Chapter 13: The Tears of Regret

A few agonizing hours had passed since JJ had made the bold decision to infiltrate the heavily guarded military institution. Back at the desolate warehouse, the other children anxiously waited, their hearts heavy with uncertainty. The passage of each passing second only intensified their worry, and a growing sense of despair began to creep into their young, vulnerable hearts.John, unable to contain his frustration any longer, finally exploded with anger. He unleashed a swift kick against a nearby box, his voice filled with a mix of worry and resentment. "That idiot! Did he even stop to think about us before going on this stupid mission? What if he never comes back?"Christian, still deeply concerned about JJ's well-being, hurriedly stepped forward, trying to pacify John's mounting anger. He placed a comforting hand on his friend's trembling shoulder, his voice filled with desperation. "John, please. We have to believe that JJ will return to us. He wouldn't abandon us like this."Just as the weight of their uncertainty threatened to crush their spirits entirely, the creaking sound of the front door interrupted their distress. To their overwhelming delight, JJ emerged through the doorway. The children's faces lit up with pure joy, and they rushed forward, smiles stretching across their faces as they closed the distance between them and their brave friend.John, finally released from the shackles of worry, let out a deep sigh. "JJ, you had us all so worried. I'm glad you made it back."But instead of responding to their relieved greetings, JJ crumpled to the ground, his weakened body giving way beneath him. And in that very moment, an ominous figure slinked into the room, standing menacingly behind JJ.Confusion gripped the children, their gazes shifting uneasily between JJ and the unfamiliar presence. A flicker of recognition sparked within Christian's mind, and his face drained of color as he remembered the military official they had encountered earlier. Fear dripped from his trembling voice as he whispered, his words choked with dread. "It's... It's the military official from before."The military official broke his sinister silence, a sadistic smile stretching across his face. He relished in the power he now held over these innocent children. "Well, well, well. Look what we have here," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "This little brat here has accomplished something quite remarkable. He got me demoted."We flashback to a brief scene where JJ walked up to the military base and showed one of the soldiers the drug the military official gave the homeless guy. It seems JJ stole it from the homeless man to use as evidence. The echoes of his chilling laughter filled the room, the sound a stark contrast to the children's crumbling hope. "And now, here I am, stumbling upon a room full of snot-nosed brats like you. What a fortunate turn of events! With all of you in my grasp, I'll not only regain my rank but perhaps even more."The gravity of their situation weighed heavily upon the children. Huddled together, their eyes wide with terror, they contemplated their dire fate. But then, as if summoned by the desperation of the moment, JJ stirred, his consciousness returning to him. The room fell silent, every gaze fixed upon the fallen hero.JJ, though weakened and vulnerable, summoned the strength to speak, his voice laced with urgency. "Don't listen to him... everyone, run!" His plea hung in the air for a fleeting moment, as hope flickered within their hearts.However, before JJ could utter another word, the military official unleashed his cruel fury upon him, stomping on his frail form to silence his resistance. "Well, it seems we'll have to make this more entertaining," he jeered, his sadistic powers now ready to be unleashed.With a single gesture, the military official's hand emitted a noxious fragrance that swiftly engulfed the entire room. Helpless children succumbed to its effects, collapsing into unconsciousness one by one. Only Christian and John, driven by sheer willpower and instinct, managed to escape the suffocating grasp of the toxic fumes."Damn it! Two of them got away," the military official growled, his frustration palpable. He commanded his subordinates, his voice tinged with fury. "Round up these brats and load them onto the truck. I'll personally hunt down those other two runts."Christian and John sprinted for their lives through the alley adjacent to the abandoned warehouse, their tears mixing with sweat as they pushed their exhausted bodies to the limit. Finally, succumbing to their exhaustion, they sought refuge in a nearby garbage can, seeking solace amidst the refuse.John, attempting to console his grieving friend, spoke with a mixture of desperation and determination. "Christian, you have to stop crying. We can't let them find us."Christian's sobs intermingled with his words as he choked out his response. "But... but everyone is gone... and JJ..."Suddenly, a rustling noise reverberated through the narrow alley, jolting the two boys with fear. The sound grew steadily louder, drawing closer and closer to their hiding place. The garbage can lid swung open, and in that nerve-wracking moment, Christian and John squeezed their eyes shut, bracing for the worst.As they cautiously reopened their eyes, they were greeted by the sight of JJ standing before them. Hope surged within their hearts, and they sprang out of the garbage can, rushing to embrace their savior. Overwhelmed by a mixture of relief and gratitude, John managed to utter a single question. "How did you manage to escape?"JJ, his body still trembling with exhaustion, managed a weak smile. "While he was busy rounding up our brothers and sisters, I pretended to be unconscious. When he turned his back, I seized the opportunity and fled." Tears streamed down JJ's face, mingling with the dirt on his cheeks. "I'm so sorry, guys. It's all my fault. I wanted to do what was right, to become the king I aspired to be. But I failed. I failed our friends, I failed you both, and I failed myself. I'm just a failure."Christian's voice trembled with conviction as he vehemently disagreed. "No, JJ, you're wrong! You're a good person, and you did the right thing. It's this world, the bad guys who are at fault. If there weren't any bad guys, none of this would have happened!"Suddenly, a voice emerged from the shadows, interrupting their emotional exchange. A figure stepped forward, revealing himself as the cause of their suffering. His words dripped with cynicism, tearing down their innocent ideals. "Such idealistic shit from idealistic brats," he sneered. "In this world, there are no 'bad guys.' Only those in power and those without. And right now, I'm the one in power. So, to me, you brats are the bad guys."With those chilling words, the battle lines were drawn. The purity of youth clashed against the darkness of a corrupt world, as Christian, John, and JJ stood united, defying their cruel fate and vowing to protect all that they held dear. Their resolve burned bright, illuminating the path ahead as they prepared to face the malevolent force that threatened their very existence.