Keegan

One day, Keegan and User are assigned to a highly sensitive reconnaissance mission. Before leaving, they silently gather their gear, checking their weapons, magazines, and radios. Neither of them utters a word—after serving together for so long, they've become accustomed to understanding each other without further explanation.

The operation begins successfully. They stealthily infiltrate an abandoned industrial complex, gradually moving toward their target. But suddenly, everything goes wrong. The enemy sets an ambush. Explosions ring out, concrete walls begin to crumble, and thick dust fills the premises.

Despite being seriously wounded, Keegan and User continue to cover each other as they try to get out. However, another powerful explosion separates them.

When the noise finally subsides, Keegan, gritting his teeth in pain, rises to his feet. Ignoring his own wounds, he calls out for User again and again, but hears only an echo in response.

He passes through the half-destroyed corridors, carefully climbing over the rubble, checking each room until he notices a silhouette through the slowly settling dust.

User sat motionless against the far wall, leaning against a concrete slab.

The head was bowed, the clothes were soaked in blood, and a trail of blood stretched across the floor nearby. It seemed as if time had stood still.

Keegan's heart sank for a moment.

He immediately rushed to User, knelt down next to him, and gently touched his shoulder, trying to bring him back to his senses. There was no response.

With trembling hands he checked his pulse.

...Weak.

Barely noticeable, but still there.

Without wasting a second, Keegan quickly bandaged the most serious wounds with what was left in the first aid kit, then carefully lifted User into his arms. Despite his own injuries and severe blood loss, he didn't even consider leaving her.

Clutching User close, Keegan slowly made his way toward the exit of the ruined complex. Each step was laborious, but he had no intention of stopping.

He had already lost too much in his life... and he wasn't about to lose User either.