"Hey, Cyrus," Chronos said, stepping up to Hide.
Chronos gave him a smirk, then turned to Fidel and Helm. "Let's get back to the hideout."
Before Hide could react, Fidel grabbed him and threw him over his shoulder. Hide struggled, but Fidel didn't let go.
"Stop struggling. We just want a word. Didn't expect to find you here," Fidel said.
Eventually, Hide stopped resisting and realized they weren't hostile. Just here to talk.
At the hideout, Hide was dropped into a chair. Chronos sat across from him, arms crossed.
"Cyrus, why are you here?"
"Escort mission."
"What kind?"
"The Prince's fiancée."
Chronos nodded. "Tough one, I bet. Glad you made it through. Listen, I need your help. We're infiltrating an underworld crime gang. Not our usual gig, but we took the job. I told them we'd be selling two people: you and Kyoko."
"So you were looking for me," Hide said.
"Exactly. Kyoko found you with her ability. So, Cyrus, you in?"
Hide paused. He knew Chronos needed him for the plan to work.
"Alright. What's in it for me?"
Chronos grinned. "You'll get a quarter of the cut. We'll hit the gang once we're in. Jack doesn't like this kind of job. You're better suited for it. Just be careful."
Chronos tossed him some torn clothes. Kyoko had already changed. Hide went to the bathroom and changed. When he came out, even Helm chuckled.
"Alright, you two. Act confused and clueless. If they catch on, it's over," Chronos instructed.
"Wait. Let me send a letter to my guildmate," Hide said.
"Guildmate?"
"She's in Rexes. If I disappear, she'll worry."
"Fine. Make it quick."
Hide scribbled a note to Charlotte, letting her know he'd be gone for a few days. He tied it to a bird and sent it flying.
Back at the hideout, he put on shackles and a rope around his neck. Chronos took the lead, dragging Hide. Kyoko walked ahead.
As they headed to the meeting point—an alleyway rarely traveled—memories stirred within Hide. He forced them down.
In the alley, Chronos waited. Kyoko and Hide acted confused and dazed. Two men emerged from the shadows, followed by a third—the boss.
"You must be Kinos."
"That's right," Chronos replied.
"Where's our prize?"
"Let's see the money first."
One of the men revealed a sash filled with gold.
Chronos signaled Fidel, who brought over Kyoko and Hide, both with bags over their heads and on their knees.
The boss stepped forward and removed the bags. He studied them.
"Where'd you get the girl?"
"From Lona. During the fiend invasion. Knocked her out while she escaped."
The man grinned, placing his hand around Kyoko's neck. She struggled believably.
"Name?"
"Sasha."
The man turned to Hide.
"And him?"
"Drogen. Rookie soldier. Caught him on break. Drugged his food. Name's Alex."
The boss sneered. "Long way from home, boy. But you'll be useful."
He walked off, ordering his men to hand over the gold and bag Hide and Kyoko again. As they were dragged away, Hide knew—
The mission had begun.