"Rover! Jeff, are you okay?!"
Chixia's voice snapped me back to reality. She came charging in, her hair disheveled, strands sticking to the sweat on her temple. Her eyes darted over me, then Rover.
I exhaled slowly, relief washing over me. Thank God… saved by Chixia, even just for a moment. At least it bought me some time away from Rover's barrage of questions.
Rover shifted beside me "We're fine," she said. Her gaze locked on Chixia. "What about the others?"
Chixia glanced back toward the ruined halls. "We've sent the civilians back to Jinzhou for treatment. But…" She bit her lip, her brows pulling together. "They weren't excited to leave. Some even resisted. They didn't want to be separated from those puppets, no matter what we said. It was like tearing them away from their family."
I rubbed the back of my neck. "They'll need time,"
"You can't just snap someone out of that kind of illusion. It… it'll take time to process."
Chixia gave a quick nod, but her eyes sharpened again as if remembering something urgent. "Wait—what about that woman? The one who kidnapped you? Don't tell me she's already gone. Quick, we can still go after her!"
I raised a hand, stopping her before she could whirl around to rally her men. "I don't think that's necessary anymore," I said, steady but tired.
She froze, staring at me. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"She's already gone," I explained, my voice flat. "Even if you tried to chase, she's too slippery. You'd be wasting your time."
Chixia groaned, throwing her head back dramatically. "Ugh, I knew it… Always one step ahead." She paced a short line, muttering to herself before snapping back. "Still. Something about her didn't feel… entirely evil? No, no—I can't assume. She's still a suspect."
She shook her head hard, as though physically shoving away her doubts. Her eyes locked on me and Rover. "Anyway, Rover and especially you, Jeff, you're both crucial witnesses. The Bureau needs your statements. Please come in as soon as possible."
Her tone softened as she took a step back. "I'll see you there."
I nodded faintly. "Got it."
When Chixia left, her footsteps echoing into silence, the air between me and Rover thickened again. I turned slightly toward her. "Rover, let's go."
Her arms crossed immediately, her lips curving into the kind of smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Don't think you got away with it," she said, her voice deceptively calm. "You've got some explaining to do, mister."
I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. Of course… I knew this was coming. "Fine," I muttered. "Later. I'll tell you everything at City Hall."
To my surprise, Rover stepped closer. Without warning, she slipped her arm around my shoulders, her warmth pressing against me as though to remind me she wasn't letting this slide. Her eyes glinted mischievously as she leaned in.
"That's fine by me," she said softly, almost smug, the faintest curve tugging at her lips.
I sighed, but I couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped me. "You're impossible, you know that?"
With her arm linked to mine, we turned toward the portal. The shimmer of distorted light reflected in her eyes, and as we stepped forward together.
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(Bureau's Chamber)
"So that's what the Séance Society was up to…" she murmured, rubbing her temple as though the pieces were still settling into place. Her eyes flicked back to us.
"Thanks for your statement, it really helped. Somehow the Fractsidus was involved too! Who would have thought… Luckily you two were there to stop them in time."
Rover, sitting next to me with her arms crossed and one leg tapping against the floor, tilted her head. "How's the Dollmaker?"
Chixia sighed, folding her arms across her chest. "The man's still not saying anything. Guess we'll have to keep him under custody for now."
A smirk tugged at my lips before I could stop it. "Want me to knock some sense into him? Get him to talk."
Chixia's eyes widened, her back straightening like I'd just set off an alarm. "N-No! Absolutely not." She waved her hands quickly, her voice higher than usual. "Just—just trust us, okay? We'll handle it."
I chuckled under my breath.
Chixia cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "As for that suspect lady… nothing. Zero info. It's like she vanished into thin air."
I leaned forward slightly, elbows on my knees. "What about the Séance Society people?"
Her tone shifted, softer but still carrying weight. "Most of those Resonators show varying degrees of Overclocking. They need urgent care. We've already called in professionals from Huaxu Academy to treat them."
She paused, her voice dipping with the next name. "One of them—Lirong—had it the worst. Didn't wake up from his coma until yesterday. He's still recovering from severe aftereffects… but at least he's making progress."
I glanced down. Rover's expression softened, her tapping foot stilling.
Chixia straightened again, her words spilling faster as if she needed to focus on the facts, not the weight. "So the missing cases led to an illegal cult-like organization and a bunch of other twisted plans! Unbelievable. We'd be toast without your help."
I shook my head. "Actually… I couldn't have done it without Rover—" I gave her a side glance, her cheeks instantly coloring at the acknowledgment, "—and a certain someone else's help."
Her blush froze and her face turned cold. Her eyes narrowed at the mention of that woman.
The delight she'd shown a second ago wilted under the thorn of jealousy creeping into her voice. I almost smirked, but decided against it didn't need to add more fuel to that fire.
Chixia leaned forward, curious. "Huh? And who's that?"
I allowed myself a small grin. "An emissary of justice. Hidden in the shadows."
Rover's lips parted in disbelief before she rolled her eyes, looking away. She really can't stand it when I bring her up.
Chixia blinked at me, deadpan. "What? Come on, Jeff. You need to be more specific." She threw her hands in the air with an exasperated laugh. "Anyway, whoever they are, sounds like they'd make quite the Patroller."
I leaned back, folding my arms. "I'll be sure to tell her that."
Rover scoff
Chixia didn't catch it too busy gathering her notes and tucking them under her arm. "Well, that's it for now. Ring me up if you find something unusual again." She offered a tired but genuine smile, already turning toward the door. "I'll catch you later!"
The moment she was gone, the air shifted again. Rover leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, a shadow still lingering in her expression. Her eyes flicked sideways at me, equal parts challenge and accusation.
I sighed.
Here we go again.
Jeff broke the uncomfortable silence first.
"Rover."
Her head tilted slightly, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What, Jeff?"
He let a crooked smile tug at his lips,
"Let's go home first. I want to rest—it's been one hell of a day."
Rover's eyes softened at his exhaustion, but her voice didn't waver. "Don't forget your promise."
Jeff lifted a hand, mock-defensive, though his voice was subdued. "Yup, yup. I'll tell you all about it at home."
The rest of the walk stretched out in silence again. Their steps fell into rhythm, until the tall shape of the City Hall rose ahead.
Jeff leaned against the entryway, scanning the hall with weary relief. "Home sweet home," he muttered under his breath, "I missed this place."
Rover, equally drained, didn't comment. Instead, she slipped past him, already tugging off her gloves. She glanced at his uniform, the dirt and soot clinging to it. "Here—let me get your clothes. I'll put them in the wash."
Jeff blinked at her, surprised by her efficiency, then chuckled softly. "Thanks, Rover. I appreciate it."
She shot him a sharp look, her brows pulling together. "Don't you sweet-talk me. You're not out of the woods yet."
Her tone carried weight—this wasn't the patient, steady Rover who soothed his nerves in battle. This was Rover who had questions she demanded answered to.
"We're gonna talk," she added firmly, "in your room."
Jeff's smirk faltered. His throat went dry. For once, the soldier who never flinched before gunfire or chaos looked hesitant. Rover had him cornered in a way no enemy ever had.
"Yes, ma'am," he said quickly, almost sheepishly. Damn she got me pegged.
Her expression didn't soften. She just nodded once, crisp and final, before walking ahead of him down the wash. Jeff exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples, his thoughts already racing about how much he could say and how much he'd have to keep locked away.
Jeff kicked his boots off the moment he entered his room and let himself drop onto the mattress with a long, guttural sigh. The springs creaked under his weight as he sprawled across the bed, arms out like a man surrendering to gravity itself.
"Fucking finally," he muttered into the sheets.
He rolled onto his back, staring at the ceiling, the glow of the city filtering faintly through the blinds.
"Let's just… wait for Rover to get done,"
Minutes ticked by. Rover stepped in, hair damp from splashing her face with water, her movements quieter than usual. Without ceremony, she crossed the room and collapsed onto the bed beside him.
"Finally," she exhaled.
Jeff propped himself up on his elbows, his gaze flicking to her. "You sound like me."
She didn't answer with a joke this time. Instead, she turned on her side to face him, her eyes sharpening a little. "Now, mister," she said evenly, "tell me the whole story. How did you get into that mess?"
Something in her tone told him not to dodge. So he didn't.
Jeff began at the start how Chixia had called him to investigate, how the search had led to Lirong and the puppets, then to Yinlin and the Séance Society's camp. He told her about the Dollmaker's plans, the strange technology, and the moments where everything nearly went wrong. He didn't dress it up, didn't skip the ugly parts. When he finished, his voice felt hoarse from all the talking.
"And the rest," Jeff said with a dry chuckle, "is history."
Rover blinked, momentarily stunned. "Wow. I leave you for one day and you already have another woman?"
Jeff shot up, his hands raised defensively. "No, no, we weren't like that at all I assure you."
Rover's lips curved into a small grin, a rare flicker of warmth. "I'm joking," she said, her voice softer now.
She reached out and wrapped her arms around him, drawing him into a hug before he could retreat.
"You did good," she murmured.
Jeff exhaled against her shoulder, some of the tension melting from his chest. "I still had to get my ass saved by you, though, at the end."
"You know I don't want you getting hurt," Rover said. Her voice was gentle, but there was conviction beneath it. "And don't go getting close to dangerous women like that willy-nilly again."
She shifted, putting her forehead right in front of his face, eyes locked onto his.
Jeff swallowed. "I promise," he said quietly.
A promise he probably can't keep.
Rover broke the silence first. Her voice was soft, but it carried a weight that immediately set Jeff on edge.
"Now."
Jeff, sprawled on the bed, cracked one eye open. "Now what?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
Her gaze sharpened. "I heard what you said to Dollmaker."
Jeff's chest tightened. He sat up a little straighter, mask slipping. "…About what?"
Her eyes didn't waver. "About the people you lost."
For a split second, he froze. Shit. His throat bobbed as he forced out, "Oh, that? That's nothing." He waved a hand like he could brush it away.
But Rover wasn't having it. Her brows knitted, anger mixing with concern. "Don't lie to me."
He clenched his jaw, eyes darting away to the corner of the room. "I don't want to talk about it."
"You promised," Rover pressed, her voice low, almost trembling not from anger now, but from concern. "If something's eating at you, you should tell me."
Jeff ran a hand down his face and exhaled. "I'm not ready yet."
She shifted closer, sitting right in front of him so he couldn't avoid her eyes. "We told each other, remember? I made a vow—you can rely on me, no matter what it is."
Her steady gaze finally broke through. His chest ached as he whispered, "Rover…"
"Come on," she said gently, tilting her head toward him. "I'm all ears."
Jeff let out a short, humorless laugh, running his fingers through his messy hair. "You don't want to hear my sob story. Trust me."
Rover shook her head firmly, strands of her hair brushing her cheek. "Nonsense. Getting the chance to know the real you? The person I…" she hesitated, voice softening, "…the person I love? That's not something I'd ever want to pass up."
His breath hitched. For a moment, the mask he always wore slipped completely, and she could see how much he was fighting to keep himself together.
"…Thank you," he murmured, eyes finally meeting hers.
He took a deep breath, as if bracing himself. "Alright. Here goes. Just don't regret it."
Rover smiled faintly, reaching out to rest her hand over his. "Trust me. I won't."
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Author's note:
Hello everyone, feel free to leave your collections, powers, reviews, and comments as you see fit.
I don't know how to tell you this but there was big earthquake in our area with a 6.9 magnitude with thousands of aftershocks. I was the first to volunteer to give aid in the hospital, and let me tell you mother earth is a cruel bitch. Many people died that I lost count. I saw a single mother who lost two of her sons. I mean how cruel is that to lose the only family you have left. And I saw a lot people rushing to the E.R. hoping to save their love ones crushed by the rubbles the face of desperation in their face despite the fact the person they want to save is so unrecognizable because it was crushed by concretes will forever haunt me. I wish I have powers to do something about it like the characters I'm writing in this story to do something about it, but alas I'm just an ordinary person who can't do shit but just comfort them the best as I can telling them everything will be alright despite me not believing a fucking word coming out of my mouth.
That's all; thank you for reading this fanfic, and I hope you have a good day.