The rays of light gradually faded, making the room darker and darker as I kept throwing punches into the air. Sighing, I told myself I was done for today; after all, I still had to take care of Liam and Lia.
— Those kids, honestly…
I sighed, thinking about how it had already been a year since I started looking after the two of them. Ever since I met them that night, I decided to help them—feeding them and protecting them from the dangers of the streets. Unfortunately, our goodbyes were drawing near.
— What the hell are you doing, Shin? You’re stopping already?
Manu asked, surprised that training was already over.
That guy… he’s my new friend, and he’s a bit special—in a good way, of course. Ever since I noticed he had a particular aptitude for deductive arts, as well as a personality suited for it, I started taking him under my wing. And over the past few months, he’s even been accompanying me during my training sessions.
— No, you can keep training. After all, you need to be ready to face Donavan next month, right? I’m heading out—I’ve got something important to do!
Leaving my friend behind, I grew impatient at the thought of rejoining my protégés; after all, they were my responsibility.
…
Sighing as I watched my sister playing with the dog that had nearly killed me almost a year ago, I was amazed at how well things had been going lately… Ever since we met Peter Pan… I think he’s one of those Awakened everyone talks about, but I don’t know why he’s helping us—let alone what he wants in return…
— Big brother, look, look!
Snapped out of my thoughts, my little sister showed me a drawing she had made. It was supposed to be the two of us, in a big house with… the dog and Peter Pan. The drawing was surprisingly detailed and beautiful. She was truly talented… A little jealous of seeing those two extra people in the picture, I couldn’t help but smile as I watched my sister’s face light up with joy.
— That’s amazing! Didn’t you say you wanted to become a great artist one day? This is a great start!
Watching her jump with joy and run around everywhere, I felt invigorated—and above all, jealous of Peter Pan… After all, he was the one who bought her all this.
I had to admit that our situation had changed a lot since he entered our lives. We left the alleys to live behind one of the farms on the outskirts of the city, and it was surprisingly better than before. Peter Pan even built us a real house. Well, it wasn’t like modern buildings—it was a cabin at the top of a special tree he planted and shaped for us. Its red leaves and reddish appearance were magnificent, but more importantly, it radiated a warmth that kept us cozy even in winter. I think it was one of the offshoots of Yggdrasil, the symbolic tree of the country.
— I even got a job delivering milk for the farm…
Looking up at the vast sky, I told myself that everything was going well right now… even though I wished I could be the one who saved us from misery.
— What’s little Liam doing? What are you thinking about? Don’t tell me you’re thinking about me? Hahaha!
Hearing Peter Pan’s familiar laughter, I couldn’t help but jump. As usual, he was wearing his green scarf and his stupid hat—though today, he was oddly well-dressed.
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— Of course not! On the contrary, I’m thinking about running away from you!
I pouted as he ruffled my hair before rushing toward my sister and tossing her into the air.
— Peter Pan! Look, look, it’s us!
— Wow, you really draw well. Hahaha!
Watching them laugh so joyfully, and feeling completely at home, I couldn’t help but join them.
— I want you to throw me into the air too—that’s not fair!
…
Sighing after spending an afternoon playing with the children, I sat at the foot of the genetically modified tree I had asked my mother for, so I could give them a real home instead of a cardboard shack.
I had just put Lia to bed. That little girl was incredible… Always smiling, radiant, spreading good cheer. I adored her.
Looking up at the full moon flooding the sky with light, I felt happy.
— Hey, Peter Pan!
Hearing Liam’s voice, I turned around. The kid hadn’t gone to sleep—on the contrary, he had come down to keep me company.
I couldn’t help but smile behind the scarf hiding my face. Me, who was usually so cold, had ended up saving these children after seeing their will to survive, and by trying to give them the tools to achieve their dreams. Of course, none of this would’ve been possible if they hadn’t given it their all; otherwise, I would’ve regretted leaving them in their misery.
— What is it, kid?
— I’m not a kid! Stop calling me that!
The adorable boy complained as I patted his head. Even if he pretended to hate it, I knew he loved it.
— What’s wrong, Liam?
I finally asked, seeing how serious he looked.
— I want to take the entrance test for elementary school and get a scholarship, like you suggested.
He said, his gaze filled with determination.
— Ho ho, that’s our Liam.
I laughed heartily. After all, I had noticed he was very intelligent. I had suggested enrolling him in a public school, but he refused, saying that this life already suited him. It seemed he had finally changed his mind.
— I’m glad to hear that. I’ll start coaching you tomorrow. Trust me—soon, you’ll be the best!
Snickering at the thought of all the children he would surpass, I felt happy.
— Really… thank you for everything, Peter Pan…
He murmured while watching me laugh.
— Huh? Say that again, I don’t think I heard you right.
— I said good night! Damn it, you can never talk seriously with you!
He sulked as he climbed back into his cabin.
— By the way, Peter Pan… I know you’re not the real Peter Pan, but why do you do all this?
— Me? Because I love playing the hero, of course!
I laughed loudly. But when no reply came, I was about to leave when I heard:
— Then keep it up… I’ll be your first fan.
He finally said shyly.
— And I’ll be the second!
Shouted the little girl, who apparently hadn’t been asleep after all.
Honestly, I love those two. Without them, I’d still be at home, drowning in my defeats. If it weren’t for them, I’d still be obsessed with beating Jack. Besides, since things are going well with Cynthia, I should introduce her to the kids.
…
Classes had never felt so long. Eager to train Liam and spoil Lia, I could only stare intensely at the clock. Especially since today, the surprise was a big one: I planned to reveal my identity as a reward when Liam was admitted.
— Hey, Shin, are we going out today?
Hearing Cynthia’s gentle voice, I turned around, smiling as I looked her straight in the eyes.
— What? What’s wrong?
She asked, flustered by my intense gaze. My desk neighbor seemed unsettled, and taking her hand, I finally said:
— Nah, not today. I’ll take you out for ice cream tomorrow, if you want.
Seeing her sigh and blush slightly, the young woman looked away. She was adorable. Even though we were still flirting, I planned to officially ask her out tomorrow.
— I’ll be waiting then…
Hearing Cynthia’s soft voice, I felt like I was on cloud nine.
Seeing the time, I grabbed my things and kissed Cynthia on the forehead before heading off to see Liam and Lia. Running at full speed after putting on my disguise, I rushed toward their cozy little nests… but when I arrived, all I found was horror.
Blood covered the walls of the farm, making my heart skip a beat. Immediately worried for the children, I ran to the back of the farm—but it was the same there. Aside from the dog, literally cut in half, and the blood-soaked cabin…
Rushing up to the top of the tree, I saw nothing but blood—and two corpses, burned alive in the flames.
My hands trembling, tears streaming down my face as I looked at the two people I had spent the past year with—remembering all our shared laughter, all those joyful moments, seeing their beautiful faces again and the warmth of their embraces—I could only clutch my head in my hands, telling myself it wasn’t real…
Why…?!
— Hahahahahahaha!!!!
Laughing at the top of my lungs, something broke inside me that night.
I succumbed to madness.
