Chapter 139: The Heartless that Lived

During the Third World War, renowned scientist Lunacy Larkfield developed a powerful technology that could affect and even cause lightning storms.

The once rainy and cloudy land of London however, had become a sunny and warm place with a cold windy breeze that retained the cool temperatures that the natives had grown accustomed too.

Because of this, London became a place teeming with controlled wildlife. This was what made London, the greenest place in the entire world.

Somewhere in the heart of London was a large park right in the middle of the City. It was a park inspired by the large New York park of the post-modern era.

In this forest park, a young man of British features sat down at a lonely alley in the park and started to feed the ravens.

He stared at the free birds that flew up and roamed the park and smiled.

He had gone through so much these past years.

He was still barely a teenager when he managed to escape from the facility. The peace suits him. He would openly walk among the animals that London had allowed to freely roam on the forest city.

For a moment, he would be able to forget his nightmares.

He was born from a normal family and lived with them until his father got into shady business with some of the Underworld groups in New Great Britain.

A simple event escalated to the point that an accident was used to cover up the murder of his parents. He was sold through the Underworld and soon reached the secret government groups in charge of human modification.

It was then, that his terrors began.

For six years he was placed on a place which continued to treat him as a lab rat.

Three times he nearly died because of the drugs and countless times, he passed out from the pain of the experiments.

Although he would always have access to all forms of entertainment, he dreaded whenever night would come.

His only wish was that he too, could bend the fabric of time and space and pass through the 4th, 5th or 6th dimensions.

His mind wandered to the past and then he kept reminding himself of the present.

"It's all over, Jake. It's all over." He mumbled again and again.

Two years wasn't enough for him to forget the past. The needles kept terrifying him. He was already afraid of it before, but because of the pain that the experiments brought him, it even added to his fear.

Although he was believed to be dead, his fear pushed his paranoia to a high level. He had done everything he could to change his face, his body, and so on. Stealing became his means of survival. It was easy, considering he could pass through walls.

And so, like a spirit that slips through everything, the young boy struggled but found a way to live.

Suddenly, he turned around and noticed several suspicious-looking men walking around the park.

There were three of them, all standing from different angles.

Jake sat down and pretended that he didn't notice.

"Impossible. No one knows I'm alive." He thought in his heart.

He then waited patiently as the group walked further.

Jake gave a relieved sigh but decided to move.

He stood up and started to walk around the park.

He walked further and further towards the deeper part of the park where more and more people would walk, have a picnic and generally make use of the wide and open space.

He sat down at a nearby bench and observed the free folk that gathered.

Jake couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, he noticed a mysterious woman walking by briskly.

Though she wore high heels, she continued to walk at a quick pace as if she was being chased.

As she approached the nearby bench, the woman suddenly flinched as if she was startled and immediately sat down next to Jake.

Jake was surprised and continued to observe the woman.

"I'm sorry! My- my foot suddenly cramped." The woman smiled.

It was then that Jake realized it.

He knew the sound of that voice. It was all too familiar. Ever since his days on the lab, his only source of joy was a beloved T.V show that sparked his dream to escape and the Piercing game series.

And right next to him, was one of the most successful and skilled players in the entire world.

It was LordChokeMeSenpai. Kristine Sythia.

Jake was shocked but contained his overflowing joy and the tempting switch to go all fan-mode.

He managed because he knew that something was off.

He had lived a life that was paranoid and always had to look behind his shoulder every day. And right now, the same strange actions that he was so familiar with, appeared with this woman.

Jake thought for a bit.

He knew what it was like for someone as edgy as her to suddenly meet someone who would ask him of various questions even if the person simply wanted to help.

"Um… Hi. Great day for a walk, right?" Jake casually spoke.

It was then he realized that this was a stupid opener. He was in London. A city that had controlled weather technology. Of course, it would be a good day.

"Um…. I guess? It's kind of new for me. I'm actually from Pangea." Kristine smiled.

SAVE!

Jake thought in his heart.

Kristine appeared to be resting but was using this time to glance around. Jake caught wind of this but pretended to have not noticed. Kristine took off the coat she was wearing and with an outfit that was vastly different from the overcoat she wore, her appearance immediately changed.

Suddenly, she took out a wig wrapped on her bag and immediately wore it. With that, she gazed at Jake.

Jake was now in close perimeter with the woman who made him smile so many times.

"I'm sorry! I'm- trying to get away- from some fans. I'm-"

"Kristine Sythia. The most beautiful e-sport player in the entire world." Jake couldn't help but mutter.

This was unintentional. His voice suddenly leaked out as he spoke the innermost beliefs. The distance he was at, and the very action of Kristine was so captivating.

Kristine was surprised and she smiled and blushed.

"Um… Thanks… Tee-Hee. Sorry for the mystery. I'm trying to get away from some pesky fans. Could you pretend that I'm your friend? I mean… like… try to um… be more… familiar with me?"

"Fa-familiar?" Jake was shocked. Right in front of him, the chance to be familiar with the girl of his dreams landed.

"Oh! Sorry!" Kristine panicked and suddenly moved closer and started to playfully hug Jake as she gave off a laugh that was different than hers. It looked extremely natural. It was like two extremely close friends or even lovers would playfully hang out and talk of whatever the two wanted.

The moment she hugged him, his mind drifted off to a world far far away.

Further than the farthest reaches of space. Jake's smile which would barely appear, shone like the sun.

Jake found himself in heaven.

Drumming smashes forcefully played in his mind as he suddenly thought back to a post-modern classic hit that survived the Third World War came to mind.

And baby you're all that I want,

When you're lyin' here in my arms

I'm findin' it hard to believe

We're in heaven

The melody continued as the song that was a paragon amongst power-ballads filled Jake's thoughts.

It was as if the most sophisticated surround sound was placed around him. He was thoroughly immersed.

The power of Jake's mind came to play as he savored those short few seconds as if it was for a lifetime.

The sudden surprise and delight made him unconsciously smile as well.

The mysterious men walked pass by them.

"Sorry!" Kristine smiled as he noticed that the mysterious group of people has passed by.

"Are… they coming back?" Jake muttered unconsciously.

The Unlocked mind made him see time so slowly that his words came out extremely quickly.

"Excuse me?" Kristine gave a confused reaction.

"I'm sorry- I- um… It's just no one as beautiful as you have ever hugged me like that." Jake spoke quickly at first but adjusted the pace of his speed.

Kristine laughed as she heard Jake's words.

"You're extremely honest, aren't you? I usually meet the extremely shy types, and then we have the confident play-boys, but you're an awkward honest type." Kristine giggled.

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"That's because I am. If it's in confidence, I know my place. I mean, I don't look down on myself but I know I can't ever be with someone like you. On the other hand… I've lived… quite a life… Being afraid of being rejected by a girl is the least painful thing I can experience."

"Really? Some people would rather have a broken bone but never a broken heart."

"That's because they had a heart in the first place. If your hearts are already broken, you won't be afraid of it breaking." Jake smiled back.

Kristine gave an interesting look at the random person.

"That sounds… terrible. The one thing that I fear above all… is to have my heartbroken."

"You'd still be alive. To some people, being alive is more important. In contrast, to me… the pain of rejection is good. If someone breaks up with you, at least… it means that you were once desired."

Kristine smiled once more. It was a sincere smile. One from the heart.

"Wow. I'm not sure whether to applaud such hope or feel sorry for what you've been through. It's really obvious now that were extreme opposites. You see… for me, who have received endless expressions of adorations and love… it just seems all…"

"Fake?" Jake guessed.

"Yes. I mean… I know why people like me. They say I'm beautiful… I'm innocent, yet naughty, pure yet dangerous… a skilled player… a successful streamer. They tell me that I can have everything that I ever wanted in this world. Most of the guys say that I can have any guy in this world… They say they love me… but I know it's all fake."

"I'd kill for that attention. If that was me I'd take it. Besides… it's not all fake. They do adore you. Many wouldn't hesitate to marry you."

"It's still fake. Sometimes, you fall in love with someone not solely because of their beauty. Nor is it because of their charm. You fall in love with the delusion… in the imagination… in that dream… you see yourself with that person, but you don't love that person because you know that person… you love that person because of your fantasies, not because of reality."

Jake was surprised at the sudden change of tone that Kristine did.

"Are you… talking about Arthur? Or that Seeker?"

Kristine gave a dry laugh.

"Maybe I'm talking about all of them." Kristine sighed.

"Um… about the rumors…"

Kristine smiled.

"About Arthur? Or about Seeker?"

"About both of them."

"Both of them?" Kristine was confused.

"Are they gay?"

"PFFFT!" Kristine gave a sudden laugh as she was surprised at Jake's question.

"Sorry! That surprised me! That's an old rumor. It's not true. It's just some fan-fiction that people make to suit the fantasies they have. Of course, because a lot of people want it to be true, so that rumor exists. When you're as famous as we are… you get a lot of those."

Jake laughed in embarrassment.

"So… who is it then? The one you like?" Jake immediately asked.

"Wow. There's just no fear with you? You know it's rude to ask people that… Especially since it's quite a sensitive subject. Who do you want it to be?"

"Obviously, none!" Jake laughed.

"But I'm sorry. I may have overstepped my boundaries but I was just curious. When you were sharing that earlier… you really seemed bothered by it. Are you struggling with winning their love? Is there someone you are in love with, not because of who they are but because of the fantasies you have if you have him?" Jake dared to ask.

"I… don't know. I think I had these moments with both of them. But it's getting clearer now… that they love someone else. But silly old me! I continue to chase even if their hearts are set elsewhere. I couldn't help it though. The dreams I have, the fantasies I enjoy when I'm there by his side! It's like I'm addicted to this fantasy."

"You know… there was a song during the post-modern era about something like that. It goes, Dreams are my reality, a different kind of reality. I dream of loving in the night. And loving seems alright... Although it's only fantasy." Jake sang.

"Hey… That's a good song!"

"It is. But it's a sad song. He'd rather live in his fantasies because reality is just not nice to him."

"Yeah. I can relate to that. I guess because of how I feel and how I am treated by them, that I find it better for me to live in a fantasy world. You know, maybe that's why I hate it when people say love, but only mean it because of their fantasies. Maybe that's why I hate things that are fake and hate entertaining these unreal love."

Jake smiled.

Kristine gave him a curious expression.

"What?"

"We are opposites… I want to have friends. People who I can hang out with. I'm not that picky to even care if they are simply using me or do like me. On the other hand, you have the affection of the world, but you disdain it. Because you want something more real." Jake smiled.

Kristine's stare lingered at Jake. Her looks made it seem that she was in deep contemplation at Jake's word.

"Oh! I'm sorry. I haven't asked what your name is."

"Jake."

"Yeah. You look like a Jake." Kristine giggled.

"So why does Jake yearn for a relationship even if it's a shallow one? This Jake doesn't seem like a bad guy."

Jake sighed.

"It's because I can't. For whatever reason, I'm just… too scared I guess? The thought always plagued me, you know? I want to impress a girl! With money, fame, power, strength and even charm… But I really shouldn't."

"Really? So you mean to tell me, you're alright being alone?"

Jake simply nodded.

Kristine's expression was strange. He gave an inquiring look at Jake but discovered that Jake didn't want to say anymore.

"I'm not sure if you're playing that mystery card that many of my suitors tried… Are you trying that?"

"I truly am not. My life's a bit complicated. Even now, that little hug of yours brought me to heaven. If I can be honest, I do want you, you know? But I'm too scared."

"Why?"

"Would you still want to love, if you know it would kill you?" Jake asked hesitantly.

Kristine smiled.

"You'd rather live without knowing love, than love and not live? Don't they say it's the same? By the looks of it, all that denying yourself of love is breaking your heart." Kristine spoke after some consideration.

"I'd rather live with a broken heart than have a pieced up heart with a dead body," Jake answered morbidly.

"I don't know what you've been through… but honestly, I don't think it can compare with what I've been through. But despite what I face, I'd rather die alive. I don't want to soon lose my life with an already broken heart." Kristine smiled.

"Wise words. I think there was a song about that." Jake laughed and kept quiet.

"Ariana Grande, Break Free. Too bad I can never break free from my own chains of love." Kristine laughed.

Kristine gave him a sarcastic look and simply giggled.

"This was fun. Although I don't like the mysterious stranger approach, yours is the best one yet."

"I'm not trying to be mysterious!"

"Really? Being so mysterious and at the same time so tough? It's quite an interesting way to pick up girls. The mystery entails strength, but you tell this story of such weakness!" Kristine gave exaggerated movements as she said those words.

Jake simply laughed at her comical movements.

"Honestly, it's quite ingenious if I think about it. Your approach was… highly intellectual and philosophical at the same time… so you make girls see that your interesting and smart. And then you give yourself this dark, mysterious past which excites girls that want to have fun and a bit of danger… Very macho too. And then because of this dark hurting past, you develop some sort of, 'I can't love' complex but it appeals to the woman's heart because it somehow calls forth the instinctive nature of women to love and nurture. It's impressive!" Kristine laughed as she listed each quality with exaggerated acting.

"It's honestly true!" Jake could only laugh bitterly.

"Really? This isn't you flexing with such complicated back story and intriguing mystery?"

"Honestly! Look, Kristine, as I said, I've always been tempted to flex a little, but to have someone to love is just too dangerous for me!" Jake defended.

"Then flex a little!" Kristine giggled.

"I dare you. Or are you afraid that I'd fall helplessly in love with you?"

"Honestly… kind of!" Jake was almost in tears. It took a lot to resist. He was extremely afraid. Getting acquainted with someone so beautiful and famous was extremely dangerous for him.

"Just flex! I want to see if you're my knight in shining armor!" Kristine teased the more as she drew closer and gazed at Jake's eyes.

Jake gazed closely at those eyes and lost resistance. It was there that love conquered fear.

Jake gave a bitter sigh but immediately pushed his hands on to the bench seat.

Suddenly, his arms passed through the wooden surface but the bench wasn't destroyed. It was a gentle reach, like a hand reaching on the water to pick up something the water contained.

His arms passed through wood! That sight shocked Kristine.

The hand wasn't pulled back but Jake pulled his arms with a forward swing and held an almost clenched fist towards Kristine.

A butterfly was moving around in the small gap of his arms.

Kristine's expression was stunned as he looked at Jake with an almost frightened expression. Kristine appeared to have almost stood up in fright until he heard the reluctant sigh of Jake.

"Those assassins or hitmen or whatever… those three earlier. I can kill them. I can protect you." Jake gave a conflicted smile. The heart that what once was dead, was slowly becoming alive.

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