Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

14 years ago

Cellbit trudged through the forest, his footsteps muffled by the thick layer of fallen leaves. Normally, he would be exploring those woods with his twin sister, Bagi, but that day was different.

That day he needed space.

They had argued over a silly Gravity Falls book that morning. Bagi said he was too serious, and he'd called her childish. And though they were inseparable, Cellbit couldn't shake off his irritation. It wasn’t like them to argue, but when they did, it always felt strange. After all, they were each other’s only friends.

Living in a secluded part of the island, far from the other islanders, they didn’t have many options. Their dad worked for the Federation (an institution that ruled and controlled everything on the island) and because of his role, their family kept their distance from others, leaving Cellbit and Bagi with only each other.

So even if they argued and annoyed one another every day, they always came back as friends by the end of it. That’s just how they were.

Cellbit had to admit, though, he was usually the "evil" one; the troublemaker, always finding ways to bother Bagi about every little thing. But Bagi wasn’t far behind. She fought back whenever she could, quick to argue if it meant getting the last word.

But that day, which had just begun, had started off in the worst way.

The book, or the cause of their fight, was a special edition Cellbit had ordered over a month ago, and it had only just arrived. But Bagi had taken it without even telling him it was there.

As soon as Cellbit came downstairs that morning, heading toward the kitchen, he saw her sitting at the table, sipping a milkshake and laughing as she read his book.

His blood boiled.

Without thinking, he dashed toward her, snatching the book from her hands. In the chaos, her milkshake spilled all over the table..and on her.

“What the hell, Cellbit!” Bagi shouted, jumping up with sticky hands and an equally messy shirt.

Their mother had to step in, taking the book from both of them. "Enough, you two" she said firmly. "You need to learn to share. And apologize!"

But Cellbit didn’t see what he had done wrong. It was his book. He had waited forever for it, and Bagi had just taken it without asking, like it was hers.

So instead of apologizing, he stormed out of the house, his frustration simmering with every step. The cool forest air brushed against his face as he trudged deeper into the woods, hoping the quiet would calm his temper.

Lost in his thoughts, he barely registered the figure ahead until it was too late. They collided hard, sending the figure tumbling to the ground.

“Whoa, watch it!” Cellbit exclaimed, irritated while stumbling backwards, still angry from the morning’s event with his sister.

“I- I’m sorry” the other murmured, his voice small and shaky.

Cellbit blinked, looking down. The stranger -a little boy- sat on the forest floor, his wide eyes filled with fear. He trembled as though the collision had knocked the air out of him. His lips quivered, and tears clung to his lashes, threatening to spill.

He was unlike anyone Cellbit had ever seen. Dressed in a surgical gown with a bandage wrapped around one arm, the boy looked lost and bewildered. His fluffy brown hair was held back by a blue bandana, slightly crooked from the fall, yet somehow it suited him perfectly.

There was something sweet about his brown eyes, even though they shimmered with sadness, tugging at Cellbit’s heart.

“I didn’t mean to-” Cellbit’s voice faltered, guilt creeping in. “Hey, I didn’t hit you that hard” he tried, awkwardly offering a hand.

But the boy didn’t take it. He sat frozen, completely lost.

Cellbit sighed and tried again, crouching to the boy’s level with a gentler approach.

“Hi there! I’m Cellbit. Sorry for crashing into you” he said with a friendly smile, hoping his softened tone might ease the tension.

The boy hesitated, glancing nervously at Cellbit’s outstretched hand. After a moment, he tentatively shook it.

“Roier” he replied softly.

Cellbit’s smile widened. “Hi Roier! Nice to meet you” he said warmly. “What brings you out here all alone?” he asked, masking his curiosity with a tone of genuine concern.

Roier shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping to the forest floor. “I’m- I’m looking for my puppy. Have you seen him?”

Cellbit frowned, shaking his head. A lost puppy in the woods was strange enough, but paired with Roier's peculiar appearance, it was downright bizarre. His curiosity sharpened.

“No, I haven’t seen any puppies around here…” Cellbit said, eyeing the boy warily. “Are you okay? You look hurt.” His gaze landed on the bandage wrapped around Roier’s arm.

Roier stiffened, glancing down at his arm before quickly hiding it behind his back. “It’s nothing” he muttered.

Cellbit tilted his head, clearly doubting that. “Doesn’t look like nothing to me.”

Roier forced a gentle smile, cutting off further questions. “It’s really just a scratch. I’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

Cellbit narrowed his eyes, unconvinced but deciding not to push... at least not yet. There was no place in the world where Cellbit could buy that answer. He knew, definitely knew, that Roier was hiding something, but he didn't want to push too hard. Instead, he changed the subject.

“I’m out here because I had a fight with my sister,” he admitted, a smile tugging at his lips despite himself. “We’re usually joined at the hip, but today, I needed some time to cool off.”

Roier’s eyes widened with curiosity, his expression softening with interest. “You have a sister?” he asked, his voice picking up a bit of confidence as his eyes sparkled.

Cellbit nodded, the smile still lingering on his face. “Yeah, her name is Bagi. She is actually my twin sister, and we’re practically inseparable. But even the closest siblings need a break sometimes, you know?”

Roier gave a small, shy nod, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I don’t know what it’s like to have a sister… but I have a lot of friends who feel like that. I love them, even during the worst times.”

The quiet moment hung in the air, but for Cellbit, it sparked something.

He felt the pull to know Roier, to dig deeper. Cellbit couldn’t shake the feeling that something was seriously off. The bandages, the weird clothes, the fear in Roier’s eyes; it wasn’t just a lost puppy.

Cellbit’s thoughts swirled with questions. How was it that a kid around his age was standing there, alone, in the middle of the forest, dressed like that? Where were his parents? Was he lost? Did he need help?

There was something big -something wrong- and he needed to know more.

Cellbit took a deep breath, the tension of the morning slowly fading away. He looked at Roier, still sitting on the forest floor, his eyes downcast, as if the weight of the world was pressing on him.

“I’ll help you find your dog” Cellbit said, the words leaving his mouth almost before he thought about it. He was hoping to build some trust, get to know the boy better, and maybe, just maybe,  figure out what was really going on.

Roier looked up in surprise, his eyes wide as if the offer was something he didn’t expect. “You… you will?” His voice was a mixture of relief and wariness.

“Of course” Cellbit replied with a grin, though it felt a little forced. “I mean, I won’t leave you out here, all alone, looking for your puppy?” He tried to sound casual, but his heart was racing with the excitement of having Roier’s trust, even if just a little.

Roier hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Thank you” he said softly, a tiny smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I’m not sure where to look, though.”

“No worries” Cellbit said, pushing him off the ground. “I know this place like the back of my hand.”

As they started walking, Roier stayed close, his steps hesitant at first, but he began to relax, his curiosity growing.

“Do you know this forest so well?” Roier asked, glancing around at the towering trees, the thick undergrowth.

“This is like a second home to me” Cellbit said with a laugh, the familiar scent of pine and earth filling his senses. “Bagi and I like to explore it every evening. We usually look for cool stuff, like abandoned things or things people lost in here. It’s like an endless treasure hunt” He grinned, feeling a bit of pride.

“That sounds so cool!” Roier said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “I wanna find treasures too.”

Cellbit grinned at his enthusiasm, the boy’s excitement contagious. “It’s actually easier than you think. You just need to look very carefully at every single corner” He squinted as he glanced between the trees, as if hoping to spot something. “Like this. I found you.” He grinned, looking over at Roier, who chuckled.

Roier laughed softly, his face brightening. “This is my first time out here… I don’t think I’d be able to find anything” His voice lowered a little, and his shoulders slumped. “I’m not even finding my own dog… Actually, I think I’ve also lost myself too, because I don’t even know where we are”

Cellbit’s smile faded slightly, sensing the frustration in Roier’s voice. He stepped closer, trying to be reassuring. “You’ve never been to this forest?” he asked, his brow furrowing in surprise.

Roier shook his head. “No… I didn’t know this place was so big” He looked around, seeming a little lost. 

Cellbit narrowed his eyes, curiosity sparking in his chest. “Wait, are you new to the island? I don’t remember seeing another house around here”

Roier laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m not new. I live… somewhere around here. I just don’t know in which direction” He spun in a slow, uncertain circle. “I’ve always been here. I just never went outside.”

“You never leave your house?” Cellbit asked, his voice rising in disbelief. “Are your parents insane!?”

Roier’s eyes widened, clearly taken aback by Cellbit’s blunt reaction. He opened his mouth to respond, then shut it, as if struggling to find the right words. His lips parted again, but no sound came out, uncertainty flickering across his face.

“Seriously?” Cellbit pressed, unable to contain his shock. “How do you not go out? What about exploring, going to the market, playing in the rain, or just… living?”

Roier’s gaze dropped to the ground. “It’s… it’s not like that” he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Cellbit’s irritation softened as he realized he might have pushed too hard. He exhaled slowly, scratching the back of his head. “Hey, I didn’t mean to sound rude” he said, trying to backpedal. “It’s just… that sounds kinda new to me.”

Roier shrugged, a faint smile ghosting his lips. “I guess I got used to it just being like that”

“Well…” Cellbit said with a grin, hoping to lighten the mood, “You’re out now. And trust me, this forest is way better than any house.”

Roier glanced up, his brown eyes still unsure but a little brighter. “You think so?”

“I know so.” Cellbit assured him. “And by the end of this, we’ll find your dog and some cool treasures” He nudged Roier playfully. “That’s a promise”

Roier laughed softly, some of the tension lifting from his shoulders. “You’re kinda weird, you know that?”

Cellbit grinned. Yeah, he was weird, he knew that. But still, it was funny hearing it from a kid who had literally appeared out of nowhere, in the middle of the forest, looking like he’d just escaped from a hospital, and searching for a dog that, for all Cellbit knew, might as well be invisible.

But he didn’t say any of that.

“Yeah, I get that a lot” he laughed.

They started walking again, their footsteps crunching softly against the forest floor. The trees stretched high above them, their branches forming a patchwork canopy that let in streams of golden light.

But Cellbit’s mind was everywhere except in the forest or finding the puppy. Roier was definitely something. Every time he spoke, it felt like a new riddle to solve, another mystery waiting to be uncovered. And Cellbit wanted to find every single answer, no matter how long it took.

As Cellbit was caught up in his thoughts, trying to find the best way to approach Roier without scaring him, a stern voice suddenly echoed through the forest, shattering the peace.

“0037! Are you over there?”

Roier froze, his entire body going rigid. Panic flashed across his face like a bolt of lightning, stripping away any hint of the playful confidence he’d shown earlier. Without a single word, he spun on his heel and bolted into the trees, his movements wild and desperate.

“Wait- Roier!” Cellbit called, his voice cutting through the air. But Roier didn’t look back.

Cellbit stood frozen for a moment, torn between respecting Roier’s obvious desire to flee and the gnawing worry clawing at his chest. Curiosity burned hot in his veins, but concern was present too. In the end, curiosity won.

He darted after Roier, weaving through the trees with practiced ease, his feet light against the forest floor. Years of exploring those woods with Bagi had made him nimble, and he had no trouble keeping up. Through the dense foliage, he caught glimpses of Roier’s figure, a flash of brown hair and blue bandana bobbing ahead.

Roier’s movements were frantic, as though he was being chased by something far worse than Cellbit could imagine. The fear radiating from him was palpable, and Cellbit’s heart clenched.

What could make someone run like that? Who was that voice calling for Roier, and why did they sound like that?

Cellbit pushed himself harder, ignoring the sting of branches whipping across his face. His lungs burned with each breath, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t let Roier vanish into the forest like a fleeting shadow.

“Roier, wait!” he called out again, desperation creeping into his voice. “It’s just me, okay?”

But Roier didn’t stop.

Cellbit gritted his teeth, refusing to let the boy slip away. Whatever was going on, he wasn’t going to let Roier face it alone.

“Where are you going? Who was that? Please wait!” Panic laced Cellbit’s voice. There was too much happening and far too few answers.

Somehow, Roier seemed to hear him this time, because during what felt like a life-or-death race, he yelled back, “I have to go! I- I shouldn’t be here. They’ll find me. They’ll find you.”

Cellbit froze, his heart pounding wildly. They?

He didn’t understand anything that was happening, but those words were enough to scare the crap out of him. Fear mixed with confusion as his mind raced. Who were they, and why was Roier so certain they would find him too?

Before he could call out again, Roier’s figure disappeared into the dense trees, leaving behind nothing but rustling leaves and a trail of unanswered questions.

Cellbit stood there, breathing heavily, his thoughts spinning. His chest ached, not just from the run but from the gnawing sense that something bigger was at play there: something Roier was desperate to escape from.

And now, Cellbit felt he was tangled up in it too.

He stopped for a moment to think about what he was going to do next. He was definitely worried about Roier, even though he had just met him, the panic he saw in the other’s eyes was enough to leave a mark in his head. Eventually, gathering courage that he didn't even know he had, he decided to continue in the direction Roier had gone, trying to stay hidden and without making any noise.

Soon, he stumbled upon a clearing he was sure he had never seen before. It was like a huge patio, fenced off with a tall metal gate that gleamed faintly under the filtered sunlight. In the background, imposing gray cement structures loomed over the open space, stark and unwelcoming against the natural beauty of the forest. Cellbit furrowed his brow, questioning how he had never stumbled upon this part of the woods before. A group of children played amidst the place.

But something was off.

The children’s laughter echoed through the trees, yet it carried an eerie hollowness that didn’t match their smiling faces. They all wore the same tattered gowns as Roier, each with bandages covering various parts of their small bodies. Despite their carefree movements, something about them felt wrong, like puppets with invisible strings.

Cellbit’s instincts screamed for him to run, but he stayed rooted, curiosity overpowering caution.

Then came that voice again, deep and authoritative, slicing through the unsettling serenity. Cellbit froze, his heart pounding in his chest as he spotted Roier a couple of meters away, turning toward the source of the voice.

“0037, where have you been?”

Cellbit’s blood ran cold at the voice. A deep, commanding tone that echoed through the trees. His eyes locked onto a towering figure emerging from the shadows, clad in a stark white mask and a laboratory coat that billowed like a cloak with each step. The man moved with an unsettling authority, exuding control over everything in his path.

Roier stood frozen, his face pale and stricken with fear. Cellbit’s pulse quickened as dread clawed at his chest. The boy looked cornered, like prey caught by its hunter. Instinctively, Cellbit ducked behind a tree, covering his mouth to stifle any sound, but his gaze never wavered.

“I- I got lost” Roier stammered, his voice trembling with poorly masked anxiety.

The man tilted his head slightly, his gaze unnervingly sharp despite the plain white mask obscuring his face. “You know the rules. Stay within the fence.” His voice was cold, devoid of any warmth or understanding.

Roier flinched but quickly forced a mask of composure. “It won’t happen again”

“It better not.” The man’s tone shifted into something almost sinister. “We wouldn’t want any… accidents, would we?”

Cellbit clenched his fists, protective instincts flaring. Whoever this man was, he didn’t like the way he spoke to Roier... or the strange, unsettling dynamic between the children and this apparent authority figure.

The man’s gaze swept across the clearing, and for one heart-stopping moment, Cellbit thought he had been spotted. He pressed himself tighter against the tree, hardly daring to breathe.

“I won’t report you since this was the first -and only- time you ran out. Now come along, we have work to do.”

The figure placed a heavy hand on Roier’s shoulder, a silent command that left no room for defiance. Without waiting for a response, the man turned and strode back toward the gray compound.

Roier hesitated, his feet rooted to the ground. Then, as if sensing Cellbit’s presence, his eyes darted toward the trees, locking onto him with heartbreaking precision. His expression softened into something fragile, apologetic. His lips silently shaped a single word: Sorry.

Cellbit’s breath caught in his throat as Roier turned away, trailing reluctantly behind the man in white. He watched helplessly as they disappeared through the gates, swallowed by the grim expanse of the compound.

Questions and unease churned in Cellbit’s mind. Fearing discovery, Cellbit turned and fled, his breaths ragged as branches scratched against his skin. The echoes of Roier’s trembling voice rang in his ears, mingling with the pounding of his heart. The forest blurred around him, shadows stretching and twisting with every frantic step. But no matter how far he ran, the image of Roier’s frightened face clung to his thoughts like a brand, searing into his memory.

By the time he burst through the front door of his home, his legs were trembling, and his lungs burned. Relief washed over him for a fleeting moment, until his mother’s worried voice cut through the air.

“Cellbit! Where have you been? We’ve been looking for you for hours!” she exclaimed, her voice sharp with panic. “Oh, my sweet boy, you’re all dirty and hurt” Her eyes glistened with worry as she reached out to gently touch his face.

Bagi stood just behind her, her eyes red and swollen from tears. The instant she saw him, she darted forward, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace.

It was then that Cellbit realized he was actually hurt —multiple cuts and scratches lined his arms from running through the branches, and the tight squeeze made a sharp sting radiate through his body. He winced but didn’t pull away.

“I’m so sorry about this morning” she sobbed, her voice muffled against his shoulder. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just being stupid”

Caught off guard, Cellbit hesitated before wrapping his arms around her. The warmth of her hug and the honesty of her apology cracked through the weight of the day.

Cellbit’s heart softened as he hugged his sister back, guilt gnawing at him for his earlier irritation. In that moment, the argument over the Gravity Falls book seemed so trivial, so small in comparison to everything else.

“It’s okay, Bagi” he murmured, his voice soft with emotion. “You can keep the book. I don’t care about it anymore. I’ll read it later.” His words didn’t fully match the storm of thoughts swirling in his head: thoughts of Roier, the compound, and the strange man in the white mask.

But right in that moment, Bagi was there, and she needed to know he was safe. So Cellbit tightened his hug just slightly, feeling the familiar warmth of her presence. “I’m here, I’m fine and we’re good, alright?”

Bagi sniffled and pulled back, her tear-streaked face softening into a tentative smile. She gave him a tearful nod, a silent understanding passing between them.

Their mother sighed, brushing a trembling hand over her face, her gaze softening when she saw the two of them. “Please don’t ever do that again, honey” she pleaded, her voice filled with a mix of relief and exasperation. “I was worried sick”

“I won’t…” Cellbit promised, though his voice held an absent quality, his mind already far from the moment.

That night, as Cellbit lay in bed, the weight of the day kept him wide awake. His mind raced, replaying every scene, every word, and every strange look Roier had given him. His thoughts kept drifting to the compound, to the masked figure, and to the terrifying fear that had clouded Roier’s eyes. No answers came, just more questions.

The quiet of the room did little to calm the storm inside him. He needed to find Roier again. He needed to understand what was happening, why Roier had been so afraid, why he was so different, and what he was hiding.

With that thought burning in his chest, Cellbit eventually drifted into a restless sleep, his dreams filled with the haunting memory of a lost friend and the promise of an unspoken bond, still waiting to be formed.

Chapter Text

Present Day

The island was a quiet place, peaceful in its own strange way. Not many people lived there, and most of those who did had arrived in recent years, drawn by invitations they chose to accept. All except for one.

Every day, life moved on, with residents going about their routines under the watchful eyes of the Federation.

The Federation was a mysterious organization. Its workers, men in spotless white suits, their faces hidden behind plain masks, wandered around, keeping track of everything. They weren’t openly hostile, but their presence lingered like a shadow, unsettling and strange. What were they guarding? What were they watching? What was so important that they needed to control everything?

Those questions clung to Cellbit’s thoughts, questions no one else seemed willing to ask. Maybe because they had chosen to be here. Maybe because they didn’t care.

But Cellbit hadn’t come to the island by choice.

Since the day he set foot on the island two years ago, he’d been consumed by the need to figure it out. Why him? Why bring an ex-convict to a place that seemed built for stability and order? There had to be a reason; one he couldn’t figure out, not yet. But it lingered, gnawing at the edges of his mind like a puzzle with missing pieces.

And because of that, he’d isolated himself, living in a small house near the forest, drawn there by a strange, unexplained comfort the place brought him.

Life was simple but quiet, and Cellbit liked it that way. He was tired of fighting, tired of running. But that didn’t mean he’d given up. Not when those people had dragged him to that island, forcing a new life onto him. He wasn’t done searching for answers, not by a long shot.

For now, though, he kept his head down, planning and gathering information before making any bold moves. He wasn’t ready to strike yet.

Despite keeping to himself, Cellbit had earned the begrudging respect of some island residents. Whispers, though never spoken aloud, painted him as an excellent investigator. His sharp mind and knack for solving problems made him the person people reluctantly turned to when all else failed.

Though he never refused to help, his trust was a rare treasure no one had yet managed to earn… Perhaps because he doubted anyone was truly worth it.

For Cellbit, it was a way to remind people that he existed, that he lived among them, without drawing too much attention. It kept him visible, but only just. Plus, he needed the money. If he could earn it by solving simple problems like who had stolen a batch of tomatoes or where someone had misplaced their keys, he accepted. He wasn’t stupid, keeping a reputation as a harmless problem-solver helped keep suspicions at bay, especially with his past looming quietly behind him.

So it was simple. Keep it low. Don’t attract attention. But when nobody was looking, dedicate himself to unraveling the mysteries of the island and the Federation and figure out how he was involved in all of it.

But then she arrived.

His sister.

Or at least that’s what she claimed to be.

Her sudden appearance infuriated him more than he wanted to admit. She said she’d searched for years, traveling across the world just to find him. But to Cellbit, she was a stranger. A face without a place in his memories. Her words felt hollow. Meaningless.

He remembered that night vividly. The storm had roared outside, rain hammering against the roof. The dim glow of his lamp barely lit the room when a sudden, insistent knocking shattered the silence. His brow furrowed. No one ever came by.

Cellbit stood up, his instincts sharp as ever. Pulling the door open, he was greeted by the sight of a woman drenched from head to toe.

Her white hair clung to her face, a single brown streak at the front darkened by the rain. A soaked brown coat hung heavily on her frame and water was dripping from the brim of her hat.

The moment their eyes met, she broke down. Her shoulders shook with uncontrollable sobs as though something had snapped inside her.

“It’s- It’s you” she gasped through the tears. “It’s really you.”

Before he could even process her words, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him in a desperate embrace.

Cellbit went rigid, his entire body recoiling at the contact. Coldness flooded his chest, sharper than the rain. He pried her arms off him with a force that left no room for tenderness.

“Who the hell are you?” His voice was cold, cutting through her sobs.

Her lips trembled, but she didn’t back down. “It’s me. It’s me, Bagi” she said, her voice cracking. “Your sister.”

Sister.

The word hung in the air, absurd and meaningless.

Cellbit stared at her, disbelief locking him in place. Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. But disbelief quickly gave way to something darker: fury.

“Are you out of your mind?” he spat, his voice rising. “I don’t know who you are.”

“Wha-? Cellbit!” she insisted, panic threading through her words. “It’s me! I’ve been looking for you for years... When they confirmed it was really you, I came as fast as I could. I left everything. They brought me here- they helped me find you.”

They. As in the Federation. 

A sick realization settled over him, twisting his guts.

What kind of sick game was that? The Federation had to be pulling strings, messing with his mind in the most absurd way possible. He had no family. He was sure of that. And he definitely did not have a sister.

Trembling with rage, Cellbit took a step back into the doorway.

“Get the fuck away from me” he warned, his voice low and venomous. “I don’t know if you’re working with them or if you were just stupid enough to fall for whatever story they fed you. Whichever it is, I’m not who you’re looking for. Get the hell out of here.”

He didn’t give her a chance to respond.

The door slammed shut with finality, echoing through the night.

Standing on the other side, rain pouring down her face, Bagi’s sobs were muffled by the thick wooden barrier between them.

Cellbit pressed his back against the door, breathing heavily, fists clenched at his sides.

His heart raced, but not with recognition.

Only anger.

And confusion.

That memory only fueled his determination even more. From that moment on, he’d decided it was time to act, no more letting them walk all over him.

So for weeks now, he’d been relentlessly trying to get inside the Federation’s offices, desperate to uncover the truth about his past. That woman’s sudden arrival, her fabricated story, treating him like some fool who’d fall for their twisted games burned through him, hotter than ever, consuming every thought, every step he took.

~

Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, Roier lived a simpler life, blissfully unaware of Cellbit’s struggles. He and his best friend, Jaiden, had arrived three years ago, drawn by the Federation’s promises of a fresh start. They had vowed to leave their pasts behind and embrace the new life waiting for them.

Roier’s days were filled with laughter and joy, something he’d allowed himself to fully embrace since coming to the island. His past was a blur, with barely any memories of his childhood. What he did remember was far from easy. Growing up without a family, he had to handle both school and living expenses on his own. When he finally graduated, he realized the career he’d chosen wasn’t his dream, nor did it provide enough for him to live comfortably.

So when he arrived on the island, he made a promise to himself: to be happy and pursue what truly brought him joy.

Since then, he had discovered a newfound passion for cooking, perhaps because it was one of the few warm memories he carried from his past. Determined to build a better future, he threw himself into his dream of opening a taco shop for the island’s residents.

It was the perfect combination of his two greatest talents; making delicious food and bringing happiness to others.

But beneath his cheerful exterior was a streak of rebellion. Roier didn’t think twice about stealing from the Federation to fund his business, seeing it as a small act of defiance against what he viewed as a strict control.

Roier’s feelings toward the Federation were a mix of unease and suspicion, though he’d never had any serious run-ins with them. Sure, they’d scolded him once or twice for being a bit of a troublemaker… but nothing major. In fact, he suspected that the Federation workers had grown somewhat fond of him, or at least used to his constant presence.

Despite his occasional pranks and minor thefts, he’d never broken any serious rules.

But it was the subtle things that bothered him the most; the way the Federation workers constantly observed them, their watchful eyes never missing a step. Then there were the endless questionnaires, probing into thoughts and feelings about life on the island.

It struck Roier as odd how some residents seemed to be monitored more than others. At first, he assumed it was just the troublemakers, which made sense since he was often on their radar. But even on his calmest days, there was always someone nearby, quietly watching.

Honestly, it was exhausting having someone track your every move.

However, he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He couldn’t figure out what they wanted from him, and that nagging uncertainty left him uneasy. It was as if they were waiting for him to act a certain way though he had no idea what that way was, or why it even mattered.

That constant observation irritated him, clashing with his promise to live a carefree, joyful life.

Though he couldn’t explain exactly why, Roier trusted his instincts. Sometimes, gut feelings spoke louder than logic. But still, he kept those thoughts to himself, not wanting to burden others with suspicions he couldn’t fully prove….

Roier and Jaiden stood in their small kitchen, the air rich with the mouthwatering aroma of simmering spices. Jaiden glanced at her friend with a raised eyebrow, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

“So, what’s the plan for today, Ro?” she asked, flipping a tortilla with practiced ease.

Roier grinned, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “I’ve got a few new recipes I want to try out for the taco shop…” he replied, reaching for a jar of jalapeños. “Although, maybe -just maybe - I’ll pay a little visit to our friends at the Federation. You know, since last week they decided to confiscate my new set of knives because they said it was ‘too risky to others’” he added, rolling his eyes dramatically at the last part.

Jaiden gave him a skeptical look, shaking her head slightly. “You know that’s risky, right? They’re already keeping an eye on us after the last time you pulled one of your stunts.” She hesitated for a moment before lowering her voice. “And honestly… I don’t think what they did was that unfair, not because I think you’re gonna start chasing people with knives or anything, but let’s be real. There’s a good chance you’d end up stabbing yourself or chopping off a finger just playing around.”

Roier gasped, placing one hand on his chest as if deeply offended. “Are you calling me stupid?!” he exclaimed, his voice thick with mock hurt, pretending to wipe away invisible tears.

Jaiden laughed, barely holding back her grin. “Maybe…” she teased, throwing him a quick wink.

Roier burst out laughing, shaking his head in disbelief. “Wow, incredible. Really. What a treasure of a best friend I have!” he exclaimed, voice thick with playful sarcasm.

Jaiden rolled her eyes, but her grin didn’t waver.

Still laughing, Roier pulled her into a warm hug. “But seriously” he said softly, “I wouldn’t trade you for anything.”

“Not even the knife set?” Jaiden asked suspiciously, narrowing her eyes.

Roier grinned mischievously. “Okay… maybe for the knife set” he admitted, laughing as he bolted toward the door.

“Roier!” Jaiden shouted, chasing after him, but he was already halfway out, laughing like he’d just gotten away with something.

Roier couldn’t explain it, but he had a talent for going unnoticed. Maybe it was instinct, or maybe something he picked up without realizing it. Either way, he moved like he belonged everywhere and nowhere at once, slipping past even the most alert guards with uncanny ease. Whether this skill came from his childhood or was simply a part of who he was didn’t really matter. He hardly remembered his early years anyway, and he didn’t care to.

What mattered was the present, and in the present, Roier was a master of stealth.

Time and again, he’d infiltrated Federation facilities without a single alarm being raised, navigating their maze-like corridors like it was second nature. When the chance presented itself, he never hesitated to seize it, whether it was supplies for his taco shop or information that might help the island’s residents. “It’s for a good cause” he always told himself, a justification that made it easier to sleep at night.

It was a necessity, sure.. but there was defiance in it too. A refusal to bow to rules he didn’t trust. So as he headed toward yet another Federation warehouse that day, his confidence was steady. For someone like Roier, slipping through cracks was just what he did best.

Roier’s pulse quickened as he crept through the maze-like corridors of the Federation building, eyes darting from shelf to shelf in search of his confiscated knife set. But his mission derailed when he stumbled upon a treasure trove of ingredients and supplies; rare items he’d never seen on the island and couldn’t fathom how they had ended up there. They were the stuff of dreams for his taco shop. His fingers itched with excitement as he reached out, but a sharp voice shattered the moment.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Roier whipped around, heart dropping, to face a stern-looking Federation worker. His face flushed, but he forced a wide grin. “Oh, hey there!” he said, feigning nonchalance. “Just thought I’d borrow a few things, you know, for science.”

Okay, maybe he wasn't a master at stealth and deception yet. But surely one day he would be, right?. However, he did have a special charm and charisma to get him out of any trouble. Roier's disarming smile and quick wit were his greatest assets when caught in a tight spot. What he called "charm your way out of trouble".

The worker’s brow furrowed. “For science?” they repeated skeptically. “And I suppose you thought it was perfectly fine to just help yourself?”

Roier nodded enthusiastically, turning up the charm to full blast. “Exactly! I’m working on a top-secret taco experiment -could change the world, really. One taco at a time.”

The worker’s stern expression faltered, amusement flickering in their eyes despite themselves. “Nice try, kid” they said, their tone firm but tinged with humor. “But stealing is still stealing, no matter how noble the cause.”

Roier bit his lip, mind racing as he scrambled for a way out of the predicament. Then, an idea struck him. “Okay, fair point, I messed up” he admitted, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. “But hey, how about this? If you let me walk out with these supplies, I’ll whip up a batch of my tacos for you and the whole office. Deal?”

The worker’s lips twitched behind their mask, clearly battling between duty and the tempting promise of food. After a comically long pause, they let out a resigned sigh, shaking their head. “Ok… I’m willing to propose an alternative.”

Roier’s grin widened, eyes gleaming as he leaned in eagerly. “What kind of alternative?” he asked, curiosity sparking.

The worker’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as they laid out the terms. “Here’s the deal: I won’t report you for breaking into a restricted facility or stealing classified, exclusive Federation goods, BUT you’ll have to take on a task for us. You’ll be the Federation’s mailman for the next month, delivering letters and packages to other residents.” They paused, smirking. “Think of it as a way to promote your tacos… and avoid spending the night in the island prison.”

Roier groaned, rolling his eyes. “And let me guess, I’ll still have to bring you tacos?”

“Of course.” the worker said with a laugh.

“Fine, deal” Roier agreed with a dramatic sigh. “Not worth getting a criminal record over some tomatillo and cilantro…”

With that, Roier dashed out of the supply room, supplies in hand and a spring in his step. As he made his way back to his corner of the island, he couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. Delivering a few letters was definitely better than spending a night locked up... though he was already thinking about how to make those tacos extra spicy for the worker.

~

The sun hung low in the sky as Cellbit trudged up the path to his secluded house, his mind, as always, consumed with thoughts of the Federation and their relentless surveillance. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he nearly missed the figure waiting for him on his doorstep.

“Can I help you?” Cellbit asked, his voice tinged with irritation as he eyed the stranger warily.

The newcomer flashed a charming smile, his brown eyes twinkling with mischief. “Well, that depends,”  he replied, his tone playful. “Are you Cellbit?”

Cellbit nodded, his annoyance growing by the second. “That's me. And you are?”

The stranger extended a hand, his grin widening. “I'm Roier.”  he said, his voice smooth as silk. “I come bearing a message from the Federation.”

Cellbit's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He had never seen anyone other than the Federation workers themselves deliver a message, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the sight of Roier standing on his doorstep.

“What's this about?” Cellbit demanded, his irritation mounting. He had no time for games, especially not from some random stranger.

Roier's smile faltered slightly, still with his outstretched hand, but he quickly regained his composure. “It's a warning, man…” he explained, holding out a sealed envelope. “they want you to stop poking around where you don't belong, or else there'll be consequences.”

Cellbit snatched the envelope from Roier's hand, his jaw clenched in frustration. 

“Thanks for the heads up” he muttered, already turning to enter his house. He had no patience for the Federation's threats, and he certainly didn't need some flirtatious stranger getting in his way.

But before he could close the door, Roier slipped inside with surprising speed, planting himself firmly in the middle of the living room.

“What are you doing?” Cellbit demanded, incredulous. “Get out of my house.”

Roier crossed his arms, grinning shamelessly. “Open the envelope! I didn’t spend two hours waiting for you just to leave without knowing what the letter says.”

“Ever heard of personal correspondence?” Cellbit shot back, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

“C’mon, don’t be mean” Roier’s smile widened.

Cellbit blamed his own exhaustion, the endless hours spent scouting Federation grounds, obviously not the infectious brightness of Roier’s grin. But somehow, against his better judgment, he sighed and tore open the envelope.

As Cellbit read the letter’s contents, he caught sight of Roier wandering around the house from the corner of his eye. Roier inspected every nook and cranny; examining the framed pictures on the table, running his hand along the spines of books on the shelf, and even turning on a floor lamp to brighten the dim room.

Cellbit broke into a nervous sweat. He wasn’t used to having someone else around, let alone touching his belongings. He thanked himself silently for having a hidden space where he kept his most personal and important things out of reach.

“It just says they have footage of me wandering around their facilities, which is very obviously prohibited. And this is the second warning. One more, and they’ll probably arrest me.”

“And you’re chill with that?” Roier asked, pulling a book off the shelf and casually flipping through its pages.

Cellbit clenched his jaw but refused to let his irritation show. “Nothing I haven’t experienced before.”

“ Aaaand I bet you’re not going to tell me why you were doing that, right?” Roier teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Since you’re so nervous just watching me pick up one of your books…” He grinned, holding up the cover. “ Romeo and Juliet , by the way.”

“Why are you working with them?” Cellbit changed the subject abruptly.

“If you’re implying I’m doing this by choice, then stop.” Roier neatly returned the book to its place and walked toward Cellbit. “It just so happens that I also visited their facilities. But unlike you, I guess I wasn’t after something big , because they never threatened me… Though I’m a bit offended because at least I got inside and you didn’t. Maybe they just like me better.”

“Cut it short.”

“They caught me snooping too” Roier finished, gesturing to himself and the bag of Federation letters slung over his shoulder. “So now I’m working here to fix my mistakes.”

“So… at the end of the day, you’re a Fed guy now…” Cellbit smirked, as if he’d won an invisible argument.

But to his surprise, Roier didn’t flinch. Instead, he took a step closer, his gaze steady as he studied Cellbit’s face.

“You know” Roier mused, his tone thoughtful, “you’re not what I expected. Everyone says you’re this bitter, standoffish guy, but I don’t see it. In fact, I think there’s something… interesting about you.”

Cellbit’s irritation flared at the remark, his patience wearing dangerously thin. “Look, I don’t know who you think you are, but I don’t have time for your games” he snapped, voice sharp. “So I suggest you leave before I decide to make you.”

Roier’s smile remained intact, though there was an unmistakable glint of amusement in his eyes. “Fair enough,” he said with a playful shrug. “But who knows? Maybe one day you’ll realize you could use a friend like me.”

With that, Roier turned and strolled toward the door, leaving Cellbit standing there, a storm of thoughts swirling in his mind. Despite himself, he couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that this encounter was just the beginning of something he hadn’t anticipated.

As Cellbit watched Roier disappear down the path without so much as a goodbye, a thought crept into his mind: Roier’s connection to the Federation might just be an opportunity he couldn’t ignore. If played right, Roier could be a way in, a way to finally breach the Federation’s walls without raising suspicion.

Cellbit’s jaw tightened as he closed the door, retreating into the quiet of his house. The idea gnawed at him: how could he use Roier to infiltrate the Federation without revealing his true intentions? Did he even trust him enough to try? Of course not. Roier could be lying about everything for all he knew.

But still, there was potential in approaching him, a possibility Cellbit couldn’t afford to overlook.

With a newfound determination flickering in his chest, Cellbit made up his mind. Trust or no trust, irritation or no irritation; if Roier could help him get closer to the Federation, then so be it.

For the first time in months, hope stirred within him. The truth was out there, waiting to be unearthed, and Cellbit was ready to do whatever it took to find it. Even if that meant dealing with the annoyingly not-so-charming guy who had walked into his life uninvited.

Chapter Text

14 years ago

As the days passed, Cellbit couldn’t shake the memory of Roier from his mind. No matter how much he tried to focus on his usual routines with Bagi, the thought of that strange encounter clung to him, like an itch he couldn’t quite reach. It wasn’t that he wanted to see Roier again, he just needed to know more. Who was he? What was he doing there? And, more importantly, would he come back?

Every time he and Bagi wandered into the forest, Cellbit found himself glancing around, scanning the trees and winding paths, half-expecting Roier to suddenly pop out from behind a bush with that same gently smile. He kept his distance from the Federation’s compound, unwilling to risk Bagi stumbling too close, but a small part of him couldn’t help but hope. Maybe, just maybe, Roier would appear again, as suddenly as he had the first time.

Bagi, of course, had no clue what was going on in her brother’s head. To her, those outings were just another adventure. Another chance to race through the trees, chase butterflies, and stuff her pockets with flowers and shiny rocks. Her laughter echoed through the woods, light and carefree, while Cellbit trailed behind, lost in thoughts of a boy he had only met once.

For him, the days blurred together into a relentless quest to find his missing piece. He scoured every corner of the forest, his determination unyielding despite the lack of success. If anything, the absence of Roier only fueled his determination further. He knew in his gut that their meeting had been real, and he refused to give up until he found him again.

As they walked through the forest, Bagi skipped ahead, her voice filling the air with chatter and laughter. She glanced back at Cellbit, furrowing her brow at his unusually quiet demeanor.

"Hey, why so quiet today?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Cellbit forced a smile, his mind racing for a suitable explanation. "Oh, you know, just thinking about... um... new hiding spots” he finished quickly, hoping she wouldn’t press further.

Bagi narrowed her eyes at him, clearly unconvinced. “Hiding spots?” she repeated, folding her arms. “Is that why you keep looking around like a weirdo? Since when do you need new hiding spots? You already know all the best ones!”

Cellbit shrugged, kicking at a loose stone on the path. “Maybe I want better ones…” he muttered. His thoughts spilled from his mouth before he could stop them. “Maybe this place is bigger than we think. Do you really believe we know every corner of the forest?”

Bagi laughed, shaking her head. “What are you talking about?” She tried to read her brother’s expression, but he avoided her gaze. “I think we know this place better than anyone. And even if there is a part we haven’t seen yet… it’s only a matter of time! We come here every day. We’ll find everything eventually, don’t worry.”

Cellbit’s thoughts interrupted again. Did he really want them to find everything? He wasn’t so sure now. He didn’t want to expose his sister to something he didn’t understand yet —something that felt bigger than them. Roier. The weird guy. That place... that hidden corner of the forest, the one they had never stumbled upon before, was more than just a patch of unexplored land. It carried an air of mystery… and danger.

No, he didn’t want Bagi involved in any of that.

So, he did the only thing he could think of: he changed the subject.

“Yeah… Maybe I’m just overthinking things. Maybe I just need to find something new to keep me busy.”

Bagi raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Are you implying that I’m boring?” she teased, a playful glint in her eye. “I think you’re the boring one! I have plenty of things to do —I don’t even worry about getting bored!”

Cellbit nodded solemnly, playing along. “Oh, absolutely. Collecting flowers is a very enriching activity” he said, gesturing dramatically to the trees around them.

Bagi giggled, shaking her head. “Well, at least I get to bring something nice for Mom! And they’re pretty!” she exclaimed before bounding off into the undergrowth.

Cellbit watched her go, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Despite the weight of his thoughts, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for his sister’s infectious enthusiasm. With Bagi by his side, even the most serious mysteries felt a little less overwhelming. Yet, a pang of guilt gnawed at him... he had just lied to her, to his beloved sister. It was an unfamiliar feeling, a quiet betrayal that settled uncomfortably in his chest.

“You know, I’m actually thinking of leaving the flowers behind and starting to collect some seeds and fruits…” Bagi’s voice cut through his thoughts. “I think I wanna grow a garden next.”

“NO!” Cellbit blurted out, startling her.

The truth was, he actually did like flowers. Secretly, even more than Bagi did. As much as he teased her about it, calling it a silly hobby, he had always been drawn to the beauty of each bloom in the forest. He listened carefully when Bagi talked about them, memorizing their meanings, pretending not to care. And at night, when no one was watching, he would write about them in his journal, carefully documenting their significance. Sometimes, when Bagi wasn’t paying attention, he’d even steal a few flowers to press between the pages. He had become a quiet admirer, a hidden fan.

“Stop pretending you don’t like flowers and help me pick some then!” Bagi huffed, hands on her hips.

“I don’t like them! They just have cool colors!”

“You’re lying, Cellbit!”

“I’m not!”

Even silly arguments like that - over the dumbest things - made Cellbit feel lucky. Lucky to have Bagi by his side, to ground him, to calm his restless mind. Even if he couldn’t tell her what had him so unsettled, at least he still had that.

~

A week had passed since their first meeting.

Unluckily for Bagi, she had caught a cold after one of their usual explorations in the forest. That day, they had stayed out longer than usual, caught up in their adventures, until a sudden downpour forced them to run all the way home, soaked to the bone. By the next morning, she was sneezing, feverish, and confined to bed under their mother’s strict orders.

But luckily for Cellbit, this meant he finally had a chance to act on the thoughts that had been consuming him ever since he met Roier. With Bagi stuck inside, there would be no one to question him, no one to follow along and unknowingly put herself in danger.

The timing was perfect.

For days, his mind had been running in circles, trying to come up with a way to return to that hidden complex without raising suspicion. He had spent every moment replaying his brief encounter with Roier, analyzing every detail, every word, trying to understand what it all meant.

And now, he finally had his chance.

“Cellbit, where are you going?” Bagi’s voice, carried from her bed, laced with suspicion.

Cellbit froze, his hand hovering over the door handle. He didn’t want to lie to her again -he never did-  but telling the truth wasn’t an option either. “I just need to check something” he said, keeping his voice casual as he avoided her gaze.

Bagi narrowed her eyes. “You’re going out without me, aren’t you?” She sounded more offended than surprised.

Cellbit sighed, the guilt already creeping in. “I promise, Bagi, I’ll bring you back some flowers” he offered, hoping to soften the blow.

Bagi huffed, crossing her arms. “They better be the prettiest ones you can find!” she grumbled, but the sharp edge in her voice had dulled.

Taking that as the best approval he’d get, Cellbit gave her a small nod before slipping out the door. The second he was outside, his heart began to race; not with guilt, but with anticipation.

He picked up his pace, weaving through the familiar trees with silent precision. The deeper he went, the more his focus narrowed, every crunch of leaves beneath his feet drowned out by the pounding in his chest.

By the time he reached the fence surrounding the Federation complex, his breathing was steady, his mind set. There was no turning back.

Hidden behind a bush, Cellbit observed the scene carefully. Children ran and played in the yard, their laughter ringing through the air, oblivious to the watchful eyes that surrounded them. The contrast between their carefree joy and the ever-present surveillance of the complex sent a chill down his spine. His eyes darted across the yard, searching... until they landed on Roier. Leaning against a tree, a small puppy curled at his side, Roier looked completely at ease. He found his puppy. A warmth spread through Cellbit’s chest. For some reason, that simple sight made his mission feel worthwhile.

As he continued to scan the garden, something else caught his attention. Two figures stood out from the rest: a blonde girl, giggling joyfully as she pretended to fly with a stuffed yellow duck in hand, and another girl with dark hair engaged in conversation with a guard, a bluejay perched on her shoulder.

A strange unease settled in Cellbit’s stomach. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but something about the scene felt… like a piece of a puzzle that didn’t quite fit. But it wasn’t the time to get distracted. Focus. He pushed the thought aside and turned his attention back to Roier.

And then, Roier laughed.

Cellbit had never seen him smile before; really smile. The puppy licked his face, and Roier, for once, looked like nothing more than a happy kid.

A small, involuntary grin tugged at Cellbit’s lips.

Stepping forward, he approached the fence, heart pounding with excitement. “Roier!” he called out, his voice hushed but urgent.

Roier turned at the sound, his eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, he just stared. Then his face lit up with unmistakable delight.

“Cellbit! I can’t believe it’s actually you!” Roier whispered.

Cellbit grinned, fingers curling around the cold metal bars. “Did you think I’d forget about you?”

“I don’t know! I thought maybe you were some kind of forest spirit or something” Roier laughed, shaking his head.

“You were the one in ghostly white clothes the other day!” Cellbit scoffed. “Besides, if I were a spirit, I’d haunt you way sooner… I missed you.”

Roier’s face turned red. As he wasn’t prepared to hear that. As he… hadn’t thought of himself as someone important enough for someone else to miss.

Cellbit gestured for him to come closer. Roier hesitated for only a second before stepping toward the fence, his back turned to the fence to avoid drawing attention. When he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper.

“I really, really missed you too… but are you crazy? If they see me talking to someone outside, I’ll get in trouble!”

Cellbit rolled his eyes, leaning in. “Then don’t get caught...” A smirk tugged at his lips.

Roier shot him a glare but couldn’t hide the small grin creeping in. “Oh, sure. Easy for you to say when you’re not the one in here.” He glanced around anxiously before lowering his voice even more. “What do you even want?”

Cellbit’s eyes gleamed with excitement. “To spend time with you, obviously! We’re friends now, aren’t we?” His grip on the bars tightened. “Besides, I promised to show you the forest. There’s a place I found... a nice spot deep in the woods, past the big oak. I swear, Roier, it’s worth it.”

Roier frowned, glancing toward the building. “I can’t just leave whenever I want.”

“... you could if you tried.”

Roier bit his lip, looking down at the puppy at his feet. Its tail wagged expectantly, as if waiting for his decision. He hesitated, the weight of the risk settling on his shoulders. But when he met Cellbit’s gaze again, there was a flicker of something else; something daring.

“You’re impossible, you know that?”

“And yet, you’re still listening.”

Roier let out a huff, but this time, his grin was undeniable.

“Alright, let’s do it.” He squared his shoulders, determination settling in his chest. “I’m ready for whatever you’ve got planned.”

Cellbit nodded as he watched Roier slip through a small gap in the fence, hidden behind a tangle of bushes. He made a mental note of its location: that could be useful later. Once Roier was safely on the other side, they exchanged a glance, excitement buzzing between them. Finally, they were free to explore together.

Leading the way, Cellbit guided Roier deeper into the forest, where the trees grew taller, their dense canopy shielding them from prying eyes. A gentle stream flowed nearby, its quiet murmur blending with the rustling leaves. It felt safe, hidden from the world. They soon found a cluster of large rocks by the water, the perfect place to sit and talk.

As they settled down, Cellbit felt his heart pound. There was so much he wanted to ask, but he didn’t want to overwhelm Roier. Instead, he chose an easy place to start.

“So… what happened to your dog after he disappeared that day we met?” he asked, glancing at Roier. “I saw you playing with him earlier.”

Roier’s face immediately brightened at the mention of his dog. “Oh, Bobby?” he laughed, shaking his head fondly. “He came back on his own that night. He always finds his way back to me.”

Cellbit exhaled, relieved to see Roier open up so easily. “Sounds like a loyal companion” he remarked, genuinely glad to hear it.

“Yeah, he’s my best friend” Roier admitted, his voice softer now, filled with affection. “The Federation workers gave him to me because… well, they knew I hated being alone.”

Cellbit studied him for a moment, his smile turning gentle. “Bobby is lucky to have you” he said sincerely.

Roier chuckled, looking away, but there was a quiet gratitude in his eyes. “Yeah… I guess I’m lucky too.”

But despite his newfound happiness, Cellbit couldn't ignore the burning questions that still lingered in his mind. 

Taking a deep breath, he carefully broached the subject. “So, Roier… do you live with those other kids? In that place back there?”

Roier’s smile faltered. For a moment, he hesitated, his fingers idly scratching at the moss-covered rock beneath him. “Uh… yeah” he admitted, his voice quieter now. His gaze flickered away as if he didn’t want to meet Cellbit’s eyes.

Cellbit immediately picked up on his unease and rushed to reassure him. “Hey, you don’t have to worry. I’m really good at keeping secrets,” he said with a playful grin, hoping to lighten the mood.

Roier studied him for a second, his expression unreadable. Then, in a more serious tone, he asked, “Can you promise not to tell anyone? Not even your sister?”

At the mention of Bagi, a pang of guilt twisted in Cellbit’s chest. He had already kept things from her, and now he was about to make another promise he wasn’t sure he should. But the pull of curiosity, the need to understand what was really going on, was too strong.

“I promise.” he vowed, extending his pinky finger toward Roier, his voice firm despite the uncertainty bubbling inside him. “Cross my heart and hope to die!”

Roier’s serious expression wavered, and with a quiet laugh, he hooked his pinky around Cellbit’s.

Cellbit met his gaze, sincerity shining in his eyes. “Thanks for trusting me, Roier.”

Roier gave a small, almost shy smile in return. “Of course, Cellbo. You’re my friend.”

Cellbit couldn’t help but smile at Roier’s words. You’re my friend. Such a simple thing to say - he himself had even said it before- but hearing it from Roier again made something warm settle in his chest.

Still, there was so much he wanted to know. He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. “So… what’s it like? Living there?” He kept his tone light, careful not to make Roier feel like he was prying.

Roier let out a small sigh, absentmindedly twirling a blade of grass between his fingers. “It’s fine, I guess. We have food, a place to sleep, and stuff to do. Some things are a little… weird, though. Stuff I don’t really understand.”

Cellbit tilted his head. “Weird how?”

Roier hesitated, then shrugged. “They always watch us. There are rules for everything. And they don’t really like it when we ask too many questions.”

Cellbit frowned. “That’s-” He cut himself off before calling it suspicious or creepy. Instead, he softened his voice. “That sounds kinda strict.”

Roier chuckled dryly. “Yeah, you could say that.” He plucked a tiny flower growing beside the rock and spun it between his fingers. “But it’s not all bad. I have my friends, and Bobby, of course.”

Cellbit raised an eyebrow. “And what about the scary guy from the other day?”

“Oh!” Roier let out a nervous laugh. “They are scary, yeah. But, um… he’s actually really nice to me. He was assigned to take care of me.” He hesitated before adding quickly, “They’re just the workers who run the place.”

But Cellbit wasn’t ready to drop the subject. Not when those workers were the most unsettling part of it all.

“So they… take care of you?” he asked carefully.

Roier shifted uncomfortably but nodded. “Uh, well, yeah. The Federation workers make sure we’re okay, study us, and check that we’re doing well.” He scratched the back of his head. “Obviously, the most important rule is that we can’t go past the fences… which I did. Twice now.” He let out a laugh, only just realizing what he had done.

Cellbit listened intently, his mind buzzing with questions. Study? He frowned, the word unsettling him.

“Study?” he repeated aloud. “What do you mean by that?”

Roier’s expression shifted in an instant. Cellbit caught the flicker of nervousness in his eyes, maybe even fear.

“Um… well, it’s like… they watch us, make us do some tests. Just to learn things” Roier explained, his voice trailing off uncertainly.

Cellbit struggled to wrap his head around what he was hearing. “You mean they teach you stuff? Like school? Reading, math, those… those things?” He knew that it couldn’t be that simple. That strange place didn’t seem like the kind to offer a normal education. But still, he really, really wanted to be wrong.

Roier’s expression tensed. “Oh, no, no” he said quickly, his voice laced with nervousness. “Of course, we learned to read and write and all that… but in our free time.”

Cellbit’s stomach twisted. That wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear.

Roier swallowed hard, his fingers gripping the edge of the rock they sat on. He hesitated, as if debating whether the words in his head were even safe to say out loud. “Um… well, it’s like… they watch us closely, make us do some tests, based on our abilities, to learn things,” he finally admitted, his voice trailing off uncertainly.

Cellbit felt a chill crawl up his spine. Tests?

“But why?” he pressed, his voice tinged with concern. “What are they trying to learn?”

Roier shifted uncomfortably, his gaze flickering away before meeting Cellbit’s again. “I’m not sure,” he admitted, his tone unsteady. “But they say it’s important for… for something.” His brows furrowed as he struggled to find the right words. “They want us to be the best.”

Cellbit’s fingers curled into fists. The best at what?

A wave of unease settled over Cellbit as he studied Roier’s troubled expression. He reached out instinctively, intending to offer reassurance, but the moment his fingers brushed against Roier’s arm-

“AAH!” Roier flinched, a sharp cry escaping his lips.

Cellbit recoiled as if burned, his heart pounding in his chest. His eyes darted to Roier’s arm, alarm flashing through him.

“Roier, are you okay!?” he asked, his voice laced with worry. His mind immediately jumped to the Federation workers, their cold, watchful eyes burned into his memory. Dread settled deep in his gut. “It’s them, isn’t it? They hurt you!”

Roier tensed, his mouth opening as if to deny it, but no words came out. He just looked away, his silence louder than anything he could have said.

That was all the confirmation Cellbit needed. Without hesitation, he shifted closer, his hands trembling slightly as he reached for Roier’s sleeve. He moved slowly, giving Roier the chance to stop him if he wanted to. But Roier didn’t pull away. He sat still, his eyes downcast, fingers clutching the fabric of his hoodie in his lap.

Roier wasn't wearing the same surgical gown from their last encounter. Instead, he sported a white hoodie and matching pants, concealing any injuries he might have sustained. As Cellbit slowly raised the sleeve, Roier's gaze remained fixed on him, his silence speaking volumes. And what he saw made his stomach twist.

A deep bruise, blotched with reds, purples, and hints of yellow, spread across Roier’s arm like a storm cloud. It looked painful —fresh. Cellbit swallowed hard.

“Are they hurting you, Roier?” he asked, his voice soft but urgent.

Roier sucked in a shaky breath. His eyes glistened, but he quickly blinked away the forming tears. “N-no” he stammered, voice wavering. “They… they’re supposed to take care of us, I swear!”

Cellbit’s anger flared. “If they’re the ones leaving these bruises, then they’re not taking care of you!” His voice was sharp, filled with frustration and disbelief.

Roier’s breath hitched, and his tears spilled over as he struggled to find the right words. “But they promised… they said they cared about us…” he whispered, his voice trembling.

Cellbit clenched his fists, his mind reeling. How could they claim to care while hurting the very children they were supposed to protect? He wanted to shout, to demand answers, but when he looked at Roier, at the way his shoulders shook and his hands trembled, Cellbit realized his anger wouldn’t help.

Without thinking, he reached forward and pulled Roier into a hug.

Roier stiffened for only a second before melting into him, burying his face in Cellbit’s shoulder. He clung to him as quiet sobs wracked his body, his fingers twisting into the fabric of Cellbit’s shirt. Cellbit said nothing. He just held him, letting him cry, offering warmth and reassurance in the only way he could.

When Roier finally pulled away, he gave Cellbit a small, almost shy smile, wiping the lingering tears from his cheeks. His gratitude was unspoken, but Cellbit could see it in his eyes.

“You don’t have to tell me if you’re not ready,” Cellbit murmured gently. “But just know that we’re friends, and I’ll always listen.”

Roier took a deep breath, his fingers still gripping Cellbit’s sleeve as if grounding himself. “I trust you, Cellbo” he admitted softly, his voice tinged with sadness. “I just… I’ve never talked about these things with the other kids. It’s like we- we just ignore it, pretend it’s not happening, like… like it’s not real.”

His breath hitched, another tear slipping down his cheek. “But I don’t want to pretend anymore. I want to tell you everything.”

Cellbit nodded, understanding that was something Roier needed: to talk, to be heard, to let it all out. If Roier needed time, Cellbit would give it to him. If he needed a safe space, Cellbit would be that for him. Because seeing Roier like that... so vulnerable, so unsure,  it hurt. More than Cellbit ever expected something to hurt.

But before he could say anything, Roier glanced at the sky. The sun had dipped lower, the deep blue of night creeping in. Cellbit immediately understood.

“It’s getting late, isn’t it?” Roier murmured.

Cellbit sighed, the weight of reality settling in. He didn’t want the moment to end. Didn’t want Roier to go back to that place. But he also knew he couldn’t push him.

“Yeah… we should probably head back before they realize you’ve escaped” he admitted, the words heavy with reluctance. A pang of sadness tugged at his chest.

For a second, he wished he could keep Roier there forever. Somewhere safe, somewhere far from the Federation’s grasp. But for now, all he could do was help from the shadows, standing by his side, ready to catch him if he fell.

As they prepared to leave, Roier turned to Cellbit with a hopeful smile.

“Same time, same place tomorrow?” he asked, his voice filled with quiet excitement.

Cellbit’s eyes lit up. “YEAH!!” he agreed without hesitation. “I’ll be right here. I promise!”

But as the moment lingered, guilt tugged at his chest. He glanced at Roier, regret flickering across his face. “Sorry if today wasn’t as fun as it should’ve been... I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

Roier shook his head, his smile unwavering. “Today was perfect, Cellbo” he assured, nudging Cellbit playfully. “I’ve never felt this… good”

Cellbit’s heart swelled at those words, and for a brief moment, the weight of the day felt lighter.

Before they parted ways, he suddenly remembered the promise he had made to Bagi. He quickly knelt by the stream, gathering a handful of wildflowers into a makeshift bouquet. As he arranged them, his fingers lingered over a single bloom, and an idea formed in his mind.

He plucked the flower from the bunch and handed it to Roier.

“These are amaranths” Cellbit explained with a small smile. “My favorites. They’re associated with immortality… they represent an unbreakable, eternal bond. Consider this a promise that we’ll meet again.”

Roier took the flower carefully, eyes wide with surprise before they softened with something almost like wonder. Then, without warning, he lunged forward and wrapped Cellbit in a quick, tight hug.

“Thank you! Really Cellbo, thank you so much... They are really pretty” he murmured, his voice warm with gratitude.

Before Cellbit could fully process the embrace, Roier was already pulling away, flashing him a grin before dashing off toward the Federation complex, flower firmly in hand.

Left standing in the quiet of the forest, Cellbit watched as his friend disappeared into the distance, a bittersweet ache settling in his chest. But beneath it, an excitement he couldn’t contain.

They would see each other again.

Chapter Text

Present Day

After days of wrestling with his decision, Cellbit had finally made up his mind: he would use Roier as his way into the Federation. He knew the risks, knew how dangerous it was to exploit Roier’s connection, but none of that changed the reality of his situation. If he wanted answers, if he wanted to uncover the truth, that was his only way forward.

The truth was, despite all his efforts since arriving on the island, he had made little to no real progress. He had uncovered some things: the Federation was a private organization, independent from the island’s residents, despite occasionally collaborating with some of them. Like Roier. But none of the workers were actual new residents. They didn’t belong to the casual life on the island; they were separate from it.

He had also learned that the Federation had the entire island mapped out; every inch of it, every facility cataloged and distributed across the land. Some of the buildings were easy to access, but ultimately useless. The island’s library, for instance, contained barely any research materials of value. The farming grounds, while essential, held no real information. The important places -the research labs, the administrative offices- were guarded heavily, impossible to reach without clearance.

Beyond that, Cellbit had realized something even more unsettling: the Federation didn’t just monitor the island. It monitored every single person who had arrived over the years. Under the guise of their welcoming "Enjoy the island" they kept rigorous records of every resident. Where they lived, what they did, who they spoke to. Their entire existence was cataloged and controlled. He had lost count of how many times he’d been handed a questionnaire about his life on the island. Questions he never answered.

And he hated it.

He hated being there. Hated that they had pulled him out of one prison only to throw him into another, this one dressed up in the illusion of freedom. The rules weren’t written, but they were everywhere, invisible yet inescapable. And worst of all?

He hated not knowing why he had been brought here in the first place.

In his most recent discoveries,, Cellbit had been following the trail of clues left behind in an old journal he’d stumbled upon in the forest near his house. He had no idea who it had once belonged to. From what he’d managed to piece together, the author had likely been a former resident, perhaps even an ex-employee, since the entries recounted small anecdotes about life inside the Federation’s facilities.

One recurring theme was their connection to a little boy. The entries spoke of watching over him, of keeping him safe. Was he the author’s son? Cellbit couldn’t be sure. Many pages had been torn out, leaving gaps too wide to follow the story with any certainty. It was strange, of course. For all the author’s mentions of protecting the child, the tone was peculiar… distant, almost reluctant to grow attached. Every anecdote was written from afar, the author observing silently, making sure the boy was safe, quietly admiring how he grew.

There was pride in the way the author described him. He said the kid was special, that he carried something incredible within him. That he wished the boy could have grown up somewhere else, somewhere far from the reality they both seemed trapped in.

Cellbit couldn’t fully understand it. It read like a confession; feelings the author couldn’t bring himself to speak aloud, not even to the boy. And finding anything else about the child was nearly impossible. Every page that might’ve revealed more had been carefully, deliberately torn out, as if someone had wanted to erase any trace that the boy had ever existed.

Sometimes Cellbit wondered if the whole story had been fiction. Something the author had written to pass the time, to fight off his loneliness.

But what unsettled him most was that, even though the journal hadn’t led him anywhere concrete, it had still taken him to places he hadn’t known existed on the island, real places. Some entries pointed to abandoned areas… A ruined house, presumably the writer’s own, now nothing more than crumbling walls. But beyond that, the trail had gone cold.

Still, the journal haunted him more than he liked to admit. The pieces were valuable, but incomplete. He could read fragments of a story long buried, but without the missing links, that’s all they were: fragments. A puzzle he had no way of finishing.

So, Roier was his only way in.

He was presumably approachable, naive, easy to talk to, even for Cellbit. He had access to the Federation offices, and not just any office, but the mail station, where valuable information likely circulated.

Cellbit didn’t know him, but he didn’t need to. In their brief interaction, he had already figured out the kind of person Roier was: charming, mostly funny… hardly a threat. A few well-placed lies here and there, and Cellbit could have him working for him without Roier even realizing it.

And yet, something about him made Cellbit uneasy. He couldn't pinpoint what it was. Maybe it was the way Roier seemed so carefree, yet curious enough to break into his house and snoop through his things like he had the other day. Maybe it was the fact that he had no problem working with the Federation, even after listing things he disliked about them. Roier was a contradiction.

Cellbit knew he would never trust him, nor did he need to. Trust was a luxury he had long since learned to guard. But there was something about Roier that caught his attention, something he couldn't quite ignore. And if understanding him meant gaining an advantage, then Cellbit was more than willing to figure him out.

So, he set his mind to manipulating the guy. That was the plan.

But before he could leave the house to find Roier, his eyes landed on yet another letter pinned to his door, sitting atop a neatly arranged basket of fruit and spices. 

“- Bagi.”  

The name stared back at him, sharp as a blade. His fingers twitched over the envelope, torn between tearing it open and setting it on fire.

How many times had she tried now? How many letters had she left, each one pretending they were something they weren’t... Family ? It was ridiculous. Infuriating, even. What kind of family showed up now, after everything?

Where was she when he was starving in the cold? Where was she when he clawed his way out of the pit they had buried him in? She hadn’t been there. No one had. He had fought, suffered, and survived alone. And now she wanted to waltz into his life and act like she had the right to claim him?

She wrote as if they had shared something real, something worth remembering. But he didn’t remember. He didn’t remember warmth or love or comfort. He didn’t remember a sister. He didn’t remember a family. And if he didn’t remember it, then maybe it had never existed at all.

And if it had never existed, then what the hell was she trying to give back to him?

With a sharp breath, he snatched the letter and shoved it aside without a second glance. He wasn’t going to read it. Unwilling to entertain the notion of reconnecting with someone he barely remembered.

He had no family. He didn’t need one.

And he wasn’t about to let someone else rewrite his story.

It didn’t take long to track down Roier’s residence; everyone on the island seemed to know him, knew where he lived, and for some inexplicable reason, spoke about him with a fondness that bordered on admiration. Even if Cellbit couldn’t care less about Roier’s reputation, he couldn’t ignore the nagging curiosity it stirred in him. How could someone so universally liked have come off as so damn irritating during their brief encounter?

With those thoughts in mind, Cellbit arrived at Roier’s doorstep. He barely had time to knock before the door swung open, not to reveal Roier, but a girl with brown hair streaked with light blue. She was smiling, but there was something about it that felt just a little too sharp, too calculating. She was sizing him up.

“Cellbit” he introduced himself, caught off guard when her expression didn’t shift to confusion. She recognized his name.

“Your reputation precedes you” the girl smirked slightly. "I'm Jaiden, by the way."

Reputation? He narrowed his eyes slightly. What the hell had people been saying about him?

“I’m here to see Roier” he stated, cutting through whatever game she was trying to play. He wasn’t here to chat; he just needed to find Roier and put his plan into motion.

Jaiden’s posture changed, shoulders squaring as her friendly demeanor cooled into something more guarded. “And why’s that?” she asked, suspicion creeping into her tone.

Cellbit schooled his expression, already spinning together a quick and believable excuse. “He gave me a letter that wasn’t meant for me” he said, the lie slipping from his lips as easily as the truth. He kept his voice calm, casual, as if this was a minor inconvenience rather than a calculated decision.

Jaiden didn’t look convinced. She held his gaze, her stare heavier than it should’ve been, like she was peeling back layers to see what he wasn’t saying. But finally, after a long, tense moment, she sighed and relented, though the wariness in her posture didn’t fade.

“He’s at the taco shop” she said flatly, pointing to a nearby structure. Then, just as Cellbit turned to leave, her tone dropped into something colder. “One more thing—”

He glanced back.

“Stay away from Roier” she warned, voice dangerously steady. “Don’t drag him into your problems.”

Cellbit forced a smile, keeping his irritation locked behind it. “Of course” he replied smoothly, already making a mental note: Jaiden’s going to be a problem.

As he approached Roier’s taqueria, the scent of spices filled the air. Through the open kitchen window, he spotted Roier, moving with  confidence. He worked quickly, his hands layering ingredients before passing them off with a grin.

From a distance, Cellbit took a moment to observe. Roier’s expression was open, unbothered, his smile genuine as he hummed what sounded like a Spanish song under his breath. It was… strange. Even after their brief first encounter, Cellbit hadn’t expected that —hadn’t expected him to be that. So relaxed. So unburdened. It was almost convincing, the little performance of joy.

For a brief second, he considered it, wondered if people could really be happy there, if they could exist on this island without the weight of its reality pressing down on them. Maybe it was just him. Maybe he was the outlier, the one who couldn’t ignore the shadow cast by the Federation’s control.

But before he could dwell on the thought, Roier turned, catching sight of him.

“Hey, man! I know I said we could be friends, but I didn’t think you’d actually take the bait that quickly” Roier exclaimed with a laugh, his tone laced with amusement, and beneath it, a playful mockery.

Cellbit fought the instinctual urge to scowl, instead forcing a smile, keeping his irritation buried beneath indifference. He had a plan, and if he wanted Roier’s help, he’d have to play along.

Even if that meant entertaining a ridiculous act of friendship.

“Yeah, well, you know, you got me thinking the other day” Cellbit replied, the words leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. “Sometimes a guy spends a little too much time alone and could use some company.”

Roier’s laughter rang through the kitchen before Cellbit could even pretend to mean it. He set down the utensils in his hands, leaning against the counter as he fixed Cellbit with a knowing look.

“You can cut the act” he said, the amusement gone from his voice, replaced by something that made Cellbit tense. “I know you didn’t come here just for a friendly chat.”

For a split second, Cellbit’s plan trembled. Had Roier actually seen through him? But just as quickly as the tension had built, Roier’s expression shifted again —back to that easy, carefree demeanor, a grin pulling at his lips like they hadn’t just been on the verge of something else entirely.

“So, you met Jaiden already?” Roier asked, his voice light, almost teasing.

The sudden change threw Cellbit off, and he hated the fact that it did. He hadn’t expected Roier to see through him so easily. For a brief moment, a flicker of surprise crossed his mind. Maybe, he hadn’t given Roier enough credit. Not that he’d ever admit it.

He met Roier’s gaze. Had Roier seen him talking to Jaiden? He hadn’t noticed, but Roier knew it. He should’ve been paying more attention. After all, everything he knew about Roier was based on a brief interaction and a handful of assumptions. Maybe Roier wasn’t as easy to read as he had thought.

“You caught me” Cellbit admitted, his voice dry. He hated having to explain himself more than necessary. “I actually came to ask you something. I- I might need your help.”

Roier raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, but Cellbit ignored it. Instead, he added, “And yeah, I met Jaiden. She was nice ” tone dripping with sarcasm.

“She’ll warm up once she gets to know you” Roier responded in a defiant way, as if implying that Cellbit wouldn’t (couldn’t) open up. And the worst part was that it was true. Cellbit hated that he had to agree with it.

“You two live together?” he asked, realizing that Roier was steering their interaction into an actual conversation, completely ignoring the reason Cellbit had come in the first place. It felt -subtly, deliberately- like Roier was forcing him to talk, even when Cellbit said nothing at all. Because Roier would . He talked with an easy rhythm, unfazed by Cellbit’s silence, filling every gap with casual words.

“Since we arrived on the island, yep” Roier answered cheerfully. “She’s a great friend. I mean, three years and she never kicked me out… that’s real friendship” he laughed.

And for some reason, Cellbit laughed too.

Nothing Roier said had been particularly funny. He wasn’t funny, and Cellbit didn’t care about any of that. But the way Roier grinned so wide, the way his laugh was so open and effortless, like he expected Cellbit to laugh along with him, it felt real. And for just a second, it made him want to feel the same.

“I’d say that’s a real patience test” Cellbit muttered, almost amused. “...maybe she just feels bad for you.”

Roier gasped, clutching his chest in mock offense. "That’s cruel! And here I thought we were bonding." He shook his head dramatically before grinning at Cellbit. "Nah, she just likes me. I'm charming like that."

Cellbit rolled his eyes, but there was no real annoyance behind it. That was Roier’s trick, wasn't it? He had this way of making everything feel light, pulling people into his rhythm whether they wanted to or not. It was disarming, frustrating even.

Finally, Roier’s tone shifted, curiosity creeping back into his voice. “So, I’m all ears. What’s got you knocking on my door, Cellbit?”

Cellbit hesitated, calculating his next move. He couldn’t tell Roier the truth. But if there was one thing he’d learned, it was that Roier, casual as he seemed, listened . He’d dig into every little detail Cellbit let slip. He had to choose his words carefully.

An excuse. He needed an excuse that would satisfy Roier’s curiosity without exposing his real intentions.

Then, an idea struck him. It was simple. Plausible. A lie that could hold just enough truth to make it believable. Cellbit forced a wry smile, ready to weave his deception.

“Do you remember how I got to the island?” he asked, his tone deliberately casual. “Two years ago? The cargo ship?”

Roier furrowed his brow, thinking back. “Yeah, I remember” he said, tilting his head. “It was a pretty big deal for everyone. No one was expecting a new resident out of nowhere.”

Cellbit nodded gravely. “Well, here’s the thing” he continued, leaning in slightly. “I never wanted to come here. I think the Federation had something to do with it. Pulling strings behind the scenes.”

Roier’s eyes widened slightly, intrigued. “Wait, really?” he asked, his disbelief clear. “I had no idea you didn’t want to be here. That’s… unexpected.”

“It’s the truth.” Cellbit said, his mind already working through the implications. Then, he paused. Something about Roier’s reaction gnawed at him. “Wait- you chose to come here?”

Roier nodded, his expression shifting, almost proud in his voice. “Yeah, I did” he admitted. “I saw it as a fresh start. A way to leave my past behind.”

Cellbit made a mental note of that. He filed it away for later, turning it over in his mind. Because who the hell would choose to live there? Why would someone willingly choose to live on a seemingly isolated island?

Suddenly, memories surged through Cellbit’s mind, unbidden and unwelcome.

They weighed heavily on his shoulders, dragging him back to that day: the moment he had learned the truth about his forced exile to the island. A memory so deeply etched into his mind that he had never spoken it aloud, never shared it with anyone.

Two days after his abrupt arrival, Cellbit had found himself face-to-face with a figure cloaked in mystery and menace, “Cucurucho”. The so-called manager of the island. Towering and imposing, its expression frozen in that ever-smiling mask, Cucurucho carried an aura of quiet authority, the kind that could send shivers down anyone’s spine. But not him.

Cellbit had stormed into its office, fury coursing through his veins, demanding answers. Years behind bars had sharpened his tongue, hardened his resolve, and stripped him of any patience for bureaucratic nonsense. He wanted the truth, and he wasn’t afraid to take it, by force, if necessary.

But Cucurucho? It never wavered. Never flinched. That empty smile remained as it uttered the words that shattered any illusion Cellbit had left.

“You’re here, because I wanted you here.”

The realization had hit like a sledgehammer to the chest. Every struggle, every desperate attempt to claw his way back to freedom, it had all been for nothing. The Federation had pulled the strings, led him there like a puppet with no say in his own fate.

Rage had consumed him then. A fury, so deep it threatened to swallow him whole.

From that moment on, his rivalry with the Federation was set in stone. A silent, simmering fighy that burned in the depths of his soul. He knew he could never trust them, never believe a single word they spoke.

But he also knew one thing for certain.

If he ever wanted to uncover the truth of his past, if he ever wanted a real chance at freedom, he had to play their game.

"Cellbit?"

A hand waved in front of his face, snapping him back to reality.

"So, let me get this straight" Roier said, cutting through the lingering haze of memory and dragging Cellbit back into the present. "I’m guessing you wanna know why ? …why are you here?"

Cellbit answered without hesitation. "Yes."

"And I guess you’re going to ask me to help you get into the Federation offices, right?"

Cellbit met Roier's gaze, unwavering. "That's exactly what I’m asking."

Roier’s expression shifted, his eyes narrowing in thought. "...aaand is it because you think I can help you, considering my role as a messenger for the Federation?"

A slow smirk tugged at the corners of Cellbit's lips as he gave a small nod. "Your deductions are spot-on, Roier."

Silence settled between them, thick with unspoken questions. Then, something shifted in Roier’s expression, a spark of determination flashing behind his usual playfulness.

"Alright, Cellbit" he said, his voice firm but tinged with something mischievous. He extended a hand. "I'll help you out."

Cellbit blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Wait -just like that? You’re not going to ask for anything in return?" His skepticism was clear.

Roier shook his head, a knowing smirk curling his lips. "Nope. No strings attached." he replied easily, meeting Cellbit’s gaze with a glint of mischief. "I've got a rather troublesome soul myself, you see. And I’ve never been a fan of the Federation either."

He glanced at his still-outstretched hand, waiting.

Cellbit hesitated for a moment before finally clasping Roier’s hand. There was a brief pause, just long enough for doubt to creep in, before their grip tightened in mutual agreement.

Cellbit hadn’t expected solidarity from someone he’d initially dismissed as irritating, someone who seemed far too carefree. Maybe his first impression of Roier had been clouded by frustration and misunderstanding. Maybe, just maybe , Roier wasn’t as insufferable as he had thought.

Roier, catching the flicker of doubt in Cellbit’s eyes, grinned. "Don’t worry, Cellbit" he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. Trust me, today’s your lucky day."

Cellbit raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "And what exactly makes today so lucky?" he asked, skepticism laced in every word.

Roier chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. "Well, it just so happens that I need to stop by the Federation offices today" he explained, as if this was the most normal thing in the world. "I’ve got some deliveries to pick up. We’ll blend right in, like two peas in a pod."

Cellbit rolled his eyes. "Isn’t that a bit... risky?" he countered. "I don’t mean to be a killjoy, but if we’re spotted anywhere near the Federation offices, they’ll drag us in for questioning. And, in case you forgot, I’m not exactly their favorite person."

Roier waved off his concerns with a casual flick of his hand. "Don’t sweat it" he said breezily. "I’ve got a plan." He shot Cellbit a teasing look. "Besides, where’s your sense of adventure?"

Despite himself, Cellbit was intrigued. Roier spoke with such unwavering certainty that, against his better judgment, he almost wanted to believe him. He didn’t have a better idea anyway, especially since he hadn’t expected to get that far on his first attempt at getting closer.

So with a resigned sigh, Cellbit relented. "Alright, Roier" he conceded, reluctant but curious. "Let’s do it your way."

After all, if they got caught, it wouldn’t be the first time, for either of them . And if nothing else, this was a good opportunity to see Roier in action, to learn a little more about him.

Roier switched off the stove, set his utensils aside, and made a quick stop at home to change. Throughout it all, Cellbit followed in silence, his sharp eyes observing everything without comment.

Jaiden watched them as they came and went, her gaze lingering on Cellbit, studying him with open suspicion, like she was trying to decipher his true intentions. But she didn’t say anything, and soon enough, they were gone.

As they neared the imposing doors of the Federation office, Roier subtly motioned toward a small blind spot near the entrance. "That’s our way in" he murmured, nodding toward the area where the entrance guard’s line of sight didn’t reach.

Cellbit raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Not bad" he admitted, his voice just loud enough for Roier to catch. He had tried sneaking into the Federation before, but he’d never noticed such a strategic hiding spot. In all those previous attempts, he had relied on making his move as quickly as possible, always taking advantage of any distraction at the entrance to slip through unnoticed. But now, with a silent nod, he melted into the shadows, waiting for his cue.

Roier, on the other hand, strolled right up to the front door’s guard with a confident grin. "Hey, buddy!" he greeted casually, his tone dripping with charm. "Just here to pick up delivery."

The guard looked him up and down, unimpressed. "You know the drill, Roier. No clearance, no entry."

Roier sighed, patting his pockets theatrically before letting out a groan. "You won’t believe this!! I left my key card at home." He widened his eyes, playing up his distress.

The guard exhaled through his nose, already resigned. "You can't always be a mess, Roier" he muttered, shaking his head. "You're supposed to contribute to the order and stability of the island." He sighed, clearly exasperated. "Just because it's you, I'll get you a temporary pass, but try to follow the rules, or they'll hire someone full-time to keep track of your mess. Please, just wait here."

The moment the guard turned his back, Roier's hand slipped into his pocket, pulling out his very real key card. With a quick, practiced motion, he slid it through the scanner, the lock clicking open. He flicked his fingers subtly in Cellbit’s direction; a silent signal.

Without hesitation, Cellbit slipped inside, moving quickly before the door could shut behind him.

Roier, meanwhile, stood patiently, maintaining his act until the guard returned with the temporary card. With a polite nod, Roier accepted it, then breezed through the entrance like nothing had happened.

Once they were both inside, Cellbit shot Roier an unimpressed look. "I’ll give you this" he said, voice dry, "I guess you do have a brain in there somewhere."

Roier let out a dramatic sigh, clutching his chest as if wounded. "Oh, you're too kind, Cellbit… It’s overwhelming!" He smirked. "Face it, Cellbit. You’re lucky to have me."

Cellbit rolled his eyes, but despite himself, the corner of his lips twitched upward. "Yeah yeah, sure. Lucky me"

Roier grinned, nudging him playfully. "See? You’re learning."

As they smiled, Cellbit took a moment to observe Roier, who was lost in the moment, unaware of the gaze on him. Roier was a fascinating mix of charm, cunning, and unpredictability. Cellbit couldn’t help but notice the way Roier seemed to light up the space around him, the warmth of his smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and the effortless way he spread laughter wherever he went.

It wasn’t that he cared about any of that. It was just an observation…

Roier may have seemed carefree and charismatic, but Cellbit sensed something more beneath. Behind his relaxed tone, there was an undeniable hunger for excitement and danger, lurking just under the surface. It was a contradiction that fascinated Cellbit, stirring a curiosity he couldn’t quite shake.

The hidden gleam in Roier’s eyes only enhanced the new facets Cellbit was discovering about him; his intelligence, sharp wit, and subtle manipulative tendencies. To Cellbit, Roier felt like a complex puzzle, a challenge that ignited his curiosity and stirred something deep inside.

A sudden noise snapped Cellbit from his thoughts, and he turned to see Roier emerging from the room with the packages he needed to collect. With a nod from Roier, he followed him deeper into the office, ready to explore further.

Inside the room, Roier took a moment to survey the piles of letters and packages scattered around. "Not much here that's immediately useful" he explained, his voice low as he gestured to the stacks of correspondence. "Most of it's just letters between the residents, nothing exciting. But..." He pointed to a nearby locked door. "See that one over there? That's where the internal communication hub is located. Mails, reports, packages from all the Federation workers, everything goes through there. It’s strictly off-limits, and I don’t have access, but if anything in here could be useful, it’s definitely behind that door."

Cellbit’s eyes gleamed with interest as he followed Roier’s gaze. His mind already working, he leaned in closer. "We need to get in there," he said urgently, a grin creeping across his face. "I know how to open a door."

Roier raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but skeptical. "Why do you know how to force a lock?"

Shit.

Cellbit cursed himself internally for slipping up. He'd just broken his own rule: don't speak too much. He quickly turned to face the door, pretending the question hadn’t fazed him."It’s nothing special" he said, his voice deliberately casual, masking the discomfort. "Can be useful, not that impressive or difficult."

Roier rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed with the non-answer. But Cellbit could see the curiosity in the corner of his gaze. He was already wondering about it, and now there was no way Roier was letting that go so easily.

Ignoring the unspoken challenge, Cellbit focused on the lock. With a small smirk, he added, "Let’s just say, I’ve had some… life experiences. A story for another time"

Roier didn’t reply, but his eyes were still fixed on him, a silent promise that the topic wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

Without more hesitation, Cellbit made his way toward the locked door, his body language calm and assured. He could feel the familiar rush of focus take over him. After all, getting into places he wasn't supposed to be was something he'd perfected over the years. The locks were like games to him. After a brief glance at the mechanism, he reached into his bag for small tools he carried, fingers moving with practiced precision.

The click of the lock was soft, but to Cellbit, it felt like music. The door creaked open soundlessly, and Cellbit flashed a quick, triumphant glance back at Roier, silently celebrating the success.

Roier’s eyes sparkled, returning the grin as he took a step closer. "Well, that’s one way to do it" he remarked, clearly impressed.

Cellbit just winked, his confidence shining through. "Let’s see what’s inside."

"You go," Roier said, still a hint of admiration in his voice. "I’ll stand watch at the entrance to keep an eye out for anyone."

Cellbit paused, momentarily taken aback. It was rare for someone to show that kind of trust. In his position, Cellbit would never let someone wander into places they clearly shouldn’t be, especially when their job -or in this case, their punishment- was at risk. But Roier, without hesitation, had just given him full access. The strange thing was that it didn’t feel like trust so much as blind faith. Or was it stupidity? The thought gnawed at him. Should he feel thankful for the freedom? Or was Roier just foolish enough not to question his intentions?

Suppressing a sigh, Cellbit shook off the unease and stepped into the room beyond the locked door.

The sight that greeted him was staggering. The room was a labyrinth of meticulously organized files, documents, and folders, stacked high in boxes, drawers, and shelves that stretched from floor to ceiling. It was overwhelming. The sheer volume of information was enough to make anyone dizzy. But what truly caught his attention was the encrypted nature of everything. Every document, every file, was filled with cryptic codes and symbols —nothing was written in a way that could be understood at first glance.

He cursed himself for not having a plan for that moment. Their time was limited, and it was probably running out faster than he realized. In another scenario, he would’ve taken the time to copy every single document, methodically analyzing each one later, with a careful eye. But it wasn’t possible in their current situation. It wasn’t the time for meticulous work. He had to rush through the miles of papers, hoping to find something . What? He didn’t even know what he was looking for.

Frustration bubbled inside him. Desperation pushed him forward as he scanned the room furiously, moving from one shelf to the next and hoping to find anything of significance. Anything with his name, a file that hinted at his past, or a clue to unravel the mystery he’d been chasing for so long. But the more he looked, the more he realized just how impossible the task was. It was like trying to navigate an ocean of secrets without a map.

The documents were mostly about the residents: answers to scheduled questionnaires, maintenance reports, ongoing projects, repair schedules, and resident complaints. Everything seemed meticulously tracked and followed up on. There were proposals for new developments, repairs on the buildings, and requests for upgrades to facilities. But none of it was useful to Cellbit. It was just noise, the hum of daily life.

Cellbit pushed through the chaos of papers, but nothing stood out. Nothing connected to what he truly needed. Every file, every report, seemed designed to keep him from the truth he was desperately searching for. 

In the midst of his frantic search, Cellbit’s concentration was cut by the faint sound of Roier’s voice, drifting in from outside the room. The conversation was low, but clear enough to make out the guard’s questioning tone, demanding to know why the delay.

“I’ve got a lot of packages to sort through” Roier answered, his voice casual but carrying an undercurrent of persuasion. “But don’t worry, I’ll manage. Thanks for offering, though.”

The guard wasn’t so easily convinced. “I’ll lend you a hand” he insisted, his tone sharp and laced with distrust. The words came from a lower volume, barely audible to Cellbit, suggesting he was speaking from a distance but still within earshot. "Let’s get this done quickly."

Cellbit’s nerves immediately tightened. He could almost feel the answers slipping further away. Every second counted, and it felt as though he was losing precious moments that could bring him closer to the truth.

Then, Roier’s glance met his. A subtle, yet urgent warning. His eyes spoke, telling Cellbit without words that they needed to leave before the situation turned dangerous. The tension in the air was thick, and Cellbit had no choice but to act.

As Cellbit turned toward the exit, something caught his eye. A flash of paper, barely visible among the clutter. His stomach sank as he saw the label “ Roier's later status updates ”. Confusion gripped him, quickly followed by a wave of something darker. A twisting knot in his gut, mixed with a kind of distress he couldn’t put into words. His fingers moved on their own as he reached for the report, slipping it into his jacket with the practiced ease of someone who had done that too many times.

As he stood there, for just a moment, Cellbit’s thoughts were clouded with the weight of what he had just taken. Roier's name was written all over it, but the implications were unclear. He couldn’t admit it -not to himself, and certainly not to Roier- but there was something about the whole situation that left him unsettled. A mixture of curiosity and concern twisted inside him, something he couldn’t easily shake. He glanced back at Roier, who was still on the door engaged in conversation with the guard, his body language relaxed, though his eyes were subtly shifting toward Cellbit.

Finally, he managed to leave the office without arousing suspicion from the guard. Standing outside, he waited for Roier, who eventually exited with a pile of boxes, followed by the guard carrying a few more. As they saw him from a distance, Cellbit casually approached them, acting like he was simply passing by the area.

"Morning" he greeted dryly, his voice as flat and unbothered as if he were used to interacting with Federation personnel. "Just came to confirm I received your stupid letter." He gave the guard a disdainful look before glancing at Roier, wrinkling his nose in mock disgust at being seen standing next to a Federation worker.

The guard narrowed his eyes, his voice as stiff as ever. "We expect you to follow the rules, Cellbit. That was a warning. If you don't comply with the imposed regulations, we’ll be forced to take action."

Cellbit waved him off, turning to leave with a careless swagger, whistling a tune as if the threat had never fazed him.

From behind, he could hear Roier's response, muffled but clear. "He's a funny guy!"

The guard’s grumble followed. "He’s a headache..."

Cellbit couldn’t help but smirk, the satisfaction of irritating the Federation surging through him. He allowed himself a quiet laugh at the exchange. It was small, but it felt good... making them squirm just a little.

As Cellbit continued walking, Roier caught up with him, clearly out of breath from rushing to keep up. When he finally matched Cellbit’s pace, he turned to him, curiosity written all over his face.

"Did you find anything useful in there?" Roier asked, a hopeful edge in his voice.

Cellbit hesitated for a brief moment, an unfamiliar pang of guilt creeping into his chest. But he quickly masked it.

"Nope, nothing" Cellbit replied smoothly, a convincing lie slipping effortlessly from his lips. His tone was convincing, as if he had expected nothing from the start.

Chapter Text

14 years ago

Excitement bubbled within Cellbit as he prepared for his afternoon meeting with Roier. He gathered a couple of books filled with his forest adventures and discoveries and decided to pack sandwiches for a picnic-style afternoon. As he busied himself in the kitchen, gathering supplies, his sister Bagi, unexpectedly appeared.

"I thought you were in bed," Cellbit remarked, trying to hide his surprise. He had assumed Bagi was still sick.

Bagi responded with a smile, "I'm feeling better today." She then noticed Cellbit's animated demeanor. "Why do you look so excited?" she asked curiously.

Cellbit blushed slightly, hesitant to reveal his plans to Bagi. "Oh, just looking forward to a nice afternoon in the forest" he replied vaguely.

"Why are you hiding things from me?" Bagi asked, her voice tinged with annoyance. "What happened to telling each other everything? Never lying to each other?"

Cellbit felt a pang of guilt. Bagi was right, they had always been open with each other. However, he didn't want to break his promise to Roier. He remembered Roier's eyes filled with fear when he asked Cellbit to keep everything a secret, and how special he felt when Roier told him that he trusted him. He didn’t want to lose anything of their bond. This newfound friendship with Roier filled him with a sense of purpose and curiosity, yet he couldn't shake the worry of betraying Roier's trust or his sister's expectations.

Deciding to find a middle ground, Cellbit said, "Let's just say I may have made a new friend these past few days."

Bagi laughed, clearly skeptical. "An imaginary friend, right? We never had friends, Cellbit. What are you talking about?"

Cellbit's frustration grew. He had resolved to share Roier's secret with his sister, yet she didn't believe him. 

He had to admit that his sister was right, though. Their family dynamic was unique. They lived in a secluded house far from other residents, nestled within the dense forest. Their mother, a nurturing and devoted figure, chose to homeschool them rather than send them to the nearby school, so they never actually made friends. Cellbit and Bagi spent their days learning at home, exploring the forest, and relying on each other for companionship.

Their father, employed by The Federation, rarely spent time at home. His infrequent visits brought a sense of distance to their relationship. Cellbit had grown accustomed to the quiet life with his mother and Bagi.

Yet, when it came to Roier, it was different. Maybe it was because Roier was, in fact, the first friend he ever met, or a sense of protection he felt every time he thought about him. Cellbit couldn’t explain it, but he felt like he needed to defend his friend, to make him visible to the world, even if in this case, it was just to his sister.

Bagi must have noticed Cellbit's frustration because she softened and urged him, "Tell me."

Carefully choosing his words, Cellbit said, "I met a boy in the forest. He's a bit lonely and doesn't know many things, so I like to keep him company. We're meeting up today."

Bagi raised an eyebrow mischievously. "So you like to keep him company, huh?" she teased. "Cellbit, do you like that forest boy?"

Cellbit's face turned beet red. "BAGI!" he exclaimed, flustered. "I told you, we're friends. He needs a friend."

Bagi couldn't help but laugh out loud. Teasing her brother was one of her specialties, and she had certainly achieved it. Before she could say anything else, Cellbit quickly grabbed his things and stormed out of the kitchen, leaving his sister giggling behind.

As Cellbit left the house to meet Roier, his sister's voice echoed after him. "Enjoy your date! I mean, day!" Cellbit swore to get back at her when he returned.

~

Cellbit arrived at the meeting spot and spotted Roier already there, sitting on a rock with his back to him, feet dipped into the stream. Roier appeared peaceful, taking in the forest scenery before him. His signature bandana adorned his head, and he wore the same white outfit as the day before, now with a red hoodie layered over it, an addition that caught Cellbit's eye. 

Cellbit hesitated, almost feeling guilty for interrupting his friend's moment of peace. But before he could say anything, Roier turned around as if he sensed his presence.

"Cellbit!! I was waiting for you. I want to show you many things today," Roier exclaimed, running up to Cellbit and hugging him. Cellbit smiled at his friend's enthusiasm. "I can't wait," he responded sincerely, pleased to see Roier so excited. "I really like your hoodie, by the way. Red suits you." he said, his voice tinged with shyness.

"Oh... thank you! It-it's my favorite color" Roier replied, even more bashfully, his cheeks turning a rosy red from the compliment. Cellbit couldn't help but laugh softly, but before he could say anything, Roier quickly changed the subject.

"Okay, so I said I wanted to tell you everything, right? The thing is... it's not so much telling as it is showing," Roier laughed, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. Cellbit didn't quite understand what Roier was getting at, but he decided to go along.

Roier took Cellbit's hand and positioned him near the stream, facing it. Then, he stood behind him. "Okay, I'll show you one of the things I learned at The Federation. They say it's a great skill and it's going to be very useful," Roier explained. "I want you to close your eyes and count to 10. Then, turn around and try to find me."

Cellbit initially thought Roier was joking, but he sensed the seriousness in his friend's voice and decided to trust him. "mmh okay..."

Cellbit began to count out loud. In the first few seconds, he heard Roier's laughter behind him and the sound of his footsteps moving around. But suddenly, everything went silent. Cellbit felt a wave of confusion wash over him as he finished counting and turned around quickly, only to find that Roier was nowhere to be seen.

Cellbit tried to calm himself down. It was just a game of hide and seek; it couldn't be that difficult. Ten seconds wasn't enough time for Roier to go very far. 

He walked around the area, checking behind rocks, peering behind trees, and scanning bushes. Roier was nowhere to be found. Cellbit even waded into the stream, although he knew it was unlikely since he hadn't heard any splashing. But at that point, worry was overtaking him. 

"Roier, where are you?" Cellbit shouted, his voice echoing through the trees. "I get it, you're good at hiding, but come on, this isn't funny anymore! Roier!"

No response. Cellbit's anxiety intensified. Had something happened? Was he lost? Did those scary men somehow find him? Cellbit felt himself on the verge of panic. 

In a last attempt, Cellbit pleaded out loud in the middle of the forest. "Roier, please! You've really scared me now!"

As the forest remained silent around him, Cellbit's heart sank with worry. Where was he?

Before Cellbit could even react, something -or rather someone fell on top of him, causing him to lose his balance and tumble backwards onto the grass. With his eyes closed from the unexpected impact, Cellbit heard his friend's laughter and quickly opened them. There was Roier, on top of him, laughing uncontrollably and teasing him, "You really got scared!"

Cellbit, a mix of relief and annoyance, gently hit Roier on the arm. "No, I was worried" he said, trying to convey his feelings. Roier immediately caught Cellbit's expression and slid off him, sitting down next to where Cellbit was still lying on the grass. "I'm sorry" Roier said, his face filled with guilt.

Cellbit couldn't stay upset with Roier for long. The relief of seeing his friend safe and unharmed, rather than in the hands of those creepy federation men with white masks, outweighed any lingering annoyance.

As he sat up next to Roier, Cellbit couldn't help but ask, "Wait, how did you fall on top of me? Did you literally drop from the sky?" He stared at Roier, eager for an explanation.

Roier's laughter filled the air, his eyes bright with excitement. "It would be way cooler if I could literally fall from the sky," he remarked as he stood up. "But no, just watch."

Cellbit observed in awe as Roier confidently approached the nearest tree. "I'm just really good at climbing" Roier explained casually. With that, he began to ascend the tree at an almost unnatural speed. Cellbit watched, his mind struggling to comprehend what he was witnessing. Roier's movements were fluid and effortless, as if defying gravity itself. He didn't grip the trunk with his hands or feet; instead, they seemed to adhere to the surface, allowing him to ascend with ease.

Roier climbed the tree trunk with astonishing agility, reaching a branch just above where Cellbit was. He perched there silently, looking down at Cellbit with a playful smile.

"So you stick to trees." Cellbit managed to blurt out, still in shock. For a moment, he wondered if the fall had disoriented him to the point of hallucination, unable to believe the reality of what he was seeing.

"Something like that" Roier replied, his laughter echoing from above. With effortless grace, Roier let his body hang from the branch, gripping it with just one hand. His palm seemed to adhere to the branch as if it was magnetized, holding his entire weight effortlessly in the air.

Roier's smile widened mischievously as he swung gently from the branch, defying gravity with ease. "Nowadays, not just trees. I can stick to any surface" he explained casually.

Cellbit remained speechless, his eyes wide with disbelief as he watched his friend swing from the branch with casual ease. It was a revelation that defied all logical explanation, yet Roier's calm demeanor suggested it was an everyday occurrence for him.

"You're like a forest ninja" Cellbit exclaimed, unable to contain his excitement. The realization that Roier possessed such remarkable skills only deepened the mystery surrounding his friend.

Roier chuckled, dropping from the branch to the ground beside Cellbit. "More like a forest trickster" he replied playfully, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Cellbit grinned, his mind racing with questions. "How did you learn to do that? And why?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Roier's expression turned thoughtful. "It's part of the training they make us do at the Federation," he explained, his tone growing serious. "They want us to be... special. To have skills that others don't."

Cellbit's brow furrowed in concern. "But why? What do they want from you?" he pressed, his mind reeling with the implications of Roier's revelation.

Roier hesitated, his gaze flickering with a hint of apprehension. "I'm not sure," he admitted quietly. "But I know it's important to them."

Cellbit's mind raced with possibilities, each more troubling than the last. As he stared at Roier, the weight of his friend's situation sank in. Roier was more than just a lost boy in the forest; he was someone special, shaped and trained by forces beyond their understanding.

Cellbit, caught in a whirlwind of astonishment and excitement, dashed back towards Roier with his backpack slung over his shoulder. "Wait here," he instructed Roier, who watched curiously as Cellbit retrieved his research materials. Once Cellbit returned, he began to explain, his words bubbling with enthusiasm, "I wanted to show you my research from this forest, but I think I just discovered the most absurd thing I've ever seen in my life."

Alongside the notebooks, Cellbit grabbed the sandwiches he had prepared earlier and offered one to Roier. "Here, I made these for us" he said with a warm smile.

Roier's cheeks turned slightly pink as he accepted the sandwich, touched by Cellbit's thoughtful gesture. "Thank you, Cellbo" he replied sincerely, his eyes reflecting gratitude.

Cellbit turned to Roier, his eyes reflecting genuine happiness. "So, do you mind if I write about you? You don't have to tell me everything, just whatever you feel comfortable with. But it's incredible, Roier. You are incredible." Cellbit expressed sincerely.

Roier's smile widened at Cellbit's heartfelt words. "Of course you can," he replied warmly. "Besides, if there's anyone I can trust, it's definitely you."

With that settled, the two friends settled down on the soft grass, ready to spend the entire afternoon together. Cellbit had his notebook and pencil in hand, eager to listen to everything Roier had to share. As the forest canopy above filtered sunlight onto them, Cellbit opened his notebook, poised to capture the extraordinary tales of his friend.

Roier began to speak, his voice grew softer and more hesitant as he delved into the darker aspects of his life. Cellbit sensed his friend's discomfort and reached out, grasping Roier's hand tightly to reassure him that he was safe, that he could speak freely without fear.

Roier, his eyes clouded with memories of pain and shame, revealed the extent of the Federation's experiments. "In the complex where I live, every child has an affinity for something," he explained, his voice tinged with bitterness. "For me, it is spiders. I always felt a connection with them... they are my favorite animals."

He paused, a troubled expression crossing his face as he recalled the ordeal. "The Federation takes advantage of that affinity. They conduct research and experiments to harness my connection to spiders, to develop abilities similar to theirs."

As Roier continued, Cellbit meticulously recorded each word in his notebook, his heart heavy with sorrow and disbelief. Roier confessed that the procedures inflicted on him were often painful; surgical interventions, injections of strange serums, and grueling training tests to assess the effects of their experiments.

Listening to his friend's harrowing account, Cellbit struggled to comprehend the cruelty inflicted upon Roier. How could those in the Federation treat him like a mere subject for experimentation, devoid of empathy and compassion?

Cellbit's sadness deepened into profound empathy for Roier. He realized that his friend had endured unimaginable suffering in pursuit of abilities that set him apart. As he wrote down Roier's story, Cellbit vowed silently to stand by his friend and offer support.

"So do you have any other spider powers?" Cellbit asked, eager to shift the conversation away from the darker aspects and onto something more positive.

Roier's smile brightened as his friend spoke about his unique abilities. "Yes, I do!" he replied eagerly, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I have night vision. Unfortunately, I can't demonstrate it to you right now, so you'll just have to take my word for it," he chuckled. "And one of the scientists mentioned that soon I'll have super strength too! I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it definitely sounds cool as heck."

Cellbit couldn't help but smile at Roier's enthusiasm. Despite everything Roier had endured, he maintained a sense of optimism and wonder about his unique abilities. It was a testament to Roier's resilience and spirit.

"Night vision and super strength, huh?" Cellbit mused aloud, imagining the possibilities. "That's pretty incredible.” 

"Oh! I also have this tickle thing," Roier admitted, sounding a bit conflicted as he tried to articulate his experience. "I don't know exactly what it is, but it's like I can sense people, feel where they are and how they're feeling," he explained earnestly. "It only works with people I care deeply about. For example, my best friend Jaiden, I always know when she's sad."

Cellbit listened intently, absorbing Roier's words. He couldn't deny feeling a pang of jealousy upon learning about Jaiden, realizing he didn't occupy that same cherished role in Roier's life. A wave of sadness washed over him.

Roier sensed Cellbit's shift in mood and playfully nudged him with his elbow. "Hey! I felt that," he teased with a warm grin. "Don't be jealous. You're my best friend too, and I definitely have the tickle thing for you too" he reassured, chuckling. "Earlier today, I knew you were approaching long before you stood behind me" he added casually.

Cellbit's embarrassment was palpable as he burst into laughter, his face flushing bright red. The realization that Roier could read him like an open book left him both amused and slightly mortified.

"I wanna go there" Cellbit declared, his tone resolute as he looked directly at Roier.

"W-what?" Roier stammered, a flicker of fear crossing his eyes at the unexpected statement.

"Roier, I want to visit the facility where you live, see everything with my own eyes" Cellbit clarified, his voice unwavering.

Roier hesitated, clearly unsettled by the idea. "I-I don't know if that's a good idea, Cellbo. It's already risky enough for me to be outside. I can't even imagine what would happen if someone from outside were inside" he explained, concern etched in his expression.

Cellbit stood up, his posture determined as he placed his hands on his waist and puffed out his chest. "I am a man of investigations, and I am also your friend. I am going to expose and dismantle The Federation." he declared convincingly.

Roier couldn't help but chuckle, a mixture of amusement and apprehension lingering in his expression.

Throughout the rest of the afternoon, they shared anecdotes, exchanging stories about themselves, their interests, fears, and experiences, deepening their bond. Cellbit remained steadfast in his plans, knowing it was only a matter of time before he convinced Roier to join his cause. As they sat together in the peaceful embrace of the forest, Cellbit was determined to uncover the truth and protect his newfound friend.

~

"So… how was forest boy huh?" Bagi asked, her eyebrow arched playfully as Cellbit collapsed onto the couch after a long day outside.

"Super!" Cellbit replied, a wide grin spreading across his face as he reminisced about the day's adventures. "Like, literally super, Bagi. He has superpowers."

Bagi burst into laughter, her disbelief evident. "Yeah... the powers of love, I imagine, right?"

Cellbit's face flushed bright red, and before he knew it, he was off the couch and charging toward his sister, mock anger in his eyes. Bagi's laughter echoed through the room as she darted away, her teasing filling the air. 

“I’m gonna kill you Bagi!” Cellbit exclaimed, joining in the playful chase with a mix of laughter and mock seriousness.

Chapter Text

Present day

After their "failed" attempt at the Federation offices, Roier extended an invitation to Cellbit for lunch at his taqueria. Cellbit, guidden by a new sense of guilt for the deception, reluctantly accepted. In truth, he longed to return home, to pore over the files he had found in solitude. Yet, a sense of remorse nagged at him. Roier had been kind enough to help him, and now Cellbit was entangled in a web of falsehood spun by his own actions. It was a new sensation for Cellbit... to feel burdened by guilt, let alone empathy for someone else.

Upon arriving at the taqueria, a quaint space adorned with colorful Mexican tiles and the aroma of spices in the air, Roier unlocked the door with a flick of his wrist. And seeking diversion from their predicament, Cellbit steered the conversation towards Roier's place.

"So, when do you think you'll open this place?" Cellbit inquired, hoping to learn more about Roier's life.

Roier sighed heavily, his expression showing a mix of resignation and uncertainty. "Honestly, I'm not sure if it'll ever happen", he admitted. He went on to explain the tough challenges he faced in making his dream a reality. Starting a business on the island was very expensive, and getting the right ingredients was a constant struggle. Roier described how he'd spend days searching all over the island for basic items like tomatillos, which were crucial for his recipes. On top of that, he felt overshadowed by the Federation. Under the motto of “enjoy the island”, they'd often give out treats and gifts to islanders, making Roier's efforts feel less important. A hint of sadness crept into Roier's voice as he shared these obstacles.

"Why do it then? You've invested so much into this place", Cellbit probed, genuinely curious about Roier's motivations given the seemingly insurmountable hurdles.

Roier's response was simple yet profound. "Because I love to cook," he explained. "I've always had a passion for it, and I want to share that with others."

Cellbit fell silent, pondering Roier's words. The contrast between Roier's selfless pursuit and his own solitary existence struck him deeply. For years, Cellbit had lived solely for himself, guarded and closed off. Witnessing Roier's willingness to give without expecting reciprocation was both remarkable and foreign to him. It sparked a flicker of introspection within Cellbit, wondering if he could ever open up to others in the same way. He knew he couldn’t, It just wasn't in his nature. For years, Cellbit had resigned himself to a life of isolation, keeping to himself and living independently, even before arriving to that stupid island. The idea of opening up to people, like Roier did, felt foreign and beyond his grasp.

"Did you always live here?" Cellbit asked, almost without thinking. It was in his nature to probe, to dig deeper into people's stories. Sometimes he felt like conversations with him always turned into interrogations, but he couldn't help it. Plus, there was something about Roier that sparked a deep curiosity within him… He couldn’t quite understand it, but there was a need to understand this person he had stumbled upon.

Roier, being the amiable person he was, didn't seem bothered by Cellbit's inquiries. As he busied himself lighting the stove and gathering ingredients, he invited Cellbit to join him in the kitchen.

Settling into a seat, Cellbit listened intently as Roier opened up about his past. Roier had arrived on the island three years ago, leaving behind a life in Mexico. He couldn't quite remember where he was born, but assumed it was in Mexico too. His early years were spent in an orphanage, a place he ended up without knowing how or why. However, the lack of memory didn’t disturb him; Roier believed that if his mind had chosen to block those memories, it was for a reason, and likely a painful one, so he chose not to look back.

Life in the orphanage was tough. Despite being a friendly child, Roier always felt out of place, unable to truly connect with the other children. He was often wrapped by a sense of discomfort and loneliness, yet he never let it hold him back. When he finally left that place, he faced a new harsh and dangerous environment, this time all by himself. The initial years were the hardest, with moments where he had nothing to eat and no place to sleep. Yet, through sheer determination, Roier managed to find a job and start his studies. It was a life of sacrifice, but one that he approached with gratitude for what he had managed to achieve.

During his university years, while studying psychology, Roier met Jaiden. They instantly formed a deep bond, and after graduation, both received invitations from an organization called The Federation to live on an “oh so promising island paradise.”

Roier's passion for cooking had blossomed during that time, and the offer to start afresh in a place where he could pursue this true passion without the constraints of a clinical setting was tempting. Mexico held little to no emotional attachments for him, so he didn't hesitate to embark on a new journey. Jaiden, on the other hand, simply followed Roier's lead, open to the idea of starting anew without any concrete plans.

"I can imagine your surprise when you realized that this place stinks." Cellbit said in a teasing tone.

"No shit, man!" Roier burst out laughing. "If I had known, I would've stayed there. Maybe the taqueria would have been a success" he added with a smile, though there was a trace of sadness in his voice.

Roier's expression shifted, and he fixed Cellbit with a determined gaze. "But enough about me, huh?" Roier's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What's the story behind you, Mister lone wolf?"

Cellbit immediately became tense. He hated talking about himself, especially when it involved his past. His memories were vague and blurry, like trying to grasp water in his hands, slipping away before he could hold onto them. His past had shaped the person he was today, and he hated that person.

He knew that circumstances and limited opportunities had dictated much of his life. Survival was his constant companion, leading him down dark paths he now regretted. Cellbit felt like a monster, haunted by memories of dubious and violent acts he wished he could forget. These were the reasons he preferred loneliness. To hide away from judgment and shame.

Amidst his inner thoughts, Cellbit glanced at Roier, who had paused in his cooking to watch him with a kind, attentive gaze. Roier's large brown eyes seemed to understand him, offering an unspoken invitation to speak freely. And inexplicably, Cellbit believed in Roier's sincerity.

Roier didn't look at him with pity, which Cellbit despised. Instead, Roier's gaze held an openness and acceptance, as if whatever Cellbit shared would remain between them, sealed within the walls of the kitchen. It was a rare moment of trust that Cellbit found inexplicable but comforting. 

With a surge of courage he didn't know he possessed, Cellbit took a deep breath. He was ready to confide in this stranger, and somehow, deep down, he felt he wouldn’t regret it.

Suddenly, he found himself telling everything. All he could remember. The words spilled out of him automatically, as if he had been holding them in his entire life, just waiting for someone who would truly listen without judging. He felt a strange compulsion to speak, a force stronger than his usual guarded self.

He didn't understand what was happening to him. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts, with voices screaming at him to shut up, to keep his secrets hidden, to say nothing. Yet, his mouth refused to close. Each word seemed to tumble out on its own, driven by an urgent need to unburden his soul. So, he began by telling Roier about his childhood.

Actually, about the lack of it. 

His first memories of his life were of a battlefield, in a war where he was alone and where he had to learn to survive and fend for himself. He remembered how the first years had been terrible, how fear often led him to paralyze and hide for fear of dying. Then he remembered how the fear was disappearing, and in its place a kind of fury, of revenge, was born. No one had ever been there to help him, fate had never been on his side, and consequently, the feeling of standing up for himself grew within Cellbit.  He was not going to die in that place, he was not going to let himself be won by the clutches of destiny, he would do what was necessary to fight, to survive, and to mark his place in the world. 

Said and done Cellbit transformed into a monster, blocking any kind of feeling of affection and empathy that remained in his body. No act of affection was of any use in the place where he was. So Cellbit was forced to bury them, abandon any feelings and think about himself. During all those years Cellbit committed atrocities; He killed guilty and innocent people, tortured more people than he could imagine and even had to feed on them to survive. 

He actually considered himself a monster, incapable of having a normal life, incapable of being accepted in the eyes of others after everything he had done, but he couldn't face telling that part to Roier. 

He recalled how once the war was over, his hell continued. He was convicted of all his crimes and sent to Alcatraz, the worst prison in existence. Cellbit never questioned it, he perfectly understood why he was there, how each of his actions had led him to be locked up along with the worst criminals; the most terrible animals that existed on earth. In short, he was part of them.

During his stay, he also had to assert himself. Advancing from the bottom to practically becoming the king of that place. Day by day it was a threat, a new opportunity to die. And Cellbit had to learn to respect in order to later be respected.

After years of imprisonment, Cellbit was released. But what some looked forward to, for him, was a selfless event. He had no plans for his future, he had no one and nothing to wish for. However, as soon as he stepped outside of Alcatraz, some unknown men took him by surprise and put him on a ship; with an unknown destination. "This is a freedom pass, your new beginning" he remembered one of the men saying. 

And with that, he would mark his new life; on a miserable island, trapped again, under the clutches of destiny. But this time it was different, Cellbit did not understand why he was there, what had brought him to that place. And even if he had no hope for his future, he wasn't going to leave it in the hands of just anyone. If fate had chosen that his life was going to be hell, it would be, but because of his own cause: his decisions and actions. And not because a man behind a mask, owner of an island, had decided that Cellbit was going to live there under his gaze. And all of that was what led Cellbit to be who it was today.

After the torrent of emotions and memories spilled out, Cellbit found himself reeling from what he had just divulged to a complete stranger. He had broken every rule he set for himself. Trusting someone with his past, showing vulnerability, revealing weaknesses. Panic surged through him, threatening to tip him into a full-blown crisis.

When he looked up and met Roier's unwavering gaze, his anxiety spiked. Roier's silence was unexpected; Cellbit expected questions, judgment, even perhaps pity. Instead, Roier remained mute, watching him with a gaze that seemed to bore into his soul.

Luckily, in that charged moment of self-recrimination, Roier finally broke the silence.

"So, let me get this straight," Roier began, his expression a mix of astonishment and amusement. "You survived badass war scenarios, conquered the most lethal prison on the planet, and then ended up stuck on a fuckin' island ruled by some guy in a white bear mask?" His eyes twinkled with disbelief as he glanced at Cellbit.

Cellbit could only respond with a helpless shrug and a disbelieving "I guess so?", his own story sounding absurd when laid out like that.

"Well, that's a major flop in character development," Roier deadpanned, his tone unexpectedly serious. "You started off cool and ended up a clown." With that, Roier erupted into unrestrained laughter, his amusement contagious.

For a split second, Cellbit wrestled with the urge to actually kill Roier for trivializing his traumas and life struggles. How could anyone laugh about such serious matters? Yet, as he heard Roier's laughter and saw the genuine amusement in his eyes, Cellbit couldn't help but join in. He felt a surprising wave of relief wash over him. In Roier's light-hearted mockery, Cellbit glimpsed the absurdity of it all.

"Yeah, coming from the guy whose dream was to open a taqueria and couldn't pull it off in three damn years," Cellbit shot back with a grin, mimicking Roier's teasing tone. "You had it easy and still flopped hard... you're clowning yourself" he added between laughs, finding unexpected camaraderie in shared absurdity.

Cellbit wouldn't want to admit it, but Roier's easy acceptance and genuine amusement provided him with a sense of calm he had never experienced before. As he listened to Roier's laughter and saw his eyes sparkling with happiness, it felt as though Roier was conversing with an old friend rather than a stranger with a dubious past. And as ridiculous as it was, Cellbit couldn't help but entertain the thought that perhaps, sharing his story with Roier wasn't as reckless as he initially feared.

As Roier finished cooking, they both found a table at the front and sat down to eat. But before Cellbit could even try his food, Roier's curiosity got the better of him.

"So, what's the deal with your sister?" he asked abruptly, immediately regretting it. "I mean, if you don't mind me asking."

"How do you know about Bagi?" Cellbit responded, surprised. He hadn't really considered that his sister was living on the same island now.

"Well, it's not exactly a secret…" Roier rambled. "Ever since she arrived, she hasn't stopped asking about you."

Cellbit pondered that, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within him. The whole situation was surprising, yet it made sense in a way that unsettled him. From the very beginning, Bagi had been trying to pry into his life with a persistence that was hard to ignore. It was obvious that if he wouldn't speak to her directly, she'd find other ways to learn about him, and that realization left him feeling cornered.

He felt conflicted, his emotions tugging him in different directions. On one hand, he understood her desire to bridge the gap between them, but on the other, he couldn't shake the feeling of intrusion. The idea of letting someone in, especially someone claiming to be family, was inimaginable. It threatened the walls he had built around himself for protection, walls that had kept him safe in his solitude. Yet, there was also a tiny flicker of curiosity? He couldn’t put a finger on it. 

"If today's a day for honesty…" he sighed, "I don't know her. She keeps saying I don't let her in, but I don't know who she is. I never had a family." he added, his tone tinged with anger.

"I get it," Roier said, taking a bite of his taco. "And I don't think you're wrong. But doesn't she at least deserve a chance? You said you don't know her, but who's to say you can't get to know her now? You don't have to see her as family, but maybe as someone new.” he continued, “I mean, growing up without family made me value the people who care about me. I understand it must be hard seeing someone who remembers a version of you that you don't, but what's the harm in trying to form a bond with who you are today?"

Roier's words touched Cellbit more than he expected. Roier was understanding and empathetic, despite having a blurry past like him. How could he be so open and accepting of those hazy memories, and even want to build something from them? A small part of Cellbit wanted to see the reason. How bad could it be to meet someone new? Not as a sister, but as a stranger. His feelings were mixed, torn between the vulnerability of letting someone in and the hardness of believing he didn't need anyone else after being alone for so long.

"Jaiden is coming. Man, she is mad," Roier interrupted Cellbit's thoughts. "Like, furious mad."

"What?" Cellbit asked, not comprehending what he was hearing.

"She’s coming, and she’s mad." Roier repeated, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

"Roier... I don’t see Jaiden anywhere" Cellbit said softly, beginning to question Roier's sanity.

"She'll be here in like... two minutes." Roier said with conviction.

"And how do you know that?" Cellbit asked, completely disbelieving.

"I just… know? I don't know." Roier tried to explain himself. "Jaiden says it's like I have a sixth sense." He laughed. "I guess I just know when she’s around."

Suddenly, Cellbit's head throbbed with a sharp, intense pain. It was as if a white-hot needle had been driven straight through his skull, blinding him with its ferocity. The pain was excruciating, a searing flash that lasted only a second but felt like an eternity. He gasped, his vision blurring, as an unexpected voice echoed in his mind.

“The tickle thing”

“It only works with people I care deeply about”

Cellbit's hands flew to his head, clutching it as if he could physically wrench the pain away. His heart pounded, and he struggled to catch his breath, the sensation of the voice reverberating through his thoughts adding to his confusion. The words made no sense, only adding to the chaotic swirl of his mind.

"Wha... what?" he managed to whisper, his voice strained and barely audible.

Roier's concerned face swam into view, but Cellbit could barely focus on him through the haze of pain and confusion. The phrase kept repeating in his mind, a cryptic message that only deepened his bewilderment. He tried to recompose himself.

"A tickle thing?" he asked again, his voice pained and confused.

"What? That's how I call it!" Roier said, taken aback. Seeing the distress on Cellbit's face, he quickly added, "Are you okay?"

Cellbit forced a weak smile, though it did little to mask his lingering discomfort. "Yes, it was just a second. Probably the lack of sleep." he said, trying to brush off Roier's concern.

Roier's face remained worried. Cellbit could still see the panic in his eyes, which was surprising. Roier even stood up and approached Cellbit, resting a hand on his shoulder. But before anyone could say anything, a shadow flew furiously into the taco place.

"ROIER!" Jaiden screamed, her murderous eyes locking onto Roier before shifting to Cellbit. "Can we have a word?" she demanded, not taking her eyes off him.

"Jai... can it wait until we finish here?" Roier said, embarrassed, gesturing to Cellbit and their barely-touched food.

“I’ll be waiting at home” Jaiden snorted, before leaving without another word.

"The tickle thing... I told you." Roier said, looking back at Cellbit, his cheeks still pink from the sudden interruption.

"The tickle thing…" Cellbit echoed thoughtfully, trying to make sense of what had just happened. "I think she doesn’t like me very much." he added with a low laugh, also embarrassed by the situation.

They both sat down to finally eat, but Cellbit couldn't shake off what had just happened. Despite his best efforts, the incident lingered in the back of his thoughts. Still, he pushed it aside, choosing instead to focus on the moment with Roier. They continued their conversation as if nothing had happened, discussing unimportant topics like Cellbit's peculiar taste in mystery books or Roier's odd fascination with spiders... Their laughter filled the air, easing the tension that lingered in Cellbit's mind. In that moment, surrounded by a strange feeling of warmth, he found solace, grateful for the simple joy of Roier’s company.

~

"I thought we agreed that Cellbit is a problematic person." Jaiden said, furious. Roier nodded, looking confused. "Then care to explain how you spent the whole day with him and even then I found you in what seemed like a semi-date situation?" she added, even more indignant.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute," Roier said, waving his hands nervously. "Can't I make friends anymore? I actually think he's pretty cool. I don't get why everyone is so cautious around him. But a date? I barely know the guy, Jaiden." he replied, a bit angry himself.

"Roi... why, of all people on this island, does it have to be him?" Jaiden asked more calmly, her tone tinged with disappointment.

"I don't know. I think I get him. He's been a loner his whole life, Jai, just like us. He just didn't have the same luck we did..." Roier sighed. "Also, he's the first person I've met who doubts the Federation. And rightly so! I'm not sorry for finally finding someone who thinks there's something off about this place." he said, still a bit angry.

"I'm sorry." Jaiden said honestly. "It's just... you know Cellbit doesn't have a good reputation, and he's had too many problems with the federation since he arrived. I don't want you to get caught up in that. You said it yourself, he's always alone and doesn't seem very happy, if I’m being honest…" she apologized, her face truly regretful.

"I know, and thanks for worrying," Roier said with a smile, hugging Jaiden. "But I can take care of myself, and I have a good feeling about Cellbit."

"I hope you're right..." Jaiden sighed, “just be careful, okay?” she said, before accepting his best friend's hug.

Roier was really telling the truth. He didn’t know how or why, but he had a good feeling about Cellbit, even though they had only spent a total of two days together since they met. Something inside urged him to get closer, to know more about him.

It could be the similarity of their blurry pasts, or perhaps it was the very different way Cellbit approached life that caught Roier’s attention. Roier understood Cellbit's actions, his choice to be alone or excluded. To him, it made sense, especially after learning about the traumas in Cellbit's past. It didn’t evoke pity, but rather admiration. Cellbit’s unique perspective was a point of curiosity to Roier. It also made him grateful for not having gone through such events in his life, or at least not remembering them.

Roier's interest in the Federation played a big role too. His desire to get closer to Cellbit might have stemmed from a hope that together, they could prove his suspicions about the Federation were true. Cellbit was the first person he had met who openly questioned the Federation's methods and had substantial reasons for doing so. This alignment in their thinking sparked a sense of excitement in Roier. Finally, here was someone who saw the world as he did, someone who shared his doubts and his drive to uncover the truth.

But overall, Roier really found Cellbit to be an intriguing guy. Beneath his cold and sharp exterior, Roier glimpsed a good, intelligent, and fair person with a surprisingly good sense of humor. He was determined to peel back Cellbit's barriers, to get to know him genuinely. He wanted Cellbit to understand that his past did not define him and that regardless of what he had experienced, he could wish for happiness and didn’t have to close himself off.

Roier was a damn stubborn man, he knew it, and now he was determined to reach Cellbit. He hadn't endured years of sadness just to now see another person in the same situation, even if their experiences had been different. His empathy made it impossible for him to stand by and watch others suffer, even those who tried so hard to hide it. He wasn't going to stop until he got Cellbit out of the hole he had dug himself into.

Chapter Text

14 years ago 

The sterile, cold corridors of the Federation complex were a far cry from the warm, green embrace of the forest. But for Roier, that place had been home for as long as he could remember. The clinical walls, strict schedules, and endless tests filled his thoughts whenever he thought of "home". The complex was a labyrinth of laboratories, dormitories, and training rooms, all meticulously designed for the Federation's purposes.

Each morning began the same way. Roier would wake up in his small, stark room, the only personal touches being some drawings of spiders, his dog, and a few sketches of the other kids tacked onto the wall. The scientists, clad in their white coats and masks, would come to escort him to the testing chambers. There, Roier would undergo various procedures: injections, scans, and sometimes painful experiments designed to enhance his abilities.

He had learned to tolerate the pain, to bury his fear and confusion beneath a mask of compliance. He wanted to believe that the scientists cared about him, that they really loved him. After all, he had a room, right? They had given him a puppy to keep him company, right? He wanted with all his might to believe that those cold men, who often made him cry and hurt, deep down they did care about him.

But every night, when the workers left him alone in his room, loneliness enveloped Roier once again. He would cry, sobbing until exhaustion claimed him and he fell asleep. He hated being alone, feeling like a mere object. He longed for affection, for someone who would care for him, love him, and tell him that everything would be okay.

Roier despised his life deprived of choices. The complex where he lived was devoid of excitement. Despite this, Roier harbored a sea of emotions within him, and he had built a sense of perseverance and strength far greater than any child should have to. He had sworn to himself to be strong, to gain all the abilities he could, and to eventually free himself from that place. He dreamed of finding a nice place to live, where he could do what he wanted, free from the Federation's grip.

A child filled with hope, even in the dire circumstances he faced. He wanted to be strong enough to free himself and all the other children trapped in that horrible place. That hope was what allowed Roier to fall asleep each night and wake up each morning with the strength to continue. It fueled his resolve to keep fighting, to learn what he was supposed to learn, and to become his best self.

But lately, nights were no longer so sad and lonely. There was something that calmed him and let him rest without crying. Actually, there was someone . Each evening, as the silence of the complex settled in and the harsh, clinical lights dimmed, Roier found solace in the memory of his new friend Cellbit. The loneliness that once felt was now filled with a gentle warmth, a comforting presence that lingered in his thoughts.

Cellbit’s face, his laughter, and the kindness in his eyes became Roier’s sanctuary. The fear and pain of the day seemed to melt away when he thought of their time together in the forest. Roier would replay their conversations, the moments of genuine connection, and the sense of belonging he had never known before. 

The nights were no longer filled with tears but with a tender anticipation of seeing his friend again. Every night Roier's thoughts drifted to the boy he had met in the forest. For the first time, Roier had found someone who seemed to care about him, someone who saw him as more than just a subject. Someone who saw him as a person, or better, as a friend. The warmth Cellbit showed him was unlike anything Roier had experienced in the cold walls of that place. Despite having friends there, children who shared the same life and routine as him, Roier had never felt that way before.

Inside the complex, everyone avoided talking about their emotions, how they felt, what they were going through. It was a silent agreement to avoid talking about the horrors they experienced, in the hope that if they didn't say it out loud, it would be less real. But with Cellbit, Roier felt heard. He felt the confidence to open up and reveal everything that was happening, everything he felt. Even if they were silly things, like talking about his favorite colors, it brought Roier a feeling of immense warmth in his heart. He had never been with someone who wanted to know so much about him, who cared about even the smallest things.

Every day he spent with Cellbit was a day where he gained another drop of hope, knowing that perhaps his deepest dreams could come true. That maybe there really was a way out of his nightmare.

~

Roier woke up to the sound of three knocks on the door, then a brief silence, and three more knocks. He immediately recognized his friend's secret signal and ran to open the door to his room. Jaiden entered with a smile. 

Jaiden and Roier had started their skills training at the complex on the same day, forging a strong connection from the start. They often waited together during tests, shared test rooms, ate together, and even had rooms right next to each other. They grew together, and because of that, shared everything, practically feeling like family as they grew up in the complex. For Roier, Jaiden had been the only one he felt comfortable telling his secrets to.

Well, that was until Cellbit appeared, but that doesn't matter much, right? he thought.

"I think we have about an hour until they come and get us" Jaiden said animatedly.

Roier immediately smiled and ran to his bed, pulling out some cookies and sweets he had collected and hidden under it. Jaiden laughed silently and also pulled out two juice boxes she had stolen a few days ago from the dining room. Both friends sat on the floor of Roier's room, ready to enjoy their little breakfast. Trying their best to make the moment feel as normal, cozy, and familiar as they could.

"Do you know what you're going to do today?" Roier asked curiously, munching on a cookie.

"Mmm, I think Cucurucho wants to see my ability controlling the bluejays," Jaiden explained, a tone of pride in her voice. "Luckily, I already have it mastered."

Jaiden had an affinity for bluejays, those small birds with vibrant blue plumage, known for their speed and intelligence. Because of that affinity, Jaiden's dark hair had taken on highlights in various shades of blue, mimicking the plumage of the birds she controlled. Roier always found her ability fascinating and incredibly majestic.

She could communicate with bluejays and direct their movements with ease. She often wished she could fly like them, but the federation’s scientists saw that as nearly impossible. Despite their skepticism, Jaiden frequently dreamed about soaring through the sky, free from the confines of the complex. Roier admired her powers, seeing them as a perfect reflection of Jaiden's personality. She was quiet and reserved, but once you got to know her, it became clear how intelligent and creative she was. She was also very territorial and protective, much like the bluejays she commanded.

Jaiden's calm demeanor balanced Roier's intensity well, drawing them closer together. Often, Jaiden was the one who kept Roier's wild energy in check, providing a soothing presence in the chaos of their lives.

"That's so cool," Roier said, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "I wish I could see you in action. The way you handle those bluejays, it's like you're one of them."

Jaiden chuckled softly. “Thanks Ro. You know, maybe you can see it now. They're looking out for us…" Jaiden said with a smile, her head nodding slightly toward the room’s window.

Roier turned excitedly, his eyes shining. Outside the window, a small bluejay fluttered and watched them. As Roier approached, the bluejay tapped its beak on the glass, as if in greeting.

"Jai, that's amazing" Roier whispered in awe.

The bluejay flitted about, performing little aerial tricks before perching on the windowsill. Its vibrant blue feathers shimmered in the light, mirroring the highlights in Jaiden's hair.

Jaiden joined him by the window, her face soft with a gentle smile. "They're my little companions," she said, her voice filled with affection. "But also my eyes and ears when needed" she laughed.

"I wish I had a little army too" Roier said, both jealous and amused.

"Hey! Your skills are incredible, you can't complain." Jaiden said, playfully nudging his friend. "So, what are your plans for today?"

Roier immediately became tense, his hands fidgeting as he tried to compose himself. "Um... not much, I think," he began, his voice shaky. "This morning is free, and... um," he paused, glancing away from Jaiden's knowing eyes. "I'm not doing anything special, just the usual stuff, you know?" he said, stumbling over his words.

Jaiden watched him closely, her expression growing more serious. Roier swallowed hard, his heart racing as he continued. "And in the afternoon, I think Cucurucho wants to see me, but he didn't tell me why" he finished, his voice barely above a whisper. He forced a smile, but it was so strained that it looked more like a grimace.

The silence between them was heavy. Roier could feel Jaiden's eyes boring into him, and he shifted uncomfortably, his anxiety rising. "It's nothing, really. Just... you know, the same old routine" he added quickly, hoping to sound convincing. He tried to laugh, but it came out more as a nervous chuckle.

"You're going to see the outside boy" Jaiden said seriously.

Roier hated how Jaiden could read him so well. "NOOO, what makes you think that?? I didn't say ANYTHING" he said, trying to deflect.

Jaiden raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Ro, you can't hide anything from me. I know you too well." She let out a giggle. "Besides, you're a terrible liar."

Roier sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Okay, yes, I'm going to see Cellbit today."

The confession hung in the air between them. Roier had been conflicted about the situation for some time. Initially, he believed that the best idea was to tell Jaiden about his new friend. He was used to sharing everything with her, every bit of happiness that entered their bleak lives. But Jaiden had very different opinions about Cellbit.

From the start, Jaiden had been opposed to Roier's connection with Cellbit. The first time Roier had left the complex, sneaking out into the forbidden forest, Jaiden had been furious with him. When she found out he had met someone from outside the facility, her anger turned into outright worry. Jaiden believed it was dangerous to trust an outsider, someone who could potentially hurt Roier. There was no one out there to protect him if something went wrong, no one who could find him if he disappeared.

Jaiden's concerns went deeper than just safety. She believed that Cellbit, an outsider, could never truly understand Roier. He hadn’t lived their lives, hadn’t endured the daily trials within the Federation’s walls. Cellbit couldn’t comprehend the significance of their abilities, the burden and the hope they carried. He wouldn’t understand the strict routines, the constant surveillance, or the tough experiments they had to endure.

Moreover, Jaiden was worried about the frequency of Roier’s escapes. Since meeting Cellbit, Roier had been sneaking out more often. The children inside the complex, including Jaiden, had to lie and cover for him numerous times to prevent the workers from discovering his absences. The risks were growing with each secret venture, and Jaiden feared the consequences if they were caught.

Jaiden looked at Roier with a mix of concern and frustration. "Roier, I know you like him, and I can see how much he means to you. But you have to understand it is dangerous. It's dangerous to go out there, it’s dangerous to talk to an outsider, you can't keep risking everything for someone you barely know."

Roier took a deep breath, struggling to find the right words. "Jaiden, I know you're worried, but... he makes me feel like a real person, not just an stupid experiment. Since I met him, I've learned so much about the outside world. I trust him. He doesn't feel like a threat; he feels like a friend who's trying to help me."

Jaiden frowned, her concern evident. "I just don't want you to get hurt"

Roier shook his head, his resolve strengthening. "You don't understand. Since I met Cellbit, I’ve been happy. I laugh, I have fun. I've learned that the way we live here isn’t right, and it’s not what we deserve. What happens inside the Federation... it’s not life. It’s a cage. There’s more out there and I can’t just ignore that."

Jaiden’s eyes filled with tears, and she reached out to squeeze Roier's hand. "I just want you to be safe.” she repeated, “I don’t want to lose you to some reckless dream."

Roier squeezed her hand back, his eyes determined. "It's not a reckless dream, Jai. It's a hope for a better life, for both of us. For everyone here. And I won't give up on that."

Before she could respond, the bluejay returned, tapping urgently on the window with its beak. Jaiden glanced over and immediately understood the message. "The Federation workers are coming," she said quickly. "I have to go."

Jaiden sighed deeply before leaving through the door, her expression softening. "Just promise me you'll be careful, okay? I don't want to lose you."

Roier nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of the conversation. "I promise."

He quickly put away the things they had used and slipped into bed. Not two minutes later, just as Jaiden had warned, a scientist from the Federation entered the room.

"0037, time to wake up." he said in a robotic tone, devoid of any emotion. Roier poked his head out from under the covers. "I'm awake!" he said with a smile.

"According to your schedule, you have the morning free. You can go to the common room and play with the other children or go out to the park for a while," said the man, looking at his form without even glancing at Roier. "In the evening, Cucurucho requires you in the training room. I will be waiting for you at the entrance; I am in charge of your tests today."

"Okay, thank you, sir W013!" Roier said, reading the identification on the man's suit.

For some reason, Roier pronouncing his name, even though it was just letters and numbers, seemed to affect the worker. Roier could almost swear that behind the mask, the man was smiling. This sparked a thought in Roier —maybe those horrible men did have feelings? No, it was impossible. But, maybe deep deep down? Ugh, he didn't know.

He quickly got up from his bed and began to gently push the worker out of the room. "Thank you sir, mister worker, thank you! I'm going to change now and go play with the others! I'm not going to waste time" he said hurriedly. "See you in the evening!" he finished, closing the door behind the man. From outside, he could hear a small laugh that made him smile.

Finally alone in his room, Roier prepared to meet Cellbit. He took a small backpack and put in a change of clothes, including his classic red hoodie. Quickly, he left the room and ran towards the complex park. Approaching the bushes where the hole in the fence allowed him to escape, he met one of his friends.

A tall boy with golden hair and bright green eyes was resting in one of the nearby trees, playing with Firusflais. Seeing Roier come running, he raised his hand in greeting.

Roier smiled and pointed to the hidden hole in the fence, indicating that he was about to sneak through.

The boy laughed, displaying his sharp, shark-like teeth. The fin on his head also shook with laughter. "Go, Tiger!" he said, chuckling. "I'll cover you." He winked.

"You better take care of Firusflais, pendejo!" Roier said, laughing, before slipping through the gate.

Roier loved all the children who lived there with him and who, unfortunately, suffered the same life as he did. Although it was sad, they were all a big family. They cared about each other and covered for one another, even when they didn't fully understand what was going on. That boy didn't even know where Roier was going, nor had he ever asked. Everyone had respect for each other, everyone kept secrets, and everyone took care of one another.

Roier made his way through the forest, his heart pounding with excitement. Meeting Cellbit had become the highlight of his days. The forest felt like a world away from the cold walls of the complex. Here, he could breathe, laugh, and be himself. As he approached their usual meeting spot, Roier's mind was filled with thoughts of Cellbit.

"Hey, you!" Cellbit screamed as soon as he saw him.

"Cellbo!" Roier ran to where Cellbit was and hugged him. When they separated, they both looked at each other with knowing looks. "Today is the day" they said at the same time, sharing a mischievous smile.

Since their first meeting, Roier and Cellbit had been finding each other in the depths of the forest that united their two worlds for almost three months now. During that time, they would play different games, share stories, and grow closer with each passing day. They had organized to see each other three times a week, always at the same time, in the same place, to avoid getting lost. Roier couldn't leave the Federation every day because his disappearances would become too obvious, raising suspicions. Meanwhile, Cellbit still wanted to spend time alone with his sister and had returned to his homeschooling, so meeting Roier every day wasn't feasible for him either. 

Both had also come to terms with how much of their lives to share with others. Cellbit had no problem with Roier talking about him, believing it could show the other children in the complex that there was a better life outside the Federation's walls. However, Roier was cautious, fearing that talking too much about Cellbit could lead to rumors reaching the workers' ears and becoming a problem. As a result, only Jaiden knew about Cellbit, as Roier trusted her, even though she didn't like him.

For his part, Cellbit had confessed to Roier that he had mentioned him to his sister, but to avoid worry or mistrust, he had promised not to reveal Roier's name or arrange a meeting between him and Bagi. Roier was afraid that more people knowing about his escapes could create trouble, and Cellbit respected that. Additionally, Cellbit had assured him that Bagi was fine with their meetings and was happy they were friends, which eased Roier's guilt for not daring to meet her.

Today, after weeks and weeks of Cellbit imploring and convincing Roier to leave the forest and learn about their respective lives outside of it, he had finally succeeded. Cellbit was going to take Roier to his house, so that he could experience what a real "home" was like. In return, Roier was going to camouflage Cellbit inside the Federation facilities, allowing him to see firsthand what life was like within the complex.

As they walked towards Cellbit's house, Roier's nerves were palpable. The day's plan made him panic, and it was clear enough that Cellbit started talking to ease his mind.

"So, does Jaiden like me yet?" Cellbit asked in a sarcastic tone, trying to distract Roier.

"Nope. She still thinks you're going to hurt me or something," Roier replied, rolling his eyes. "She also says you're never going to understand me because you don't have 'powers' like us."

"Well, she might have a point there…" Cellbit responded, his tone a bit sad.

"Hey! I don't need someone with super abilities, I just want a friend" Roier said, putting his arm over Cellbit's shoulders. "And you're the best friend I could have found" he added with a reassuring smile.

"You're my best friend too" Cellbit whispered, his cheeks turning pink.

For a moment, Roier found Cellbit's embarrassment endearing. He lost himself in the way his friend's cheeks flushed and his eyes darted away shyly. He was honest with himself, he knew he found Cellbit quite cute, with his warm smiles and the way he always tried to make him feel better. But it was moments like those that reinforced how much Cellbit made Roier's heart swell with affection.

"So, how was Bagi today?" Roier asked, trying to divert attention from Cellbit's adorable embarrassment.

"Well, today she thinks you're real…" said Cellbit, laughing. "But yesterday she thought you were my imaginary friend again"

Roier laughed, but his laughter was quickly interrupted when he realized they were no longer surrounded by the dense forest. Instead, a huge house loomed before them. He froze in place, his nerves resurfacing with a vengeance.

This time, it was Cellbit who reassured his friend. He gently took Roier's hand, the warmth of his touch grounding Roier. "Hey, it's okay. You're with me" he said, looking Roier in the eyes with a steady gaze, trying to calm him down.

Roier sighed, closed his eyes for a moment, and let himself be guided into the house.

As soon as they crossed the entrance to the house, a wave of emotions washed over Roier. Inside, it was warm and cozy, unlike anything he had ever felt. The air was filled with the sweet, soft scent of flowers, making him want to smile. It was a stark contrast to what he had imagined as a "home." Sure, he believed Cellbit's house would be nice, decorated with family memories Cellbit often talked about, but he never thought it would evoke such a profound sense of warmth and welcome.

For a moment, Roier felt tears welling up. He had never been in a place like that and knew it would be a long time before he could experience something like it in his life, if it was even possible. The shock of reality hit him hard, forming a lump in his throat. He could see Cellbit talking, probably pointing out the different rooms of the house, but he couldn't hear him. He stood completely paralyzed, trying to absorb the overwhelming emotions and sensations flooding him. It was all so new, so deeply moving, and it made him realize just how much he yearned for a place like that. A place he didn't even know he wanted it so badly until that very moment.

At some point, Cellbit must have noticed his state. Because suddenly, he was taking Roier by the hand and gently leading him to sit on the huge sofa in the living room. "Stay here, I'll get you a glass of water, okay?" he said, or something to that effect.

As Roier sat there, his eyes began to take in the details of the house. It was a cozy, cabin-style home, with warm wooden walls and ceilings that created a sense of charm and comfort. The living room felt intimate and inviting, with soft, plush cushions adorning the large sofa he sat on. There were numerous bookshelves lining the walls, filled with a diverse collection of novels, encyclopedias, and old, weathered maps. The shelves also held framed family photos, capturing Cellbit and what seemed like a female version of him, who he guessed was Bagi, in moments of joy and adventure, and various trinkets that spoke of cherished memories and personal touch.

Roier's gaze wandered to a fireplace on one side of the room, with a mantle that held more family photos and a few handcrafted decorations. It was clear that love and care were poured into every corner of that house. The combination of these elements made the house feel alive, vibrant, and most importantly, happy.

For the first time, Roier truly understood what it meant to have a home, and it moved him deeply. The warmth, the personal touches, the evidence of a life well-lived —it all made him yearn for something similar, something he had never known but now desperately wanted. As he sat there, taking it all in, he realized how different his life could have been, and how much he longed for a place to call his own.

"Oh no! Please don't cry, we can leave if you don't feel comfortable. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. I'm sorry it was my plan" Cellbit said in a worried tone, reaching where Roier was with two cups in his hands. "What's wrong?"

At that moment, Roier realized he was crying. He had believed he was strong, that he could take in all the emotions and use them as motivators to face his reality. But no, at that moment, he just wanted to cry. He wanted to always be able to sit on a sofa that comfortable, in a house that warm, with someone always taking care of him.

"N-no no! You didn't do anything wrong," he said between tears. "It's just… I-I don't know, Cellbit. I've never been to a place like this, you know? It's beautiful. You have a beautiful house, and a beautiful family. Thank you for inviting me here" He finished with a sad, wet smile.

Cellbit quickly handed Roier one of the cups, which was filled with hot chocolate, and then took a blanket and placed it over Roier's shoulders. He sat down next to him, his expression gentle.

"I'm really sorry that you've never felt at home," Cellbit said, looking a little sad. "But hey! Now you know that life outside that horrible Federation place is good, and you're with me. And I'm going to help you get out of there," he said in a more enthusiastic tone. "You're also going to have a place to call home, Roier. I promise you."

Roier wiped his tears away, trying to steady his breathing. "Thank you, I just... I never knew a place could feel like this," he admitted. "It feels safe and happy. It's like a dream."

Cellbit smiled, his eyes soft with understanding. "It's not a dream, and we're in this together, Roier. Always."

Cellbit continued to speak, aiming to calm Roier and distract his thoughts. He assured Roier that there was no need to worry about being there. His sister and mother were out running errands, and his father was on a Federation expedition. With the house to themselves and a warm drink in hand, Roier started to calm down.

"Do you want to see to my room? Not to brag, but it's the best part of the house…" Cellbit said proudly.

Roier laughed and nodded. They both eagerly ran upstairs to Cellbit's room. The room was large and shared with his sister Bagi, perfectly divided into two contrasting halves.

Cellbit's side was dark, red and somber, decorated with posters of what seemed like monsters and scary things. Maps of various places Roier didn't recognize adorned the walls. In contrast, Bagi's side was pink and lively, filled with plants, flowers, and drawings of landscapes and butterflies.

Cellbit's bed, tucked in a corner, was surrounded by stacks of books, with more scattered across the floor. Books with pencil markings and drawings were everywhere. Roier knew his friend loved reading and investigating, but seeing the reality of it was almost comical. He imagined Cellbit, deep in concentration, surrounded by books and notes, trying to solve some riddle. Cellbit's passion was endearing, and seeing how his half of the room reflected his personality made Roier laugh.

Roier approached the desk next to Cellbit's bed and examined the scattered notebooks. He spotted a handmade map of the Federation facility where he lived. Though rough, it was a perfect copy. He traced his fingers over the detailed locations Cellbit had drawn: the entrances, the park, even the gap Roier used to escape every day. He smiled at the level of detail.

"You really like this whole investigation thing, don't you?" he said, smiling at Cellbit, who was standing at the door, watching him with a grin.

"Yes, especially when it helps my friend" Cellbit responded smiling, as he walked over to Roier.

Cellbit explained to Roier how his passion for exploration came from his father. Though their relationship was strained and he rarely saw him, his investigative nature was inherited from him.

"My father works in the expedition and collection section," Cellbit explained. "He's always traveling across the island, recording different places, collecting data, and marking areas for new domains. He's rarely home, always off on some trip. But when he does come back, he brings Bagi and me maps of the island to look at and play with. That's how I learned to read maps and even create them myself. I learned to look for the details, the hidden things..."

Cellbit's expression grew more intense as he continued. "But I hate my father, Roier. I want to be the complete opposite of him. I swore I'd never be cold, distant, or alienate my family the way he does with us. Knowing that I’m somehow similar to him bothers me, it drives me insane." he confessed.

Roier looked at Cellbit with a warm smile. "Cellbit, you're nothing like him," he said softly. "You love your family deeply, and you always speak so highly of them. That shows how much you care."

Cellbit looked down, his emotions a mix of relief and lingering doubt. Roier continued, "I don't know much about family, but I do know you care so much about yours. You’re always there for your sister and your mom. You talk about them with such affection and pride. That alone makes you different and better than your dad."

Cellbit's cheeks turned red at Roier's words. To avoid meeting his gaze, he grabbed the first thing he saw on the desk and began to nervously fidget with it.

"What is that?" Roier asked curiously.

"Ah, nothing... just some old goggles," Cellbit replied. "I found them during my first research trip. I don't know their story... probably belonged to some explorer who lost them." He finally looked up at Roier. "I don't even know why I keep them. They’re kind of stupid" he finished.

Roier took the goggles from Cellbit's hands, examining them with interest. "To me, they're very cool! And hey! they represent your first step as an official researcher. Your first discovery!" he said, grinning excitedly.

Cellbit laughed but didn’t respond. Roier then gently grabbed the strap of the goggles and slid them over Cellbit's head, positioning them on his forehead and pushing back the blonde strands that fell into his face.

"Look, they even match you," Roier said proudly, gazing into Cellbit’s eyes. "You should wear them, they look perfect on you."

Cellbit laughed softly. "Thank you... if you say so, I'll think about it" he replied with a shy smile.

For a moment, they stayed like that, motionless. Roier's hands remained delicately on the goggles perched on Cellbit's head, their eyes locked, neither knowing what to say or do. But before they could make a move, a voice boomed from the house’s entrance. 

" Maninho!  We bought you some books that you're going to love" Bagi's voice rang out.

Roier's eyes widened in panic. Cellbit had assured him they were alone and safe. Unsure of what to do, he quickly backed away from Cellbit, retreating in a flustered rush. Cellbit's face turned pale, he was speechless, equally surprised by his sister's sudden interruption. Snapping out of his daze as he heard Bagi's footsteps approaching the stairs, he grabbed Roier's arm and motioned for him to hide under the bed.

"Don't worry, I've got this" he whispered, though his tone was far from convincing.

Roier had no choice but to trust his friend. So he slid under the bed, heart pounding, and hoped Cellbit could keep his word.

As soon as Roier was concealed, Bagi's feet appeared at the entrance to the room. "Hii!" she said animatedly. "You won't believe all the things we bought today with mom."

Before he knew it, Bagi's feet were running in his direction, and soon he felt the bed above him shift as she threw herself onto it. Roier had to cover his mouth to stifle a panicked scream.

"Let me tell you everything!" Bagi began excitedly, and Roier silently pleaded with the universe for this situation to be a nightmare.

"S-sure Bagi, tell me all about it" Cellbit replied, trying to keep his voice steady. He sat down on the edge of the bed, his legs inches from Roier's face…

Chapter Text

14 years ago

Cellbit always prided himself on being a master of deception. His intelligence, and his ability to stay calm under pressure were all traits he believed would lead him to greatness as a detective someday. Yet, nothing had prepared him for the challenge of lying to his own sister, especially when that lie involved an imaginary friend who was very much real  and was currently hiding under the bed.

He sat at the foot of his bed, his hands gripping the edge to steady himself. He wore a forced smile, trying desperately to appear nonchalant. His heart pounded like a drum, and beads of cold sweat dotted his forehead. He could barely focus on what Bagi was saying as she sprawled comfortably on his bed, her excitement palpable.

"So, we went to the market because Mom needed to buy some things for the week, right?" Bagi chattered away, completely absorbed in her story. "While she was picking out vegetables, I found this amazing little antique store! You should have come, Cellbit. There were so many incredible things! I found some super cool magnifying glasses and these old maps of the isla-"

Cellbit’s mind was elsewhere, his eyes fixed on his sister with a strained smile. He felt a wave of dizziness coming over him. If he didn't maintain his composure, everything might fall apart.

"Cellbit, are you even listening!?" Bagi's voice was sharp, pulling him out of his daze.

"Yes, I am!" he replied too quickly, his voice betraying his nerves.

Bagi narrowed her eyes, her concern evident. "What's wrong? You look really pale. Are you getting sick or something?"

Cellbit took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He could handle this; a few nerves wouldn’t ruin the day they'd planned. 

"I’m fine, really," he said, laughing nervously. "I was just lost in thought. You were talking about some maps, right? I'd love to see them!"

His attempt at a casual tone seemed to do the trick. Either Bagi was too excited about her find to notice his distress, or she simply trusted him enough to overlook his pallor. Either way, she jumped up from the bed, eager to show him the maps.

Cellbit breathed a sigh of relief, feeling like he’d been holding his breath the whole time, scared that his lies might be found out. But his peace was short-lived when a hand suddenly reached out from under the bed and grabbed his ankle. The shock nearly made him jump out of his skin.

“Should I come out now?” Roier’s voice, barely more than a whisper, sounded worried from beneath the bed.

“Not yet,” Cellbit said, trying to sound calm despite his racing heart. “You won’t be able to sneak out without being seen.”

Cellbit knew how important it was to keep Roier’s secret and how much depended on him handling this right.

“Trust me.” Cellbit said a bit louder, trying to sound confident. “I’ll get us both out of here”

“I do. I trust you, Cellbo,” Roier replied, his voice soft as he slid back under the bed to wait for more instructions.

Cellbit’s smile returned, bolstered by Roier’s trust. It was the boost he needed to regain his composure and return to his natural, cunning self. With Roier’s faith in him, Cellbit was ready to tackle the problem at hand. In the end, it was just his sister, and Cellbit knew for sure how to deal with her.

Bagi reappeared at the door, but this time Cellbit was ready. Or at least he thought he was. But, Bagi entered and she wasn’t holding the maps Cellbit had asked for. Instead, she had a small backpack and a red hoodie that Cellbit immediately recognized.

Panic surged through him again. Oh no.

“What’s this?” Bagi asked, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

Cellbit’s stomach dropped. “Why are you touching things that aren’t yours?” he said, jumping off the bed and snatching the items from her hands with urgency.

Bagi looked taken aback but quickly recovered, her smile widening. “Well… they’re not yours either” she retorted with a playful chuckle.

Cellbit’s mind raced. “Why do you care?” he shot back, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. He could feel his cheeks growing warm as he tried to keep his cool. Knowing that Roier was hiding nearby, probably listening to everything, made it even harder to stay composed.

Bagi’s smile faded slightly as she crossed her arms, looking hurt. “I don’t know! Maybe because… Forest boy was here, and you didn’t even introduce him to the family?!” she shouted, her voice tinged with a dramatic disappointment. “Not even to your sister?? Cellbit you know I really want to meet him!”

Cellbit took a deep breath, trying to control the rising panic in his chest. “Bagi, we’ve talked about this. He’s my friend, not yours, and he’s not ready to meet more people. Please, just drop it,” he said sincerely, hoping his earnest tone would get through to her.

Bagi’s expression softened. “I know, I’m sorry,” she said with a warm, sincere smile. “It’s just that you talk so highly of him, and he sounds really special. I wish I had a friend like that in my life too. Those things are his, right?” She pointed to the backpack and the hoodie.

“Yes, they are. And yes… he’s great” Cellbit said, his voice filled with happiness as he looked at the red hoodie. 

But Cellbit’s mind raced trying to come up with a plan, there was no time for distractions. With his focus back and  Bagi calmed down, he just needed to get Roier out of the house. 

“I should return these to him,” Cellbit said, trying to sound casual, though his nerves were almost evident. “I’m sure he’ll be worried when he realizes he left them here. Even though it’s getting late…” He tried to include Bagi in his plan, hoping she would help him. “Could you distract Mom while I go out quickly to return these? I know you’re really good at that” he said with a hopeful smile.

Bagi’s eyes lit up with excitement, and she grinned mischievously. “Of course I can! Who do you think you’re talking to?” She headed towards the door with a bounce in her step. “I’ll take care of Mom. You go, bro!”

Cellbit felt a wave of relief wash over him as he watched Bagi leave the room, heading towards their mom. He quickly turned his attention back to the hiding spot beneath the bed, where Roier was still waiting.

Just as Cellbit was about to signal that it was safe to come out, Bagi’s head popped back into the room.

“Just a last thing, when you and Forest Boy get married, I’m going to be the bridesmaid, right?” she said with a wide, teasing grin, clearly enjoying and waiting for the reaction she was about to get from him.

Cellbit’s face turned bright red, a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “BAGI, SHUT UP!” he shouted, his voice higher than usual.

But Bagi had already disappeared down the hallway, her laughter echoing behind her. Cellbit shook his head, trying to get rid of the embarrassment. He turned back to Roier, ready to give him the signal.

“Okay, Roier, it’s safe now.” he softly said.

Roier cautiously emerged from his hiding spot, his face flushed and his gaze fixed on the floor, clearly embarrassed. Seeing him like that only made Cellbit’s own face burn more.

“She seems cool...” Roier said quietly, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Cellbit chuckled, trying to ease the awkwardness. “I promise she’s not always this unbearable. She just likes to mess with me. Sorry about that” he said with a light-hearted laugh, hoping to lighten the mood.

Roier managed a small laugh in return. “I’m sure you bother her too,” he said with a smile. “Don’t apologize. That’s what siblings do, right?”

“Okay, you’re right,” Cellbit admitted, laughing again. “I’m probably the worst one.”

Roier grinned, shaking off the last of his embarrassment. He quickly grabbed his backpack and hoodie. With Cellbit leading the way, they slipped out of the room and made their way through the house. As they passed through the kitchen, they could hear Bagi and their mother chatting animatedly, completely absorbed in their conversation. Cellbit and Roier moved swiftly, careful not to make a sound.

They finally exited the house and stepped into the cool air, heading towards the forest. This time, Roier was leading the way. 

As they walked, all of the earlier embarrassment faded away. He and Roier kept chatting and laughing together, recalling just how ridiculous the whole situation had been. Roier was especially amused, pointing out how he had been more frightened of Bagi than anything else. Their shared laughter filled the air, making the tension that had once hung between them seem like a distant memory.

As they continued to talk, Cellbit felt a warmth in his chest. Roier mentioned something that caught him by surprise. He wanted to meet Bagi. The idea made Cellbit’s heart flutter with happiness. The thought of the three of them -Cellbit, Roier, and Bagi- exploring together was exciting. For the first time, Cellbit began to imagine what it might be like to not have to hide anything anymore. Maybe they could even form a kind of investigation squad, solving mysteries and uncovering secrets together.

But as those happy thoughts floated in his mind, a sudden wave of nerves washed over him. He remembered where they were actually headed. His eyes caught sight of the imposing buildings of the Federation, their cold, rigid forms barely visible between the trees of the forest. A chill ran down his spine, and his steps slowed.

Roier, who had been walking a bit ahead, noticed Cellbit's hesitation. He turned around, his expression softening when he saw the worry on Cellbit's face. Without a word, Roier reached out and took Cellbit's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Don't worry, you're with me." Roier said reassuringly, his voice steady. "This place might look scary, especially compared to your house, but I promise you there are good people here."

Despite Roier's comforting smile, Cellbit couldn’t completely shake off his fear. But there was something about Roier... his calmness, his confidence, that made it hard for Cellbit to refuse. If Roier believed everything would be okay, then maybe it really would be.

Cellbit took a deep breath, trying to muster up some courage. "Okay, let's go!" he replied, his voice a bit more confident than he felt.

Roier smiled at his attempt, and then, as if reading Cellbit’s mind, he reached into his bag and pulled out his red hoodie. 

"If you want, put this on," Roier suggested, holding it out to him. "I don't think anyone will recognize you, they usually only pay attention to us when we're doing tests. But, just in case."

Cellbit hesitated for a moment before taking the hoodie. He pulled it over his head, letting the hood fall low over his face. The fabric was soft and warm, and as he adjusted it, he felt a strange sense of security. The plan was still nerve-wracking, and the place they were about to enter was somewhere he wasn’t even supposed to know existed. But somehow the warmth of Roier’s hoodie made him feel protected.

Roier led the way, guiding him through the thick trees and bushes that surrounded the complex. They followed the fence line until they reached a small gap, hidden behind a tangle of branches and leaves.

Roier slipped through the gap first, his movements quick and practiced. He turned back once he was on the other side, motioning for Cellbit to follow. With one last steadying breath, Cellbit pushed through the fence, not allowing himself to think too much about it. The moment he crossed to the other side, he felt the weight of what they were doing, but the presence of his friend beside him kept the fear at bay.

The place was strange, almost eerie. Cellbit found himself in a patio that could have easily been mistaken for an ordinary park. There were games for children, trees scattered around, and benches where one might expect to see people sitting and chatting. But despite these familiar elements, something felt off. The atmosphere was heavy, and the air carried a sense of unease that made Cellbit’s skin prickle.

Children were playing and running around, but their laughter was subdued, their voices low as if they were afraid to disturb the silence. The games lacked the bright colors that usually drew kids in; instead, they were dull and faded, blending into the gray surroundings. The benches looked worn and abandoned, as though no one had sat on them in a long time. Every corner of the garden seemed cold and lifeless, like the place had been drained of all warmth and emotion.

Cellbit couldn’t shake the feeling that the garden, and perhaps the entire complex, was unnatural, manufactured. It was as if someone had tried to recreate the joy and innocence of childhood but had failed, leaving behind only a hollow imitation. 

But just as the weight of the place began to settle over him, Roier’s voice cut through his thoughts.

"I want you to meet Jaiden!" Roier exclaimed, his excitement pulling Cellbit out of his reverie. "Maybe now that you're here, she'll realize how cool you are. Maybe I'm just the fool who doesn’t know how to tell her things right."

Cellbit couldn’t help but laugh, Roier’s enthusiasm lifting his spirits. For a moment, he had completely forgotten about Jaiden. Roier's real best friend. The thought brought a mix of emotions rushing back to him. It wasn’t easy knowing that Jaiden didn’t seem to like him either, especially when Roier had mentioned it so casually. But Cellbit decided to stay positive. If Roier was such a good friend, then surely Jaiden would be too. It only made sense.

Curiosity also began to creep in. What was Jaiden like? Roier had always been mysterious when it came to her, and Cellbit wondered if she had abilities like Roier did. Maybe they could become friends too, and the trio squad he had imagined could turn into a quartet. The thought filled him with emotion and enthusiasm.

"I want to meet her too!" Cellbit said with a smile, his steps quickening as he followed Roier through the cold place. He tried to push aside the unease that lingered in the back of his mind, focusing instead on the possibility of new friendships and adventures.

Just before they passed through the doors of the immense complex, Cellbit and Roier ran into a child at the entrance. The boy was playing with a dog that seemed overly excited, barking and straining at the leash as if trying to break free and run to Roier. Cellbit quickly recognized the dog, it was the same little pup that had been the reason he and Roier had met in the first place.

"He really can't be away from you" the boy said with a laugh, struggling to hold onto the energetic dog.

"I can't be far from him either" Roier replied, laughing as well. "Thanks for keeping an eye on him for me."

Cellbit stood silently as he watched them talk. The boy was very tall, with blonde hair and a friendly demeanor. But what really caught Cellbit’s attention were his eyes; llight green and shining with a startling intensity. They were almost unnerving, making the boy seem far more intimidating than his smile suggested.

"And what about him?" the boy asked, suddenly turning to Roier and pointing directly at Cellbit. Startled, Cellbit jumped slightly, realizing too late that he had been caught staring. "New kid?"

"Something like that" Roier replied with a casual laugh, careful not to say too much.

Cellbit felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment and quickly lowered his head, trying to hide under the hood of Roier's hoodie. He wished he could disappear entirely.

The boy seemed to notice Cellbit’s nerves. "Hey, you! Don’t be shy!" he called out loudly, his voice commanding attention. Cellbit hesitated, but slowly raised his eyes to meet the boy's gaze. "We’re all good here...most of the time" the boy added with a wide, mocking grin. His smile revealed sharp, pointed teeth that Cellbit could swear looked like a shark's, making his words all the more unsettling. 

A chill ran down Cellbit’s spine. Without thinking, he grabbed Roier by the arm and started to walk quickly into the complex, not really knowing where he was going but desperate to get away. 

"Wait, Cellb- wait! We were talk- he's cool!" Roier called after him.

As they walked away, Cellbit could still hear the boy’s mocking laughter echoing behind them. The sound grated on his nerves, and he snorted in indignation, feeling both embarrassed and frustrated.

"What was that?" Roier asked, his expression caught somewhere between confusion and amusement.

"You saw his teeth, right? It- it wasn't just me" Cellbit replied, laughing nervously in an attempt to brush it off. 

"They’re cool, aren’t they?" Roier grinned, but as he noticed that Cellbit wasn’t as entertained, his smile softened. "Hey, he doesn’t bite. I mean, occasionally he barks... but does not bite!  He’s actually a really good friend!"

Cellbit nodded, still unsure, but trusting Roier's judgment. The two continued walking through the complex, with Roier leading the way. The hallways stretched out in front of them, long and sterile, making Cellbit feel more like he was in a hospital than any sort of home for children. The place was unsettlingly clean and quiet, the kind of quiet that pressed against your ears.

Eventually, they reached a hallway lined with identical doors, each marked by numbers.

"These are our rooms" Roier explained as they walked, his voice breaking the tense silence. Cellbit took it all in, trying to reconcile the coldness of the place with the idea that kids actually lived here.

Roier stopped in front of a door with the number 0037 painted across its surface in bold white.

"This is mine" he said, pointing to the door. But before Cellbit could respond, Roier knocked on the door directly across from his.

"Let’s see if Jai is here" Roier added, glancing back at Cellbit with a mischievous grin.

A moment later, the door swung open, revealing a small girl with a huge smile, or well... until she noticed Cellbit. Her smile dropped instantly, and her bright eyes darted past Roier to settle on Cellbit, who was still hiding under the hood of Roier’s red hoodie.

"Hi…" Cellbit mumbled, his voice small as he greeted her, knowing full well that Jaiden recognized him, even if they hadn't met before.

"What is he doing here?" Jaiden demanded, her voice sharp with surprise and alarm. Her eyes were wide, and she looked from Roier to Cellbit, clearly unsettled.

"We were… we just wanted to, I wanted to show him the place" Roier stammered, his earlier confidence fading under Jaiden’s stern gaze.

Jaiden narrowed her eyes, clearly judging. "Don’t stand in the hallway where everyone can see you!" she hissed. Before either of them could respond, she shut her door and gave them a light shove, pushing them into Roier’s room across the hall.

The door closed behind them with a soft click, leaving Cellbit standing awkwardly in the middle of Roier’s room, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Roier, this is a terrible idea! How could you possibly think this was okay?" Jaiden snapped, glaring at Roier, her voice rising in frustration.

"Jai, come on! He’s shown me so many things out there, things I didn’t even know existed," Roier shot back, equally irritated. "It’s only fair that I show him this side, too."

"Do you even realize the trouble you're in if they find out you left? And worse, if they find out you brought someone from the outside?" Jaiden’s voice climbed, her anger clear. "And what do you think they’ll do to him if they discover he's here?"

Roier froze at her words, his expression faltering. His eyes flickered toward Cellbit, a hint of doubt creeping in for the first time.

But Cellbit wasn’t paying attention to the argument. While Jaiden and Roier exchanged heated words, he was completely absorbed in the details of Roier’s room. Cellbit's gaze wandered around the room. Despite its stark white walls and near emptiness, it was unmistakably Roier’s space. Even though the place seemed designed to erase individuality, that room radiated the essence of his friend.

Unlike any other room Cellbit had encountered, Roier's was almost bare. It contained just a bed and a small storage unit, yet Roier had transformed it into something wholly his own. Scattered across the bed and the furniture were various books about arachnids, filled with explanations, vivid images, and glossaries. Alongside them were superhero comics and a jumble of sheets and pencils, presumably for drawing.

In the small closet, despite the numerous sets of white clothes like those worn by all the children, including the outfit Roier had on the day they met, there were also countless red items: t-shirts, caps, and even sneakers. Cellbit looked at the red sweatshirt he wore, smiling at how it embodied Roier’s vibrant personality. Beside the bed lay a small nest of pillows and blankets, where he could only imagine Roier's little dog snuggled up.

The walls, originally drab and lifeless, were now plastered with drawings and countless photos of Roier. Some captured him as a child, while others showed more recent moments. In many of them, he was always smiling, his signature bandana wrapped around his head, making him instantly recognizable. Among the photos, Cellbit noticed a familiar face -the boy with the sharp teeth- who appeared in one or two snapshots.

Yet, there was one figure who appeared consistently alongside Roier: Jaiden. Cellbit had to admit that Jaiden intimidated him a little. Even before meeting her, Roier’s descriptions painted her as a wise and cautious girl, always looking out for her friend. Roier was bursting with energy and carelessness, while Jaiden seemed to provide the calming balance to his exuberance, creating a friendship that felt enviably perfect.

Cellbit understood that Jaiden was suspicious of him, and he couldn’t blame her. After all, he was an outsider who had unwittingly stumbled into a world entirely different from the one he thought he knew.

Turning back to Roier and Jaiden, he noticed they were in the midst of a heated discussion. Yet, even amid the tension, the strength of their friendship was evident. Roier gestured animatedly, hands flying through the air as he expressed himself, while Jaiden remained composed, choosing her words carefully. But the mutual love and care between them shone through in their glances.

At one point, Roier caught Cellbit’s eye, and offered a reassuring smile and a gesture that everything would be okay.

Cellbit chuckled, feeling a surge of determination to support his friend. He genuinely wanted to connect with Jaiden, too. Roier held her in such high regard that Cellbit longed to know her better, perhaps even to forge a friendship with someone so significant to him.

“I know you don’t want me here, and I’m sorry if this all seems like a crazy and dangerous plan,” he interjected, interrupting their conversation. “The truth is, it was my idea. But I promise you. Swear to you on whatever you want. I would never do anything to hurt or endanger Roier. I care about him a lot, and I know how incredible he is. It’s not fair that he has to live hidden away, without anyone knowing he exists; not him, not you, not any of the other kids here.”

“It’s not you…” Jaiden replied, turning to look at him, her expression softening. “I’m glad you’re here, that you’re with Roier.” She shot a quick glance at her friend, a hint of worry in her eyes. “I just don’t want anything bad to happen. I’m scared.”

“You shouldn’t be afraid!” Cellbit exclaimed passionately. “That’s what I wanted Roier to discover out there. There’s nothing to fear, no reason to obey strange people or comply with their orders. Jaiden, I promise you, life outside this place is so different.”

“It’s true!” Roier chimed in, his enthusiasm infectious. “Jai, I swear I’ve never seen or learned so much as I have since escaping here.” He paused for a moment, searching for the right words. “I’ve never felt so happy until I realized I could go out and explore new things.”

Jaiden fell silent, observing her two friends as she pondered their words. After a few moments, she finally spoke. “I believe you, and it makes me happy that you’re friends. Just be careful, okay? With all this excitement, you might put yourselves in danger! You were just shouting and chatting in the hallway, where Cucurucho always walks around!”

“Sorry!” Roier replied, letting out a nervous laugh, fully aware she was right.

“Who is Cucurucho?” Cellbit asked, his curiosity piqued.

“He leads all of this,” Jaiden explained, her expression serious. “He’s in charge and makes all the decisions regarding our evolution.”

“He’s very scary...” Roier added, a hint of apprehension creeping into his voice. “If you ever see him, you’ll know it’s him. But the rule is simple: don’t mess with Cucurucho, and everything will be fine.”

Cellbit absorbed this information, feeling less frightened and more intrigued. Cucurucho ran the place… so he might have the answers to the questions that plagued Cellbit. Why were they there? Why was it all a secret? Why were all the residents children, and where were the adults? When he got home, he decided he would sift through his father’s things to see if he could find any information about him.

“Jai, can you take Cellbit to our hidden spot in the arena?” Roier interrupted Cellbit’s thoughts. “I want him to see my training.”

“Oh, you want the full tour?” Jaiden smirked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Sure, we should head out” She looked at Cellbit, gesturing toward the door.

“You’re not coming with us?” Cellbit asked, glancing back at Roier, who remained behind.

“I’ll change quickly and catch up. You two need to hide!” Roier replied, urgency in his voice.

Cellbit hesitated for a moment, feeling a knot of nervousness tighten in his stomach at the thought of leaving Roier alone in that place. Even though it was his home, everything felt wrong, and he couldn’t shake the urge to protect his friend from what seemed like a cruel environment.

“Hey, don’t worry!” Roier said, stepping closer to wrap him in a warm hug. “Remember, I do this every day. I’ll see you in a bit, okay?” His smile was reassuring.

“Okay…” Cellbit replied, forcing a hesitant smile in return. Before he could voice his concerns, Roier gave him a gentle pat on the back, nudging him to leave and follow Jaiden. With a resigned breath, Cellbit stepped out of the room and walked toward the girl.

“I'm sorry” Jaiden said suddenly as they made their way down the long hallway.

“Huh?” Cellbit blinked in surprise.

“...for being so mean to you” she explained, slowing her pace to match his. “I swear I’m not always like this.”

“Oh, it’s okay!” Cellbit replied with a giggle. “I know you’re not like that. Roier talks about you all the time.”

“He talks a lot about you too” Jaiden laughed, a hint of playfulness in her tone. “I feel like I already know you”

“Same here!” Cellbit admitted earnestly. “I gotta admit I was a little nervous at first; Roier keeps saying such amazing things about you, and I thought, ‘I have to make a good impression on this girl.’”

“Omg! But Roier is such an exaggerator!” Jaiden chuckled, and as the sound of her laughter filled the air, Cellbit felt a wave of relief wash over him.

Jaiden seemed genuinely kind and warm-hearted, and the more they talked, the easier it became to let his guard down. Cellbit appreciated how she cared not just for Roier but for others as well. The fact that she took the time to apologize to him, even when it wasn’t necessary, made him feel more welcomed and helped dissolve the awkwardness of being alone with her.

The training arena was vast, stretching across a space filled with strange and varied equipment. Soft mats covered the floor, ropes hung from the ceiling, and sticks, balls, and other tools were scattered around, most of which Cellbit couldn’t even identify. The room felt overwhelming, almost surreal in how clinical it seemed despite the presence of children's playthings. His eyes drifted upward, scanning the walls, and that's when he noticed them: security cameras, carefully positioned to capture every angle of the room.

"Don’t worry, they only turn them on when the tests start" Jaiden said casually, noticing where his gaze had landed.

“You say that like it’s the most normal thing in the world” Cellbit whispered, his voice tight with disbelief. “This isn’t right, Jaiden. What is this?”

Jaiden shrugged, her expression neutral. "I don't know..." she muttered as if it were an answer to a question she had long since stopped asking herself.

Cellbit tried to process it, that strange indifference that clung to everyone here. For Jaiden and the others, that was just life, as routine as brushing their teeth or having breakfast. But for him, it was madness. It felt sickening, inhumane, that they treated children that way, trapped, waiting to be tested and evaluated.

Jaiden waved him over from across the room, standing beside a row of tall, metal cabinets tucked into the corner. Cellbit approached, still distracted by the unsettling thought of what these kids endured daily.

“These lockers are old,” Jaiden explained, tapping one with her knuckles. “When they remodeled the place, they moved all the equipment into new storage units, but they forgot about these.”

Her voice carried an odd mix of playfulness, as if she’d grown used to making the best out of grim situations. “Now we use them to hide. It’s the only way we can watch each other train, since the sessions are always private. One person at a time with the evaluator.”

Cellbit frowned, trying to wrap his head around the idea. “So… none of you ever get to see each other train?”

Jaiden shook her head. “Nope. Only the evaluator gets to watch. But hiding here? It’s kind of like a game. We cheer for each other from inside the lockers.” She gave a small, mischievous grin.

He rested a hand on one of the locker doors. It was cold, metallic, its surface a silent witness to countless whispered conversations, secret cheers, and stolen moments of companionship. The weight of it all settled heavily on his chest.

“This place is insane” Cellbit whispered, more to himself than Jaiden.

Jaiden offered him a sad smile, her eyes reflecting a quiet understanding. “Yeah maybe it is... but it’s the only one we’ve got.”

The sudden sound of footsteps echoed through the room, cutting their conversation short. Jaiden's expression shifted in an instant, her playful demeanor gone. She grabbed Cellbit by the arm and pulled him toward the lockers.

"In" she whispered urgently, gesturing toward an open door.

Cellbit slipped inside, the cold metal walls pressing in on him as Jaiden followed, closing the door gently behind them. There was barely enough space for both of them to fit, their shoulders brushing. He could feel his heart racing, desperate to say something, to convince Jaiden that they needed to leave: now. They could take Roier and disappear before anyone realized they were gone.

But before he could even open his mouth, Jaiden gave him a sharp look, holding a finger to her lips in warning. Not a word.

Reluctantly, he bit his tongue, the urgency burning inside him like a flame, but he stayed quiet. Through the narrow slats of the locker door, they watched as the room’s entrance swung open.

Roier came in first, wearing a fitted black sports outfit, a far cry from his usual clothes. The change startled Cellbit for a moment, but what caught his attention more was the person following Roier.

A federation worker, dressed head to toe in the familiar white suit, complete with the smooth, expressionless mask that hid their identity. The sight sent a chill down Cellbit’s spine. He expected an air of cold authority, but to his surprise, the dynamic between Roier and the worker was nothing like what he’d imagined.

The two of them were chatting casually, almost like friends. Roier skipped ahead, spinning around in excitement, and the worker let out a chuckle, a warm sound, muffled by the mask but unmistakable.

Cellbit's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he continued to watch. Roier bounded across the room, performing little jumps and stretches with the kind of carefree enthusiasm that only he could manage. The worker followed closely, occasionally reaching out to correct Roier's stance or pat him on the back as they exchanged more lighthearted banter.

What is this? Cellbit thought, trying to make sense of the scene unfolding before him.

Roier laughed, bounding over to the worker and throwing an arm around his shoulders as if they were equals. The worker gave a small shake of his head, as though fondly indulging a child’s antics. For a moment, it looked like there was genuine affection between them.

Maybe it’s not what it seems... a small voice in Cellbit’s mind whispered. Maybe... they care.

But another part of him, the part that had learned to question everything, knew better. No one wore masks without reason.

His heart sank as the sound of another set of footsteps entered the room, slow and deliberate. Both Roier and the worker froze instantly, the air around them shifting, tense and heavy.

“Good morning.” A cold, mechanical voice sliced through the stillness.

Cellbit’s breath hitched. The figure before them was tall and impossibly thin, dressed entirely in white. The pristine suit fit like a second skin, emphasizing the eerie perfection of the man’s frame. Everything about him radiated control and authority, making the room feel smaller, the air denser. His presence demanded silence, commanded fear.

Neither Roier nor the worker spoke again. Their earlier laughter evaporated, the easy companionship they’d shared just moments before was gone, replaced by rigid postures and averted gazes.

That’s him, Cellbit thought with an involuntary shudder. Cucurucho.

He turned toward Jaiden, his mind racing, and found her already looking at him. She gave a small, deliberate nod as if to confirm what he was thinking, as if she knew the name echoing in his head.

“Roier.” Cucurucho began, his tone calm yet unnervingly clinical. The robotic edge of his voice stripped every word of warmth, making it sound less like a greeting and more like a diagnosis. “From what I have seen in your development, your skills are extraordinary. You are evolving with great speed, beyond our projections, in fact. We are impressed with your progress. Truly... excellent.”

Roier lowered his gaze, staring at the floor as if it might swallow him whole. “Thank you,” he whispered, his usual spark extinguished. He didn’t even dare meet Cucurucho’s eyes —or whatever lay behind that mask.

Cucurucho continued speaking, unfazed by the child’s quiet response. “That is why today’s training will be... a bit different.” He stepped closer to the worker, slipping a folded piece of paper into the gloved hand with an air of deliberate nonchalance. “I wanted to witness it myself.”

The worker gave a silent nod, tucking the paper away as if it were a matter of routine.

“Today,” Cucurucho added, “we will push you further. The session will be more intense.” He spoke the word with a peculiar precision, as though savoring it. “We aim to elevate your abilities to a higher level of skill and excellence.”

Roier’s brows furrowed, confusion flickering across his face. He shifted on his feet, fidgeting slightly, trying to grasp the meaning behind Cucurucho’s words. But fear kept him from asking, locking the questions behind his clenched jaw.

Cucurucho’s voice broke the silence. “Please, begin.”

The federation worker hesitated, casting a quick, almost imperceptible glance at Cucurucho. Then his eyes flicked down to the small boy in front of him, regret briefly flickering behind the blank mask. Something about the worker’s posture shifted, like he was about to do something he wished he didn’t have to.

Cellbit tensed, every instinct screaming that this was wrong. His gaze darted toward Roier, who now stood nervously at the center of the arena, confusion plastered across his face. No idea what was coming.

The worker cleared his throat, trying to keep his voice even. “0037, I need you to attack me.”

Roier blinked, stunned. “What?” His voice cracked, trembling as the words left him. “I- I’m not doing that.”

The boy’s hands shook slightly at his sides, and his small frame seemed even smaller in the intimidating space. Panic seeped into his features, making his usually lively expression dissolve into fear.

"0037," the worker repeated, stepping forward slowly. "This is part of your training."

Roier backed away, heart racing, disbelief and fear swirling in his eyes. "No," he whispered, taking shaky steps backward. "No, I'm not- I'm not doing that."

The worker’s slow, deliberate steps turned into something more menacing. He advanced toward Roier with growing purpose, leaving the boy no room to think, no way to escape. Until Roier stumbled, his back hitting the cold, hard wall behind him. He froze for a second, trapped like prey. His breath came in short bursts.

From inside the locker, Cellbit’s heart hammered painfully in his chest. He found himself biting down on his hand to keep from screaming. Every instinct told him to burst out, to help Roier, but Jaiden grabbed his arm, shaking her head. Her wide eyes reflected the same fear as his —that wasn’t normal. She had never seen anything like this before.

Before either of them could move, the worker lunged.

"Stop!" Roier shrieked, raising his arms in defense, but the worker didn’t hesitate. He swung a heavy fist toward the boy. Roier ducked, scrambling to avoid the hit, but the worker’s presence was relentless.

A fight began in a storm of panic. Roier’s terrified voice echoed off the walls, desperate and pleading. “Please, stop! I don’t want to fight!” But the blows kept coming —sharp jabs and shoves meant to push Roier past the point of fear.

The worker didn’t relent, forcing Roier to react. With no other choice, Roier stumbled into defense, raising his arms to block the strikes. The hits were sloppy, frantic, he wasn’t trained for this kind of thing.

“Stop!” Roier screamed again, but the worker didn’t slow down. 

Inside the locker, Cellbit’s eyes burned with frustration and helplessness. Like he could feel every punch Roier took, as if they landed on his own skin. He wanted to do something, anything , but all he could do was watch, trapped behind the cold metal door.

As if sensing his friend's silent plea, Roier’s gaze drifted toward the lockers. Through the narrow slats, his eyes met Cellbit’s, locking onto his desperate stare. For a moment, it felt like time stopped, like they were communicating without words.

And then, something inside Roier shifted.

His brown eyes flickered. First with panic, then with something much darker. Cellbit watched in disbelief as Roier’s gaze morphed from soft, warm brown to an unnatural, glowing red. His expression twisted, transforming from fear into something wicked. The innocence that had clung to him only moments ago was gone, replaced by a sinister grin creeping across his face. It was terrifying.

Roier turned back toward the worker, his red eyes gleaming with a fury that seemed not his own. An unsettling, almost gleeful smile stretched across his lips, a smile that didn’t belong to the friend Cellbit knew.

And without warning, Roier attacked.

He moved with a speed and precision that stunned both the worker and the kids in the locker. His small frame was now a blur of ferocity as he lunged at the worker, catching him off guard. Roier’s fists connected with brutal force, knocking the man off balance.

The worker staggered, trying to defend himself, but Roier’s strikes were relentless, driven by unbridled rage. He fought wild and unforgiving.

A knee to the stomach made the worker double over, but Roier wasn’t done. With inhuman strength, he grabbed the man by his collar and threw him across the room as if he weighed nothing. The worker slammed into the wall with a bone-rattling crash, then crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

Silence filled the arena, thick and oppressive.

Breathing heavily, Roier stood over the fallen worker, his hands trembling as the adrenaline began to wear off. His glowing red eyes slowly dimmed, fading back to their usual brown. Confusion washed over his face, replacing the rage with shock.

He blinked, staring down at his hands as if they belonged to someone else. Then his gaze lifted, taking in the unconscious man sprawled across the floor. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, he had done that.

Before Roier could even process what he had done, Cucurucho’s voice rang out behind him.

“Well done, kid,” the detached tone carried a twisted satisfaction. “You were splendid. That’s all for today.”

Without waiting for a response, Cucurucho turned on his heel and exited the room. Two workers promptly entered, moving wordlessly to retrieve their injured comrade. They lifted the unconscious worker, hauling him out of the arena, leaving Roier standing alone at the center.

It was only once the room had emptied that reality seemed to crash down on Roier. His knees buckled, and he collapsed onto the floor, still staring at his trembling hands. Trying to make sense of what just happened.

From the lockers, Cellbit and Jaiden pushed open the doors, rushing toward him. Roier looked up, and when he saw the horror etched across their faces, he curled into himself on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.

“I’m sorry,” Roier choked out between gasps, his voice raw and broken. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what happened… I don’t know what I did.”

The two approached cautiously, unsure how to comfort him. Cellbit’s heart pounded so hard it felt like it might tear out of his chest. The sight of his friend shattered, curled into a ball on the cold floor, was unbearable. But Cellbit was still reeling himself, paralyzed by the weight of what he had just witnessed. His mind spun in disbelief.

Jaiden stood beside Roier, her voice gentle. “Roier, it’s okay… It’s over now.”

“NO, IT'S NOT!” Roier cried, squeezing his arms around himself as if he could make himself disappear. “I’m a monster.” He buried his face in his hands, shaking violently. “They saw what I did. You both saw…”

“They attacked you first, Ro… You had no other choice,” Jaiden whispered, trying to steady him with soft reassurances.

But Roier shook his head frantically, his voice rising in anguish. “That doesn’t make me any better than them!” His sobs grew louder, more frantic. “I almost– I almost killed someone…”

Cellbit stood frozen and helpless. He wanted to say something, anything. To tell Roier that none of that was his fault, that it was all the fault of that awful place and the people who ran it. To blame that twisted puppet master, Cucurucho, and reassure Roier that he wasn’t a monster, that they were the ones turning him into something he wasn’t. But no words came. The shock held his voice hostage, trapping every thought in his throat.

All he could do was kneel beside Roier, resting a tentative hand on his friend’s back, hoping the touch might offer some small comfort.

Roier flinched violently at the contact, his whole body jerking away. “Don’t-” he whimpered, curling tighter into himself. “Cellbit, just go. Please… Don’t look at me. Not like that.”

But Cellbit stayed. He shifted closer, crouching down to Roier’s level, his hand reaching toward the dark hair that covered his friend’s face. Gently, he brushed back a few strands, as if that tiny gesture could bridge the gap between them.

“GET OUT! ” Roier’s voice cracked as he shouted, his head snapping up. The sudden outburst startled Cellbit, making him stumble back. For a brief moment, Roier’s red-tinted eyes gleamed again, flickering with the same unsettling rage from earlier. “You should never have come with me!” Roier’s voice broke, frantic and desperate. “I’m a monster… Just leave! GET OUT OF HERE! ”

Cellbit fell backward onto the floor, stunned by the intensity of the words and the haunting flash in Roier’s gaze. He looked to Jaiden, helpless, and she gave him a silent nod, a gesture that told him what he didn’t want to accept: Go. She would stay. She would take care of Roier.

Reluctantly, Cellbit stood, the weight of guilt pressing down on him. Without another word, he turned and ran out of the arena, through the winding hallways, and into the forest beyond the complex. He didn’t stop, couldn’t stop, not until he was home, slamming the door to his room behind him and collapsing onto the bed.

His breath came in ragged gasps, the scenes of the day replaying in his mind on an endless, torturous loop. Roier’s tear-filled eyes. The way he’d begged for Cellbit to leave. The moment Roier had looked at him and seen no comfort, or worse, fear .

Before he knew it, tears were streaming down his face, relentless and uncontrollable. He didn’t bother wiping them away, just curled into himself, drowning in the overwhelming tide of regret.

When Bagi knocked softly on the door to tell him dinner was ready, Cellbit couldn’t bring himself to answer. He lay still, staring blankly at the ceiling, trapped in the storm of his own thoughts. Regret gnawed at him.

Why did I leave?  

Why hadn’t he stayed, held Roier despite his protests, kept his promise to help?

Through his tears, he realized that he was still wearing Roier’s red hoodie. The familiar scent clung to the fabric, comforting and painful all at once. Cellbit pulled the hoodie tighter around himself, hugging his own arms as if it were Roier he was holding.

And eventually, lost in the heavy weight of his thoughts and the warmth of his friend’s hoodie, Cellbit drifted into an uneasy sleep, the tears on his face drying but the ache in his heart still lingering.

Chapter Text

Present Day

Roier had a way of slipping into Cellbit’s life without permission, without warning. The first days, it was subtle. A knock on the door, a casual text asking how he was. Simple, easy to ignore. But then it wasn’t. Suddenly, Roier was interrupting every quiet moment, inviting himself over without asking, showing up like he belonged. Even late at night, when Cellbit was alone rearranging files, Roier would call, as though he’d always been a part of Cellbit’s world.

He still hadn’t figured out how Roier had gotten his number, but by then, that felt like the least of the mysteries surrounding him.

What unnerved Cellbit the most was how effortlessly Roier disrupted everything. His investigation, once the center of his life, now sat abandoned in pieces. Not because Cellbit had lost focus; on the contrary, he’d spent days and nights meticulously preparing for the next stage of his plan against the Federation, a plan that increasingly hinged on Roier. He’d emptied drawers, made room on the evidence board, but hadn’t actually made any progress.

The only thing pinned up so far on the board was a ridiculous photo of Roier, grinning with his face dusted in flour. He’d sent it two days ago along with an infuriatingly text: “Making tacos, bringing some over >:D”. Cellbit hadn’t bothered to replace the photo, and for reasons he couldn’t explain, he kept thinking about it far longer than he should have. It annoyed him in a way that made no sense.

And then, there was the still sealed envelope containing the files they’d found during their first improvised mission together. Cellbit had hidden it away, waiting for the perfect moment to open it, collect every detail and figure out how to use it to his advantage.

But Roier made sure there were no perfect moments. He filled every space Cellbit thought belonged solely to him. Even when Roier finally left, Cellbit would sit down at his desk, determined to strategize his next move only for exhaustion to press on his shoulders until sleep claimed him. Deep sleep that made no sense for someone who had built his life on relentless nights and sleepless ambition.

Roier had become a strange, unavoidable anomaly. Cellbit didn’t know what to make of it, only that everything Roier touched stopped making sense. And somehow, it was beginning to feel like its own kind of gravity, pulling Cellbit in before he could find the strength to resist.

At first, he assumed Roier was just too social, one of those people who talked to everyone and overshared without a second thought. Maybe that day at the taquería, when Cellbit had accidentally shared a part of his story for the first time, had been like handing Roier an invitation, like a free pass to believe Cellbit was the same as him, that they could be friends.

But then, because Cellbit’s stubborn mind couldn’t help twisting things, he started wondering if Roier was just too good at hiding stuff. It didn’t make sense to him that someone could be so cheerful and charismatic without something lurking beneath the surface. There had to be more to him, something hidden. Cellbit couldn’t tell what it was. In his mind, Roier kept shifting between harmless pawn and potential threat, depending on how long he thought about it.

And yet, strangely enough, Cellbit never once said no to spending time with him. No matter how many times Roier interrupted his structured days, Cellbit just let it happen.

In a matter of days, Roier had introduced him to the other islanders, people Cellbit already knew well from observation and study, though he’d never actually interacted much with them. Surprisingly, they were all kind, friendly even. None of them seemed to hate him as much as he had expected.

Cellbit had always assumed that after spending the last two years practically isolated at home, only venturing out for occasional cases, the neighbors would have a poor opinion of him. He figured they saw him as antisocial, judgmental and someone better left alone. But that wasn’t the reality, not at all.

Roier had been weirdly kind, almost annoyingly so, in introducing Cellbit to nearly everyone on the island.

One time, he discovered there were two scientists who, upon learning about his work in investigation, immediately offered him full access to their lab. “Come by whenever you want, dude” they’d said, as though they hadn’t just met him.

Then there was a strange, goofy guy with an even stranger obsession with sharks; a curiosity that stuck in Cellbit’s mind. Roier had casually mentioned that the guy was like family to him, a bond that just happened without any clear reason. The guy had agreed with a bright wide grin, and somehow Cellbit had found himself nodding along, accepting it as fact.

And on that particular day, Cellbit had met an old, wise man who nearly adopted him on the spot.

Philza.

He wore a long robe and a funny hat, and his long blonde hair lay down his back like some weird wizard. There was something grandfatherly about him. Roier had introduced them, and as usual, insisted (practically shoved) Cellbit into a situation that involved “socializing.”

That evening, Cellbit had been left at Philza’s house while Roier ran errands for the Federation. Not that Cellbit had any solid plan in place, but he had wanted to join, to catch any information that might be useful. Anything about that organization was more that welcome.

Roier, however, had been relentless. He’d argued that Cellbit needed to “make up for two years of antisocial behavior” and all but threw him into Philza’s front door with strict instructions to relax and be normal for once.

Philza, for his part, had practically kidnapped him the moment he crossed the threshold offering him food, stories, and even a room if he wanted to stay the night. The man was warm in a way Cellbit didn’t quite recognize. Not really. It was disorienting, in a way he wasn’t sure how to accept.

“I still don’t get why you’re so tense” Philza called out from the kitchen, not even bothering to look in Cellbit’s direction as he stirred something that smelled… honestly incredible. “I’m a family man, I have kids, you know. I assure you I have no secret plan to harm you in any way, shape, or form.”

Cellbit startled at the comment, glancing toward the kitchen like he’d just been caught eavesdropping.

“Uhm?” he muttered.

Philza chuckled. “You just seem so on edge, mate. I’ve done nothing but cook dinner, and you’re sitting there like I’ve got a knife behind my back. I’d like to believe I haven’t said or done anything to make you uncomfortable… and just in case you were wondering, no, I don’t plan on hurting you.”

That earned a quiet laugh from him.

“You’re acting like you’re the one at risk here” Philza added with a snort “when really, I should be the one worried about letting a stranger into my home.”

Cellbit blinked.

"Okay. Fair."

His shoulders finally relaxed a little. The house was welcoming. Cozy, even. He’d already scoped the place for any signs of danger or hidden traps the moment he stepped inside (old habit) but it was undeniably a family home. Warm light, children’s toys scattered on the floor, soft music playing in the background. Philza had welcomed him like he was one of his own, and was now cooking like that was just another tuesday night.

It was the second person to ever cook for him on the island. The first had been Roier.

"Maybe people here just know how to take care of each other" he thought bitterly.

He felt a strange shame thinking of his own living conditions. Most days, he survived on black coffee and meals were just an afterthought…

He stand from the couch and walked toward the kitchen, drawn more by the smell than anything else. There was no danger, just a kind old man who made too much food and maybe ask too many questions.

“I’m sorry” Cellbit said quietly, leaning on the doorframe. “You’re right. I guess I’m just used to… to being alert.”

Philza smiled without turning around.

“No harm in that” he said. “But you’re safe here, really. Now grab a plate.”

Cellbit handed over two deep plates, almost shyly. It was a strange feeling. Being in someone else’s kitchen who wasn’t trying to manipulate him into a corner or drag out his deepest secrets. He suddenly felt… small. And that wasn’t a feeling he was used to. Ever.

Philza accepted the plates with a smile, and landed soup into each one. He noticed how Cellbit hovered close to the stove, shoulders hunched in like a stray cat soaking up heat. Without a word, he turned up the burner just slightly.

They sat at the table. The soup was simple but it tasted like something made with care. Something meant to enjoy, not just to feed. And Cellbit, despite every stubborn part of him that wanted to stay stiff, felt his shoulders loosen just a little more.

For a while, neither spoke. The only sound was the quiet clink of cutlery against ceramic. Then, almost without thinking, Cellbit glanced up at Philza.

“You mentioned… your kids?” he asked, his voice tentative, like he was stepping carefully around a sleeping beast.

Philza’s entire face lit up with a father’s pride.

“Yeah” he said, his smile deepening with warmth. “I’ve got two. A boy and a girl. They’re with their other dad right now, but they’re the light of my life.”

Cellbit nodded slowly, trying to imagine what that felt that kind of bond. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to understand. He just- didn’t have anything to compare it to.

For half a second, an image flickered uninvited through his mind: Bagi’s face, sharp and bright and painfully real. He blinked it away quickly, almost angrily, forcing himself back to the present.

Philza kept talking. But Cellbit only half-listened, catching pieces about how Philza and his partner weren’t married, in any official sense, but weren’t strangers either. Something about soulmates, or a bond beyond explanation. A chosen family, he guessed.

“Huh.” Cellbit looked down at his soup, swirling the spoon through the broth. “That’s… good. That you have that.”

Philza paused, studying him with a gaze so gentle it almost hurt to hold.

“I think a lot of us would’ve loved to meet you earlier, Cellbit” he said softly. “Things might’ve been different.”

“I’m not the kind of guy that goes around talking to everyone” Cellbit said, his voice quiet as he traced a thumb along his plate. “But I think you’ve already noticed that” He cleared his throat, feeling oddly exposed. “I did came to town once or twice to… help. But I don’t think people really want me around.”

Philza let out a small laugh. “Why not? You made quite the show when you first landed here. Nobody was expecting a new face on the island, and there you were: all mysterious and brooding.” He grinned, shaking his head. “You really got everyone hooked, but then you just disappeared. Chose the farthest point of town to live in and never looked back.”

Cellbit huffed out something between a laugh and a scoff. “Well, but I guess my arrival wasn’t the only thing shocking” he said, eyes fixed on his soup, refusing to meet Philza’s. “I know you all probably know me by my- my reputation. Which isn’t exactly good. And I’m not exactly on friendly terms with the people running this place either… so why would anyone want me near?”

Philza stirred his own soup thoughtfully, taking a sip before setting the spoon down with a quiet clink.

“I don’t know if you didn’t notice… though I guess you did, because you strike me as a very smart guy” he said slowly. “But everyone here arrived and started their life over. From scratch. Nobody knew anyone when they landed. Everyone here has something in their past they’d rather leave behind. Why would anyone judge you for yours?”

Cellbit stayed silent, staring at the faint curls of steam rising from his meal.

“And” Philza continued, voice gentle but firm “I hate to bring this up to you after two years of loneliness… but those little interactions people did have with you? They remember them. Helping solve problems here and there, fixing what no one else could, keeping your head down but still getting things done.” He shrugged. “So I’m not so sure how bad your reputation really is, Cellbit. Because from what I hear… all anyone ever said was that you were quiet but efficient. Sometimes had this grumpy look on your face, but always left before anyone could thank you properly”

“I just help because I need something to live with.” Cellbit muttered. He wasn’t really thinking about the interactions he’d had with the islanders, but rather a small detail Philza had mentioned earlier. “About that… starting over new thing. Roier told me something similar. That he came here to start fresh too.” He huffed out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. “In the end, maybe I’m the only sane one living around a bunch of lunatics who willingly agreed to live on an island with zero information about where they were going.”

Philza let out a warm, full-bodied laugh, ignoring Cellbit’s concerns entirely in a way that somehow didn’t feel dismissive, but grounding. Like he could read Cellbit perfectly and knew that if he gave him room to spiral deeper, he would.

“You know” Philza began, leaning back in his chair with a grin “I’m glad Roier’s been dragging you around everywhere lately. About time someone got you talking to people again.”

Cellbit blinked. “Dragging me around…? He’s just intrusive.”

Philza chuckled. “Intrusive, huh? That’s one way to put it. Hate to break it to you, but he’s always been like that; talking a mile a minute, can’t sit still for too long, always got some new scheme or plan to try out. Honestly, out of everyone here, he’s probably one of the most hyperactive, chatty companion you could’ve ended up with.”

Cellbit felt his lips twitch, almost against his will, at the thought of Roier bouncing from place to place, dragging him along like a stray cat he’d decided to adopt.

“But” Philza continued, his tone softening as his eyes crinkled with something fond “he’s also got the biggest heart out of all of us. Loyal, always looking out for people even when he doesn’t have to. And he’s fun, isn’t he? Always has been. Makes the days feel a bit lighter.”

Cellbit didn’t respond, but his chest felt tight in a way he couldn’t name.

Philza tilted his head, watching him with quiet amusement. “I think having him around is good for you, Cellbit. You’ve spent enough time in your own head. Roier’s… well, he’s impossible to ignore, and maybe that’s exactly what you need.”

Cellbit clenched his jaw, trying to push away the flutter of something he refused to identify in his chest.

“H-He… he’s a bit annoying” he muttered under his breath, though it lacked any real heat.

Philza only laughed again, before taking another sip of his soup. “Yeah… but probably the most unique thing that’s happened to you in a long while, right?”

Cellbit said nothing, staring down into his soup as Philza’s words settled around him like a blanket he wasn’t sure he needed. They carried a weird heaviness he didn’t know how to handle.

During that days, as he navigated all that unexpected socialization Roier had thrown him into, he debated whether he should thank him for it. For dragging him out of his house, for introducing him to the others, for forcing him to exist among people again.

Still, he never worked up the courage. It felt ridiculous, pathetic even, to say something like that out loud. He told himself that Roier had probably just done it out of pity.

But deep down, in a place he refused to acknowledge, he couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe Roier had done it simply because that’s who he was. Because he didn’t need a reason to care about someone. Because, somehow, Roier just… was.

And Cellbit didn’t know what to do with that.

Also, there was that strange detail Cellbit couldn’t ignore: since the day at the taquería, when he had briefly opened up about his conflicted feelings toward his sister, Roier had never brought it up again. Not once. He hadn’t pushed, hadn’t even mentioned her name. It was like he’d quietly created a space for Cellbit to decide whether to talk about it or not.

But the moments that provoked something deeper were the ones where it was just him and Roier, doing absolutely nothing. Not socializing, not unraveling mysteries. Just existing in the same space.

It was weird. Uncomfortably comfortable.

They could go hours without a word, maybe listening to music or reading, not bothering each other but always aware of the other’s presence. Those moments often happened late at night in Cellbit’s place, which Roier had practically claimed as his own… though again, Cellbit had never actually told him to leave.

And perhaps that was the strangest thing of all, that Cellbit had let himself start to accept it.

Suddenly, in the middle of his thoughts, the front door creaked open, and the owner of his thoughts stepped inside looking completely drained, hair sticking out messily from behind his bandana. He dropped a heavy bag by the entrance with a tired sigh.

Philza, still tidying up after dinner, turned with a warm smile. “Hey, Roier! You look dead. Want to come in for a bit? There’s plenty of soup left.”

Roier shook his head quickly, rubbing at his eyes. “Thanks, Phil, but I think I’d rather just go home and pass out tonight.”

At that, Cellbit stood, almost without thinking. Something tugged at him at the sight of Roier so worn down. “I’ll walk with you.” he said quietly.

Before leaving, Cellbit turned back to Philza, awkwardly clearing his throat. “Thank you… for dinner.”

Philza’s smile softened even more. “Anytime, Cellbit. Really. Come by whenever you want.”

Cellbit gave a small nod, unable to find any other words, and stepped outside. Philza watched them go, shaking his head fondly as he stacked the last dishes into the sink.

“Take care, boys” he murmured under his breath.

They stepped out into the cool evening. For a few minutes, neither spoke. But finally, Cellbit glanced over. “So… how was it today?”

Roier let out a dramatic groan, tipping his head back to look at the stars. “I travelled the entire island. Seriously. And I still couldn’t deliver everything, half the people weren’t even home to get their packages!” His voice was so indignant that Cellbit couldn’t hold back a small laugh.

“Well… You’re almost done working for the dark side of the island” Cellbit teased, nudging his shoulder lightly. Roier huffed out a tired laugh, flashing him a crooked smile.

Roier looked at him curiously. “And you? How was it with Philza?”

Cellbit hesitated, debating whether to actually say it: to tell him thank you, that he appreciated the introduction, that it hadn’t been terrible to spend time with someone so normal for once. But the words stuck in his throat, too embarrassing.

“It was… fine” he settled on, his voice clipped but honest enough. “Good, I guess.”

Roier nodded, looking relieved, and for a second, silence fell again. But this time Cellbit felt awkward with the quiet, so he blurted out the first thing that came to his mind.

“Do you wanna come over for a while?” he asked, eyes fixed firmly ahead. “Just to… hang out or something.”

Roier blinked, startled. For a moment his eyes went wide, and then his cheeks flushed a warm pink under the moonlight. “Yeah!” he said quickly, a bright smile spreading across his face despite his exhaustion. “Yeah, I’d like that.”

As soon as they arrived at Cellbit’s place, the night settled into one of those quiet nights, the kind where words felt unnecessary. Cellbit sank into the couch, flipping through the island’s newspaper, eyes scanning each page for anything relevant, anything he could tie back to his ongoing investigations (which he really needed to return to). Across the room, Roier lay sprawled on his stomach on the living room floor, a comic spread out in front of him, pages rustling under his fingers.

Cellbit couldn’t help but chuckle softly at how exhausted Roier looked. Earlier that day, he had spent hours helping Roier sort out his chaotic schedule. He’d noticed how the poor guy was constantly running around, mixing up deliveries, and forgetting entire packages along the way. It was painfully inefficient, and Cellbit couldn’t stand to watch it anymore.

So he had drawn up a detailed map of the island, super precise, dividing it into clear sectors. With the map, Roier could tackle different areas on specific days, keeping his deliveries structured and manageable.

When Cellbit handed it to him, Roier’s eyes had gone wide with surprise, a grin breaking across his face. “What?! You’re really good at this!” he’d said, almost in awe, like Cellbit had just handed him the blueprint to life itself.

Cellbit had brushed off the compliment awkwardly, feeling heat creep up his neck. “It’s not that hard” he muttered. “I just… like doing it, I guess. I think I learned when I was a kid, though I don’t really remember.”

Roier hadn’t pressed further, but that look full of genuine admiration lingered with Cellbit long after. And now, as they sat together in silence, something felt… off.

From where he sat, Cellbit could see that Roier wasn’t really reading. His gaze was unfocused, brow furrowed, as if lost in some invisible problem. Even with the exhaustion clearly weighing down his body, there was a restless energy to him that Cellbit noticed immediately.

Those quiet moments, where the world felt paused, were often when Cellbit found himself studying Roier more closely. Peeling back the layers. Sometimes they asked each other questions, getting to know one another piece by piece. Though Cellbit had been careful not to share anything too personal again. Instead, he answered Roier’s curiosities with fragments of half-truths and stories he’d already told, reshaped just enough to keep himself guarded.

Still, he’d learned a lot about Roier. Beneath the easy humor, Roier was very anxious, always masking his negative feelings behind charm. When nervous, he would fidget endlessly, claiming he just needed to “burn off energy.” But for Cellbit, the most honest part of Roier was always his eyes. They betrayed everything. And Cellbit had learned to read them like a language spoken without words.

Right now, Roier’s eyes weren’t on his comic, but they weren’t heavy with sleep either. They were distant.

Breaking the silence felt unnatural, but Cellbit couldn’t ignore it anymore.

“Is everything okay, Roier?” he asked, his voice rough from disuse, clearing his throat after so long without speaking.

Roier blinked, startled, returning to the present. “Oh!” he said quickly. “Were you talking to me? Sorr- yeah, I’m sorry. I’m just tired, I guess. Zoned out.” he added with a small laugh, but Cellbit wasn’t convinced. Roier’s eyes told a different story.

“You can tell me” Cellbit said carefully, unsure how to navigate whatever this was. “I might not be as good as Jaiden at… handling feelings, but I’m a good listener.”

That drew a genuine laugh from Roier this time, small but real. “That’s a funny thing to say, ‘cause she’s actually my concern right now.”

Roier shifted, pushing himself up from the floor to sit beside Cellbit on the couch, turning to face him fully. Cellbit folded the newspaper and set it aside, giving him his full attention.

“I just don’t know what’s wrong with her” Roier admitted, his voice tinged with frustration. “She’s kinda been avoiding me, you know? But at the same time, whenever I’m home, she looks at me weird, like I did something wrong.”

Cellbit wanted to believe it wasn’t what he suspected, but deep down he knew exactly what it was. “Did you talk about it?” he asked quietly.

“Yes!” Roier replied, exasperation creeping into his voice. “I ask her every day. I’m straight-up about those things. I want to fix stuff, you know? If someone’s got a problem with me, I’d rather they just say it. I asked if she was upset about something, if it was my fault. But she always says no.” His fists clenched slightly. “And I know she’s lying.”

In that moment, Cellbit swore he saw a flicker of red cross Roier’s chocolate-brown eyes. Probably just the light, he told himself quickly. But Roier’s next words came with a quiet bite that made Cellbit swallow hard.

“I hate when people lie to me.”

“Roier… I don’t think this has anything to do with you” Cellbit admitted with a sigh, his chest heavy. “It’s probably more about me, honestly.”

Roier frowned, tilting his head slightly. “What do you mean?”

“We both know Jaiden seems to hate me.” Cellbit said plainly, not bothering to sugarcoat the truth. “And you… well, you’ve been spending an incredible amount of time with me.”

“I know that. We talked about… about you” Roier said, gaze drifting away for a second. “But I told her it’s my choice who I befriend or who I spend time with. She- she said she got it.”

“Even if she gets it, and I’m sure she does, because she seems like a smart person, and I can tell how much she cares about you” Cellbit paused, choosing his words carefully before ultimately surrendering to brutal honesty. “I don’t think your best friend is exactly thrilled about you hanging out with an ex-convict who nobody knows much about, who has problems with the island’s authorities, and who suspiciously lives isolated from everyone else, you know?” He let out a dry laugh at his own reputation. “You’ve gotta get her to understand that.”

Roier blinked, considering Cellbit’s words before sighing deeply. “But, I don’t care what anyone thinks about you, Cellbit.” His gaze sharpened, locking onto Cellbit’s eyes with a raw intensity that made something twist painfully in his chest. “And if that’s the problem she could just talk about it, right? She doesn’t want to give you a chance. I’ve tried so many times to convince her that you’re actually nice… because, yes, I believe that behind all the crap you keep saying about yourself, you’re actually really nice to be around.” He let out a small, shaky laugh. “I mean, I don’t look at you and feel like you’re going to kill me, you know?”

Cellbit’s breath caught for a second. The honesty in Roier’s words hit harder than he was prepared for. He opened his mouth to deflect it, to brush it off with some dismissive quip about how Roier clearly had poor judgment and that Jaiden was probably right about him, but the words stuck in his throat.

He was a monster, a murderer, vengeful. And even if he had changed… something that sometimes he really wanted to believe that maybe was possible but his mind wouldn’t let him. People don’t forget easily. He didn’t forget easily.

It wasn’t just what Roier had said, though he wished it were true. He wished everyone could somehow look past his mistakes and let him start over. He wished, most of all, that he could let himself move forward. But his demons kept dragging him back into the past.

It was also the conviction in Roier’s voice. The sincerity. He wished he could see himself through Roier’s eyes.

For a moment, he didn’t know what to do with it.

“You really think that?” he asked quietly, almost surprised by his own voice.

Roier’s expression softened, fading into something gentler. “Yeah, I do” he said without hesitation. “I mean, sure, you’re kind of an ass sometimes… well, most of the time, but you’re not a bad person, Cellbit. Not to me.”

Cellbit’s chest tightened. The certainty in Roier’s voice was almost unbearable. He wanted to argue, to list every reason why Roier was wrong, why he should keep his distance, why no one should trust him. But he couldn’t. Roier’s belief in him was unshakable, and Cellbit found himself desperately wanting to believe it too.

“You really have bad judgment” he finally muttered, attempting to sound dismissive, but his voice wavered, betraying him.

Roier chuckled, the tension breaking just slightly. “Yeah, probably. But I don’t think I’m wrong about this.”

Cellbit looked down at his hands, clenched tightly in his lap. His past lingered, always there, whispering that he was beyond redemption. Yet there Roier was, stubborn and bright, offering him something he didn’t think he deserved.

And then it struck him. The plan. The manipulation. The reason this all started in the first place, and the reason why Roier was actually sitting in front of him, at his house, in that moment. Roier was supposed to be a tool, the key to unraveling his investigation. Every smile, every glance, every quiet evening spent together… it was all supposed to be calculated. A carefully crafted lie to steer Roier in his favor. To make him trust Cellbit, to make him useful.

His breath hitched as a wave of nausea crawled up. He had always been comfortable with deception. But kindness? He wasn’t equipped for that thing. It made him feel exposed in a way that no threat ever had.

And there was also the envelope. Sealed with Roier's name on it, holding God knows what kind of information. Probably something that, once opened, would changed everything. The path they were on and the way Cellbit saw Roier. That maddening envelope tucked away under lock and key in one of his drawers, hidden where Roier would never find it. Roier didn’t know, he could never know. And yet, thanks to him, Cellbit had exactly what he needed.

He should have felt triumphant.

But instead, he felt filthy.

It wasn’t the kind of filth that clung to your skin after a crime, it was deeper than that. A shame that gnawed at his mind. And for the first time, Cellbit couldn’t rationalize it away.

He lifted his gaze, searching Roier’s face for an answer he didn’t know how to find. Roier’s eyes were warm, untouched by the schemes Cellbit had tangled himself in. How was that possible? Did the man sitting across from him have superpowers? How was it that he made Cellbit feel that way? It was ridiculous.

He wasn’t under threat. There was no confrontation, no accusation. Just two people sitting quietly on a couch in his house.

And yet Cellbit was on the brink of completely losing it.

“Are you ok?” Roier’s voice broke through, the concern in his eyes obvious now.

“Wha—” Cellbit snapped back to the present, blinking, his heart still racing. “I’m sorry. All good.”

Roier hesitated, searching Cellbit’s face for any sign that would make sense of what was happening. “You don’t… I… I felt—” He trailed off, his words uncertain as he struggled to find the right ones. “What’s wrong?”

“You felt? You felt what?” Cellbit’s confusion deepened, and in his discomfort, he deflected, shifting the focus back to Roier.

Roier eyes went wide, like he’d just stumbled onto something he wasn’t supposed to see. “I felt… you. Y-you you gave me that tickle” Roier said, his voice dropping to a near whisper, as if he were revealing something fragile. “You’re scared.”

Cellbit froze. How could Roier have felt that? And even more baffling, why would he be scared?

No. He wasn’t scared. He was never scared. Fear belonged to those too weak to control their own lives, and Cellbit had long since learned how to wrest control from chaos. He wasn’t the kind of man who let fear touch him.

But what if fear wasn’t always about survival? What if it was about facing the parts of yourself you kept hidden even from your own reflection? And Roier had that infuriating way of seeing past the walls Cellbit had so carefully built, not just the ones he put up for others, the ones he had constructed for himself.

“I’m not scared. You’re talking nonsense.” he snapped, sharper than intended. His voice trembled just slightly, betraying him. Was he mad at Roier for saying it or at himself for doubing it?

“Why do you always dodge these things?” Roier pressed. “You’re never honest about your feelings. Not with me, and specially not with yourself.” He softened just slightly. “You can tell me. I think I’ve proved by now that I don’t judge you.”

“What are you even talking about?” Cellbit shot back, frustration curling in his chest. “I said I was fine. Wasn’t this supposed to be about you and Jaiden?”

Roier’s expression hardened. “Stop making all about me! You always do that, change the subject whenever it’s about you.” He took a breath, voice quieter. “I thought the other day meant something. I thought being around you meant something.”

“Something? You’re a stranger, Roier!” Cellbit blurted, louder than he intended. Desperation in his voice, an attempt to change the course of the conversation. “You just showed up out of nowhere. I never asked you to be here. I never wanted you here!”

He barely finished speaking before the weight of what he’d just said hit him.

Roier’s expression shifted, the usual warmth in his eyes dimming into something colder, something hurt. For a moment, Cellbit thought he saw that strange red flicker in Roier’s gaze again, like embers catching light, but it disappeared too quickly to be certain.

Roier stood abruptly, his movements stiff with frustration. “Ok. If that’s what you think, it’s ok.” His voice was tight, lacking its usual lightness. He didn’t look at Cellbit as he spoke. “I should go. It’s already so fucking late and I’m exhausted. I don’t even know why I came here in the first place.”

The words hit harder than they should have.

Cellbit’s chest tightened. Roier never left like that, never walked away without some joke to smooth the edges of a rough conversation. It was the first time he seemed genuinely annoyed. No, hurt. And the first time he’d made it clear he wanted to leave.

“Wai—” Cellbit’s voice caught in his throat, he didn’t know what to say. He wanted to explain himself, but the words refused to come.

And Roier didn’t wait. He moved toward the door without a glance back.

Panic? Panic flickered through Cellbit. Another feeling he wasn’t used to handling. He’d pushed people away before; that was nothing new. But that felt different. That was Roier. It felt wrong, like something was entirely wrong, like he had made a big mistake.

“Fuck” he hissed under his breath, the sound harsh as the front door shut behind Roier. The echo lingered. “I deserve that.” he muttered bitterly, frustration bubbling inside him. And for the first time in a long while, he didn’t know what do next.

Chapter Text

Present day

Rain pounded against his body as Roier made his way back home. It was really stupid staying so late at Cellbit’s place, what was he thinking? Even if he tried (and he so tried) to make him open up, there are just times when if someone doesn’t want help, no matter how willing you are to give it, it simply won’t work out.

What did he gain from it anyway? Nothing. He was exhausted, now soaking wet, and to make it worse, pissed off at how that conversation had ended.

He couldn’t really blame Cellbit. He knew better than anyone that people deal with their trauma in their own ways, and trust is something so delicate it can’t just be handed over easily. But at the same time… the little glimpses he had seen of Cellbit, the rare truths that slipped past his guarded words, made Roier sure he was someone worth fighting for.

He walked towards his house, realizing it was farther than he’d remembered. It hit him then just how far away Cellbit had chosen to live from everyone else. Maybe before, when he left Cellbit’s place feeling excited for the next day, he hadn’t noticed the distance. But now… now it felt endless.

And maybe that was what hurt the most, realizing he’d been living in an illusion where he believed he was starting to feel welcomed, where he thought he was accepted. Only to be met with cold indifference in the end.

It was okay if Cellbit didn’t trust him yet. Roier could handle that. He could fight for that. But what he hated was the way Cellbit always flipped the conversation the moment it got too real or too deep, or too honest. The moment Roier asked something important, Cellbit would turn it back on him, dissecting his thoughts and feelings like he was just an experiment on a lab table. Just another subject to analyze, to poke and prod at without ever sharing anything back.

The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

And then there were times when it felt like Cellbit was simply playing with him. Every time Roier asked a question, Cellbit would only give him pieces he’d already shared before. Recycled answers, carefully crafted, like Roier wouldn’t notice. Like he was just a fool chasing after something that had never been real in the first place.

The rain fell cold and heavy, and the wind blew with a force that would’ve knocked anyone else over. But Roier barely felt it. His whole body burned from the inside out, every nerve alight with something between anger and heartbreak. He didn’t even know if he was more furious with Cellbit or with himself.

His fists were clenched so tight his hands hurt, nails digging into his palms until it felt like they might bleed. But he didn’t notice, or care. He just kept walking, trying to forget what Cellbit had said. Trying to pretend it didn’t hurt.

He didn’t want to go home like that. He could already see Jaiden’s worried face, hear her questions. She would probably think Cellbit had proved her right. But it was just a fight, wasn’t it? Maybe he could fix it somehow. Maybe if they talked… though Cellbit never really talked about anything real. Still, a fight didn’t erase everything, right?

Suddenly, his eyes started to burn. His vision darkened at the edges, everything turning a deep, furious red. It spread so quickly that panic clawed at his chest. He could see and feel everything at once: the rain falling down, the trees shaking in the wind, animals scrambling to hide. It was too much. Too loud, too bright, too everything.

“Not again…” he whispered, his voice shaking, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

His senses exploded all at once, crashing into him all at once loud and suffocating. Even from a distance, he could feel the warm glow of the fireplace back home, where Jaiden was probably curled up beside it, waiting for him.

He gasped as black shapes like spiderwebs of darkness began to creep across his sight, cutting off what little he could still see.

“Please sto—op” he breathed out, grabbing his head as if he could tear the feeling out by force. “I can’t— I can’t go back home like this.”

His legs moved on instinct, faster than he could think, dodging off the main path and into the shadows. Through the rain and wind, half-blind and trembling, he finally reached his shop. He practically dove inside the Taquería, yanking the door shut behind him and collapsing onto the floor.

He trapped himself there, away from the world, away from Jaiden, away from Cellbit. Away from everything that felt too big, too loud, too much for a single terrified body to hold.

On the floor, curled up in a tight ball, Roier held his knees close to his chest, trying to calm down.

“It’s okay… this has happened before” he whispered to himself. “You just need to calm down”

He tried to control his breathing, counting each inhale and exhale until his heart slowed down, just a little. Slowly, he pushed himself up from the floor and walked towards the kitchen area of the taquería.

He opened one of the cabinet doors to grab a glass and pour himself some water. But the moment he pulled it open, he felt an unnatural strength surge through him and with barely any effort, he tore the entire cabinet door off its hinges.

He stood there, frozen, staring at the door in his hands. Trying to understand what had just happened.

Then his hands started trembling. He let go of the door, and it crashed loudly onto the floor. The sound made him flinch back in fear, as if stepping away could somehow distance him from his own unfamiliar body.

Breathe, just breathe.

“It’s okay… I can fix that tomorrow” he told himself shakily, forcing the words to sound steady. Very carefully this time, with fingers that still felt too strong and too wrong, he reached for a glass on the open shelf and filled it with water, trying not to think about anything at all.

As he calmed himself, Roier walked over to the far corner of the kitchen, right next to the fridge. It was a cramped little space where he usually kept brooms and cleaning stuff. He moved them aside, revealing a loose wooden plank in the floor. Carefully, he pried it up, exposing a small hidden compartment beneath.

From inside he pulled out a battered notebook, his diary.

Sitting down on the cold floor again, he flipped it open to the last page and began to write, his hand still shaking slightly:

This is the fifth time this has happened.
Last two were… too close together.

They are not like the other times anymore, the other ones were just isolated events throughout the years we’ve been here.

I’m worried this is getting worse.

I still don’t know how this happens, or how to control it.

He paused, staring at the ink smudging under his trembling fingers.

Didn’t have the courage to tell Jaiden yet.

Thought about it many times.

I’m scared she would be afraid of me.

I’m afraid of me.

At the bottom of the page, he scribbled a quick list, messy and rushed:

• vision turns red blackout spots in eyes
• breathing heavy
• senses too strong
• feels like burning
• hands… too strong

As he was closing the diary, ready to hide it back in its secret spot, a few loose sheets slipped out and fluttered to the floor. Roier’s breath caught as he watched them fall. They landed in a mess around him.

Carefully, he picked them up one by one. The papers were old and creased with the edges broken. Despite their condition, Roier had taken great care to keep them as intact as possible since the day he found them.

He started to tuck them back between the pages of his diary, but his eyes caught on the handwriting. Unfamiliar. Sharp.

He hesitated, but he couldn’t help but read through them again, even though he already knew them by heart by then:

Been assigned to kid 0037.

They keep telling us to call them “subjects” can’t even know their names.

Doesn’t sit right with me, neither does the politics of the organization.

He’s a sweet little nugget.

They told me he doesn’t give much trouble since he’s not aggressive, rarely disobedient.

Just be careful,  he can be a little hyperactive and rebellious.

Still don’t know what they’re testing him for.

Roier swallowed hard already knowing how it continued, but read another entry anyway 

Still don’t know his name.

I’m afraid I’ve adopted “Nugget” to write about him here.

It fits his vibe, and honestly, I find it quite adorable.

The kid really isn’t a problem at all.

I’ve come to find he has extremely particular abilities. It’s amazing.

High speed, climbing skills, a great set of senses too.

Today we were practicing in the gym and he dodged every single ball I threw at him.

He’s still scared of me (can’t blame him, they make us wear these horrifying white suits) but he’s so funny and great.

Wish I could tell him that. We cannot express any kind of emotion.

He took a shaky breath and grabbed the next sheet.

Today was the first time Nugget broke a rule.

I lost sight of him for two seconds and he escaped the grounds.

I found him fast and had to shout at him. Felt terrible.

This could have ended so badly for both of us.

I feel bad about this whole situation.

If we were in different circumstances…

Now I wonder what would have happened if I just let him run free, told everyone he disappeared.

Starting to feel like the wildest world outside that place is actually safer for him than inside.

He felt his throat close up. His eyes burned again. Why were you there? Who kept you there?

With trembling fingers, he reached for another entry. He didn’t want to read it, but his eyes couldn’t look away either.

Nugget has attacked me. It was part of a testing. It was wild, wasn’t expecting that.

Luckily I wasn’t that hurt as I was previously advised this could happen, and actually, they wanted it to happen.

They’re pushing too hard, want to make a weapon out of a poor kid.

I still think about him crying and telling me he’s so sorry, that he didn’t mean it.

I wish he knew this is not his fault at all, wish I could hug him and tell him that everything will be okay.

But I don’t know if that’s even true.

The Federation keeps testing and experimenting on so many people and I still don’t know their purpose, just the outcome, and I don’t know how many of these “subjects” will actually make it to the end…

what’s the end?

Roier stopped reading. He could feel his breathing starting to go shallow again, panic rising in his throat. He couldn’t afford another attack.

He closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe slowly, to focus on the feeling of the floor under him, the cold air on his skin.

“Who are you…?” he whispered, his voice small as he tucked the diary and papers back into their place. He tried to put a face to the words, imagining the little kid, tiny and helpless. “What have they done to you? Why… why to a kid?”

He thought of himself and his own attacks, how he couldn’t even handle them, how they left him shaking and terrified. He couldn’t even imagine what it would be like for a kid. The thought made him feel dizzy.

Ever since these episodes started, he’d felt there was something wrong with him. Like he was some kind of monster trapped in a human body. And everything had begun the moment he stepped onto that island.

Many times, he wondered if it was all just his mind’s way of punishing him. Punishing him for deciding to leave his old life behind, for choosing to forget everything. Like each one was fate’s reminder that he didn’t deserve to start over. That forgetting who you were came with a cost.

But everything changed one day. One day he went out to gather ingredients for his recipes. He stumbled across a small abandoned building, almost falling apart hidden in the trees. Inside, buried under old rotting wood, he found a diary.

The diary was almost destroyed by time and water damage. Most pages were unreadable, words bleeding into each other and whole sections eaten away. But among the chaos, there were entries. Fragments, written by someone who seemed to work for the Federation. Someone who had been assigned to watch over a little boy.

There wasn’t much about the child. It was like his entire existence was confined to the few lines that person had bothered to write down. The entries didn’t even connect to each other properly, it was more like the writer had used the diary as a way to pass the time, scribbling random thoughts instead of keeping an actual report. And then, suddenly, the entries just stopped. There was no ending, no explanation of what happened to the writer or the boy.

But even those few words were enough to reach deep into Roier’s chest and squeeze tight. He could only imagine what that kid went through. His own episodes were terrifying enough, but this boy… he hadn’t just suffered them; he’d been controlled, locked away, forced to live under the Federation’s eyes.

It hurt Roier so deeply that he couldn’t leave those words there to rot. He tore the pages out carefully and kept them with him, deciding then and there that he would be the boy’s guardian. That he would remember him, keep what little was left of him safe. Because someone had to. Someone had to carry his memory, even if nobody else knew who he was.

From that day on, Roier started questioning everything about the Federation. Their actions, their silence, their rules. He paid closer attention. Because now, he wasn’t just fighting for himself. He was carrying a piece of someone else too.

The thing was… the Federation was nothing like what those diary pages described.

There were no signs of creepy experiments, no secret compounds where they pumped people full of fear chemicals, no guards with weapons walking around. Nobody, at least as far as he knew, lived scared or trapped. The workers always seemed cheerful enough, greeting him with polite smiles. And the islanders… they just saw the Federation as an organization that was overly aware and caring about its inhabitants, always keeping an eye out for their safety.

He had even tried to push their limits a few times. Causing little bits of trouble here and there, stealing supplies from their storage rooms, destroying equipment he knew they’d need later, just to see if he could break that perfect mask they wore. Just to make them snap and show who they really were underneath.

But it never worked.

At most, they gave him a warning. Sometimes a fine to pay off. The worst “punishment” he’d ever gotten was now being officially assigned the job of delivery boy. That was it. No violence. No threats. No torture chambers or underground labs.

Nothing terrible.

It almost made him feel crazy, like he was clinging to an idea that wasn’t real. Like he was seeing ghosts in shadows that weren’t even there.

He had even tried to convince Jaiden that something was wrong with the Federation. That there was more happening behind the scenes, that they weren’t as perfect and caring as everyone thought. But he never could.

Almost every time he brought it up, it felt like everything he doubted, she defended. Like she had an answer for every question, an excuse for every strange thing he noticed. So… who would believe him if even his closest person wouldn’t?

Show her the diary, maybe? The little crumpled pages with broken entries and half-burned words? Who would believe him with that as proof?

In his most desperate moments, he had even thought about showing her one of his… episodes. When everything came crashing down and he felt like his own body wasn’t under his control anymore. When he felt like something else entirely. Maybe then she would see it wasn’t normal. Maybe then she would believe something was wrong with him, with that place.

But every time he thought about it seriously, terror filled him.

What if she got scared of him? What if she ran away and never came back? Or worse… what if he really couldn’t control himself next time? He barely knew how to keep it together as it was.

So he hid it all away. The diary, the thoughts, the truth, the fear. All of it locked tight inside him.

The rain had finally stopped, and the first hints of light were beginning to glow on the horizon. Roier was ready to go home, to at least try to sleep a little before the day truly began.

He fixed his wet clothes. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to look just a little more like himself again. Then, taking a deep breath, he started walking back to the house.

As soon as he opened the door, he put on his best smile. Everything was fine. It was going to be fine. It had to be.

Inside, the house was dark, the fireplace almost out. From the couch, hidden under a mountain of blankets, Jaiden jumped up the moment she heard the door. She threw off the covers and ran towards him, her eyes wide with relief.

“Where the hell were you?” Jaiden snapped the moment Roier stepped inside. She punched him lightly on the arm. “You’re soaked! Did you even see how much it rained?”

“I know…” Roier said quietly, brushing past her to take off his wet shoes. Water dripped onto the floor. “I know, Jaiden.”

She crossed her arms, glaring at him. “I know I said I’d give Cellbit a chance” she said “but you’re not helping when you disappear every time you’re with him!”

Roier didn’t look up. His hair fell into his eyes, wet and sticking to his bandana. He just kept untying his shoelaces slowly, almost too calmly. “I didn’t disappear. I just… stayed too long.”

“That is disappearing, Roier” Jaiden said, her voice softening despite herself. “I was worried. Also, if you stayed too long, couldn’t you just stay a little longer until the rain stopped? If that man didn’t offer you to stay, I swear I’m gonna ki—”

She turned on her heel and stomped towards the door, eyes blazing with anger.

Roier laughed at her indignation and dramatic steps, quickly running after her. He scooped her up off the floor just as she grabbed the doorknob, lifting her into the air and pulling her back inside.

“He did!!” Roier laughed, setting her back down. “He actually did. He was the one who invited me over.”

“Then you’re the idiot here!” Jaiden shouted, her eyes widening as she looked at the puddle forming under Roier’s feet. “If you wake up sick tomorrow… don’t even think about complaining! Every single sneeze will be your own fault.”

Roier pulled her into a hug, feeling her frame melt into his arms. It was obvious she hadn’t slept all night either. Because of him.

“I’m still gonna bother you to pass me tissues, you know?” he said softly against her hair, smiling.

“I hate you” Jaiden muttered into his chest, though her quiet laugh gave her away.

Jaiden finally said she was going to sleep, her eyes half-closing as she stumbled off towards her room. And after drying himself off and changing into warm clothes, Roier did the same.

He stepped into his bedroom, still laughing softly to himself about Jaiden. Somehow, it was funny how much she claimed to hate Cellbit. If she knew we had actually fought tonight…

He let out a quiet sigh as he sat on the edge of his bed. In a perfect world, they would get along. Jaiden and Cellbit. They were so similar in ways neither of them would ever admit. Both smart, serious on the outside, but once you got to know them, they were funny. Pretty sarcastic, but easy to trust.

Trust.

He thought about Cellbit.

He really wanted to trust him. More than anything, he wished Cellbit could trust him too.

Since the day Cellbit had arrived on the island, something had sparked inside of Roier. It was the first time he saw someone stand up to the Federation, doubt them so openly, so fiercely. Everyone else just… accepted things. Or pretended to. But Cellbit didn’t care about pretending.

And Roier admired that.

Because he, too, had so many doubts. So many fears about what the Federation truly was. But he had never dared to stand against them like Cellbit did. He hid his doubts, buried them under jokes, under errands, under being the helpful, harmless boy.

But Cellbit, he didn’t bury anything. He dug it up, showed it to the world, forced everyone to look at him.

And that terrified Roier, but it also made him feel less alone.

Maybe he was desperate. But he needed it. A thread, a speck, anything, just something that showed there was trust between them. That he could talk about everything without feeling guilty. That there was enough trust for him to finally say it all, to let go of everything he had been holding inside for so long.

And maybe that was foolish. But if there was something he had learned about himself, it was that he never lost faith.

He closed his eyes with that thought, sinking into the softness of his bed, exhaustion finally winning over his mind. Without even noticing, he fell into a deep sleep.

So deep that a few hours passed by without him even realising it. So deep that he didn’t notice someone was watching him until a hand touched his shoulder.

His eyes snapped open. Instinct took over before thought could catch up. He grabbed the hand, twisting it with force, and threw the figure to the floor. In a blink he was on top of them, pinning them down, his breath ragged, his heart pounding so hard it hurt.

“Roier— it’s me!” a voice choked out, breaking through the haze in his mind.

His vision cleared, and he finally saw Cellbit’s face just inches from his own, eyes wide with shock and something else Roier couldn’t place.

“Cellbit?!” Roier breathed out, his voice hoarse, releasing his grip immediately, though his knees stayed pressed to either side of Cellbit’s hips. His hands hovered uselessly above Cellbit’s chest. “Wha— what are you doing here?”

“I…” Cellbit’s voice trembled, small and broken in a way Roier had never heard before. “I came to apologize”