Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 25: Echoes of The Past

Echoes of The Past

Hyunjie's lips parted, but words caught in her throat. The revelation was too immense, too unbelievable. She yearned to trust, to embrace the impossible truth, but the initial shock still lingered, skepticism clouding her judgment. "I'm a member of Champ's syndicate," Harry confessed, his voice laced with regret. "I started as a security agent, but my true intentions were far from allegiance. I went undercover to gather information."

Hyunjie's gaze narrowed, confusion etched on her face. "What?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising sharply. She shook her head vehemently, as if denying the words could undo the reality. Her mind reeled, struggling to reconcile the brother she thought she'd lost with the complex figure before her.
 
"I was deeply embedded in Champ's camp for six months," Harry continued, his voice laced with reflections of the past. "I became an integral part of their inner circle, gaining their trust." His gaze drifted, memories flooding back. "Those months were a blur. I focused solely on my mission, constantly walking the thin line between loyalty and betrayal. I risked my life repeatedly, gathering crucial evidence to dismantle Champ's empire."

His expression softened, a hint of warmth in his eyes. "That's when I met Maya. She was mysterious, intelligent and fiercely independent. Our paths crossed unexpectedly, and everything changed." Harry's pause was filled with emotion. "Maya became my ally, my confidante... and my love."
 
Harry's gaze drifted, his eyes fixed on the Phoenix painting hanging on the wall. The fiery colors seemed to mirror the turmoil within him. "But fate betrayed me," he whispered, his voice tinged with regret. "Someone uncovered my true identity, compromising my mission. Everything I'd worked for was on the brink of collapse."

His eyes narrowed, memories flooding back. "I had confided only in Maya about my true self. Yet, somehow, the truth slipped into the wrong hands." Harry's jaw clenched. "I've agonized over this for so long, unsure if Maya betrayed me or if a mole lurked in the shadows, waiting to strike."

Harry's gaze locked onto Hyunjie's, intensity burning in his eyes. "Champ's men brutally battered me, leaving me shattered and broken." His voice dropped to a whisper. "Champ delivered the final blow, shooting me and casting me into the depths of the sea."

Memories of that fateful day flooded back. "Fate intervened," he continued. "A marine captain, a guardian angel, witnessed the horrific scene unfolding below. He rushed to my aid, pulling me from the jaws of death. His ship, the Phoenix, became my sanctuary." Gratitude warmed his voice. "I owe him my life, Hyunjie. He nursed me back to health, shielding me from Champ's relentless pursuit."

A hint of sadness crossed his face. "The captain's passing was a tremendous loss, but his legacy lives on. He entrusted me with his beloved ship, the Phoenix, and its loyal crew. His kindness and trust continue to inspire me."
 
Hyunjie's brow furrowed in curiosity. "So, you're a marine now?" she asked, her tone a mix of surprise and intrigue.

Harry's eyes sparkled with a hint of pride. "I've found a new purpose aboard the Phoenix," he explained. "The captain's legacy drives me. I've formed strong bonds with the crew. We're a family, united against injustice."

Hyunjie's gaze probed deeper. "And your life as an FBI agent? Will you return to that life when this mission ends?"
 
Harry's expression turned contemplative. "I'm still navigating my path, Hyunjie. The Phoenix has become my identity, a symbol of redemption." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "My FBI roots run deep, but this new journey has given me a sense of belonging and purpose."

Hyunjie's curiosity deepened. "But why dive into the treacherous world of crime syndicates? Everyone knows the Phoenix is a marine vessel." Her voice filled with concern. "You're risking everything, Harry. Your mission is noble, but people misunderstand your intentions. They see the Phoenix as vigilantes, not heroes."
 
Harry's eyes gleamed with strategic intensity. "That was exactly my intention, Hyunjie – to blur the lines. In a world where loyalty's a luxury, uncertainty's our shield." His voice dropped to a whisper. "I distrust everyone outside the Phoenix crew. When I discovered your collaboration with my former FBI colleagues, I knew I had to act swiftly."