Fractured Bonds
The end-semester exams had finally concluded, and the atmosphere at school shifted from the tense hum of cramming students to the relaxed buzz of freedom. Everyone seemed to breathe easier, smiles returning to their faces as they discussed their plans for the break.
Meanwhile, in the shadows of the nearby areas too, the vigilante's presence had become undeniable. News outlets and social media were flooded with reports of their deeds—stopping robberies, rescuing hostages, and foiling criminal operations. The vigilante had grown into a symbol of hope for some and a controversial figure for others.
Remond, however, paid little attention. He kept his focus on his studies and avoided any unnecessary conversations. Sid and Hayato still worked as vigilantes, though Remond distanced himself from them entirely, his own principles drawing a clear line.
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A Family Reunion
The weekend brought an unexpected but welcome surprise: Remond's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cain, arrived at the campus. They had taken time off from their busy schedules to see their son after months of separation.
When Remond met them in the school courtyard, his father enveloped him in a tight hug. "Look at you, son. You've grown taller," Mr. Cain said with a smile, his deep voice warm with pride.
Mrs. Cain beamed, brushing a strand of hair from Remond's forehead. "We missed you so much, sweetheart. How have you been? Eating well? Studying hard?"
Remond chuckled. "I've been fine, Mom. It's good to see you both."
The family spent the day exploring the nearby city, Duling City, visiting landmarks, and catching up. Remond avoided mentioning his estranged relationship with Sid and the vigilante activities happening in the background. He wanted this time to be free of conflict—a rare moment of peace.
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A Quiet Night Out
That evening, the family decided to dine at a cozy restaurant on the quieter side of town. The warm glow of the lantern-lit interior and the soft hum of jazz music created a soothing ambiance.
Remond's father ordered a feast, joking about how his son must have been starving in the dorms. Laughter filled their corner of the restaurant as they shared stories from home and school. For a while, everything felt perfect.
As they were finishing dessert, the sound of screeching tires outside broke the tranquility. A loud crash followed, causing heads to turn toward the large glass windows at the front of the restaurant.
"What's happening?" Mrs. Cain whispered, clutching her husband's arm.
Remond stood up, his instincts kicking in. "Stay here," he said firmly. "I'll check it out."
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Chaos Unfolds
Outside, chaos erupted. A gang of armed goons was attempting to rob a jewelry store across the street. Civilians screamed and ran in every direction, trying to avoid the crossfire.
Amidst the turmoil, the vigilante arrived, their movements swift and calculated. Hayato, masked and in his full vigilante attire, leaped from the shadows, engaging the gang members. He disarmed one with a precise kick, sending the weapon clattering to the ground.
Remond watched from the restaurant doorway, torn between admiration for his friend's skill and frustration at the danger he continually placed himself in.
The goons charged. Hayato ducked under the swing of a crowbar, countering with a punch to the ribs that sent one thug stumbling back. He spun to avoid another's knife slash, using the momentum to deliver a roundhouse kick that sent the attacker crashing into a display case.
"Stay down!" Hayato growled as he delivered a finishing blow to the man's chest, knocking the wind out of him.
Another goon fired a shot, but Hayato flipped over the counter, using it as cover. The bullet shattered a glass case behind him.
"You're going to regret this!" the leader roared, pulling out a heavy chain. He swung it wildly, forcing Hayato to stay on the defensive.
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The Hostage Situation
As the fight raged on, one of the goons grabbed a young girl who had been hiding in the corner of the store. He held a gun to her head, shouting, "Back off, or she dies!"
Hayato froze, his hands raised. "Let her go. You don't need to do this."
The leader sneered. "Oh, but we do. You've already messed things up for us. Now, you're going to pay."
Hayato's mind raced. He couldn't afford to make a mistake, not with an innocent life on the line.
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The Turning Point
"Sid," Hayato whispered into his earpiece, "I need a distraction."
"On it," Sid replied. Moments later, a loud explosion echoed from the alley behind the store. The goons turned their heads instinctively, giving Hayato the opening he needed.
In a blur of motion, he lunged forward, disarming the man holding the hostage and pulling her to safety. The leader swung his chain, but Hayato ducked and countered with a powerful uppercut that sent the man sprawling.
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A Fatal Accident
As the last goon fell, the leader, now desperate, pulled a concealed gun. He aimed wildly, his hands shaking. Hayato charged at him, but in the struggle, the gun went off.
The bullet ricocheted off a nearby car and struck Mr. Cain, who had just stepped outside the restaurant to see what was happening.
When the dust settled, Remond's father lay on the ground, clutching his chest. Blood seeped through his fingers as his eyes widened in shock.
"Dad!" Remond screamed, rushing to his father's side.
Mr. Cain gasped for breath, his hand reaching out to his son. "Remond… I'm proud of you…" His voice was barely a whisper before it faded.
"No, no, no!" Remond's voice cracked as he tried to stop the bleeding, but it was too late. His father's hand went limp.
Hayato froze, his mask hiding the horror etched across his face. The gang members fled in the chaos, leaving only devastation behind.
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The Aftermath
The restaurant staff called for an ambulance, but Remond knew it was futile. He held his father's lifeless body, his mind a whirlwind of grief and rage.
When he looked up, his eyes met the vigilante's. Hayato took a step forward, as if to explain, but Remond's glare stopped him cold.
"Get out of here," Remond hissed, his voice trembling with anger. "Before I do something I'll regret."
Hayato hesitated but eventually turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Remond to face the unimaginable loss alone.
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A Shattered World
That night, the Cain family was forever changed. Mrs. Cain sobbed uncontrollably, clutching her husband's wedding ring. Remond sat silently beside her, his hands clenched into fists.
In the days that followed, the vigilante's popularity wavered. While some still praised their efforts, others began to question the collateral damage caused by their actions.
For Remond, there was no question. He had lost his father, and no amount of heroism could justify it.
In the quiet of his dorm room, he stared at his reflection in the window. His father's last words echoed in his mind, but they offered no solace.
"You were wrong," Remond whispered, his voice hollow. "I wasn't ready to lose you."
And for the first time, he felt the stirrings of a new resolve—a desire not for justice, but for vengeance.