Chapter Text
Chapter 8 of ‘What became of me’: don’t you remember? (Starts with Anya POV)
Title from ‘September’
— — — — —
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Cold. The first thing I noticed when I woke up this morning was that it was really cold. No matter how many blankets I asked for, I still felt chilled. The scientists told me that I had something called the flu. I don’t believe them. I had the flu once, and I was really hot and sweaty then. This doesn’t feel the same. My head hurts, making it hard for me to think clearly. I tremble all the time. I don’t know what is happening.
I want Mama.
“Yes, dear?”
“I said I want Mama. Not you,” I growled, pulling the blanket over my face.
This person is not my Mama. She is my creator; she only used her g-jeans to create me. I got that from reading someone’s mind. But the thing is, Mommy is a thought-controller and a telepath. So that means she can make you think things without you meaning it.
Wait, I didn’t mean to say ‘Mommy.’
“Dear, I am your Mother. If I have to force you to think that, then I will,” her voice blared from the microphone.
It hurt.
“I want to see Mama and Papa again,” I declared, sitting up proudly and pouting.
I nestled into the softness of my blankets, the warm sheets enveloping me like a cozy cocoon. The dim light filtered through the curtains, casting gentle shadows on the walls as I lay there, anticipation coursing through me as I waited in silence.
“Fine, I’ll give them one of your pictures,” came a voice.
Wait…why does that sound like Unkie?
“I’ll make sure Twilight gets handed it personally.”
I froze.
“That’s right, 007, I know who your father is.”
No no no no no. This can’t be happening.
“Hope you said goodbye to your parents when you left, because that was the last goodbye they’ll ever hear from you.”
I trembled.
“P-Please don’t hurt Papa and M-Mama,” I whimpered, clutching my Mr Chimera closer.
“Sorry, kid. We have to do this for world peace.”
“NO! PLEASE. I’LL DO ANYTHING! JUST D-DON’T HURT PAPA AND MAMA!” I screamed, tears running down my cheeks.
“Goodnight, 007.”
“NO!”
Then the world plunged me into the cold, harsh darkness again.
Mama…Papa…help.
— — — — —
###(L)###
I was eight when I lost my parents. That was when the world taught me that good things don't last forever. I knew who my enemies were—those damn Ostanians. They craved war and power. As for me, I only wanted to play army with my friends. Then, I got my wish.
At the age of 15, I told my first life-changing lie. While all lies can be significant, this particular one transformed me into a cold, bitter man. I enlisted in the army and climbed the ranks, eventually serving on the front lines. That's when I met Franky. At that time, I wanted to kill him; I viewed him as my enemy. However, he helped me realize that peace cannot be achieved through continued violence. We were fighting because our opponents sought control, not peace. Eventually, I got shot, which led me to where I am today.
I was 18 when WISE recruited me. A man approached me and said he saw something in me that he didn’t see in others—courage, even in the face of death. He urged me to leave everything behind. I told him I had already lost everything, but I didn’t tell him the whole truth. I lied.
The real reason I joined was that I didn’t want war to take away the innocent lives of children. I didn’t want them to cry the way I did. That’s the true reason for my decision to join WISE.
That’s why I am Twilight…
## years later…
A gentle stream of golden light crept through the curtains, tugging me from the depths of sleep. As I stirred, I felt a peculiar weight pressing down on my chest, surprisingly light yet oddly comforting. I blinked my eyes open, adjusting to the soft illumination, and slowly realized that the source of this weight was not a burden at all. Instead, it was warm, and I had my arms wrapped around…
“Yor?!” I squeeked out, quickly jumping out of the bed and instinctively falling into a defensive position.
In the blink of an eye, she sprang from the bed with a swift grace, her cold, crimson eyes glinting with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. Before I could react, she lunged at me, her agile body closing the distance in an instant. With surprising strength, she wrapped her arm around my neck, pulling me into a tight headlock, her grip firm.
Mere seconds passed.
“Y-Yor,” I choked out, trying to free myself from her grip, “It’s me, Loid.”
She gasped, then released her grip.
“I’m sorry! I’m so, so, so SORRY! I didn’t mean to! Sorry, it’s just—”
She pivoted on her heel and sank back onto the bed, pulling her knees close to her chest as she curled into a tight ball, her back turned toward me.
“Yor, it’s ok. Come ‘ere,” I reassured her, sitting down next to her and holding my arms out.
She sniffled.
“S-sorry…it’s just an a-assassin’s i-instinct,” She whispered, turning her head slightly to meet my gaze.
I sighed.
“Yor, it’s ok. Really. Now come here before I drag you into my arms,” I chuckled.
She laughed at that.
Such a sweet, sweet laugh.
“I’m coming!” She giggled.
Without a second's hesitation, she sprang from her curled position, her graceful movement catching me off guard. As she leaped into my arms, the sudden embrace sent us both tumbling to the ground, laughter bursting from her lips as I struggled to regain my balance.
Gosh, she’s beautiful…
I gently cupped her cheek with my hand, my fingertips grazing her skin as I observed the delicate flush spreading to the tips of her ears, a blush that spoke of unspoken emotions.
In response, she mirrored my action, her warm hand cradling my cheek, the softness of her touch sending a shiver down my spine.
A tender smile graced her lips, one that seemed to illuminate her entire face, and she leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering shut as if savoring the moment.
“Loid?” She opened her eyes, crimson eyes peering down at me.
“Yes?” I answered, caressing her face.
“I’ve always thought you were cute,” She said shyly.
I smiled up at her.
“Well, then I suppose I'd better come clean,” I whispered, raising my head until my lips met with the tip of her ear.
She clutched onto the collar of my shirt.
“I always thought you were beautiful.”
She gasped.
Before I could fully comprehend the whirlwind of emotions swirling around me, she suddenly reached up, her hands gently but firmly cradling my face. In an unexpected burst of fervor, she leaned in and pressed her lips against mine with surprising intensity. The warmth of her touch sent a jolt through me, igniting a rush of sensations as our mouths connected, melding together in an indescribable moment.
She brought her hand up to my hair, gripping it tightly.
The action sent a jolt of electricity down to my…
Oh, shit.
She pulled up for a moment, crimson eyes staring down at me.
She sighed.
“Loid, you’re amazing,” She beamed down at me.
I embraced her tightly, hearing her melt into it.
“So are you, Princess,” I joked, rubbing circles into her back.
“Loooooooid,” She moaned.
“What, don’t you want me to call you that?”
“I-I–”
Knock knock.
At that moment, Yor sprang up, her entire body igniting with a fiery blush that spread across her cheeks, illuminating her face with an intensity that made it seem as if she were glowing.
“Who’s that?” She asked, shoulders tensing as she glanced at the door.
“I don’t know. It’s—” I glanced at the clock, “----8:15.”
Wait, 8:15? I must’ve slept for ages then…
KNOCK KNOCK.
I watched as Yor cautiously opened the bedroom door, her movements delicate and deliberate. She paused, her head peeking around the edge, eyes scanning the room with a hint of curiosity and caution. After a brief moment, she took a gentle breath and pushed the door open fully, revealing her presence with an air of quiet intrigue.
“HELLO? IS ANYA HERE?!”
Oh.
I palmed my face.
Becky.
— — — — —
# # #
“Becky! Hi, what are you doing here?” I asked, opening the door and stepping aside for Loid.
A petite girl, her black hair intricately woven into neat braids, stood before me, her bright eyes wide with curiosity. She was dressed in the crisp, tailored uniform of Eden Academy. She glanced up, a hint of determination shone in her expression, revealing a spirit that belied her stature.
“Master Yor, Loid, where is Anya?”
I felt Loid stiffen at that. I did too.
“Um…”
“She is staying with her uncle up in the countryside. Franky wanted to see her.” Loid blurted out.
She pouted, and the look in her eye said, ‘Yeah, right.’
“Anya didn’t say anything about it. Where. Is. She?!” She squeaked, fists on her hips, and eyes pooling with water.
I started to hyperventilate.
Silently.
I cast a glance at Loid, silently pleading for his support in this moment of uncertainty. He met my gaze and responded with a subtle nod, his lips curling into a gentle smile that suggested reassurance and understanding.
“Becky, I’m afraid that it was last-minute—”
“I know Anya was kidnapped. I saw it. Don’t lie,” She snapped, cutting Loid short.
Wait a minute. She saw. So she might have a description of that bastard…I can’t wait to hold my needle at his neck while he begs for mercy…then I’ll go home and wash off the bl—
“Wait, you saw?” Loud said abruptly, cutting out my train of thought, “Do you perhaps have evidence?”
She nodded so fervently that I thought her head was gonna snap off.
“I do. That’s why I came. Here.”
With a deliberate movement, she extended her tightly clenched fist and released its delicate contents into Loid's waiting palm, where they spilled out like shimmering treasures under the light.
I leaned over his shoulder and saw the object.
A golden pin in the shape of an apple.
“Becky, thank you so much. And I apologize for lying,” Loid coughed out as he stood up, his hand slinking around my waist.
I blushed.
Yor, get a hold of yourself! You kissed him like 5 minutes ago…
“It’s alright, anything for my—erm, I mean—Master Yor’s husband,” She said, looking at me with those amber eyes, full of hope.
There’s that spark again.
“Don’t worry, Becky, we will find Anya.”
I bowed my head in respect.
“You better! I just need to tell her about ‘Berlint in Love!’”
She giggled, placing her hand on her head in a dramatic posture.
“Bye, Master Yor and Loid! Have a good—”
“BECKY, MY LADY! WHERE ARE YOU?!”
The screeching voice made all three of us jump.
“Martha? Is that you?” I called out.
“Yor!”
I watched intently as Martha came storming down the hallway, her usual bun in a mess and her eyes wild.
“Becky! I told you not to run off!”
Becky turned around to face Martha, who had regained her posture and stood calmly, her hands behind her back.
She bowed to Loid and me.
“Sorry, Mr and Mrs Forger, Becky ran off,” She apologized.
“It’s quite all right,” Said Loid, in his ‘doctor-ly’ voice.
Oh, right. Martha doesn’t know he’s a spy.
“Martha, would you like to join us for breakfast?” Loid asked, gesturing to the kitchen.
“I would love to, but first I have to drop off Ms. Becky.”
As she said that, her eyes darted down towards Becky, who already had her school bag on her back.
“We can wait. We have time.”
“That’s awfully kind of you, Mr Forger. I’ll come as soon as I can.”
We stood together, waving farewell as Martha abruptly turned on her heel, her frustration evident in her posture. With a determined stride, she stormed after Becky, her voice rising in a mixture of anger and urgency as she called out after her, the cadence of her words echoing in the air between us.
I giggled at the interaction.
“You know, I’m glad Anya has a friend like Becky.”
“I’m just surprised that Martha hasn’t retired yet. That girl is up and down everywhere. Maybe I should ask for advice?” He chuckled, hugging me from behind.
I squeezed his arms.
“We have breakfast to prepare,” I forced out, trying not to laugh at him poking at the side of my ribs.
We drifted apart and made our way into the warm, inviting kitchen, the aroma of fresh coffee and herbal tea wafting through the air. I reached for the colorful mugs lined up on the shelf, their smooth ceramic surfaces cool to the touch. He moved to the counter, where he carefully selected the perfect blend of coffee beans and a fragrant box of tea.
“What’s the date today?”
“April…5th.”
We both gasped.
“Tomorrow’s my birthday!”
“Tomorrow’s your birthday!”
We yelled out at the same time.
I almost dropped the mugs.
“But isn’t the plan taking action tomorrow?” I asked, taking deep breaths through my mouth.
“Yes, yes, it is. Oh, Yor, I’m sorry.”
I burst out laughing.
“W-what? What’s wrong?”
“Y-you don’t h--have to a-apologize!”
He fixed me with a bewildered gaze, his brow furrowed in confusion as if trying to decipher a complex puzzle. The intensity of his stare was almost tangible, pulling at the corners of my mind. I felt an overwhelming wave of laughter bubble up inside me, prompting me to double over, clutching the edge of the counter to keep myself steady. My heart raced, and I could feel the warmth of embarrassment creeping up my cheeks, the need to contain my amusement almost overwhelming as I struggled to maintain my balance.
“It’s going to be the best birthday ever, killing bad guys and saving my daughter!”
He shook his head in mock disbelief.
“Well, then let Princess Honey join you, Bondman!”
We both laughed heartily, our voices intertwining in a chorus of joy, until we finally paused, gasping for breath as we wiped away tears of amusement from our eyes.
“Your laugh is absolutely stunning, you know that?” I blurted out, the words coming out of my mouth before I could stop them.
I felt heat rush to my face.
I saw heat rush to his.
“Well, your voice is stunning too…”
We smiled warmly at each other.
Then the harsh screech of the kettle pulled us out of the moment.
“I’ll talk to the Shopkeeper and Handler, maybe they’ll want to go out with us today.”
“For what?” I asked, pouring boiling water into the mugs.
“For an early birthday. Maybe I’ll call Melinda too.”
I halted the flow of the drink, pivoting abruptly on my heel, and in that swift motion, I pressed my lips against Loid’s. The world around us faded, and all I could feel was the warmth of his mouth.
“Thank you. You are the best,” I whispered as I pulled away, embracing him.
He embraced me back.
“Well, I’ll call them right now.”
He strolled across the room, the soft carpet cushioning his footsteps, and picked up the receiver. With deliberate intent, he punched in the familiar sequence of numbers on the keypad. After a moment's hesitation, he pressed the button that activated the speakerphone, allowing the conversation to fill the air around him.
“Shopkeeper? Is this you?”
“Morning, Twilight. How are you?”
I smirked at the friendly exchange.
“I’m well. How ‘bout you?”
“Good, thank you. Now, what is it you called me for?”
“Yor’s birthday is tomorrow, but since the plan is happening tomorrow, I thought about getting all her friends together for a short walk through the city.”
“Hm, well then. I’ll ask Director McMahon to take over. What time should I be at your place?”
“11 am.” I mouthed.
Loid shot a thumbs-up at me.
“11 am, if that works.”
Crackles took the place of the silence.
“Of course. See you soon, Twilight.”
“Bye!”
He put down the phone, typed in another number, and waited.
“I think the Shopkeeper is taking a liking to you,” I joked, handing him his mug of coffee.
He smiled sweetly.
That damn smile.
“I can only hope so. Your godfather is terrifying.”
I laughed, then went back to the kitchen, preparing the last of the snacks.
“Twilight, this better be good news.”
“It is. I just want to ask if you want to take a walk in the city with me, my wife, and a couple of her friends.”
“What is the occasion?”
“Yor’s birthday is tomorrow, and I—”
“I’ll be at your house, what time?”
I saw his eyebrows lift in surprise.
“U-um, 11 am.”
“Alright, I’ll have Nightfall take over. See you soon!”
The call ended.
“Well, that was certainly…something.”
I giggled.
“You can say that.”
“I guess Handler must’ve taken a liking to you,” He said, crossing his arms and mimicking me.
“Hey! I guess I’m just like her, a strong woman known for her ways of torture.”
We both burst out laughing.
“If you want to finish breakfast preparations, I think I’ll call Melinda herself.”
With a swift motion, he snatched the spatula from my grasp, wielding it like a champion brandishing a sword.
Then, with a cheeky grin, he threw me a crisp salute.
“Yes, ma’am!”
“Go then, my soldier, storm the Kitchen Fronts!”
With a fierce battle cry that echoed in the kitchen, he couldn’t help but giggle as he charged forward, cracking eggs into the sizzling pan with relentless determination.
I punched Melinda’s number with adrenaline, then put it on speakerphone when I heard her voice.
“Hello, Desmond Household.”
“Melinda! It’s Yor!”
“Yor? Hi! How are you?”
“Wonderful! And you?”
“Great, now that I hear your voice. What is it, dear?”
“I was just wondering if you want to come join me for a city walk?”
“A city walk? What is the occasion?”
“It’s my birthday tomorrow, and I just wanted to take a walk before I face tomorrow.”
Not a lie.
I just need a breather.
“Of course! Will anyone else be there?”
“Yes, my godfather, Loid, and his boss, and Martha, the Blackbell’s butler.”
“I’ll come! It will be exciting to meet new people!”
Wait…what about Franky?
“Give me a minute, please, Melinda.”
I put my hand over the receiver.
“Loid, do you want to invite Franky?”
I saw his face change into a scowl, then a smile.
“Sure, why not? It has been a while since I’ve seen him.”
I nodded.
“Melinda, my husband’s friend Franky might be coming too.”
“Oh, that’s fine, my dear. Now, tell me, what is your favourite colour?”
My jaw dropped at the question.
“U-uh, red. Why?”
“Just wondering. What time should I be at your place?”
“11 am.”
“See you!”
The call ended.
I wonder why she wanted to know my favourite colour.
“This walk will allow me to learn more about you,” Loid said, not taking his eyes off the pan.
“Yeah, me too. There’s one more person I want to invite, though.”
“Who might that be?”
“Yu—oh.”
My gaze dropped to the ground.
“Who?”
I inhaled deeply, feeling the cool air fill my lungs, refreshing and invigorating.
“I wanted to say ‘Yuri’. But now that I think about it, it might not be a good idea.”
I looked up to see Loid’s very sad eyes.
Ocean-blue met with dusky grey.
Not a good combination.
“It’s alright, Yor. Maybe he’ll call you.”
My gaze drifted to the phone.
Oh, Yuri.
Please remember.
I hope you remember your dear sister. Who is dying inside?
Please…don’t you remember?
— — — — —
###
“Yor…my sister…I promise you, I remember you.”
I sat in the cold, barren room, the air heavy with an unsettling silence that echoed off the bare walls. The only thing keeping me company was my worn hat, adorned with the distinct SSS symbol. Its fabric, once vibrant, now felt frayed and faded, a testament to the countless memories it held. The chill in the air seeped into my bones, but I found a strange comfort in the familiar weight of the hat resting on my head, a small connection to a world beyond the stark isolation that surrounded me.
I cradled an old letter in my hands, its corners tinged with a soft yellow hue that spoke of time’s passage. The paper felt delicate and fragile, as if it carried the weight of all my burdens.
Dear Yor,
I don’t know how to say this without breaking your heart, but Twilight Loid is dead. And your daughter is gone, too. I am so, so sorry. No words will ever be enough for a loss like this.
You are all I have left now. My sister. My family. The last piece of home I still recognize in this world.
That’s why I did something I know you will be proud of—I joined the SSS. I told myself that it was the only way to protect you, the only way I could make sure I never had to stand by helplessly again while the people I love disappear. I didn’t want you to know because we do bad stuff in the shadows, but know that I did it to protect you. But even as I write this, I hate myself for leaving you alone when you’re drowning in grief.
I have to go soon. Maybe for a year. Maybe two. Maybe longer. I honestly don’t know if I’ll come back the same person…or if I’ll come back at all.
While I’m gone, there’s someone I want you to meet. His name is Mark. He’s kind, gentle, the sort of person who stays when everything else falls apart. I know everybody no one could ever replace Loid—everyone no one should—but I just don’t want you to spend the rest of your life alone with all this pain.
Please eat. Please sleep. Please keep living, even if every morning hurts.
And if one day the grief becomes quieter, if you laugh again without feeling guilty for it, then promise me you won’t apologize for surviving.
Love, Yuri.
Yor…when I give you this letter today…forgive me.
Don’t hate me.
Don’t ignore me.
Please…just come back home.