Operation: Threads of Connection

Family

Loid's POV:

For a whole decade, I have dedicated my entire life and even earnings to one particular individual. Anya Forger.

Her obsession with peanuts has cost WISE over a million dollars. As odd as her requests are, I can't help but give in. I really did lose my edge... I never thought I would continue to maintain a relationship with her or Yor. Suddenly, I found myself getting attached to my family. A family I created out of the blue. For years I laughed at the thought of settling down. I've had countless relationships with women, for the sake of missions. Anya Forger did not just teach me patience. She brought someone else into my life. Yor Briar. Her intelligence, kindness, and strength truly opened my eyes.

-A couple years ago -

"Agent Twilight! We have to get a move on!" Nightfall screamed. Her voice cutting through the chaos around us. The mission had gone sideways, and we were deep in enemy territory. "I know, Nightfall," I replied, my mind racing as I assessed our options. We were surrounded, but there had to be a way out.

The building we were in was crumbling, the sound of gunfire and explosions growing closer. I scanned the room for anything that could help. A small window, half-hidden by debris, caught my eye. It was a tight squeeze, but it was our best shot.

"This way!" I shouted, grabbing Nightfall's arm and pulling her toward the window. We climbed through, dropping into the alley below. The cold night air hit us like a slap in the face, but we couldn't afford to stop. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my side, followed by a warm trickle of blood. I've been shot.

"Twilight, over here!" Nightfall pointed to a narrow street that led away from the main area of conflict. We sprinted down the street, our breaths visible in the chilly air. As we ran, my mind flashed back to the moments leading up to this. The mission had seemed straightforward enough: infiltrate the enemy base, gather intel, and get out. But something had gone wrong. We had been ambushed, our cover blown. Now, we were fighting for our lives.

"Nightfall, we need to find a safe house," I said, scanning the darkened streets for any sign of sanctuary. "I can't keep running like this." I huffed out still holding my side. Blood continued to spill out into my hand, I was getting weaker.

"I know a place," she replied, her voice cracked. "It's not far."

We made our way through the maze of streets, the sounds of pursuit fading as we put distance between us and the enemy. Finally, Nightfall led me to a small, unassuming building. I couldn't keep myself up anymore. I fell to the cold snow covered ground.

"Twilight?!" Nightfall screamed. She began applying pressure to my wound. "Stay with me Twilight! Help is on its way," Everything began to blur. What is happening to me? I have to get up, I have to take Anya to school tomorrow. I have to take out Yor for her birthday... I promised her... A flash of Anya and Yor came, laughing and jumping into a pile of leaves. They were so warm...

I opened my eyes, turning to face the crying woman beside me.

"Yor.... I'm sorry, I know I promised... Please forgive... me," I closed my eyes falling into a deep slumber.

~~~

"Loid, please wake up... Anya is worried. I'm worried. Please come wake up," A soft voice murmured. I stirred slightly, the voice pulling me from the darkness. The pain in my side was intense, but I focused on the voice. Slowly, I opened my eyes. Yor's worried face came into focus, her eyes red from crying.

"Yor?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Her expression brightened with relief. "Loid! You're awake!" She gently cupped my face in her hands. "Thank goodness. We've been so worried."