Archer jolted awake, the crunch of leaves beneath him grounding his disoriented senses. He found himself on a makeshift campsite, the night air cool against his skin. "Hina?" he called, his voice rough with lingering unease.
"I'm right here," Hina replied, her tone soft but steady. She sat beside him, her silhouette framed by the campfire's warm glow, her gaze lost in the stars twinkling above.
"Why are we out here?" Archer asked, propping himself up, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"You passed out," Hina said, turning to meet his eyes. "I thought something was wrong, but you were just asleep. I carried you to a spot where we could camp for the night." Her voice held a quiet concern, tempered by relief.
"Oh, yeah… the Joker wanted to talk," Archer muttered, rubbing his temple as fragmented memories stirred.
"The Joker?" Hina's curiosity sparked, her eyes brightening. "Did he tell you what happened at V.I.P.E.R.?"
"Not everything," Archer said, scratching his head, his voice heavy with the weight of recollection. "But I'm starting to remember the rest now."
Hina leaned closer, her excitement barely contained. "So, what did he say?"
Archer's gaze drifted to the stars, a distant ache settling in his chest. "My mom's… alive," he said, the words fragile, as if speaking them might shatter the hope they carried.
Hina's face lit up, her smile radiant. "Really? That's amazing, Archer!" Her joy faltered slightly as she noticed his troubled expression. "But what about the mission?"
"She's our only hope for info on the Prophecy," Archer said, his voice trailing off. "But I'm just… thinking."
"What's on your mind?" Hina asked, her tone gentle, catching the confusion clouding his face.
"How?" Archer's voice cracked, frustration seeping through. "I saw our street wiped out. Completely gone." His hands clenched, the memory of that devastation burning behind his eyes.
"Hmm," Hina mused, her gaze softening. "Maybe she wasn't there when it happened."
"That's what confuses me more," Archer said, his voice low, almost a whisper. "She was always there. And what about Dad? I've got so many questions, but…" He looked down, his shoulders sagging under an invisible weight. "I don't think I can face her."
"Why not?" Hina pressed, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern."It's been years," Archer said, his words heavy with guilt. "She probably thinks I'm dead. What if V.I.P.E.R. captured her, told her the truth about me, and she's scared of what I am? I don't want to shock her—or put her in more danger." His voice trembled, the fear of rejection cutting deeper than any blade.
Hina's eyes narrowed, her cheeks puffing out in playful indignation. "You know your problem, Archer? You underestimate people way too much."
"I don't underestimate anyone," Archer shot back, his tone defensive but brittle.
"Oh, yes, you do," Hina said, her voice firm but warm. "You think she's not strong enough to handle herself?"
"No," Archer said, his eyes softening, a rare warmth flickering in them. "I know she's strong—stronger than I'll ever be. Probably the toughest non-Soul Energy wielder I've ever known." His voice grew quiet, a tender pride mingling with sorrow as memories of Rachael flooded back.
"Then she must be incredible," Hina said, her smile returning as she glanced back at the stars, her voice filled with admiration.
"Speaking of strong non-Soul Energy wielders," Archer said, his tone shifting, a hesitant curiosity in his eyes. "Hina… I met your twin sister, Celine."
Hina's eyes widened, a gasp escaping her lips. "You met who?" Her voice trembled with disbelief, hope sparking in her chest.
"Your twin sister," Archer said, caught off guard by her reaction. "At least, that's what she told—"
His words were drowned out by Hina's squeals of joy. "I knew she was okay! I knew it, I knew it!" she cried, leaping to her feet, her laughter echoing through the campsite as she danced around the fire, her happiness infectious.
Archer blinked, utterly bewildered. "Am I missing something?"
Hina paused, her grin wide and radiant. "Only Zero knows this, but we're not twins—we're triplets. The three of us were separated after an attack when I was a kid. I don't know if my sisters have found each other, but knowing Celine's alive…" Her voice softened, tears of relief glistening in her eyes. "It means everything."
"Triplets?" Archer said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I wonder who the third one is."
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Meanwhile, at V.I.P.E.R. headquarters, Takumi stood tall, newly sworn in as Commander of the Elite Division. Yet, whispers of Commander Toma's assassination lingered, unanswered questions casting shadows over his rise. Itsuki, still recovering from his battle with Hayate weeks prior, remained confined in a vault on orders from government higher-ups, ensuring he couldn't disrupt Takumi's command.
Takumi approached the vault's heavy door, his voice laced with mock concern. "Itsuki, still here? I hope you haven't lost your fire to challenge me." His words dripped with provocation, a smirk playing on his lips.
Silence answered him, Itsuki's broken form lying motionless within, his spirit seemingly crushed.
"Hmm, still giving me the cold shoulder?" Takumi said, undeterred. "I'm working on your release, you know. Bet you're tired of this place." He paused, waiting for a response that never came.
"It's like talking to a brick wall," Takumi muttered, his tone shifting to feigned sincerity. "Don't worry, I'm always ready for your challenge when you are." He turned to leave, then stopped.
"Oh, Itsuki, thought you'd want to know—we've arrested three suspects for Toma's assassination. Two forensic analysts close to him that day, and the third… Haru, his personal assistant. I'm not heartless enough to ignore a friend's death, so I'll keep you updated." His voice carried a chilling edge as he walked away.
"Haru…" Itsuki whispered, his voice a faint, icy thread of rage. His fist clenched, the sound of his knuckles cracking echoing in the vault, a spark of fury reigniting in his shattered resolve.