Chapter 7 - Chapter 6 [Escape]

"Escape" 

The shadows clung thick as Jihoon raced through the facility, holding the weary child close. Each footstep rang out ominously in the gloom, echoing their fleeing footsteps deep below. 

Jihoon heightened his senses, alert for pursuit's thin threads, aware of their peril. The boy trembled in his arms but kept determinedly silent, conserving strength. Despite drained eyes, a stubborn flame of hope still flickered within.

Rounding a corner, Jihoon halted abruptly - figures blocked escape. Stepping forward, a frosty-eyed man in a lab coat commanded, "Surrender the child."

Jihoon contemplated their grim fate, realizing they'd been herded here. Holding the boy tighter still, he replied resolutely, "I cannot. Your goals come at too high a cost."

At a hissed word, the troupe activated lethal talents, primed for bloodshed. Wide-eyed, the child watched shadows swirl around Jihoon protectively as his anger towards their arrogance intensified darkness' veil. 

Without warning, Jihoon struck - shadows lancing through the clamor of warring gifts in close quarters. He defended with death-swift, precise blows while avenging past anguishes. Though weary, each strike fed on steely resolve. 

Inspired by Jihoon's display, the boy found solace in another's fortitude against shared plight. Drawing inner reserves, he sent forth a burst knocking foes off-balance, creating space amidst the turmoil.

Jihoon closed in, shadows multiplying as he systematically overpowered all obstructing freedom. Yet manhunters massed, frenzy swelling to consume them. Jihoon doubled efforts while the child watched in awe and growing understanding.

Exertion peaked, fury shifting to icy aim - one by one, quarry fell until only a quaking researcher remained among ruins. "You...you're a vigilante," he rasped through bloodless lips. Jihoon's eyes blazed with retribution's wildfire. "Here we stand. Your downfall has only begun." 

Thus vowing, Jihoon bore up the child and fled into night's concealing mantle. Emerging within woods' dense folds, they paused to recover labored breaths. Though spent, the boy offered a weary smile. "Thank you for your strength, friend. Together we'll overcome dark designs." Jihoon smiled gently in response. "With care and courage, dawn's light will triumph."

Their shared trial had only begun forging bonds to withstand coming shadows. Yet mysteries remained veiled in facility's nether reaches. Jihoon swore to bring clarity, guiding scattered souls as dawning justice banished darkness' grip for good.

With sunrise's first golden rays piercing boughs, Jihoon and the child continued on, rallying brief respites yet unwavering in resolve to see right prevail where wrongs had festered. Their fateful journey was only just beginning.

[Author Note: I made it really short because this was the end of Timeline chapter other parts of it will be explain detailed on the main arc. Good night everyone!]