Arknights - Echoes Of The Unfound Dawn

Five days ago

Swire's heels clicked softly against the pavement as she wandered aimlessly through the city streets. The dim glow of streetlights bathed the surroundings in a muted orange hue, blending with the occasional neon signs flickering in and out of life.

She wasn't paying attention to where she was going, her hands stuffed into her coat pockets, her gaze distant.

Her thoughts circled endlessly, replaying the argument with Dr. Aelita from hours ago. The heated words, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife, and the weight of the decision they both had to face it all churned in her mind like an unstoppable storm.

The idea of Xian's blood being used for research had set her on edge from the moment Aelita mentioned it. Swire couldn't deny the potential Aelita's argument was airtight.

So many infected were suffering, ostracized, and slowly wasting away. Swire had witnessed their struggles firsthand, even more so after the terrifying realization of her own infection not long ago.

She clenched her fists in her pockets, her pace quickening as memories surfaced. Hours ago, when she felt the infection creeping through her body, she'd experienced the same helplessness and despair. The whispers of fear and self-loathing had grown louder with every moment until she'd been ready to give up entirely.

But then there was Xian.

His reckless selflessness had turned the tide, giving her a second chance at life. He had stabilized her condition at the expense of his own well-being, plunging himself into a critical state.

Now, as he lay unconscious in the hospital, Swire felt a whirlwind of gratitude and guilt. She owed him her life, yet here she was, caught in a moral quandary.

What would he want? she thought bitterly, her lips pressing into a tight line.

Swire stopped abruptly in the middle of the street, the quiet hum of the city around her barely registering. She ran a hand through her hair, exhaling sharply. Xian was stable for now, but the implications of Aelita's request loomed large.

If Xian's unique physiology became public knowledge, it wouldn't matter how secretive they tried to be. Sooner or later, someone would find out. People like Xian couldn't remain hidden forever. And when they did… Swire shuddered, imagining a storm of greed, desperation, and power struggles.

It's always the same. Some typical damned trope, she thought with a bitter smirk, shaking her head.

She began walking again, her movements more mechanical now. Her mind flicked back to the infected. She couldn't ignore their plight. Dr. Aelita wasn't wrong, Xian's blood could hold the key to breakthroughs that might save countless lives. And yet, the thought of Xian being reduced to a living resource, his life used as currency to heal others, made her stomach churn.

Her steps faltered. She leaned against the railing of a bridge overlooking a narrow canal, the faint sound of water below barely audible. The city's glow reflected off the rippling surface, but Swire's attention was elsewhere.

Do I choose him, or do I choose everyone?

She let out a dry laugh, the sound swallowed by the night. "What a cruel joke," she murmured. "Like anyone could make that choice."

Swire closed her eyes, taking a long, steadying breath. She hated how selfish she felt, but deep down, she knew she didn't want to lose Xian. Not after everything he'd done not after everything they'd been through.

There has to be another way. There has to.

The thought struck a chord within her. She opened her eyes, determination hardening her features. If there was one thing Swire knew, it was that she wasn't the type to sit idly by.

"I'll make it work," she muttered, her voice resolute.

She would help both Xian and Aelita but on her terms. Using her resources as a senior officer of the LGD with the backing from her background, she would ensure that Project Aelita remained under strict control, concealed from prying eyes. No one else would know, no additional personnel would be involved, and every step would be tightly monitored.

Swire knew it wouldn't be easy. Keeping such a sensitive operation under wraps required meticulous planning, and she'd have to tread carefully to avoid raising suspicion. But if anyone could pull it off, it was her.

She thought of Aelita. They had been friends long before the doctor became her personal physician, sharing their stories and learning to trust each other. That bond gave Swire the confidence to believe they could navigate this delicate situation together.

Swire pushed off the railing and resumed her walk, her steps purposeful this time. As she moved through the city, her mind raced with strategies and contingencies. She murmured softly to herself, organizing her thoughts, her determination growing with every step.

This was her decision, her burden to bear. Swire would do whatever it took to protect Xian while honoring the hope he had given her.

No one said it would be easy. she thought, a small, rueful smile tugging at her lips. But when has that ever stopped me?

Time before the incident

The dim, warm light of Xian's house glowed softly as the six children poured through the front door, their laughter and chatter filling the air. Each carried small bags containing various items they'd bought with their modest salaries from working at Xian's restaurant. The atmosphere was lively, their young voices blending into a cacophony of excitement.

"Look at this!" Rico exclaimed, holding up a small toy he had snagged from a nearby street vendor. His brown fur ears twitched excitedly as he waved it in front of Finn.

The clever fox-like boy chuckled, his sharp eyes gleaming. "That's what you spent your money on? I could've found something way cooler for half the price."

Rico frowned. "It's not about the price, Finn! It's about the fun. Something you wouldn't understand."

"Oh, I understand perfectly," Finn teased, leaning back on the couch with a smug grin.

Nearby, Tobi was busy rummaging through his bag, pulling out snacks and small trinkets he had bought. Mira peeked curiously over his shoulder, her green eyes wide with interest.

"What's this?" she asked softly, pointing at a small, colorful charm.

Tobi grinned. "It's supposed to bring good luck. Thought we could all use a bit of that."

Mira smiled shyly, her silver hair falling over her face as she nodded. "That's thoughtful of you."

As the children continued to chatter, Elisa stood quietly by, her light blue eyes taking in the scene with a serene expression. She clutched her own bag lightly, containing a small notebook she'd picked up to jot down cooking ideas and recipes she wanted to try. Watching the others, she smiled to herself.

It was moments like this that reminded her how far they'd come. Just days ago, they were scraping by, scavenging and surviving on scraps. Now, they had a home, a routine, and, more importantly, hope.

She set her bag on the counter and made her way into the kitchen. "Alright, everyone, settle down. I'll start on dinner."

The chatter in the room quieted slightly as the kids turned their attention to her. Rico raised a brow. "You'll cook Elisa?"

Elisa chuckled softly, tying an apron around her waist. "Yes, Xian said I could use the kitchen anytime I want. Besides, someone has to make sure you all don't starve."

Finn smirked. "As long as it's not burnt, I'm all for it."

"I heard that!" Elisa shot back with a playful glare, though she couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips.

As Elisa busied herself in the kitchen, the others began to spread out across the house. Rico plopped onto the couch, flipping through a small magazine he had found earlier. Tobi and Mira sat cross-legged on the floor, inspecting their purchases together.

Nia, the quiet rabbit-eared girl, moved to a corner of the living room with her own notebook, sketching softly with a pencil. She glanced up occasionally, a small smile gracing her face as she listened to the others.

It was Finn who broke the relative calm by attempting to turn on the small TV in the corner. Rico, noticing this, immediately jumped up. "Hey, don't mess with that! Xian said not to waste electricity!"

Finn rolled his eyes. "Relax, I'm just checking if it works."

"It works fine! Leave it alone!"

The two began to bicker, their voices rising in volume as the others watched with a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation. Elisa glanced over from the kitchen, shaking her head. "Do I need to come over there?"

Her tone was light, but it was enough to make both boys pause. Finn sighed and flicked the TV on, scrolling through the channels. "See? Perfectly fine," he muttered.

The room grew quieter as the kids gathered near the TV, the flickering images casting soft light across their faces. At first, it was random commercials and cartoons, but soon, the screen shifted to a news broadcast.

The anchor's voice was steady but grave.

"Breaking news from Lungmen Flash Report (LFR): a violent attack has taken place at the auction house downtown. The terrorist group known as Reunion has infiltrated the event, targeting several high-profile attendees. Casualties have been reported, though exact numbers remain unconfirmed."

The room fell silent, the air growing heavy. Rico's ears flattened against his head as he stared at the screen. "Reunion?..."

Finn frowned, his playful demeanor gone. "They're everywhere lately."

Tobi, who had been munching on a snack, paused mid-bite, his yellow eyes wide with concern. "Do you think Xian—?"

"Don't say that!" Mira interrupted, her voice soft but trembling. She hugged her knees to her chest, her green eyes glistening with worry.

Elisa, who had been stirring a pot on the stove, froze at the mention of Xian. Her grip on the wooden spoon tightened as she stared at the TV. The images of chaos and destruction on the screen made her stomach twist.

She took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. "We don't know where he is right now, but Xian is strong. He'll be okay."

Nia, ever the peacemaker, looked up from her notebook and nodded. "Elisa's right. We have to trust him."

The reassurance seemed to calm the group slightly, though the tension lingered in the air. Elisa returned to her cooking, her movements more deliberate now as she pushed aside her own fears.

Inside, she couldn't help but worry. Xian was always throwing himself into danger for others, and with Reunion involved, there was no telling what he might be facing.

As the news continued, the kids began to talk amongst themselves, their voices a mix of concern and speculation. Elisa listened quietly, her mind racing. Please be safe, Xian, she thought, a silent prayer as she focused on preparing dinner for the little family he had built.

Arknights: Echoes of the Unfound Dawn

After some time, the comforting aroma of Elisa's cooking lingered in the air as the children gathered around the table. Plates were filled with steaming dishes, and the atmosphere was warm with chatter and laughter. Rico was the first to dig in, his enthusiasm as always on full display.

"Wow, Elisa! This looks amazing!" he said, already stuffing his face.

Finn smirked, twirling a piece of food on his fork. "I'll admit, you've gotten better. Maybe Xian's lessons are finally paying off."

"Maybe you'd cook if you're so good at judging," Elisa quipped, her tone playful as she raised an eyebrow at Finn.

The table erupted into laughter, and even the usually quiet Nia giggled softly. The children's banter flowed naturally, a sign of how close they had grown. Elisa, despite her exhaustion, felt a sense of fulfillment seeing everyone enjoy the meal.

But amidst the jovial atmosphere, Mira barely touched her plate. She picked at her food, her green eyes distant, as if her mind were somewhere else entirely.

Elisa, noticing the untouched portion, set her fork down and turned to Mira. "Mira, what's wrong? You haven't eaten much."

The room grew quiet, the other kids now looking at Mira. She fidgeted in her seat, her hands clasped tightly together. "It's just... Xian. He's not home yet," she murmured, glancing at the clock on the wall. The time read 7:44 PM.

Rico leaned back in his chair, scratching his head. "He's probably busy. You know how he gets with his 'personal business.'"

Mira shook her head, her voice trembling slightly. "But what if something happened? The news earlier... Reunion... What if he's—"

"Mira," Elisa interjected gently but firmly, placing a comforting hand on the younger girl's shoulder. "Xian told us he had business to take care of, remember? He'll be okay. He's strong, and he wouldn't want us to worry."

Mira hesitated, her green eyes still clouded with doubt.

Elisa offered a small, reassuring smile. "Besides, finishing your dinner would help him, right? He's always telling us to stay healthy. Let's honor that."

After a moment, Mira nodded slowly and picked up her fork. She began to eat again, albeit reluctantly. The room's atmosphere eased slightly as the other kids resumed their chatter, though the underlying worry remained unspoken.

Once dinner was finished, Elisa stood and began clearing the plates. She moved to the kitchen, rinsing and washing the dishes with practiced efficiency. Occasionally, she glanced at the clock, her own concern for Xian bubbling beneath her calm exterior.

In the living room, the boys had settled into their usual routines. Rico and Tobi were sprawled on the floor, flipping through comic books, while Finn absentmindedly flipped channels on the TV. Nia sat nearby, sketching quietly in her notebook, her soft amber eyes occasionally darting to the others.

As Mira finished the last of her food, she quietly brought her plate to the sink. "Thank you, Elisa," she said softly.

Elisa smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Mira. Now go relax with the others for a bit, okay?"

Mira nodded and wandered back to the living room, though she didn't join the others. Instead, she sat by the window, staring out into the darkening street, her hands folded in her lap.

By the time the clock struck 9 PM, fatigue had begun to set in. Elisa yawned, stretching as she looked around the room. "Alright, everyone. Time for bed," she announced.

Rico groaned. "But I'm not tired yet!"

Elisa raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Oh really? Then why were you dozing off during dinner?"

Caught, Rico grumbled but didn't argue further. The boys began setting up their sleeping bags in the living room, though a few, like Tobi, had already collapsed onto the couch, snoring softly. Elisa sighed, moving to adjust their positions to ensure they wouldn't wake up with sore necks.

Satisfied that the boys were settled, Elisa headed upstairs with Nia and Mira in tow. The attic room, where the girls slept, was cozy, with a single large bed that could fit all three of them comfortably. Elisa and Nia worked together to tidy up the space, fluffing the pillows and straightening the blankets.

Mira lingered behind, her movements slow and hesitant. She watched as Elisa and Nia crawled into bed, their exhaustion evident as they quickly drifted off to sleep.

Alone now, Mira sat on the edge of the bed, her green eyes fixed on the moonlit window. She hugged her knees to her chest, her thoughts swirling with worry for Xian. The image of the news broadcast replayed in her mind, the chaos and destruction making her heart race.

She sighed deeply, her small frame trembling slightly. "Please be okay, Xian," she whispered to the empty room.

For a long while, she remained awake, her gaze never leaving the window, as if hoping to see Xian walking up the path to the house.

Seconds turned into minutes as Mira sat motionless, her small frame illuminated by the faint moonlight streaming through the window. Her thoughts spiraled with increasing intensity, each one dragging her further into worry. Finally, she exhaled heavily, her breath shaky but resolute.

"I can't just sit here," she murmured to herself, standing up abruptly.

Mira glanced back at the girls, their peaceful faces undisturbed in sleep. Elisa's steady breathing and Nia's soft murmurs brought her no comfort; the sense of urgency weighed heavily on her chest. With careful movements, Mira stepped away from the bed and moved toward the corner where Xian had left a few jackets he had custom-made for them.

She pulled one on a lightweight yet sturdy jacket, the fabric engineered by Xian to shield against Lungmen's unpredictable weather. The material felt warm, like Xian's presence was with her. Buttoning it up, she made up her mind.

"I'll find him," she whispered.

Mira tiptoed down the attic stairs, the creaks beneath her feet sounding louder in the otherwise silent house. Her heart pounded as she reached the living room. The boys were sprawled out in various positions, snoring softly. Rico's arm dangled over the edge of the couch while Tobi hugged a pillow like it was a prized possession.

She froze for a moment, her gaze lingering on their faces. A twinge of guilt flickered in her chest. What if I wake them? What if Elisa finds out I'm gone?

But the thought of Xian, out there somewhere, maybe in trouble, pushed her forward. She reached the door, her hand hovering over the doorknob. Hesitation clawed at her resolve.

Her fingers trembled, but she took a deep breath, steadying herself. Slowly, she turned the knob and opened the door just wide enough to slip through. The cold night air greeted her, sharp and biting, but it only strengthened her determination.

Quietly, she closed the door behind her and locked it, sliding a key into her pocket. Her lips curved into a small, triumphant smile. Earlier that day, during their shopping trip, she had managed to separate from the group under the guise of needing to use a public restroom.

In reality, she had visited a nearby locksmith, presenting a convincing story about a lost spare key. The man hadn't questioned her much, and now she had a third key to the house, something she hoped she wouldn't need to explain to Elisa later.

Mira's boots crunched softly against the pavement as she walked. Her steps were quick, her breath visible in the chilly night air. Despite her small stature and typically timid demeanor, there was an unexpected fire in her eyes.

The Mira everyone knew was shy and reserved, always hovering at the edge of conversations and shrinking away from confrontation. But that wasn't the whole truth. Beneath the surface, she was brave and determined, her anxiety born not from social ineptitude but from a deeply rooted trauma she had yet to share with anyone.

The streets of Lungmen stretched out before her, dimly lit by flickering streetlights. Mira's mind raced as she tried to think of where Xian might be. The news mentioned the auction house, she thought, clutching the jacket tighter around herself. If he's anywhere near there...

Her pace quickened, her small figure almost blending into the shadows of the city as she set out to find the man who had become her protector, her mentor, and, in many ways, her family.