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Chapter 26

I took a hard look at the sketch in front. So the hourglass had a name. It remained a mystery how the hourglass was connected to an amnesic - me. The book was pushed forth to me. 

The tense atmosphere diffused a little so I freely flipped through the pages. Under each heading was a brief paragraph detailing observations. An entry under yesterday’s date detailed the first response from Cromer upon my touch. However, a particular entry caught my attention. I shuffled forward to read it, eyes widening in disbelief. 

Cromer has the ability to transport people across universes. Alternate universe version of me had visited with Cromer bearing a warning. “Some things are not what they seem.” Other me was searching for something or someone but was in a hurry. They disappeared where they appeared from. 

“Cromer works around the moon.”
I nodded faintly, acknowledging his words that hadn’t sunken in yet. There was a prolonged silence as I flicked through the entries. Hongjoong sat back in the silence.

“Can someone catch me up with the ‘Celestie’ and ‘danger’ thing?” Seonghwa spoke up. 

I paused a little then returned to the passage, sighing a little when I lost my place. Hongjoong didn’t make an effort to answer Seonghwa. The next sigh expelled was next to me, heavy and loud. 

“I’m going to need answers to continue being a mediator.”

“Oh just the things that happened when you were knocked out.” Hongjoong vaguely explained.

“That fact I am aware of. What I am not aware of were the events that unfolded.” Patience wore thinly in Seonghwa's tone.

The parents were quarrelling yet again. I sat to the side of the small argument, engrossed by the entries. 

“Only Mist can disclose it when she’s ready to.” 
At the mention of my name, I looked up. Father had thrown me under the bus. The betrayal.

“And it’s fair for you to understand everything whilst I am lost even though I’m here too? I was asked to be here by you. You can’t use Mist as an excuse. Honestly Kim Hongjoong, who do you take me for?” 

Turns out Mama-hwa didn’t take the bait. (In mama-hwa we trust) Hongjoong had opened his mouth to retaliate before it snapped shut, a little intimidated by the resident head doctor. I closed the book and slid it back to Hongjoong. I turned in my seat and made a move to get up. 

“And where do you think you’re going missy?” 

I stiffened in my half risen stance at the tone Seonghwa used. My eyes darted to Hongjoong in silent pleas for help. He shot back a helpless look of sympathy. 

“We’re going to have another talk. Sit down.” 

Turned out Seonghwa had lost all patience. I mechanically sat back down. Seonghwa’s piercing eyes watched my every move before turning back to Hongjoong. I noticed that he straightened in his seat, keeping a fair distance away from the darkness that began to seep from Seonghwa.

“Truthfully, what are your thoughts on Mist?” The question was directed at the captain. 

“She’s intriguing, a wild card, a volatile variable.”

“Mist's behaviour aside, you don’t trust any of our judgement from these past months?” 

Hongjoong stayed silent, unable to refute nor explain himself. Quite the reassurance from the captain though I couldn’t blame him. Afterall, I also couldn't trust myself. Am I even myself at this point? 

“Now, what have you been hiding?” Seonghwa turned to me. 

Alter ego. Just found out that I’m related to the Black Tigers leader. Had an out of body experience when Celestie took over. Nearly shot captain. Nearly died after I returned into my body.