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Three more reports to go, then he’ll finally stop for the night and get some rest.
The sound of a keyboard’s keys clicking non-stop in an office filled with military tech, maps of various locations all across Jinzhou, a bed, a small cabinet that contains medical supplies, four office chairs and a metallic desk which serves as a hologram projection that can link to a Terminal on its flat surface. A very convenient military base of operations all cramped into one fit for a general.
Fast and steady, Jiyan’s glove-covered fingers hit every key with astounding precision. His focus remains sharp on the screen in front of him, determine to complete the reports before dawn.
For the General of the Midnight Rangers, it is a common thing among the troops to burn the midnight oil every so often. They would take turns switching their shifts; two weeks till they switch again. The routine basically remains unchanged since the rise of Jinzhou’s first army.
Now, just five minutes until the digital numbers turn three in the early hours of morning, Jiyan still presses on, fighting the fatigue that’s been slowly taking away his-
Speaking of which, Jiyan quickly covers his wide-open mouth on reflex as he yawns. His left hand pauses just an inch above his keyboard as tears begin to form from behind his red-painted eyelids. He sighs in defeat, eyebrows frowning, his right hand without the gauntlet hours before he starts typing the reports, raises towards his line of sight, he then turns to the back of his hand to wipe away the tears and exhaustion. Thank the Sentinel for simple steps to unstrap the gold claw gauntlet! Otherwise, he would have claw his eyes out by accident!
Truth be told, Jinzhou isn’t facing any unusual TD outbreaks or abnormal frequency fluctuations for some time since Rover left the city more than a year ago. Aside from dealing with troublesome Exiles, wandering Tacet Discords that got too close to Jinzhou’s city, or escorting foreign ministers back to their homeland after a successful negotiation became part of the Midnight Rangers’ mundane schedule.
Thinking about all that, Jiyan can’t help but quietly closes his gold draconic eyes as a headache is starting to make its way into his head. He uses thumb and forefinger to pinch the bridge of his nose in hopes of being able to soothe his incoming nuisance. Breathe in. Breathe out. Repeat.
Jiyan repeats it in his mind as he steadies his breath, eyes shut, determine to get the rest of the reports settle before they could see the sun’s first rays of light.
He’s about to sacrifice what little resting time he has until… *Beep! Beep!* The beeping from his Pangu Terminal notifies him a new notification.
After that, Jiyan finally raises his head and opens his eyes; his right hand reaches straight for his Terminal, unaware of who the sender is until his gold, slitted eyes caught sight of ‘Rover’.
Eyes wide at the rarely seen name, Jiyan is now fully alert. The exhaustion he felt before evaporated as soon as he saw the name of Jinzhou’s Savior. Excited as an enthusiastic kid, Jiyan quickly taps Rover’s rare message and begins to read.
Hey, General Jiyan! Long time no see! Hope you and your troops are doing well this past year! A lot has happened after I left Jinzhou, I came across the Black Shores archipelago when I ran into a few Bloom Bearers who were already dead by the time I’d reached the sight. Through Camellya’s Terminal, I was able to enter the headquarters and meet the rest of the Bloom Bearers, old and new! But as expected, that ended up as a part of a rescue mission trying to save Shorekeeper and taking down the Thetys System (the Black Shore’s main computer).
Shortly after, it was time for me to embark on a journey to the Land Of Echoes. You won’t believe the scenery of Rinascita can take your breath away! Echoes living side by side with humans as companions! And the fierce battles between Gladiators and Echoes alike at the great coliseum of Septimont were formidable. Unfortunately, I always got roped into these things… I don’t know whether I’m a magnet for trouble, or trouble usually loves to find me wherever I go. That said, Rinascita had its own Threnodian problem before we managed to seal Leviathan with the help of my friends who gave their all to protect their home and the ones they care deeply about.
But while we were sealing Leviathan, they called out Abby’s real name. ABRAXAS. Does that name ring any bell to you? They asked him why he betrayed them but Abby was really tight-lipped about it, so we didn’t press him for more. All in due time, I guess.
Next, we were teleported into a Sonoro Sphere where time looped itself, we stumbled upon a city called Honami. But thanks to a friend called Chisa, she has the ability to cut through loops with a scissor-like weapon of hers. The world inside the Sonoro was extremely unstable, but luckily, we managed to stabilised it and everything return to normal. The Bloom Bearers are keeping an eye on it in case anything strange causes unusual Reverberations. *P.S. > I really recommend Shashou Café! The food and drinks there are amazing! The place is filled with adorable creatures called Namipon which look like Capybaras that can fly without wings. They’re basically the Mascots of Honami City. Really helpful too!*
And all that lead me to Lahai-Roi, the deep underground of Solaris-3 where the Exostrider slumbers. Hard to believe there were people dedicated their lives building their dreams at Startorch Academy located beneath the earth! My journey into Lahai-Roi was… Too much to comprehend. I’d met allies, old and new. Some were heart-warming, while others…… Well, you can say it hit too close to home to let the wound heal. That incident definitely left a scar on me… A reminder of my failure to save the person who matters most to me.
But enough about me, I wrote you this letter not only as a greeting but also as an invitation to a party called ‘The Forever Fest’. It’s a Sonoro Sphere we’ve discovered yesterday and I have to say, the place is giving off holiday vibes! A huge mansion all to ourselves! Plus, the Remnants and some Echoes that still linger there help add up the mood! Friends from Huanglong, Rinascita, Septimont, and Startorch Academy are going to be there! To my surprise, Jinshi said yes to my invite too! Has Jinzhou tech managed to rise on a whole other level where a person doesn’t need to leave Jinzhou to attend festivities all across Solaris? I’m really impress! Now I’m intrigued on how this tech works.
But more importantly, if you have any questions, go to Lollo Logistics, and ask for Lumi. She’ll handle the rest for you and helps you gain access into Mr. Geisel’s Sonoro Sphere. It’s been so long since we meet! Let’s catch up and I can’t wait to see you again next weekend!
Sincerely Yours,
ROVER
A few moment pasts by until Jiyan finally moves to reply Rover’s message.
He was stunned. Couldn’t believe what Rover sent was a long letter disguised itself as an invitation to a party inside a Sonoro Sphere!
The General types out his greetings, a few thoughtful, kind-hearted reminders to stay safe no matter where Rover currently is. Hmm… Should he type out he misses him too to conclude the message? Jiyan doesn’t want to sound too corny or Sentinel forbids… Pining like a lovesick teenager!
Jiyan shakes his head at the ridiculous thought, scoffs at how utterly pathetic he will be if he sends THAT to Rover!
So, after much debate against his own logic and sanity on what not to send, Jiyan reads his reply several times more than ten times until he deems it suitable to send to the receiver.
A few minutes passes by, the teal-haired man suddenly shoves his face into his hands and groans. His ears flaming red from embarrassment; his mind conjures up endless possibilities on how to end his miserable life right then and there if Solaris-3 or the Tacet Discords don’t end him first. Either way, he is fine to both!
What comes next however, startles Jiyan so bad he almost fell from his chair! An incoming call from said Receiver! It takes a while for the young General to gather himself because never in his life would Rover just call him one day. Apparently, that ‘one day’ happens to be now.
Jiyan swallows and gathers what courage he has left to raise his trembling right hand, swiping right to receive the call from his crush; love interest; friend.
“Hey, Jiyan! It’s been a while! You haven’t gone to bed yet?”
O’ Mighty Sentinel Jué! How long has it been since he had heard Rover’s voice again? Time seems to stop for both of them. In this moment, Rover’s voice echoes throughout his office via his Terminal’s digital transmitter. MEANING: the sounds coming from Jiyan’s Terminal are made from electrical signals by converting them into vibrations.
So, NO.
It’s not Rover’s authentic voice reverberates around his office but he will take what he can get. Beggars can’t be choosers!
“I’m afraid so. There are some reports I have to send before daybreak. I need to get them done before I can rest.”
“You mean… Oh! My bad! I’m so sorry for interrupting your work!”
“No, no! It’s alright, Rover! Your call is a perfect distraction right now.” Realising what he said, eyes wide, Jiyan quickly regains his composure and adds, “Ahem! What I meant to say was I will gladly answer your call whenever I’m able to.” Good Sentinel above! His heart beats unusually fast right now! Never in his life did he feel so anxious! Not even passing his medic exams, the military regime, nor when Sentinel Jué appointed him as the new General of the Midnight Rangers.
Jiyan keeps fiddling with his ring on his left hand when he is nervous, but never this bad. His mother always encourages him to interact with strangers more to boost his confidence in social interaction. An introvert like him tends to run away when things go south and the tense atmosphere did not help one bit. Extremely timid; not the first one to say hi during conversations; the first one who hides in a corner whenever he feels uncomfortable when people stare at him for too long.
On top of that, he is a Mutant Resonator born with dragon-like features such as his teal scales formed under the left side of his chin. His golden slit eyes that can make anyone cower in fear whether he glares at the individual on purpose or not. And the most mysterious thing of all, are the fangs that sometimes elongated when he was in rage. He could feel them forming; turning his teeth into a predator’s.
Jiyan is a loner because of his Resonance Abilities. People tend to avoid him because he looks scary and intimidating. But to all those who knew him personally, he is a kind, gentle soul who wants to help others. By doing so, he strived on the path of doctors; his parents were his greatest confidants who supported him throughout his journey in the medical field. But due to unfortunate circumstances, he lost his father during a TD outbreak. Afterwards, his mother took up the mantle as Head of Jinzhou’s Medical Centre, and Jiyan, a young combat medic only at the age of fifteen, who was ready to provide support and medical aid for the soldiers in the front lines because he felt it was his responsibility as a citizen of Jinzhou to serve and protect his city.
Jiyan just straight out spills them all to Rover. The first person aside from his parents to know about his personal life, his worries, his weakness, his well-kept secrets.
“Jiyan, that’s… A lot to take in, to be honest. If you didn’t tell me you’re actually an introvert, I would’ve thought you were born to be a social leader. But that makes me admire you even more.”
Admire him even more…?
Jiyan’s eyes widened in surprise as he can feel a blush forming on his cheeks. He can feel his face heating up! His heart beats at a faster pace. To hear his object of affection to say them out loud feels so surreal.
It’s what Rover says next makes Jiyan loses his hold on his cracked walls.
“It must have been hard for you to keep all of this to yourself, huh? But I want you to know that I’ll always be by your side whenever you need me, Jiyan. You’re not alone in this.”
It has been a long time since he shed a tear, let alone cried for someone who was close to him that was not blood related. When he’d lost his teammates to a TD outbreak, the best he could do was mourn them with a heavy heart and pay his respects to them at Knell Square after the battle was over. His emotions were hardened and cold after he was promoted to become the new General after Geshu Lin’s demise not because he didn’t want to feel vulnerable, but because he felt the weight of his position to be a responsible leader and protector slowly suffocates him under the people’s expectations of him as heavy shackles.
His tears had long dried up. He chose to take the lead to secure Jinzhou its victory. Sentinel Jué later secure his position by declaring Jiyan as the new General of the Midnight Rangers by presenting Them his beloved Qinloong spear.
His troops look up to him for orders and guidance; the citizens of Jinzhou count on him to defend their city from any outside threats; the higher-ups have great expectations of him to be a better General than the previous one. His nightmares that haunt him constantly didn’t get any better over the years. The phantoms from the past have him at a chokehold to remind him of his guilt, faults and helplessness.
Warm droplets drip down onto Jiyan’s desk. A sob breaks out, follow by a whimpering from the shaking teal-haired man who in his twenty-seven years of life never experienced something so emotional aside from his father’s passing.
There is something about Rover whom he feels safe to reveal all his weaknesses to whom is unlike any other in Solaris-3. The Savior of Jinzhou isn’t someone perfect, and yet, Jiyan can feel his sincerity wanting to help those in need.
For once in his life, he can finally breathe. The tight chains shackling him feels like they’ve been decimated by the stranger who has no memories about civilisations built by him with the Sentinels ten thousand years ago who is now just a wanderer trying his best to find answers about his past while helping out people with random tasks.
Speaking of tasks… Oh shit! It’s three thirty in the early morning!
Realising how long they’ve been talking, Jiyan quickly wipes away his tears using the back of his hands and regains composure, feeling grateful for Rover for keeping quiet during his breakdown. Otherwise, he would’ve cried more or Sentinel forbids… Saying something he will regret!
Jiyan clears his throat, saying, “Rover, thank you for calling me. I… This means a lot to me. Truly.”
His voice is a little shaky, but steady enough to hear every word. Embarrassed more than nervous, the Aero Resonator tries to end their conversation by confessing his true feelings to the world’s former Lord Arbiter, but alas, his words got stuck in his throat no matter how much he wants Rover to know. At last, it seems Cowardice has won yet again……
“I-I… Apologize. I’m not… Ready to say it to you now.” Jiyan stutters, cheeks red, head hung low in a timid way as his body curls up to look as small as possible. His breath hitched as soon as he hears Rover chuckles, so filled with warmth it makes the General’s heart beat unusually fast. If this what LOVE feels like, Jiyan is certainly having a difficult time processing all these complicated emotions filling his mind into a chaotic whirlpool of embarrassment!
“It’s getting late! We should stop for now. I will see you soon at “The Forever Fest”, General Jiyan. Sweet dreams, MY DEARLY BELOVED.”
He whipped his head to look at his Terminal so fast he could hear a crack in his neck! Wait, WHAA-????????!!!!!!!!!!!
To his extreme disappointment, Rover had already ended the call.
A minute passed by, Jiyan still sits in his chair too stunned to move. His wide draconic eyes looking at nothing in particular, his heart had almost gone haywire, and he tries to steady his erratic breathing while both of his hands clutch tightly in front of his chest. But the most important thing of all, was the fact that Rover called him his DEARLY BELOVED!!!
If that wasn’t a love confession, then Jiyan doesn’t know what is!
The irony of his situation is that Jiyan, the General of the Midnight Rangers, the wielder of Qinloong, a powerful Resonator, soldier and protector of Jinzhou being reduced to a blushing, bumbling, lovesick fool by none other than the Lord Arbiter himself!
Plus, to make matters worse, there are three reports remain for him to write, check and sign. And what time is it again? Four o’clock in the early morning?
Jiyan can do nothing but sighs. Resting his head on his arms against his desk, contemplating whether he finishes the reports after a quick shut-eye or presses on to complete all the paperwork available before taking a long nap until noon.
Nevermind. He will ask Squad Leader Liu Bei to write the reports in his stead. Afterall, he was one of the soldiers who accompanied him to patrol the northern borders of Jinzhou. Squad Leader Unit-08 Liu Bei it is.
Finally! Jiyan stands up and drags his tired body to his bed. Once he hits the bed, it doesn’t take much of an effort to drift off to sleep. Too tired to drag his blanket to cover his body; too drain to think of tomorrow’s plans and schedules for an upcoming recruitment program.
For now, Jiyan savours his rest without the nightmares plaguing his dream. The first in a long time, the Teal Dragon slumbers on in peace. Unaware the Arbiter teleports himself from afar to the nearest Resonance Nexus, the closest to the Midnight Rangers’ main base of operations. He greets the nightshift soldiers briefly as he passes them by, and quietly makes his way into the General’s private office.
A black gloved hand slowly stretches out, gently runs through soft-teal hair which spreads across the bed and falls to the bedside like a waterfall.
Rover can’t help himself as he plants a soft kiss on Jiyan’s forehead while admiring his Dragon’s handsome face, at the same time his right hand lovingly caresses his face. It didn’t wake him, but it does make Jiyan tilts his head a little to where Rover is and hums softly under his breath, trying to chase the soothing sensation even in his dream. It reminds him of a cat rubbing its furry body against a person’s legs.
It seems like Jiyan has an adorable side nobody knows about!
With that thought in mind, Rover tends to keep that secret to himself.
As Aemeath once said to him back at their cabin in the Roya Frostlands, he bends down and whispers into Jiyan’s ear, “Rest and sleep well. You deserve a little peace. I promise I will be here when you wake up.”