Pending Death

April 23, 2050.

That date is burned into my memory.

Not just because I was transferred to the remote frontline unit that day…

But because it was the day I met Luck.

Back then, I had no idea how much he would change my life.

— "I don't get why they keep moving me from one regiment to another…"

— "Stop changing the subject. I'm asking about John."

— "Let it go, Jovany. He doesn't want to talk to me anymore. End of story."

— "Did you at least try?"

— "Of course I did! I searched everywhere for him, but I'm pretty sure he's avoiding me again."

— "Well… he's not entirely wrong. You do have a sharp tongue."

— "Shut up. I was angry, and at my lowest… it wasn't my fault."

— "It never is with you, huh? Good luck. You'll need it."

Jovany always had the right words.

A little messy, a little philosophical, but when it mattered, he knew exactly what to say.

Playful in good times, calm and grounding in bad ones.

The kind of guy who could adapt to anything.

But I'm not bringing up this date because of John.

This isn't about him.

It's about a meeting—one that, at first, seemed insignificant.

But later… would prove to be everything.

Amid the chaos of war, there were fleeting moments of reprieve.

Happiness? That's a stretch…

But there were days when evil wasn't everywhere.

Two or three days of rest between missions.

Time to breathe.

Time to sit and sip coffee like the world wasn't falling apart.

Moments where soldiers shared their pain.

It was in those fragile windows of peace we remembered:

We weren't alone.

And in shared suffering, a strange bond was born.

At the time, I didn't understand what that meant.

But now I do:

Loneliness is the deadliest enemy in war.

And then… I saw him.

A slim redheaded guy, freckles scattered across his face.

Talking to a dog.

In the middle of a war zone.

The weirdest part?

The dog wore a blood-red hoodie and wagged its tail happily, oblivious to the madness around it.

What made me approach him?

Curiosity.

Always curiosity.

And who knows where I'd be today if I hadn't?

— "Hey Jovany… who's that guy over there?"

— "New transfer. Same day as you, I think. Luck… or maybe Luc?"

— "Why's his dog wearing a hoodie? Is that even allowed?"

— "How would I know? Go ask him."

— "Come on, let's find out."

— "I wasn't serious, idiot—"

— "Shut up and follow me."

Back then, I didn't care about anyone.

But if someone intrigued me, I'd follow them straight into hell just to understand.

— "A gangster dog… now I've seen everything."

— "He's not a gangster. He's a ninja," the redhead replied without even looking up.

— "You're weird. What's your name?"

— "Luck, sir."

— "Drop the 'sir.' I'm just a soldier like you. Name's Myck."

— "Alright… Sir Myck."

— "You're pretty young for a soldier. How old are you?"

— "Seventeen… but I'll be eighteen soon."

— "Seventeen? They're sending kids to war now?"

— "Myck, stop grilling him," Jovany sighed. "You're making him uncomfortable."

— "Nah, he's just shy. But seriously… why are you always alone?"

— "No reason, sir. I just like talking to my dog."

— "Your dog? It's just a dog. He doesn't understand you."

But my eyes stayed on the dog.

Why the hoodie? Was he injured?

I had to know.

— "No… don't touch his mask!" Luck shouted.

But it was too late.

I pulled off the hood—and froze.

A red glowing eye.

A metallic skull.

— "What the hell?!"

— "No way…" Jovany whispered. "A cyborg dog?"

— "This isn't what you think," Luck muttered, visibly embarrassed.

— "Dude, this is badass! You know I'm into mechanics, right? Is he a robot?!"

— "He's… just a dog. Like any other," Luck said softly.

— "Get real. Dogs with steel heads aren't exactly common."

That's when Luck broke.

— "He was dying four years ago. A bullet… I couldn't lose him. He's all I have left of my father. So I… fixed what I could. But it cost him his face. He's been wearing the mask ever since."

Silence.

Heavy. Suffocating.

Until Jovany, as always, lightened the mood:

— "Cyborg Ninja Dog… not a bad movie title, huh?"

— "I vote Robot Dog. Has a nice ring to it," I added.

— "Shut up," Luck sighed. "The commander can't know. They've already tried to take him from me."

— "Don't worry, I'm not a snitch. But watch out for Jovany."

— "I've never snitched in my life, you bastard!" Jovany barked back.

And just like that, a random chat turned into hours of conversation.

In that fragile peace amid the bloodshed, I found a new friend.

A friend who, someday, might just save my life.

But happiness never lasts.

Something devastating was coming for us.

To be continued…The Man Who Walks in Darkness...