Forget Where We Were (reupload!)

Chapter 19

Kiran woke up in the makeshift bed in the backroom of the shop.

This was a familiar sight to him, having been staying here every day for the last two years, ever since he lost his memories and a group of bandits delivered him to Petrichor.

Perhaps he was not delivered out of the goodness of their hearts, in hopes to see him home. Knowing things now, it was most likely that the bandits sold him to the Fatui stationed in Fontaine.

The question that lingered in Kiran's mind was, why?

Why did they need him? What for? Why did they have to keep him around for so long?

Kiran's questions flew to the wind the moment the door to his room opened and Theo stepped inside the room, followed by their beloved Benefactor. She regarded him coldly but this was the usual demeanor she carried around ever since Kiran met her. Theo looked like he was about to fall on her feet and express his undying loyalty to the woman beside him.

"Madam Benefactor, we apologize for the delay in bringing him back. We tried our best to locate him as soon as we could, but there were unforeseen circumstances that hindered us from accomplishing the task you have given us. Again, we do apologize..."

The Benefactor seemed to be not listening to Theo at all. Instead, she regarded Kiran with her sharp eyes for a few minutes until she finally decided to speak.

"So, you've gained your memories back."

Kiran watched her watch him. The Benefactor seemed to be composing herself before she continued, "It's a disappointment. The Tsaritsa would not be happy to hear about this major setback in our plans."

"We can still continue with the plan!" Theo interjected. "We have brought him back and we believe that he will be willing to work with us."

"Work with us? With his memories intact?" The Benefactor turned to Kiran once more, "Are you willing to give up your life in Sumeru to work with us? If you do, then you will be one of my own, finally an official member of the House of the Hearth. You will go on as Kiran, with no attachments to your homeland. Your new family will be us, and you shall remain loyal to the Tsaritsa until your dying breath."

Kiran might have felt like he was a burden on his friends, especially on Alhaitham, but that does not mean he wanted to join the Fatui. Though, what was he to do now that he has already left Sumeru? People of the nation of wisdom have better things to do with their lives than look after him and mourn his failures with him. Kiran could not depend on them any longer, could he? It was about time that he decided for himself - a life that was fully his own, a life that could make him happy and safe.

The architect slipped down on the side of the bed and looked at the Benefactor. He would have to tell her this anyway and perhaps it would be better to have it dealt with as early as possible, knowing the operations of the Fatui.

Kiran was about to open his mouth to speak, when a shattering of glass was heard outside. Theo immediately stepped out of the backroom to take care of the commotion outside. Kiran was curious too, but he knew the Benefactor could snap his neck for walking past her. After a few minutes, Theo ran back inside.

"There's a crazy woman outside. She shattered the glass door of the shop with a rock. She looked absolutely murderous," Theo looked at Kiran. "She was yelling and looking for you."

"Looking for me?" Kiran echoed. Could it be?

The Benefactor sighed and stepped outside to face the intruder, with the blond immediately following her outside. Theo was trying to tell the person off outside the shop but Kiran recognized the crazy woman immediately as he stepped outside.