The amber glow of the setting sun filtered through the tall windows, spilling across the ward and filling the heavy silence shared by the three men. Zigh set his coffee glass down near the provisions Lena had brought earlier.
A long, weary sigh escaped his lips. "Where are they?"
Ron kept his gaze steady on Zigh. "In this very hospital."
Zigh paced past Ron and Nox, stepping toward the source of the orange light before coming to a halt. His faint reflection shimmered against the glass. He cracked the window open, allowing the evening air to swirl inside. "Ron, in your honest estimation... just how powerful are they?"
Nox's gaze sharpened. "Colonel, you saw it yourself. We are the living proof of their strength."
"Champion," Zigh countered, his tone objective, "you know exactly what I'm asking."
Nox fell silent.
Ron placed his cold espresso next to Zigh's glass and took a seat on the edge of the bed. "Their abilities... you can verify that with them once they regain consciousness. But their physical prowess? It is leagues beyond our own."
The wind caught Zigh's hair, unravelling the strands. He closed his eyes, momentarily surrendering to the gentle touch of the breeze. "And their current state?"
"Still unresponsive."
Zigh turned around, his silhouette stretching across the floor until it reached Ron's feet. "Unconscious... a fate shared by that sniper, it seems."
Nox set his drink down precisely in the center, forming a triangle with Zigh's and Ron's glasses. He turned to face Zigh, tilting his head curiously. "Sniper?"
Zigh looked from Ron to Nox. "Were you aware that Lian left with me?"
"Of course, Zigh," Ron answered. "Though we only confirmed it yesterday when the news from the Game Center broke."
Zigh ran both hands through his hair. "I see."
"Colonel, you've been talking in circles since you got here," Nox interjected, his patience wearing thin. "Just get to the point."
"Nox... compose yourself," Ron said softly.
Nox snapped his head toward Ron. "It's not about being calm, Ron. It's the Colonel's attitude."
Ron exhaled. "Nox... just admit it. You're anxious for news about Lian, aren't you?"
Nox's ears tinged a slight red. "What? I... that's not what I meant."
Ignoring the bickering, Ron looked at Zigh. "How is Lian?"
"He was unwell for a time..."
Nox averted his eyes, staring at the floor, while Ron's hand tightened into a white-knuckled fist atop his thigh.
"Peace be upon your hearts; he is doing much better now," Zigh added.
"Zigh," Ron began, "could you ask Lian... if we are still his bodyguards?"
Zigh nodded. "Understood. I'll take my leave and return tomorrow."
Nox managed a smirk. "Bringing Lena with you again?"
Zigh didn't offer a glance back. He hurried past them, his footsteps echoing as he exited the ward.
Ron massaged his temples. "Nox, you really shouldn't poke at that."
Nox crossed his arms. "Did you see it? The way the Colonel looks at Lena?"
"I did. And stop calling him Colonel."
"He keeps calling me Champion this and Champion that," Nox grumbled.
"You truly find it difficult to yield, don't you?"
Nox shrugged. "You bring the heat, I'll bring the fire. That's my principle."
Ron let out a long breath. "The boxer's instinct never truly leaves you, does it?"
Nox walked to the table and retrieved two buns from the bag Lena had brought. He handed one to Ron. "Here. Eat. Lena went out of her way to get these."
Ron took the bread, his expression softening. "You're right."
The two of them sat together, sharing the bread that Lena had brought back.
***
In the parking lot, Zigh paused as a realization hit him. "Ah, the promise. I need to get Lian a phone," he murmured.
He sparked the engine to life. Lian said as long as it has internet, SMS, and calling, it's fine... he thought. He pulled out of the hospital lot and merged into the main road, maintaining a steady, disciplined speed.
What kind of phone would suit him? Zigh mused as he steered toward the shopping district. The color should be neutral... wait, perhaps something that matches Outer.
After parking, Zigh finalized his criteria. Features checked, color checked. Now for the brand... Lian isn't from Echo, so I'll give him the latest model.
He entered the electronics center and approached a clerk. "Is the one in the front display the newest model?"
"Indeed, Sir."
Zigh picked out a sleek black unit and headed to the counter. "Wrap it up, please."
"Certainly. Cash or card?"
"Card."
The clerk's eyes widened as she read the name on the card, then looked up at Zigh's face. "Eosvile..."
Zigh offered a polite, professional smile. "Quickly, if you would."
"Ah, of course!"
The transaction was processed in record time. "All set. Thank you for your patronage, Sir."
Zigh nodded, retrieving his card and the package. As he walked back to his car, his mind shifted to logistics. If Lian, the Champion, and Ron aren't from Echo, I'll need to forge official documentation for them.
He brushed his hair back. Tomorrow will be a demanding day.
He engaged the flying mode as he hit the main road. The car surged forward at full throttle against the darkening sky. When he arrived home, he pulled into the garage and stepped inside.
Lian and Outer were waiting in the living room.
"Are you satisfied, Zigh?" Lian asked.
Zigh hesitated for a heartbeat, then smiled. "Not yet."
"Oh," Lian responded simply, returning the smile.
Outer, however, fixed Zigh with a piercing, predatory stare. Zigh ignored it and approached Lian. "Here. The phone I promised."
Lian took the package, his eyes widening. "Are you sure?"
"Consider it a down payment on our contract."
Lian let out a soft chuckle. "A down payment? But I thought you wanted Rhea's assistance?"
"Efficiency dictates I do, but my contract is with you alone. I prefer not to be indebted to others."
"What about the Champ and Blondie?"
Zigh tilted his head. Blondie? Ron?
"You're lost in thought again," Lian noted.
Zigh studied Lian for a long moment. "I'm curious... why don't you call them by their names, like you do with me?"
"They... well, let's just say those are their codes as bodyguards."
"Codes? Then what am I to you?"
"You said we were partners. Don't be strange."
"That was before I became your bodyguard," Zigh corrected. "I am your protector now."
Lian smirked. "If that's what you truly desire, then Rich Boy suits you, doesn't it?"
Zigh's fists clenched. "Just call me Zigh."
Lian looked away. "See? You ask for a title, then you reject it."
"It's not that, it's just... that nickname makes me..." Zigh rubbed the back of his neck, trailing off.
"Forget it. How do you plan to dismantle Orleander?"
Zigh gestured to the sofa. "Sit, Lian. This explanation will be extensive."
Lian sat across from him. Zigh leaned forward. "Lian, you possess extraordinary power. Why haven't you used it to claim a high rank or social status?"
Lian leaned back, tilting his head toward the ceiling. "Are you happy in your current position, Zigh?"
"It's not about happiness; it's about the advantages it provides."
Lian sighed. "That holds no value to me. When will we strike Orleander?"
Zigh rested his chin on his hands. "First, you need legal identity documents. So do Ron and the Champion."
"You really shouldn't call them that," Lian teased.
"Fine, my turn," Zigh said, his voice dropping an octave. "Are you absolutely certain you can control Outer?"
"If I couldn't, the entire Game Center would have been erased from existence."
Zigh stiffened.
"Zigh, as long as you honor your contract and do not betray me, Outer remains contained." Lian glanced at Outer, who stood like a silent sentinel beside him.
Outer grinned wide, his sharp, polished white teeth gleaming under the lamplight. "As Lian commands."
Zigh looked between the two. "We move against Orleander the moment your documents are ready."
"So you won't ask the Champ and Blondie for help?"
"No," Zigh said firmly. "You are enough, Lian."
Lian clapped his hands, and Outer mimicked the gesture. "A wise decision."
Zigh sighed. "I suspected as much."
"What?"
"Nothing... just check the phone."
"Hmm..." Lian unwrapped the device, turning it over in his hands with a puzzled expression.
"Don't you like it?"
"How do you even turn this thing on?"
Zigh ran his hands through his hair again. He stood up and moved to Lian's side. "See that spot at the top, in the center? Where the camera lens is?"
Lian nodded.
"Press and hold it for about ten seconds."
Lian followed the instruction. The screen suddenly hummed to life, glowing brightly. "Wow... no buttons, yet it lights up."
Zigh offered a thin smile. Is it the syntax of a primitive world, or is Lian just... He shook the thought away. As long as he's happy.
To be continued...