Nigel speeds down the highway on his motorcycle, the engine's low hum cutting through the quiet of the early morning. The sky is tinged with a faint orange glow as the sun begins its slow rise, casting long shadows over the road. The cool wind brushes against his face, carrying the scent of dew and the faint smoke of street vendors setting up for the day. The once-empty streets are gradually filling with vehicles, the city slowly waking up.
He leans forward, gripping the handlebars tightly, weaving skillfully through the growing traffic. The urgency in his movements is clear, the motorcycle's roar growing louder as he accelerates. By the time he reaches Andrei's building, the sunlight has started to spill over the city, illuminating the tall structure in front of him.
Pulling into the parking area, Nigel shuts off the engine and takes a moment to breathe, wiping sweat from his brow. The ride had been fast and relentless, every second feeling vital. He pulls out his phone, dialing Andrei's number with steady fingers.
"I'm down at the lobby," he says simply, his voice calm but firm.
Minutes later, the elevator doors slide open, and Andrei steps out into view. His pajama shirt hangs loosely, his hair is messy, and dark circles underline his sharp features. It's clear he hasn't slept a wink. Their eyes meet, and for a moment, the world seems to pause. Andrei exhales audibly, his shoulders sagging with visible relief.
"You're here," Andrei says softly, his voice carrying both gratitude and exhaustion.
Nigel nods, brushing a hand through his hair as he watches the tension drain from Andrei's face. Though neither speaks further, the weight of their shared understanding fills the quiet, unspoken but deeply felt.
Inside Andrei's rented unit, the space reflects the minimalism of a barely used shelter. The apartment is small but functional, a single bedroom, a tidy kitchen, and a living room with a modest sofa and a coffee table cluttered with books and scattered notes. Andrei gestures around vaguely as he leads Nigel inside.
"Not much to see here," Andrei mutters, rubbing the back of his neck. His voice is soft, laced with exhaustion. "Kitchen's over there, bathroom on the left. Make yourself at home."
Nigel nods, his gaze sweeping over the cozy space. "Looks nice, Andrei. Clean."
Andrei offers a small, tired smile. He pulls a blanket from the couch and hands it to Nigel. "You should take a nap. I'm guessing you haven't slept either."
Nigel shakes his head. "No, you sleep first. You need it more."
Andrei hesitates, his anxiety briefly flaring as he glances at Nigel. "Are you sure? I don't want you to—"
Nigel cuts him off, his tone firm but reassuring. "I'll be fine here in the living room. I'll wake you up after a bit. Go on, Andrei. You're barely standing."
Andrei exhales deeply, the weight of his sleepless night evident in his expression. "Alright. But… thank you, Nigel. Really."
He heads to his bedroom, pausing at the doorway to look back. "If you need anything, just wake me up, okay? And don't be shy about it."
Nigel smirks faintly, waving him off. "Go. I've got this."
Satisfied that Nigel is comfortable, Andrei finally retreats to his room. The door clicks shut softly, leaving Nigel alone in the dimly lit living room. He sinks into the sofa, the blanket draped over his lap as he leans back, his mind wandering.
For a while, the apartment is silent save for the occasional muffled hum of vehicles from the street below. Nigel closes his eyes, but instead of sleep, memories of the previous night flood his mind. He recalls the conversation that brought him here.
11:49 PM
Andrei: Nigel, you awake?
11:50 PM
Nigel: Yeah. What's up?
11:51 PM
Andrei: Just… thinking. Can't sleep.
11:52 PM
Nigel: What's on your mind?
A pause stretches for a minute before Andrei replies.
11:53 PM
Andrei: A lot, actually. You know when your head's so full, you can't even pick one thought to focus on?
11:55 PM
Nigel: I know the feeling. Happens to me sometimes. Wanna talk about it?
11:57 PM
Andrei: I don't know. It feels stupid to even bring it up.
11:58 PM
Nigel: It's not stupid if it's bothering you this much. Just say it. No judgment, I promise.
Andrei hesitates again, evident in the brief gap between messages.
12:03 AM
Andrei: I was talking to this person online earlier, someone who might have some answers about my brother. His name's Atlantis. He's been gone for years, and I just… I don't know what to do anymore. I don't even know if I should believe this person.
Nigel stares at the screen, Andrei's words tugging at something inside him.
12:05 AM
Nigel: Andrei, it's not stupid at all. You're searching for your brother, and that's more than understandable. What did this person say?
12:08 AM
Andrei: They said they might know where Atlantis was last seen, but it's vague. Nothing concrete. I feel like I'm chasing shadows. But if there's even a tiny chance, I have to go for it, right? I don't know. My anxiety is kicking my ass about it.
12:10 AM
Nigel: I get it. Taking a step like this is overwhelming. You're scared, which is normal. But if you think this lead is worth it, you have to try. Otherwise, you'll keep wondering, and that's worse.
12:13 AM
Andrei: Yeah… You're right. I'm just scared to go through with it. What if it's nothing? What if it's a dead end?
12:15 AM
Nigel: Then you'll know you tried. That's better than doing nothing at all.
A longer pause this time.
12:25 AM
Andrei: Nigel… would you go with me? If I decided to meet this person, would you come along? Just… to keep me sane.
Nigel smiles faintly at the screen, his fingers hovering over the keyboard.
12:27 AM
Nigel: Of course, Andrei. You don't even have to ask.
12:29 AM
Andrei: Thank you. I really mean it. I wouldn't know how to deal with this alone.
The conversation shifts slightly after that, Andrei beginning to relax as they talk about other things. Nigel eventually shares a little about his own search for Lance, his missing friend, and the frustration of hitting dead ends time and again.
1:45 AM
Andrei: Now that you mentioned it, what if this person can help you, too? I feel like they actually know what they are doing. And as you have said, at least we know we tried."
1:47 AM
Nigel: Maybe. Maybe we'll know when we meet them.
1:49 AM
Andrei: We should talk to this person together. And maybe, just maybe, we'll figure something out.
Nigel opens his eyes, returning to the present. He glances at the closed door of Andrei's room, a faint smile tugging at his lips. For someone so hesitant and anxious, Andrei had been brave enough to reach out, and Nigel respected that deeply.
Now, sitting in Andrei's living room, Nigel resolves to stick by him. Whatever this journey would bring, he wouldn't let Andrei face it alone. And if it brought him closer to finding Lance, then all the better. For now, he leans back on the sofa, the faint hum of the city outside lulling him into a light, restless sleep.
Late in the morning, sunlight streams into the small condo as Andrei and Nigel slowly wake from their much-needed rest. Andrei stretches stiffly, blinking at the faint glow of the city outside. For the first time in days, he doesn't feel as heavy. Nigel, already up and leaning against the kitchen counter with a cup of store bought coffee which he offers then just replies him a small nod.
"Feeling better?" Nigel asks casually, though his tone carries genuine concern.
Andrei nods, rubbing his eyes. "Yeah. I think I actually slept this time."
"Good. You're gonna need it." Nigel sets his coffee down and gestures for Andrei to join him at the small kitchen table. "Come on, let's plan this out."
The two sit together, hashing out a simple plan to meet user_navi. By noon, they've decided to message the mysterious contact and propose a meeting. Andrei hesitates for a moment before typing.
Andrei
11:53 AM
I have come up with my decision. Let's meet today, 4:00 PM at this location. (link of a diner at seaside Manila Bay) Will that work for you?
user_navi
11:54 AM
Fine. I'll be there. I hope you don't bring trouble.
Andrei exhales deeply as he puts his phone down. Nigel watches him closely, noting the slight tremor in his hands.
"You alright?" Nigel asks.
Andrei nods but doesn't look entirely convincing. "Yeah, just… nervous. What if this is a mistake?"
Nigel places a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It's not a mistake. Andrei, you're doing this for Atlantis. That alone makes it worth trying. I'll be there with you the whole time, okay? It'll be alright."
Andrei swallows hard but nods again, comforted by Nigel's steady presence.
At 3:45 PM, the two arrive at the diner, the salty sea breeze wafting in from Manila Bay just across the street. The late afternoon sun casts a golden hue over the bustling seaside, tourists and locals mingling along the promenade.
The diner is quaint and simple, its wide glass windows offering a clear view of the bay. Andrei picks a table near the middle of the room, his heart pounding as he sits down. Nigel stays a few tables away, close enough to keep an eye on him but far enough to not draw suspicion.
Andrei sits stiffly, his hands folded on the table. He glances out the window, trying to focus on the view, but his nerves betray him. His eyes flicker toward Nigel, who catches his gaze and gives a subtle nod of reassurance.
Nigel leans back casually in his seat, pretending to scroll through his phone but watching the diner's entrance carefully. He sees Andrei's shoulders relax slightly, his presence giving him a sense of security.
The minutes tick by, and with each passing moment, Andrei's anticipation grows. He checks the time, last two minutes before call time. Any moment now.
At exactly 4:00 PM, the sound of a soft, casual chuckle reaches Nigel's ears from the table next to him. A voice, calm yet teasing, follows.
"I believe you should just join us. Wala ka namang dapat ipag-alala, kasali ka na rin naman dito."
The words catch Nigel off guard, sending a small jolt through him. His head turns sharply to locate the source of the voice. Sitting a mere table away is a guy their age, someone Nigel now realizes had been there before they arrived. He hadn't paid much attention earlier, dismissing him as another diner patron.
The man is dressed casually, exuding an unassuming confidence. He wears a cozy powder blue short-sleeved shirt layered with a white hoodie, his appearance clean and almost unremarkable, except for the book he's holding, which is raised to cover his face. Slowly, he lowers the book, revealing his features: a youthful face, sharp yet innocent, with a glint of mischief dancing in his eyes.
Nigel freezes for a moment, caught between confusion and suspicion. How long has this guy been here?
Andrei, noticing the slight commotion from Nigel's direction, shifts his attention to the mysterious man as well. His brow furrows as his gaze flickers between Nigel and the stranger, unsure of what's happening.
The anonymous guy introduces himself as he heads towards Andrei's table with a cheerful grin, his energy almost infectious.
"Hello, Andrei! So, I'm Ivan," he says, casually plopping down into the chair across from Andrei without waiting for an invitation and extends his hand to shake Andrei's. "Nice to finally meet you... both. Though I guess I already kind of know you, huh?" He chuckles, resting his elbows on the table and lacing his fingers together.
Andrei blinks, stunned. Nigel straightens in his seat a few tables away, keeping his guard up as his sharp eyes lock onto Ivan.
Andrei stammers for a moment, unsure how to begin. "You're… user_navi?"
"The one and only," Ivan replies with a playful shrug. He gestures to himself as if to say, This is it.
It takes Andrei a moment to process. Ivan looks nothing like what he expected. Gone were the shadows of mystery and ominous airs he associated with the cryptic figure who had been messaging him. Ivan is… bright. Effortlessly friendly.
Then, Ivan's gaze shifts briefly back to Nigel, who is now staring at him with a mix of wariness and disbelief. "Tara na, sumama ka na rin dito," he says, his voice light yet persuasive. "No need to sit so far. We're all part of this now, anyway."
Nigel gets up from his seat and approaches the table cautiously. His posture is tense, wary. "Alright, Ivan, if that's even your real name, what's this about? Why all the cloak-and-dagger stuff?"
Ivan leans back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. "Relax, Nigel. No need to be so dramatic," he says, flashing a disarming smile. "I told you I'd meet Andrei here. And here I am. And just so you know, I've been waiting since 2:30."
Nigel raises an eyebrow. "You've been here… for an hour and a half?"
"Yup!" Ivan replies brightly, clasping his hands together. "I came early to, you know, feel out the place, observe, make sure everything's safe. I saw you two arrive, Andrei looking all stiff and serious, and Nigel pretending not to be nervous." He chuckles softly, his tone more amused than mocking.
Andrei frowns slightly. "So… you were watching us?"
Ivan holds up his hands defensively, still smiling. "Okay, okay, I know it sounds creepy. And, sure, maybe it was a little creepy. Sorry about that! But," he pauses for effect, "it's kind of part of the whole thing, you know? To make sure we're on the same page."
Andrei exchanges a quick glance with Nigel, still trying to make sense of Ivan's demeanor.
"Besides, you'd expect me to be all mysterious and creepy, right? Dark hoodie, cryptic stares, something like that?" He laughs softly. "Nah, that's not my style."
Andrei and Nigel exchange another glance, unsure of how to respond. Ivan's energy is so disarming, it's hard to process how this cheerful guy could be tied to something as serious as Andrei's situation.
"You don't exactly match the picture we had in mind," Andrei admits cautiously.
Ivan claps his hands together once again, grinning like he's just heard the best joke. "Good! If I did, you'd probably run the other way. Now," he leans forward slightly, "how about we get to the reason we're here?"
Nigel clears his throat, shifting the conversation. "Alright, Ivan," he says, voice steady. "You said you could help, Andrei. How exactly are you planning to do that?"
Ivan's smile widens as he leans back in his chair. "Not just Andrei," he says, pointing at Nigel with a playful smirk. "You too. I can help both of you."
That answer takes them by surprise. Nigel's brow furrows, and Andrei leans forward slightly. "What do you mean, both of us?" Andrei asks cautiously.
Ivan doesn't answer immediately. Instead, he carefully sets down the book he'd been holding since Nigel first noticed him. The cover is weathered but still vibrant, the title printed in bold, striking letters: The Last Howl of the Lone Wolf. Beneath the title, the author's name reads: Neptriton.
Andrei's eyes narrow, recognizing the book instantly. "That's… isn't that…?"
"A book," Ivan finishes for him, his tone more serious now. He taps the cover lightly, his expression softening. "But not just any book. This— this is why I'm here. Why we're here."
Nigel tilts his head, clearly skeptical. "You think a book is going to solve all of this?"
Ivan looks at him, the mischievous glint in his eyes returning. "I don't think," he says with quiet conviction. "I know."
The room seems to grow quieter, as though the weight of Ivan's words has sucked the air from the space. Andrei and Nigel stare at him in disbelief, their minds racing to make sense of what he's just said.
Ivan leans forward again, his grin widening ever so slightly. "This book," he says, patting the cover again, "is the key. For you, for Andrei, and even for me."
For a moment, no one speaks. The late afternoon sunlight filters through the diner's windows, casting long shadows across the table. Andrei and Nigel sit frozen, their disbelief etched plainly on their faces, as Ivan's confident smile lingers.
Ivan, noticing their hesitation, smiles again, leaning forward with an almost conspiratorial glint in his eyes. "Now," he says, tapping the book again, "shall we begin?"