough for Krusveto's hard hearing.

"This town...if you can even call it town anymore...has been under Martial Law for decades-free of any monarch or political rule...what type of system are we even aspiring for?"

Krusveto gave a reasonable doubt about his questions. If it were another officer, he would immediately accuse them of being a radical or turning traitor. However, he has known Mikhail for quite a while and knew he was genuine. He would take his questions as a lack of knowledge, not defiance.

He figured with Mikhail's openness, he could share something that he'd come across. Valene didn't have any luck-so perhaps Mikhail would know something. As the Officer was undoing his bracelets...

"Heeey Krusveto!" Igor chimed in from behind him.

The Officer sighed and looked beside him. "What now, Igor?"

He laughed. "We managed to get a good deal with the bartender here! Come, come join us!"

"Igor, I told you already I don't-"

"Nah, nah it isn't that. Trust me, this is good!"

Igor pulled Krusveto away from the table. Mikhail was confused by the situation-suspicious even, and got up and followed right after.

Chapter 13

Weaving through the tables and Igor pulling his arm like a child, Krusveto followed. Mikhail, being curious, got up and followed after.

It is unheard of that Igor would share anything; he is like a kid-he wouldn't let his eyes scatter around the room.

Despite none of his business, Mikhail couldn't help but following due to his suspicion. While Krusveto was wondering what surprise Igor has for him, Mikhail wondered what Igor got himself into this time...

Approaching the bartender at the bar, the liar pointed at the Officer with his thumb.

"Alright, here he is."

Wait...what? Krusveto looked over to Igor.

"Good. Now where's the money?"

With a suspicious scowl, Krusveto looked down at the delinquent Officer. "Igor...what is going on?"

"Listen, listen...remember when I said I would treat you to drinks to this place?"

"Yes, and I am not interested in any drinks."

"...да, about that..." he said. "We're in bit of a bind...you see, we're overdue on our tab and..."

"...And?!" Krusveto started to get sick of his annoyances.

"I have no money on me."

"WHAT?!" He yelled. "Igor, I told you I had no money!"

"I thought you were just saying that so you wouldn't have to pay the tab again!"

"So you were using me the whole time for paying your tabs?!"

"Look, either way the bartender isn't letting us leave until we pay!"

"What did you think this whole time?! Заложить за воротник?!"

"Hey dumbasses, I'm not interested in your banter. So get on with it-where is the money?!"

Before Krusveto could let out his anger at Igor-and the man who insulted him, he coughed and try to be professional about it. "Listen, this is some sort of misunderstanding. I am not sure what my comrade told you, but-"

"He told me that YOU had the money to pay the tab. I'm tired of hearing the same stupid excuses!"

Mikhail approached from behind, just hearing from the hostile conversation the bartender was having. He couldn't help but wonder what was holding him up for so long.

"Perhaps we can come to some sort of agreement? Maybe some sort of labor or..." and Krusveto hopes that Igor will do the work.

A smirk appeared over the bartender's face. He looked at the Officer-knowing what type of person he is...and what he can take; then, an idea popped in his head. "Alright then..." the gruff man bent over and picked up two full bottles of vodka. "How about a drinking contest?"

"What?! Чушь собачья! Why not with me?!" Igor yelled.

"And for you to get more free alcohol?! I'm not stupid!" Guess not...The bartender placed the two bottles on the bar. "Here's the deal, Officer, and I know you'll honor your words. The first one to go through the entire bottle without fail wins. If you win...I'll waiver every tab of the department."

He looked over. It wasn't just a thin, tall bottle that could be shared between a few friends...this was a thick, heavy glass bottle that could be enjoyed by an entire party.

"Though, I have to warn you..." The man continued. "This is my very special reserve-the strongest ones I got."

Krusveto couldn't appear intimidated in front of his peers, even though he is fully aware that he cannot drink alcohol; a mere shot of it is enough to make him go under.

With slight hesitancy, he spoke.

"And if I lose?"

"I'll make sure the whole town runs you all dry...even down to that freak's bar in the slums."

Mikhail recalled the low tolerance of alcohol his colleague had. There was no way that he would be able to down more than a single shot! Normally he doesn't interfere with his fellows' affairs, nevertheless, he couldn't help but step in. "Krusveto, you don't have to do this." The Officer assured him. "I'll cover the tab."

"Oh, now you're willing to pay? I knew all of you Officers were spineless in the end! Hah!"

The prideful Officer's eyes raised in that accusation, and he stepped in front of Mikhail, fuming.

"...What did you say?"

"You heard me." He grinned. "You lot always pick out the easy ruffians to deal with, and when it comes to the tough ones, you chicken out!" The bartender continued. "You think no one heard of you getting your ass kicked by that famous criminal? You're the laughing stock-an insult to injury!"

He...they've heard?! How embarrassing! Krusveto gritted his teeth by that insult-he simply underestimated how strong that woman was; and all because of that altercation, he was suddenly deemed weak?!

He was tired of being defeated by Rschvanya, he was tired of hearing that bitch's name, and he was tired of being used by others!

"Sir, I apologize for-"

Krusveto brushed Mikhail aside, not only to prove himself, but that his fellow Officers had no fault in this-and Mikhail apologizing no less! Of course, it was true that it was all Igor's fault to begin with-seems like always...but he couldn't see the others be dragged down by this.

"Fine...I'll accept the challenge."

"Smart choice, Officer." The bartender smirked and took out multiple shot glasses. "We'll keep count this way. First one to fall, loses."

"Then, it's a deal..." he responded.

There was no need to sit-he wanted to make this quick, so the Officer stood in front of the bar, slowly moving his arms from his back to the counter. He looked down at the two large bottles and plethora of shot glasses-ready to be filled with the signature alcohol.

Okay, Krusveto thought to himself, it is a simple task in order to save his comrades' pride and something else they can't live without; which is a supposed drink said to be created by some stupid make-believe gods. All he had to do was perform a single task repetitively: fill his shot glass with the strong alcohol of the three beings and gulp it down until there is nothing left. It should be effortless, and he should be able to get through the drinking easily, right?

...Right?

----

Dew drops from the grass peeked through the stone trails as they lingered and dropped while perceived rumble of steps passed by. It was going to be another hot day. Sure, the villagers were all used to the brutality of the cold...but if only they were used to these hot summers as well.

Krusveto looked back and forth, his arms close to himself as he felt guilty for what he did the day before. Was Piter still around? Did they change where they would normally train?

He was hoping he wasn't actively avoiding him. The boy knew that some of the kids feared him at the church-he wouldn't want his best friend to be the next. Though, what he did was...

No, he couldn't think that. The conserved wrath shook those thoughts from his head. It was...just a misunderstanding-that's all, right? This one, huge fight they have couldn't end years' worth of friendship-as young as they could remember.

CRASH!!!

He heard the shatter of wood and clicking of light metal as he approached. As his solemn walk turned to a panic rush, there was a broken crate with cases of bullets tumbling over, opened with the different shells mixing with each other.

As his vision appeared closer, he saw them-General Nikolai lifting Piter from the ground by his hair.

"You little shit!" Krusveto overheard his voice. "I told you to be careful with that! What's the matter?! You want our soldiers to die in battle?!"

"Agh! N-no!...I-it was-ow! T-too heavy! I'm sorry!" His friend's face in pain-covered in dirt and scratches.

"Oh, too heavy for you?! You want to become a soldier, and that small crate was too heavy for you?!" Even though by the looks of it, the now-broken crate seemed large for him...

Krusveto tried to control himself, like Father Siergie told him...but his heart sank as he continued watching. Feelings of anger and concern rushed though him-his fists trying to restrain him from making another mistake.

However, the more he watched and realized, he knew that this was not training. This was not work.

This was pure torture.

As rigid as a statue, his mind circulated on the choices he had. Stop him? But how? Talk to him? But what words could go through someone raised with war in his blood?

What could he do? What can he do?! It was like an ignition that wanted to go off...but can't...

The General lifted the boy's head, still whimpering in pain, and growled in his face.

"If a weakling like you were in battle, you'd be better off dead..."

BAMF!

As swift as the wind after withholding all the rage he had inside him, Krusveto ran and landed a powerful punch to the General's face-knocking him to the ground.

Krusveto breathed heavily. He didn't care anymore. He didn't care that he lost control again. He didn't care anymore that he was a General! He didn't care anymore that Nikolai was training his friend-he was still torturing him! The hot summer days, the inhumane jobs he had to do. He could no longer see Piter suffer from his hand. Whatever he's doing to him...he's still being a bully...and he will no longer stand for that!

Then, a grin was heard...and it slowly became louder.

"Ha...hahaha!" General Nikolai laughed as he rubbed his face while on the ground. "I must say...not bad, Krusveto-not bad..."

He's...laughing? He punched an important figure in the face...and he's laughing? The General slowly got up and dusted off the dirt off him from the ground.

"Those anger issues still stuck with you even after leaving your aunt and uncle, I see!"

A chill went down his spine, and his eyes became smaller as he heard him say that. He...knew? He knew that he left his aunt and uncle?!

"What a shame, leaving that wonderful life you had...and what a shame, a lad like you would have been perfect for the job."

Krusveto's pride sunk as he heard those words echo from a manipulator. The same condescending tone...as if he prepared for it to happen.

"Do you see now?" General Nikolai continued. "Wouldn't you agree that is a perfect example of strength? Krusveto here wouldn't let any force walk over him. Yet, here you are...tumbling and falling like a little child."

The example looked away in disgust, as if the older one suggested that he was actually better than his friend.

"I think I'll let this slide, Piter. However, I suggest you prepare yourself next time." General Nikolai said as he turned and walked away. "No one will be there for you."

A small, yet emotionless sigh of relief was heard from the soldier. Piter turned around to hide his face. He couldn't face his friend with the shame he had...and it only proved General Nikolai right.

He was a weakling. He couldn't amount to being what the General had hoped for...and maybe-no, he was right. He would be better off dead.

The solemn young boy bent down to pick up and sort the bullets-one by one in the tipped-over ammo boxes.

The stillness loomed over. Only the sounds of the trees and whooshing winds could be heard. Krusveto stood there, not knowing what do to next. Should he apologize? Should he approach him?

Breaking the silence, Krusveto spoke.

"Hey...Piter..."

No response. Piter picked up one of the closed ammo boxes and turned around, his worn hands caked around them.

He tried to get a view on him, yet every time he tried, he turned away. His voice reached out further.

"Did you want to hang out this weekend? It's been a while and the secret circus is in town and the gar-"

"Yeah, sure." He cut him off, not letting him finish his sentence, as he walked away.

Although it wasn't an apology, he's at least talking to him again...and at least agreed to hang out with him after so long.

Hopefully...this was a good start.

----

Blurry...

Bubbling...

Befuddled...

The burning of the alcohol traveled through his nose, throat, and his tired head as the memories of the past reflected in his cup. The steps taken behind them were slowly turning into the sound of castanets. A flurry of emotions went through his head like a brisk storm, yet could not be expressed as the vodka muddled his whole body.

He was angry. Angry that Igor got him in this mess. Angry at the bartender for the disrespect with him and his fellow Officers. Angry that this...bitch lied to him, spread rumors, and humiliated him among the crowds and town.

Krusveto could hear voices-various voices, ranging from genuine concern to encouragement to mere taunting. Despite that, his body did its best to continue the automatic self-torture of drowning himself. His stature was slowly tumbling over, but was fixed quickly each time.

"Hahaha!" The bartender laughed, after a while of focused concentration on drinking-unfazed. "She was right about you. You really are a doormat!"

The Officer groggily looked up-his anger being tired of hearing about any mention of that bitch. "Wuh...what did you say?!" He snarled, ignoring the sting of the drink.

"Well, it doesn't take much when you run a place like this." He continued. "I've seen you here a couple of times, the colored odd one out! Let me guess...your friend, Igor, dragged you here each time so you would be the one paying for all this instead."

"He's...not..." Krusveto mumbled indistinctively.

"And the blue haired one...I guess she stole from you, didn't she? Never seen a guy walk away with a full pocket when crossing paths with her!"

"How..." he shook his head, his eyes grasping for a clear picture. "How do you know all this?"

"She tells the craziest stories at that freak's bar. Never knew they would be true!"

His pride melted away after he heard what he thought he heard. He wanted to portray the strength of his fellow police officers; only to be reduced to, what seems to be, a mere laughing stock.

He wanted to be the best among his fellow Officers, as it seems he is always looked up to...but in the other way around, it seems he could never prove his worth to others or to anyone-no matter how hard, even if he already excelled.

It was a cycle that seemed to repeat itself time and time again...no matter how much he tried...no matter how far he's got to...and no matter where he was at...noble or not...

Emptiness...

Numbness...

Worthlessness...

----

The hint of dawn peeked through the horizon as a young boy, fully dressed, got up early and began his usual chores. It was the weekend, a day that kids looked forward to as they were freed from responsibilities of the weekdays.

Though, some kids were not...

Outside of the village stood a small, wooden cottage. The young soldier, who had no time to waste, walked out and grabbed an axe from the side of his home. Nearby there were pieces of wood planks-only a few being a clean cut. Without further ado, he placed a log on the wood stump, and slammed the axe downward to split it into two.

...At the very least, his strength is finally improving-despite him looking famished and having bags of tiredness under his eyes.

"Доброе утро, Piter!" a voice popped up.

Piter, who was in a daze, looked to the side to see his friend. "Oh, hey Krus." He turned back and like a machine, he took another log and split it into two.

"It's finally the weekend! You ready to hang out today?" He asked.

"Нет. I have to get the chores done today..." he placed another log on top. "...and do some more training."

"W...what?" The gleeful expression turned to sadness...and irritability. "Piter, it's been weeks since we hang out-since you started training again! You said we would hang out!"

He slammed the axe to split the logs. "Things have changed. I'm working, I'm under a schedule, and I'm training to be a soldier."

"But..."

"Довольно! I'm busy!" He snapped back and turned back at the logs to do the same.

The boy looked at Piter with concern. How is he able to handle all this pressure, and how did he change so much in so little time? Krusveto, himself, remembered that he broke down from all of it-and how his friend had it easy during that time. He also remembered Piter skipping out on chores and even sneaking out at night to go exploring with him and the rest of his friends. He remembered how he enjoyed shooting a gun. He remembered bragging a lot about his father and now training under-

Then, he knew the answer as he recalled and finally confirmed the signs from before-even signs from the pieces of his own past:

The pressure from his father and General Nikolai.

Krusveto remembered the grueling moments while living with his aunt and uncle. He was so excited that he would start living his life as a noble and becoming a part of their family. While he was excited to learn and do so many things-what regular citizens would dream of, the required perfection was tiring; and not meeting that requirement lead to punishment. Just like Piter being lucky for being a part of a lineage of soldiers, Krusveto felt lucky being a noble.

He spoke up. He wanted a break. He wanted to have something that was called "free will."

...but they wouldn't let him have it.

This was why.

This was what changed him. He has done nothing but work and train. No time for games. No time to relax-and the expression and weariness from his eyes and face shows it.

Krusveto had enough. For a long time, Piter has done nothing but work. He knew that he had no free time. He knew that he was miserable. He knew he was suffering. He knew that he could use a break.

There was only one way to help him, and he took matters into his own hands.

The boy grabbed his friend's arm, clasping like a trap.

"Krusveto! Let go!" Piter tried pulling away from Krusveto's hand, but even with the strength he built up, he still couldn't break free.

"No! It's the weekend! You're going to relax!"

"But I have to get the chopping done today! I have to meet General Nikolai later-"

"ENOUGH!" His voice quaked. "You're going to loosen up, and you're going out to have fun! You haven't been showing up to our meetings, and everytime I see you, you never have time to play!"

"But-"

"We're going! The garden is open to the public, the markets' got new toys, the circus is here, and Miss Sascha is making medovik today!"

Piter paused and stopped wrestling with him as soon as he heard that word-the holy grail that was his favorite dessert.

"...Medovik? ...With milk?"

"Yes, and it's fresh milk!"

It was rare for Miss Sascha to come across fresh milk, and when she does, she makes use of it the best way possible.

Instead of Krusveto pulling Piter, it was Piter pulling him.

"Let's go then!"

And with that, the day of leisure began.

Chapter 14

The kids ran through the corners of the city as parties unraveled left and right in the markets. Krusveto and Piter squeezed through the crowds as merchants, even young ones, tried sorting their goods for the display of the bustling economy-despite them being knocked over out of the blue.

To them, there was no time-daytime traveling as fast as their steps and eyes darted around.

The boys wanted to do as much as EVERYTHING as possible.

Shopping. Trinkets, toys, and treasures-an endless sight on the packed streets.

Eating, especially that sweet medovik Miss Sascha saves for the children.

Games, of course, with Piter at the balloon game-making every shot perfectly and quickly.

The circus. The clowns with their tricks and gigantic animals as big as bears-even lions, glorious like the rings of fire.

...and eating, as if the young soldier hadn't eaten for days.

And the best of all...

The garden, opened to the public.

The boys searched high and low through the dark alleys. It was a rare opportunity, and they have been wanting to do this idea ever since the old meetings with the other boys at the tree-house.

"Found one!" Piter yelled out as he held a clump of fur from a dead being. "Got the rope?"

"Yeah!" Krusveto said as he handed it to him.

Coming from the shadows and shortcuts, the bright, blinding afternoon shone on the beautiful buildings and trail. The young soldier clutched the bag close to him, in hopes that no one would find them suspicious with what's inside...

...but if the nobles did, they would gag at even the thought of it.

The kids looked around before climbing up the tree to get a good view of the glorious garden. The rainbow of flowers adorned the grounds and bushes-trying to catch the beautiful day with their petals.

...but what was going to happen would end up being the opposite for the unforeseen...

They looked around, wondering where they could be this time...

...and spotted the targets, but with one of the parents nearby.

"Her father is there..." Krusveto said, recognizing him.

"Damn. We'll just have to hop along the trees then!" Piter grinned and jumped onto the next tree.

"Hey!"

"Come on," Piter taunted. "You used to be better at this than me!" He wanted to joke that all this time being in the church has made him too soft. The boy continued jumping to the other tree as its branches and leaves rustled in the light. "Hurry up!"

Hop after hop, leap after leap, they finally reached the tree to hide in as they looked down below for the targets:

Three young girls.

The young girls in orange, burgundy, and white sat in a circle. Weaving flower crowns, fixing dolls, and beading faux jewels. Those goody two-shoes...acting as if they had it all with their fancy dresses and doll-like hair, thinking that they were too good to even be near boys, despite them never being filthy.

But enough of that noble jealousy from the both of them.

This was it. This was the moment; and the rope was lowered.

As a small shadow casted, the young girl in orange thought it was just another dark cloud covering the sun from the corner of her eye...

But no...

It was a giant, disgusting, dead rat.

"AAAHHH!!!"

The boys screamed in hilarity while the girls and their shrieks scattered in different directions. They could hardly contain theirselves as they were dying from laughter, holding loosely on the thick branches.

"HEY YOU LITTLE BRATS! GET OUT OF HERE!"

The boys jumped down as they realized they were spotted by an angry father. One after the other, with the young soldier running ahead while dodging the passerbies and interrupting their leisurely walk.

And after all that, the light of the day was still young.

But today so far?

It was hilarious.

It was perfect.

It was worth it.

----

BAM!

The noise was drowned by the laughter and celebration in the bar as a hand on the door was pressed against it. As the person looked around, shifting his eyes and seeing familiar faces, he yelled out.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!"

The talks and laughter lightened down as a loud voice overshadowed them.

It was Lieutenant Piter.

"Heeey, Lieutenant buddy..." Igor said, being buzzed from drinking. He just finished talking with a lady about the scar he had above his heart after fighting with a criminal. Vasil, nearby, turned and realized who was there.

"Oh...Блин..."

The lady, who was spending all her time with him, was filled with immediate disappointment. "Hmph...and you told me you were a walking good-luck charm..." She got up raising her dress and walked off.

"What?! Wait! No, no! Come back, darling!" He chased after her. Vasil really pressed his luck, saying his superior wouldn't find them here and was close to winning as well...

Piter looked around-his eyes all over the place, recognizing each and every Officer that was supposed to be on duty and be on patrol; he even saw his close colleague, who had never skipped off his shift.

"I don't recall allowing anyone ending their shift early!"

Scanning throughout the tables, he could see bottles-top and bottom on or around the tables. They weren't just off their shift, they were close to partying.

"And who the hell is paying for all this?!"

"D-Don't worry, Lieutenant!" Igor's voice hicced as he finished drinking a bottle. "Krusveto is paying the bill for us! Look-he's winning!" He pointed at the bar across the room.

The Lieutenant's eyes were in shock as he saw his friend drinking. Out of all the people he didn't want to drink, it was him. His eyes widened even more as he noticed the amount of shot glasses that were already empty.

Four...eleven...fourteen...

This was bad.

"You fools! He has an alcohol tolerance of a child!"

Lord Evgeniy, who was witnessing and enjoying the whole thing while keeping an eye on Krusveto, couldn't help but to chime in with a grin.

"My, Lieutenant. Without a cat, mice will feel free, wouldn't you think?"

"Fuck off, Evgeniy."

"Rude...and I thought we were friends...."

Far from it, Piter thought. He rolled his eyes and gritted his teeth in annoyance. That noble was the last comment and insult he needed. He made his way to his familiar ally with his fists turning into arms behind him. The Lieutenant knew he would have to approach him carefully, since the last time he'd seen Krusveto drunk...was not a pleasant sight; and it landed two of his fellow Officers in the ward.

He looked at Krusveto, bent down on the floor-while keeping himself stable with his arms on the bar. He could hear him mumbling, being tired and angry. He slowly put his hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, old friend. Are you doing alright?" Piter asked calmly.

His face reeked of the strong alcohol he has been drinking-which is a rare sight.

"Puh...Piter?" Krusveto grumbled and mumbled. "What-hic!...What are you doing here?"

"That is of no concern for you." he said. He still had to keep what he did classified. "Why are you drinking of all things?"

"Th-that...stupid bitch." The alcohol-infused voice cursed. "Spreading rumors...m-mu-making us look weak...making me look w-weak..." He hicced.

Who? She?

"What are you talking about?"

"Hu...humiliating me..." he continued. "Stole from me...de...ceiving me...all...this time..." With another hic, he cursed her. "Hope h-her ch-ch-children shit on her soup..."

The Lieutenant recalled days ago that Krusveto had an altercation and difficulty with a criminal. Could all this random banter be about...

"Is this about Rschvanya?" He asked.

Krusveto snapped and slammed his fist on the bar.

"WHERE?! WHERE IS SHE?!" As the glasses were shaking and toppling over with minuscule drips from them. "I SWEAR IF I SEE THAT BLUE-HAIRED BITCH AGAIN, I'M GOING TO PIN HER DOWN AND MAKE HER SCREAM!"

Whether it was actually her or the mere mention of her, Piter tried to calm him down, putting his hand on his shoulder.

"I think that's enough drinks. The stress and alcohol is getting to you." Krusveto whimpered and buried his head on the bar. He was ashamed. So ashamed.

He helped his close comrade off the floor and put his arm on his shoulder, using all the strength he had to balance him.

"Come. Let's get you home."

The tall man groaned and staggered as he was alongside him. What drink, what place, what person, who...what...his mind was bubbling as if his entire fuel of his brain was fizzy and drowned with the strong drinks.

Whatever he was drifting to, he followed as he was already succumbed with the anger, guilt, and throes within his environment.

The seething bartender looked as, of all people, the Lieutenant was about to walk away without paying...

"Hey! What about the tab?! We're not done here! You're not going any-"

WHAM!

A bag of rubles hit the face of the instigated bartender. Some of the coins trickled down to the floor as he covered his eyes.

"Be lucky. That is all you're getting...rather than your head." Piter gritted his teeth...and that was his earnings from today's "meeting." So much for a good payday...

As Krusveto was assisted by his close comrade, Mikhail walked over and grabbed the other man's bottle and gave it a whiff...

A watered down, yet familiar smell...

----

It was the best day ever.

The markets were bustling with new toys and treasures, the circus and their games came to town, and the garden was opened to the public. As the boys looked over the view from the village, they could see the markets packing up, the circus taking down its expansive tent, and the garden being cleared of the usual crowds; except for those wanting a special night with their loved ones.

The noises of the people from the village started to quiet down as the sun was making its exit from the stage of the sky.

With all their wallets empty, they sat on top of the walls that was bordering the village, with nothing but their ice sticks to cool down during the hot summer.

After a few moments of silence, Piter spoke.

"Thanks, Krus." He sighed. "I needed this." This was the first time in a long, long time that the young soldier ever had a day off like this.

"Of course you needed this!" His friend said. "You've been working too much!"

"I never thought I would catch a break from him..." Piter sighed as he realized how endless the days and nights were with the strenuous training.

"Yeah. I don't know if I'll be in trouble for punching Nikolai." He said. "Hope he doesn't take it out on you."

The same shadowed expression showed for a brief moment...then a cheerful smile appeared. "I can deal with it. I'm used to it."

Krusveto looked away as the sun was halfway in the sunset. He still couldn't believe Piter tolerated and endured all that. It didn't seem like training to him.

"But that was a nice punch!" Piter joyfully resounded, interrupting the silence with his fist in the air. "I don't think I could ever land a punch like that on him!"

"You could!"

"Hah...I think I would regret it, though."

"Well...I could always do the punching for you! Just say who and when!" Krusveto laughed as he mimicked his fist in the air.

"I'll hold you onto that!" At least he could take out his anger on them.

After a long pause and a long weary, yet exciting day, Piter spoke to break the blissful silence.

"Hey...Krusveto. Can you promise me something?"

"Huh?" He looked over.

The young soldier looked down as he remembered when they started to drift away from each other.

"When you became a noble, I could hardly meet with you." Piter said. "Sometimes I snuck away from training...trying to meet with you, but you were always so busy..." His memories flashed back, standing on top of a new friend just to take a peek at the window. Seeing him live such a lavish life, and especially when he was dancing with that orange girl that was sort of cute...

He then gritted his teeth and looked down at his cold treat.

"I was jealous."

"What are you trying to say, Piter?"

"When I walked away from you after you hit me...it felt like I lost a brother."

He was hoping he would forget about that. He wouldn't blame him for it, however.

It was true though.

Krusveto and Piter, both respectably, were the only children of each of their parents. Piter's mother was always bedridden; and thanks to his father's service and lineage, they were able to have a nurse take care of her in their own home. He treasured his visits and talks with his mother, though most of the time his mother was sleeping; and his father was managing the training grounds nearby, which lead him to only spend most of the time with other kids and his friends.

Krusveto's mother was an Officer. He admired the honor and work she did: catching criminals, arresting them, and locking them away in the name of justice. Certain times, though, she would work long hours getting who knows what done, but every night she would always read him a bedtime story. His father was a blacksmith; who helped repaired tools, weapons, and firearms for others-mostly the other officers though. He was always curious about what he was working on, and sometimes he would make trinkets and gifts for him.

Because of circumstances, they saw each other almost everyday...well, before that incident...at most now, it would be once a week.

"So promise me..." Krusveto's eyes lit up in shock as Piter continued. "Promise me, whatever comes our way, that we stick together from now on!"

Krusveto looked at him...and smiled.

"It's a promise then!" He said. "I'll even join with you if I have to!"

"Heh..." Piter was doubtful of that...but still... "If so, then let's take on the world then! Together!"

"Yeah! To the end?"

"To the end!"

----

The door opened and the light was absorbed by the darkness of the street. It was welcomed with the bitter cold and an unintended kick of a crushed can as a man tried to balance a huge shadow alongside him. While Piter was able to hold more than his weight, he was still dealing with a giant-that is nearly dead-weight.

Step...stagger...step...stagger...

"Come on, Krusveto." The Lieutenant said. "Stay with me."

"Why...does my head hurt?"

"Because you were drowning yourself with too much drinks." He said. "I thought you knew better..."

"Haha...oh...right." Krusveto toppled over the Lieutenant and blabbed. "You're...you're so smart, Lieutenant."

Drifting...drifting...he could not feel the ground, as if he was hovering himself.

Piter couldn't help but blame himself internally for letting his friend get this drunk. With the bag of money he threw at this rate, he would have to do some extra "business" with Evgeniy.

While tripping his feet, even with guidance, Krusveto babbled.

"I've been bad, Piter...real bad."

Thinking it was just the alcohol getting into him, he kept up with the conversation to be alert. "Huh? How so?"

"Mrs...Mrs. Sascha...been trying to find Alexandr...I had no leads...I had no choice..." he continued, his speech continued to slur. "T...the items...e-evidence...I...they weren't mine..."

"What are you trying to say, Krusveto?"

"I got help from a criminal, Piter!...A S..Su...criminal. I brought sh..shame to...I'm ashamed. I was desperate...I'm...a failure...I'm a bad Officer!"

He wasn't sure if he was trying to say сука or a "Class S" criminal...and only one could fit that title.

Piter sighed. "Krusveto...you should know better than to trust any criminal! They're nothing but parasitic leeches and scum!" He said. "They would only use that information against you and nothing else!"

"I....I'm so...so...sorry, Piter!" Krusveto cried and he hicced as the acid touched his throat. "I don't...feel so...good."

"I know you want to find Mrs. Sascha's husband, but don't overdo yourself..." It seems like it was Piter, himself, who should tell Krusveto that he's working too much.

"Yeah...maybe...m-maybe you're right..." He sniffed, still smelling nothing but the alcohol.

The Lieutenant continued guiding his friend towards his home. It would be helpful if he didn't go the opposite direction he was anticipating in. Though maybe...maybe he should consider himself lucky. He was able to convene his comrade out of the bar peacefully. The drinks on the other hand...

"H...hey...hey Piter...Piter...hey...we...we're still friends...right?" Krusveto asked.

"Of course we are."

"Hah...good...good...you're...the best...you're my best friend. You know...know...know that right?"

"Of course I do." he sighed in annoyance.

Approaching the small door and hauling his friend, they were finally here. Knowing that there was no way Krusveto could open the door, he reached in his pocket, took his keys, and opened the door.

"Here we are. Get some rest, Krusveto...and don't worry about anything."

"O...okay...thanks P...Pete..." Krusveto staggered inside, bumping his head on the top of the doorway.

...

...

...

At first, Piter thought he was talking nonsense and paid no mind to his mindless ramblings.

...but after the door closed, the Lieutenant reached down into his pocket and picked up a peculiar object-confirming his suspicions...

A bracelet.

----

Wisps of fog rose from the ground as the day dawned and grew brighter each moment. On-lookers passed by, some of them staying there; as the overcast sky loomed over a congregation of an ordered crowd with a chill in the air, awaiting future directions and orders to serve their motherland.

Years.

Years have passed. All the training, drills, and devotion had lead to this day.

The days and nights of training; the blood, sweat, and burning tears as he was trained under the General himself-just like any soldier.

But he wasn't just a soldier-an officer...

He was a Lieutenant.

From a child to an adult, from the beginning to the end...that was his intended purpose...and it was already fated this would be his job...his life...

It should be the happiest, no, proudest moment of his life-getting this far, coming this far...

But he felt alone. Regardless of attaining a position many people would dream of, he felt alone.

Piter looked down as he stood aside General Nikolai. A chill of emptiness filled inside him.

THWAP!

"Look alive, you nitwit." General Nikolai said, hitting his head. "These are all your recruits-the people that will work under you."

The pain of that hit felt nothing to him, compared to the stress and torture he went through.

As Piter became more alert, he realized what he saw-something he hasn't noticed as a child.

How the village has grown overtime.

How systematized everything was.

How many soldiers he will have to lead.

"If we're to keep our fellow citizens in check, we have to continue the martial law-and having someone lazy like you is NOT a powerful image." The General walked up the podium to speak.

"Comrades, I congratulate you and thank you for joining to serve our motherland..."

Nikolai's hollowed words were tuned out by Piter's reminiscing of the past.

He missed the days of being a kid before being trained by Nikolai. Sneaking in the forest, holding club meetings within the tree-house, and simple yet silly contests to see who could be the best.

But those times were over...long gone. Memories of the past that were no longer there. It was futile to grasp at them, as they were like the fog around him.

...and even Krusveto.

He knew he wanted to be an Officer when he was young; but he didn't think he would still join. He thought seeing what he, himself, went through would made him think otherwise. Maybe it was for the best. He wouldn't want him to do the "things" he normally did.

...but he remembered that day.

'To the end?'

'To the end!'

...such a childish, naive thought. After all these years...these many years...he would have surely forgotten. He couldn't blame him.

"...my protege...and your new Lieutenant, Piter!"

He heard his name called. Looks like it was his turn to speak to the new recruits.

As he walked up, looking down, he took a deep breath...but before he continued to address the audience...

He looked ahead and spotted the odd one out...and his confidence, pride, and hope was restored with a single teardrop as he saw the familiar lavender and white person.

It was him.

Chapter 15

The light flicked on, like a snapshot of a photo. Gleaming rays contrasted the gray hues and dark areas of the place. Chairs and tables were scattered in different directions, as well as some memories-or premonitions of sepia.

Two days. Two days, and this was the day.

There he was as he stood in the bar...

The figures around him were just outlines and invisible shadows to him, but as he looked around, one figure was as clear as day...

That thief...that criminal...that blue-haired bitch.

HER.

There she was, with that evil, smug smile; standing in the middle of the party, making faces and laughing with the others.

The words that she was saying were incomprehensible, but he knew she was talking behind his back and insulting him-showing how much of a fool he was.

He had enough.

He had enough of her bullshit.

As the party was opening and drifting away from her, now was his chance.

He ran what seemed to be miles to him, as the room became bigger and bigger.

Stomp, stomp, stomp. Each giant step from the running grew closer to her.

For a second, a startled look appeared on her face-but before she could think of getting away...

SHHFF! BAM!

And he tackled her to the ground.

Finally! He did it! He got her! He knew he should have beaten her when he had the chance!

She screamed, trying to punch as hard as she could to get him off.

He laughed as she cried and wailed, trying to get away, but to no avail-as he was squeezing the life out of her through her neck. He raised his fist and was about to punch-

...a little girl?

Then suddenly, there were many shadowy figures-some he recognized with little details; almost as if they were like ghosts, looming in the background. The Officer could see a woman in a dark-orange dress. He spotted a man whose arm fell off like rotten flesh. One had no mouth at all-just bare skin, where his scream could not be heard-probably like his own. Lastly, he saw a face with no skin with a small bleeding waterfall.

Near all of them, too, he noticed that Alexandr and Mrs. Sascha were there.

Haunting...haunting...what was once an atmosphere of rage turned into a drowning deluge of fear, causing him to panic and get up.

He backed away with the shadows closing by, until something-or someone hit behind him. He looked up to see a man much taller than him, who had a chilling aura and a frozen face. The man looked down on him, and with the chilling words coming from his mouth...

"You have an oath to keep, Officer."

The man punched him, and-

----

With an immediate jolt, he woke up.

Krusveto looked around gasping heavily from the shock of the nightmare he just had. What happened? What was that dream? How did he end up in his own home?

His breathing struggled and it seems like it both came from the terrible vision he had and whatever night he had, or at this rate, he swore a demon must have sat on his chest!

He held his head as he felt the heat coming from it, and his uniform could tell it too as it was soaked from the sweat overnight.

The Officer looked around as he got up and realized something was missing. As he looked on his wrists, he saw one of Rschvanya's bracelets was missing.

Shit...he must have dropped it wherever he was. Well, it definitely wasn't important.

The light was shining through the window and was hitting his eye, giving him a headache.

Krusveto looked up at the clock and realized it was way past time his shift-hours past!

How long was he sleeping?!

No time-no time! He got up, took off his old clothes, rushing to slip other usual clothes on-clean or not, even if he was dizzy and stumbling while putting on his boots and-

SLAM!

Out the door.

----

The winter snow trickled and floated in the dark alley as street lights illuminated from afar, piercing through the frigid fog. The cold rocks on the ground were either coated with clear ice or blanketed with their own snowflakes. Krusveto, still keeping his promise of being there every day for the girl on the other side, sat there and chatted with her as always.

"...and we're on this huge gigantic land! They call the water around it the ocean! It's bigger than a lake or pond...or a river!" He gleefully stated.

The boy didn't hear much response from the other side, except for some huffs of air and shuffling.

"We sneaked onto a train to get there...but we got caught before we made it there. They heard us fighting outside." he sighed. "It would have been amazing if we saw it."

No response came from that as well. Wouldn't she be curious about that fight? After all, they felt like they could have nearly died trying to get on that train.

"My friend didn't show up at school again today. His private tutoring must have started." Krusveto said and sighed. "It seems like the General is pulling him more away from all of us than usual." He continued. "Do you think he's avoiding me on purpose? We always sneaked out with our other friends to do stuff together! But...he seems more enthusiastic hanging out with him..."

"Hmm." The boy heard a silent hum on the corner of his ear.

Certainly, he noticed that the girl was much more quiet than usual. Usually she would give advice or a slight-snarky comment about his friend. This time, no words were being said.

But...after a while...

"Sorry if I'm being boring today." The girl said.

"What? No! You're never boring! You're...exciting!" The young boy said. "You always come up with good ideas for pranks! Maybe next time we can come up with something. Remember when you told me girls hated rats?! I never knew that!"

He could hear a soft grin from the other side. His expression of joy slightly faded.

"Are you hungry again? Did you need more socks or gloves?" Krusveto asked with concern. "Do you need anything?"

The girl sighed. There was something she needed desperately, but the odds of getting it would be a miracle. It was probably stupid. It was probably ridiculous.

...Though, he never ridiculed her for anything. For her situation. For her past life. For...whatever she ever said to him. He was there for her. Always.

"I just wish...I could have a hug..."

A hug? He was able to get what she needed from him-even if she didn't ask for it; warm water, gloves, snacks-especially her favorite chip flavors that were sour onion and vinegar, and stories from the book or how his usual day went.

But a hug? How can he give something so simple yet so difficult in these circumstances? His arms wrapped around himself as a chill wisped through him. He wondered if he should have brought a blanket for-

A blanket! Of course! The boy's mind flicked on like a light-bulb.

"W-wait here! I got an idea!" Krusveto said. "Be right back!" As the tips and taps faded into the distance.

...

...

...

...and the amplified sounds came back.

Shortly after, a long, blue blanket was hanging on her side.

"I know it's not exactly a hug...but...if we both pull on it, we could make it like one!"

The little girl got up and looked at the hanging blanket. The tips of her fingers touched the fabric. It's been a long time since she felt something like this.

...or something like this.

As a much younger child, the girl remembered the warm hugs of her parents-the comfort of being safe and her fears becoming no more. However, when things have become stressful around the house, hugs were just a thing of a past. Hugs were still a thing of a past to her.

She wants it.

She needs it.

She smiled as she grasped the cloth alongside the wall that was no longer cold.

"Okay! Let's do it!"

"1..."

"1..."

"2..."

"2..."

"3!"

"3!"

They each pulled. While this was definitely not a hug to Krusveto, at least it was close enough for the girl to have some form of comfort or touch.

The girl giggled with her eyes closed and smiled. This beats the stories. This beats snack times. This was one of the best moments she had in such a while.

To her, it was actual warmth. For once, she felt that same comfort she had from long ago.

"What the...what the hell are you doing, you little shit?!"

Her eyes shrunk as she heard a voice from behind.

"I-I...I..."

"Where did you get that?! Did you call for help or something?! Is someone else there?!"

She tried to speak but her first thought was, "N-no! Th-there isn't-"

"Thinking of escaping?! What the hell did you do?!"

The blanket was pulled into the building. The boy heard punches and grunts, whines and whimpers of pain from the little girl from the other side.

The boy stepped back. His heart sank in fear as he heard a man from the other side.

After the beatings stopped, he heard the voice again.

"You're lucky you're worth something...or you'd be dead."

SLAM!

He heard the sound of an iron door close.

Silence fell and stalled...the stillness of the cold filled the air. The stones of the makeshift road becoming smeared and pressed with dirty snow. What was once filled with jubilant chat and joy is now filled with dread. The boy could hear whimpers from the other side afterwards.

He wanted to hear something. He wanted to say something.

But as he spoke... "Are you oka-"

"Just go."

The boy stepped back slowly, realizing what he did and what it had lead to. The crunch of the snow with his shoes became painful...with each step the guilt and fear harbored inside him after each loud beat of his heart.

The sounds of the solemn soft steps sunk into the snow and faded away after the moments of silence.

...Nothing else would be said after that.

----

Dammit.

Dammit!

DAMMIT!

Krusveto rushed through the crowds, apologizing repeatably as he accidently bumped into citizens and others alike in the streets. Some nearly dropping groceries and some nearly losing their balance with their carts.

This will not look good on his record. Not good at all!

Will he be demoted?! Will he be let go!?

With twists and turns through shortcuts and crevices, he ran. People would think he was suspicious and swear that he would be acting like one of those hooligans!

The shackled, heavy door opened and closed without any effort.

Krusveto rushed through the near-silent hall, seeing Piter's Office at the end. His boots pulverized the floor with each step. As he opened the door-

BUMP!

"Agh! Dammit Krusveto! What the hell you're rushing in for?!"

Covering his face, Lieutenant Piter bumped into him hard from the side. Krusveto could have sworn as if he was running too, but there was only a wall there...strange...

Either way-

"Lieutenant! I apologize for being late! I assure you this will not ha-"

"What are you talking about?" Piter raised an eyebrow. "I told you that you didn't have to come in yesterday."

Krusveto looked at him confused. "You...did?"

The Lieutenant sighed and put his fingers on his forehead. Though he tries to prioritize his friend, he had more important things to do.

"Don't you remember what happened last night? Anything?"

Krusveto thought hard. He remembered taking off early...then there was Igor-oh Igor of course, that always lead to something bad. The Officers were partying while the bartender challenged Krusveto to a drinking contest, because Igor didn't pay his tab. The bartender then attacked his comrades, saying how spineless they were...and he tried to defend their pride. Then there was Piter...the streets...and that's all he could remember.

After slowing down and the memories starting catching up with him from last night, his body started to catch up with something too...

"I...have a headache..." He held his head.

"Of course you do, after all that careless drinking you did!" Piter snapped. "What the hell were you thinking?!"

The Officer's dizziness and migraine started to hit him hard as his eyes flinched and his fingers were holding with pressure.

The Lieutenant continued his grievances. "I already have Igor and Vasil cleaning the empty cells and bathrooms with a toothbrush. The Officers are doing extra patrols."

"So...that means-"

"Go home...and clean yourself up. You look and smell like one of those people in the slums."

The slums...the slums, of course! Today was the day he had to go to the bar tonight! He almost forgot!

Krusveto shook his head blinked, realizing the long pause he made. "Uh...Sir, yes sir. Sorry...sir."

The Officer walked further away to exit the halls. Instead of his hastened pace, his steps became more wobbly yet relaxed-knowing that he was off the hook for the day...or at least he hoped.

As he opened the door and closed it, Piter sighed and said to himself.

"That was a close one."