Tristan ran as fast as he could, cradling his unconscious dog in his arms. The nearest vet he knew was unfortunately far from his new home—and he didn't even have a car anymore, having sold it to afford this place.
As he sprinted through the quiet night streets, he muttered to himself, "I've had enough of this nonsense. I'm using instant teleportation to reach that damn vet. It's already too late."
Turning into a deserted alley, he ensured no one was watching before using teleportation technique. In a blink, he was standing just steps away from the veterinary clinic.
He burst through the door, startling the vet, who had been gathering his things and preparing to leave.
"Sir, I'm afraid my shift is over—I need to head out now," the vet said, caught off guard.
"Please, help him!" Tristan pleaded. "Just this once!"
"I can't d..."
"Please, I beg you," Tristan said again, his voice breaking.
The vet looked down at the limp, unconscious dog. He could see from Tristan's face that this dog meant a lot to him. With a sigh, he nodded.
"Alright. Lay him on the examination table."
Tristan gently placed Badwin down. The vet slipped his stethoscope into his ears and began a thorough examination. When he finished, he removed the device and looked Tristan in the eye.
"Your dog has food poisoning. Do you know what he might have eaten?"
Tristan hesitated, then admitted, "The last thing I gave him was some meat sausages… I didn't check the quality before I bought them."
"Well, there's your answer."
"Please tell me there's a cure."
"There is… but it's not very effective. Only about one in sixty dogs survives the treatment. It's expensive, too."
"I don't care. Do it. Whatever it costs."
"I'll give him an injection to reduce his fever and a few medications. I'll write out the full treatment protocol for you."
"Understood."
The vet gave Badwin a shot then scribbled the treatment instructions onto a notepad and handed it over.
Tristan thanked him sincerely and rushed back home. He laid Badwin on the couch, gently covering him with a blanket. Then he sat down and read through the treatment protocol. Just as the vet had said—it was going to be extremely costly. The medications and injections listed were high-end and way out of his current budget. Borrowing money from his teammates… he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Lost in worry, his phone rang. It was Luna.
"What's up?" he answered.
"Hey, Tristan. Remember the blood samples we showed you? We forgot one. I think it's still in your jacket pocket."
"Hold on, let me check."
He kept the line open as he walked over to his jacket. Sure enough, the vial was still there.
"Yeah, you're right. I've got it."
"Good. Bring it to us when you can."
"I will," he replied, but his voice was cold and subdued.
Luna noticed it instantly. "What's wrong? You sound… off."
"It's Badwin. He got food poisoning. He's in really bad shape."
"…Maybe Yuna can help."
"Really?"
"She's got a pretty effective healing technique."
"Please. Tell her—ask her to help him."
"Don't worry, new team member. We'll come tomorrow evening after our shift. Just take care of Badwin until then. Don't let him die."
"Thank you… truly."
Luna hung up and for the first time in hours, Tristan smiled. Her words had brought him hope.
The next morning, Tristan called Bartosh, his supervisor.
"Good morning, Mr. Bartosh."
"Morning, rookie. Why aren't you in today?"
"I know it's not much of an excuse… but my dog's really sick. I have to take care of him. I won't be coming in today. I'm sorry."
"It's alright, Tristan. You're still new—still learning. Just don't make it a habit or it'll start affecting your performance."
"Understood, sir. Thanks for being understanding."
"Take care of your dog."
"I will."
After the call ended, Tristan continued following the treatment instructions carefully.
By lunchtime, there was a knock on the door. He opened it to find the pizza delivery he'd ordered earlier. He paid the man then set a chair beside Badwin and began eating quietly, occasionally glancing at his dog.
Suddenly, Badwin opened his eyes.
Tristan dropped the pizza and rushed to his side, gently stroking his fur. "Badwin… buddy… you opened your eyes…"
The dog gave a weak bark, barely audible.
"You can't even bark properly," Tristan said with a sad smile. "But you need to eat."
He brought over the dog bowl, which contained the medicated mix of herbs and food the vet had prescribed.
"Come on… at least eat a little of this."
Despite its awful appearance and smell, Badwin devoured the meal—he was starving. Then he curled up and went back to sleep.
Tristan resumed his meal and stayed near him, monitoring his temperature. After a while, he felt Badwin's body—he was cooler now.
The dog's eyes opened again and this time, he let out a strong bark.
Tristan beamed with relief.
Just then, there was another knock at the door. He opened it to find Yuna and Luna standing there.
"You're early," Tristan said.
"It's almost four in the afternoon," Luna replied, raising an eyebrow.
"What? Already?"
"You probably lost track of time taking care of your dog," Yuna said.
"Yeah… that's exactly it."
"So are you going to let us in, or…?"
"Oh—sorry. Come in."
He led them inside to where Badwin was resting.
Yuna read over the treatment protocol then moved to examine the dog. After a moment, she said
"His fever's gone down… but it'll likely spike again soon."
"What? But I followed that damn protocol to the letter! How can his fever rise again?"
"Calm down. It's written right here. Recurrent fever is common even after injections—it depends on how strong the poisoning was. If it's mild, the fever won't return. If it's severe, it likely will."
"Damn it… I never should've fed him those stupid sausages."
"Don't worry," Luna said. "Yuna will treat him. But it might hurt a little."
"Why?"
Yuna added
"Because I could only heal the wounds and damage caused by wonder stone heir "
She summoned her weapon aiming an arrow to Badwin and Tristan said to her
" What are you doing?
" I already told you I had to injure him so I could heal him "
" But you might hurt and kill him "
" I guess you have to trust me "
Tristan went quiet for seconds then said
"Do whatever you have to."
Tristan stepped into the bathroom to splash his face. As he returned, he heard Badwin's pained cries—and another sound, like rushing water.
He ran back to the living room to see Yuna's hand extended toward the dog, a water-infused arrow spinning slowly in Badwin's side, creating a swirling vortex. Tristan stared as the pale hue in his dog's skin began to fade, his natural color returning. When he touched him, the fever was gone.
"Feeling hopeful now?" Luna asked
"Yes. Thank you… both of you."
"It might take Yuna another five minutes to finish the treatment," Luna explained.
"Then I'll wait," Tristan replied, handing Luna the vial. "Here—your blood sample."
"Thanks. That one's mine."
She tucked it away and Tristan sat cross-legged on the floor to wait.
Eventually, they all heard the familiar bark—strong, clear, alive.
Badwin was awake and standing. Yuna knelt beside him, running her fingers gently through his fur.
Tristan stood up, smiling wide and embraced the dog. "You little rascal. Got me all worried like that…"
Badwin barked again and licked his face.
Tristan turned to Yuna. "Thank you. Really—I'm so grateful."
"Ahem," Luna coughed. "I was the one who told her, remember?"
"You're right. Thank you, too. Both of you did an amazing thing. If you ever need anything—just ask."
Luna : "Well…we could use some cash for shrimp at the seafood restaurant…"
Yuna : "Luna!"
"I mean it," Tristan said. "How much is it?"
Luna : "It's three—"
Yuna : "Luna, stop!"
Yuna gently swatted her twin then turned to Tristan. "Don't listen to her Tristan. It's fine."
Tristan : "No, really—I want to do this. You saved Badwin. I'll reward you however I can."
Luna crossed her arms. "We help people because it's what we live for. To fight evil, to do good—and to die for it, if we must."
"You both have such strong hearts."
Yuna added, "So there's no need to pay us back. Despite what she said."
"Are you crazy?" Luna blurted. "He just offered—"
Tristan raised a hand. "Wait… didn't you mention something about a weekend trip to the amusement park last time when we were heading home "
Luna : "Yeah,"
"Then let me cover the costs."
Yuna : "No way, Tristan. That's too much,"
Tristan : "I insist."
"…Alright," Yuna finally agreed.
With that, the girls left and Tristan stayed home with Badwin.
Two days later...
Jayden called Merrick and asked him to come to the Kaos Team HQ alone—they had something important to discuss.
Jayden arrived early, browsing the internet as he waited. When he heard the door chime, he looked up to see Merrick entering, coffee in hand.
The two sat across from each other.
"So," Merrick began, "three days of thinking. What's your decision, Jayden?"
"I'm stepping down as the leader of the Iron ghost . I'll be joining you."
Merrick smiled. "Glad to hear it."
"But I'll need time. Leaving the underworld… it won't be easy."
"I understand. Walking away from gang life never is. Just try to make it quick."
He sipped his coffee, then added, "It'll be hard juggling your role in the Iron ghost and your position on Kaos Team without your crew noticing."
"I know. That could become a problem."
"Don't worry. I'll help cover for you—until it's time to cut ties for good."
"Thanks. Really."
They shook hands and parted ways.
Jayden lit a cigarette as he walked home. Though he had a car, he felt like walking tonight.
As he approached his building, he noticed a man standing near the side wall. Someone unfamiliar.
Jayden narrowed his eyes. "Who the hell are you?"
"You don't recognize me, Jayden?"
"I said answer the damn question."
"I'm your friend… Raf."
Jayden's eyes widened in disbelief. "Prove it."
"Three years ago, in a dark alley across from the abandoned club… I gave you the address of ( Neiman Sao ) "
Jayden sighed, then glared at him. "What do you want from me?"
"Nothing. Just to remind you—I'm still your fri—"
"Cut the crap. Say what you came to say."
"…Fine. I want to be back into the gang."