Chapter 28 — The Real Jerry II

The dust had not yet settled when Psyc glanced down at the mangled figure dangling from his arm—Red Asura, jaw torn and body trembling. His voice came out low, cold, almost lifeless.
「…I was aiming to shatter your entire skull.」A hollow chuckle escaped him, but his crimson eyes glinted with cruelty.「But this… proves you have a little of my blood in your system. Hah. Now I remember you. You were that Shinji boy’s lackey.」
Red Asura gargled, choking on his own blood as if trying to speak.
「Shhhh. Don’t.」 Psyc tilted his head, the coldness in his tone sharpening. 「You’ll only destroy your voice box. And the doctors can’t save you anyway.」
He placed his palm over Red Asura’s blood-soaked head. For a moment, the faintest sigh slipped through Psyc’s lips—almost weary, almost detached.
「As for the last lesson you’ll ever learn… Don’t you ever throw disrespect on my mother’s name.」
CRACK—
The skull caved slowly, bones splintering under Psyc’s grip. Then, like discarding garbage, he flung the corpse to the ground without a glance back.
He turned to Mei, whose face was pale and trembling. His crimson eyes softened just a fraction, though the chill in his aura never wavered.
「C’mon. Let’s go. I know a doctor who owes me.」His gaze dropped to her hands—something glinting faintly there.「…My artificial heart?」 A fleeting warmth crossed his cruel features as he leaned in, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 「Thanks for finding it for me.」Mei allowed herself to be lifted in his arms, bridal-style. Her voice was small, almost fragile.「Um… m-my phone… it recorded everything.」Psyc let out a laugh—warm in sound, but betrayed by the frost in his eyes.「Really.」「Yah… it did.」「Don’t worry.」 His tone was light, but Mei could feel the weight behind it. 「My family will take care of that.」She hesitated. 「Then… why don’t you switch? The fight’s over…」Psyc’s smirk faded, replaced by blunt honesty.「I can’t. If I did, our body would break down in a heartbeat.」Her lips trembled. 「I-I see… sorry for asking.」「It’s fine.」 Psyc’s grin returned, sharp, mocking death itself. 「There’s a lot we haven’t told you. Like this—when we refer to ourselves as a collective, it means we need medical attention before the body collapses.」
Mei’s eyes widened in shock. 「What!. 」
◽30 minutes later at Kaigen General Hospital◽
「Um… Arthur, someone’s looking for you.」 Aoi peeked into the office nervously.Arthur sighed, running a hand through his hair. 「If it isn’t serious, just send them away.」Aoi fidgeted, cheeks flushed. 「Err… He said I smelled like you. And then… whispered in my ear exactly what we did last night—in detail.」Arthur choked, nearly falling out of his chair. 「What color was his hair?」「Crimson… why—」
Arthur didn’t wait. He bolted from the room.
◽In the lobby◽
In the lobby, Psyc was sprawled across the floor, words slurred as his breathing came in ragged bursts. His crimson eyes flickered dangerously, but his voice was thin.「…Mei… is he here yet…?」Mei clutched at her chest, panic in her trembling voice.「N-no… not yet.」「I see…」 Psyc grunted, his lips curling into a grimace. 「Where… is he…」「Psyc!」 Arthur’s sharp voice rang out as he rushed forward.The crimson alter gave a crooked chuckle. 「Ay… Arthur… heh… I can’t stand up. World’s… spinning.」Arthur’s eyes hardened, the doctor inside him instantly calculating. 「Damn it. Stage three already. Get a stretcher—private room, now!」「O-okay, doctor!」 the nurses scrambled.Arthur’s tone grew sharper, commanding. 「Bring two hundred kilograms of food—raw and cooked. And books on torture devices, in that room immediately. And lock the door. Key stays outside. No exceptions.」A weak chuckle slipped past Psyc’s lips, mocking his own condition. 「Heh… we appreciate that, Arthur.」 His body sagged as the nurses lifted him onto the stretcher.Arthur leaned close, voice low but urgent. 「Don’t worry, buddy. Now—how far are you from stage four?」Psyc’s crimson eyes fluttered half-shut. 「If… we get the books now… we can hold it back… until the food arrives.」Arthur exhaled sharply, then gave a curt nod to the staff. 「Take him. Now.」As the stretcher wheeled away, Arthur muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else. 「As long as he doesn’t hit stage four… we’ll be fine.」「W-will he be okay?」 Mei’s voice shook with desperation.Arthur turned to her, gaze steady but grave. 「Yes. As long as everything is followed to the letter… no one will get hurt.」Mei’s eyes widened. 「…What do you mean?」Arthur sighed, rubbing at his temples. 「He’ll tell you tomorrow. Just… trust me for now.」
◽Two days later — Tuesday, 10th May 2050◽
Jerry awoke with a long yawn, blinking against the sterile white ceiling. His hair—no longer crimson but dark—fell into his eyes as he rubbed his temples. His tone was flat, emotionless.
「…Damn.」 He turned his head, only to freeze. 「Who the hell… is this?」A woman stirred beside him, her lips curving into a smile as her eyes fluttered open.「Good morning.」Jerry sat upright instantly, his neutral expression tightening. 「Who are you.」「Nurse Sayo Gojo,」 she said softly, leaning against his chest as if she belonged there.Jerry exhaled, his voice still even but laced with tension. 「…What happened.」Sayo giggled, her tone teasing. 「Aww… did you forget me already?」「Don’t play with me.」 His voice cut sharp, flat and dangerous in its calmness.She only laughed, unfazed. 「Your hair was white. You basically dragged me in here yourself.」Jerry’s brows furrowed. 「…Tsk. Blanco.」 His voice slipped, frustration breaking through his neutral tone. 「Did I—or rather, did he—say anything?」Sayo pouted faintly. 「He said… I come from a long line of killers. And if people found out, no one would ever marry me.」 She chuckled bitterly. 「That stung, you know.」Jerry looked away. 「It wasn’t me.」「Mm… yah. You’re right. He was more fun than you.」His eyes narrowed. 「…What?」Sayo tilted her head, smile curling. 「Oh, he also said… ‘since that’s the case, I might as well breed with you.’ And that’s what’s been happening since Sunday night. Until… about two hours ago.」 She giggled. 「There were breaks, but… I don’t really remember consenting to any of it.」Jerry’s hand dragged down his face, a sigh escaping. 「…That fucking idiot.」「Mm. You’re right about that. But don’t worry,」 Sayo said sweetly, her voice light, almost carefree. 「When I do end up pregnant… I’ll raise our child.」Jerry froze, his neutral mask almost cracking. 「…What.」Sayo climbed into his lap, smiling innocently. 「Blanco, was it?」「…Yeah.」Jerry said flatly.「Well… out of all the men I’ve been with, he was the most honest about what he wanted. Not like the others—weak little society pick-me’s. He was… better.」Jerry’s flat voice turned razor sharp. 「Woman. You got r*ped.」Sayo only giggled. 「At least he was honest about his intentions while doing it. And he was good at it.」 The door opened suddenly, and her voice brightened. 「Oh—looks like you have a guest.」「Jerry.」 Esther stood there, her expression cool and unreadable. 「I thought you were unwell. But clearly, that isn’t the case.」Jerry quickly pushed Sayo aside, his tone clipped. 「Big sis. Believe me. She’s not mine—she’s Blanco’s.」
Esther’s gaze shifted to Sayo. The nurse gave a small nod of confirmation.
「…I see. Then tell me—why would Blanco suddenly take a woman?」Sayo’s cheeks flushed as she giggled. 「To breed. And I intend to let him until he gets what he wants.」Esther exhaled through her nose, then glanced back at Jerry. 「And here I thought JJ’s taste in women was strange. Hmph. Get dressed. The family is waiting.」「…Got it.」 Jerry rose, dressing swiftly before leaving with her.Esther lingered behind, her gaze sharp as she addressed Sayo. 「If you do end up carrying my younger brother’s child… you’ll be treated better than you are now.」Sayo’s voice wavered slightly. 「T-thank you…」「But don’t mistake that for anything else. You will not be treated like his wife. Am I clear?」「Yes, ma’am. But… as long as Blanco wants me around, I’ll let him breed me to his heart’s content.」Esther studied her carefully, then sighed, almost under her breath. 【They might be different… but it seems they’re drawn to broken people.】「Clean yourself up. After I’m done here, you’ll be coming to Militia with me for a while.」Sayo tilted her head, cautious but curious. 【Hmm… considering Blanco said he’s the second strongest, and she isn’t yelling at Jerry… this isn’t a trap.】「…Can I ask why?」「Because it will take Blanco years to get out without killing the body. Until then… you’ll have to stay with us.」「…Alright then. Lead the way.」Esther’s eyes lingered on her once more before she muttered inwardly. 【I don't know what spell Blanco cast on her… but it’s stronger than her will to live.】
◽In the Lobby◽
Jerry entered, spotting his family gathered.「Joshua? Yulia? You guys are here too?」Joshua chuckled softly. 「Well… this was the first time in a long while your vibe felt off. So I came to check on you.」Yulia’s gaze was sharp, almost cold. 「Even if I hate you… you’re my future husband’s twin. So I can’t stay home.」Jerry frowned, then felt Shizuko run into him, hugging him tight. 「Aren’t you supposed to be in school—」She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. 「…Baka(Idiot).」Jerry blinked, surprised, then carefully lifted her into his arms. 「You know… that’s the first time you’ve spoken Japanese to me.」Her small fists clenched. 「…Nande konna ni hontō ni uketomenai no, papa…? (Why won’t you really take this seriously, papa…?)」Jerry’s face tightened, his voice quieter now, trembling between his calm and his suppressed pain. 「…Sore wa ne… boku ga hontō ni mukiatte shimattara… takusan no hito ga kizutsuite shimau kara da. (You see… if I truly faced it… a lot of people would end up getting hurt.)」「Demo… saisho ni kizutsuketa no wa, papa no koto ja nai no…? (But… the ones who hurt first, weren’t they the ones who hurt you, papa…?)」Jerry’s lips pressed together, his eyes burning. 「…Wakatte iru yo. Demo, boku ga sou shite shimattara… kimi wo sodaterarenakunaru. Karera ga “papa wa fuantei da” tte shoumei shite shimattara… obaasan ga kimi wo boku kara hanasanakereba naranaku naruんだ. (I know. But if I did that, I wouldn’t be able to raise you. If they proved “papa is unstable,” grandmother would be forced to take you away from me.)」Shizuko fell silent, tears sliding down her cheeks as she buried her face in his chest.Jerry kissed her head gently. 「I’m sorry, Shizu. But just know—we’re breaking inside seeing you like this.」「Ja… hoka no papa-tachi wa, dō natte iru no…? (So… what about the other papas…?)」Jerry’s eyes dimmed. 「…Boku no kokoro no naka ni tojikomete aruんだ… boku ga musunda yakusoku no sei daよ. (They’re locked away in my mind… because of a promise I made.)」Shizuko let out a small, sad sigh against Jerry’s chest.「…Sō… wakatta. (I see… I understand…)」Joshua’s gaze hardened as he looked at his brother. 「What do you mean by… ‘they’re locked up’?」Jerry lowered his head, a heavy breath slipping from him. 「I made a deal with Blanco… in order to save Mei. Now I can’t switch the orders until he gets his fight with the opps.」「FOK—!!!」 Joshua’s voice cracked as he shouted, the word echoing through the room. He inhaled sharply, then exhaled, rubbing his face. 「…Sorry. But Jerry… this really is serious.」Jerry nodded faintly, his voice dropping into that detached neutrality. 「Look… I know. But can y’all please leave me alone with Shizuko today? I promise—I’ll clear the air tomorrow.」
A single tear slipped down his face.
For the first time that morning, Hana stirred from her quiet seat. She walked over, had Jerry crouched to her level, and gently brushed the tear away with her finger.
「…Was I crying just now?」 Jerry asked, blinking. His tone carried restraint, almost confused at his own emotions.Hana smiled softly. 「Yah. Seems like you’re not as emotionless as you claim to be. So… go ahead. Spend time with Shizuko. It’ll be good for both of you.」Jerry’s chest tightened. With one arm still holding Shizuko close, he wrapped his free arm around Hana briefly, pulling her into a quick embrace before letting go. 「Thanks, Hana. I truly appreciate it.」Her smile warmed. 「It’s alright. But promise me one thing… tell your family everything. I’d hate to see the two of you split up.」「Don’t worry. I will.」At that moment, Shizuko lifted her head. Her small eyes met Hana’s, brimming with gratitude. 「…Thank you… Mama.」The word froze Hana for an instant. A single tear welled in her eye before she gracefully wiped it away. 「You’re welcome, marshmallow.」
Jerry and Shizuko left the room together, disappearing down the hall.

Yulia’s sharp eyes followed them before turning toward Hana, her voice carrying suspicion. 「What did you do for Jerry to trust you so much?」Hana kept her composure. 「Simple. Even though the PCP was heavily watered down for me… it doesn’t erase the fact that I was a lab rat to my father for most of my childhood.」Yulia’s lips pressed into a thin line. 「…Hmm. I see. So you must be the one grandmother is so eager for him to put a ring on. With a father named John, correct?」Hana let out a nervous chuckle. 「Err… yah, that’s me.」Joshua raised his hands calmly. 「Big sis Yulia, you don’t need to be so suspicious. Grandma already said Hana’s valid.」「I understand,」 Yulia replied coolly. 「I’m just making sure she understands.」Hana’s expression turned serious. 「Trust me. I do.」「Good. Because just because Jerry is seen as a ‘problem child,’ that doesn’t mean—」 Yulia’s gaze sharpened. 「—one, that he needs to be fixed. And two, that he doesn’t have a family who will do anything for him.」「…I’ll take that to heart.」 Hana bowed her head slightly.Yulia’s phone buzzed. She glanced down. 「That was Devon. C’mon. Let’s go.」 She walked toward the exit without looking back.Joshua lingered a moment longer, handing Hana a small card. 「I’m sorry about big sister. Even though she says she hates him, she’s actually the most worried about him. Oh, and—this has all of our personal numbers. Just in case something major happens.」「Alright… thank you.」 Hana accepted the card, her grip gentle.
Joshua left.
◽
Miyeon and Jiyeon both let out sighs of relief, shoulders loosening.
「Wow… she was scary,」 Miyeon muttered. 「His sister Esther was much more docile—even when she was serious.」Hana shook her head softly. 「I mean, I’d be the same too. Having a brother I’m estranged with… and then watching him trust a total stranger without question? I’d be suspicious too.」Jiyeon still fidgeted nervously. 「But still, Hana… she treated you like a criminal. Even if it was brief.」Hana turned her calm gaze on them both. 「Jiyeon… Jerry only reconnected with his family this year, after six—seven years. And I was the reason for that, when he felt homesick. I’m not surprised if his sisters think I have ulterior motives.」Miyeon frowned. 「So you’re just going to… take it?」「If it proves I care more about Shizuko—and every version of Jerry—over the wealth to his name,」 Hana smiled warmly, 「then yah. I will.」Miyeon’s expression softened, almost prayerful. 「…Then I’ll pray for you. For this endeavor.」
Hana’s eyes lingered on the hallway where Jerry had gone.
Hana, unaware of the silent storm within Jerry’s mind, only closed her eyes and whispered:「…I’ll protect both of them. No matter what.」