It's a deep night in Cyber City. A person stood on a rooftop, their arms crossed, as their silent sigh echoed through the place, their thoughts inevitably returning to the past and their memories.

Part 1: The Beginning...

3 years ago...

The rain hit suddenly. It was a small coastal city, and rain was no less than a simple routine for the people of the city, but the city was silent, with lone footsteps running away from what was about to come. A boy stood in a distant alleyway, his arms crossed, as the wind slowly caressed his short brown hair as he looked down at the rainy street. He was silent and motionless, as if in waiting. And it arrived, as a slow rumble started echoing through the empty streets, suppressed by the rain and thunder—the rage of nature. The rumbling got closer and closer until, from behind the street, a large, armored car came driving by. Colored all black, with an armored man on top, holding onto a machine gun, looking around, hidden behind the safety of the metal turret around him. As the car left, driving away down the neighboring street, the boy stood up straight, silently walking out of the back alley, the rain and thunder hiding his steps. The same moment as he walks out on the empty street, a silent, weak whisper from an old lady reaches his ears.

"Get out of here, boy... They don't have mercy. Run, and don't turn around."

The boy turns around to face the lady, giving her a gentle smile, while subconsciously his left arm has reached inside the pocket of his black jacket. ready to take out the weapon hidden inside. Facing the woman, he replies with the same whisper.

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"Thank you for your worry, Miss, but I will be fine; I'm not afraid of curfew. You will not be safe out here all alone, though. Do you want help getting back home?"

*A short silence falls upon the two as the lady looks deep into the boy's eyes, as if reading them, as if she were staring right into his very soul, seeing his pain, suffering, and despair hidden behind his beautiful, blue eyes. The old lady steps closer, putting her right arm on his shoulder, feeling his body tense up the second she holds onto him. With a serious, silent whisper, she replies:

"I see your pain, little boy. I see your despair and your fatigue. Don't give up on your life, because death is not an option. You will never experience true love if you do not live through it all. You will never see your friends again."

And with these words leaving her mouth, the lady turns around and slowly walks away, silently cursing the army of men that have invaded their city and ruined their lives. The boy has watched how she leaves, confused and surprised with the woman, thoughts surging through his head, asking himself, "How the hell did she know?" His hand still laying on his weapon, unsure if should he leave her be, or kill on the spot... hesitation was short-lived, as he let go of the weapon. He knew he can't stay in one place for too long – he's still being searched. In his mind, he was almost happy. These bastards were looking for him, and he will make sure they pay for everything... for everyone who died that night. It's with these thoughts in mind, he has turned around and quickly ran off, back into the darkness of the back alley, each step echoing with water splashed, and the rumble of yet another passing patrol, looking for people who dare to be outside in the curfew.