The Fate in your Eyes

Chapter 5 - Missing Child

Seconds passed while Cheng frantically tried to think of what to say. How did the policeman know about the powers of the two? Did a customer tell the officer? What did it all mean? "Now please calm them down," the policeman said, trying to lift the crying man off the ground. "You heard it yourself. This place is just a photo studio. No one can look into the past. It's all bullshit, all rip-offs," he added, squinting over at Cheng and Lu. The crying man paused and looked at the two friends. 

"But...but...for all these years...there must be a way..." he gasped. Tears came to his eyes again. "I've really tried everything! I've been to detectives, to a TV show and...and..." the sobbing interrupted him. "I bought countless lucky charms, do you want to see them? They're all at my house! I pray every day...what...what...am I doing wrong?" he cried, looking down at the floor in a blur. "What...am I doing wrong?" he repeated, stunned. "Now, why don't you stand up? These people don't want to help us," the policeman drove at him. But Cheng intervened. "When did it happen?" he immediately wanted to know. Curious, Lu, Luana and the policeman raised their eyebrows. "About three years ago...soon it will be exactly three," the man answered sadly. Finally, he stood up. Cheng pondered and looked at the dejected man. Was he allowed to intervene this far? Was he allowed to change an entire child's fate? Was he allowed to...change the future? The air between his teeth hissed, he ran his hand wearily over his eyes. 

"We...we...need a little time...let's...tomorrow...no...," Cheng tried to find time as Lu spoke up. "We'll come to your office tomorrow if it's okay with you, officer?", the boy with dark hair suggested. Cheng nodded. Yes, that would have to do. The cop stared at the two for a moment. "What...really now?" he stared at the two in wonder. "Yes. For sure," with that Cheng turned and left the hallway. The officer and the man thanked him, then they left the photo studio. "What was that all of a sudden Cheng?", Lu wanted to know, on the one hand he was happy, he wanted to help people, but on the other hand, they were dealing with the police here. Their powers had to remain a secret. Not even Luana knew about it. "I only understand station. What kind of powers, what was that cop babbling about?" cried Luana indignantly. Cheng dropped down on the sofa and sighed. "That was nonsense. Rumors. But we can still help the man...you saw him yourself," Cheng replied, rubbing his nose. "But couldn't the police just make our reputation worse?" worried Luana, pulling her hair anxiously. "I don't think so. No on the contrary, that may even make us look better," Lu muttered. 

"But still Cheng, why did you act without our understanding?", Lu wanted to know. Cheng did not look at him. "I...", he hesitated. What was he supposed to say? That he had sympathy? "I...can't stand not being able to help so many people anymore. I don't want to see them suffer anymore. If we can save people's lives, then...then...we should do it...",Cheng grumbled, finally looking up at Lu. His eyes flashed with understanding. "Fine by me. I see that's settled. In any case, I have to go to the hairdresser now. When I get back, we can talk about everything else," Luana said suddenly, grabbing her purse. "See you later," she called after her, then she was gone. Cheng glanced after her for a few seconds. "Sorry, I acted too fast again. Like that time, with Luana," Cheng muttered. Lu sat down with his buddy.

"To be honest, I actually think it's good that you're starting to go against your stupid rules. If you want to help people, go ahead and do it! After all, we have these powers now, so we have to work with them," Lu agreed, giving him a friendly punch in the shoulder. "You're right...but...speaking of our powers. How did the officer know about them?" the ash blond wondered. "Maybe through rumors or tales. But as long as he doesn't see us as a threat, we're okay, aren't we?" said Lu. Cheng shook his head. "We don't know where we got these powers. We don't even really know how they work and how strong they can be. We have to be careful," Cheng explained. 

He remembered well when he had told Lu about his powers. Already on the first day he had felt it. When the two had shaken hands, he had felt a certain energy. Lu had suggested that he work together. "You can see into the future and I can see into the past! We need to work together and help people! Oh, I know what, what do you think of a store?", Lu had excitedly suggested to him. In the end, Cheng agreed.