Going inside, MC went back up to her room. Opening up the closet, she started packing. Packing clothes, a gun, and Saeyoung's old hacking equipment. She had convinced Saeyoung to teach her the basics on how hacking worked. And after Jumin had rescued her, she had taught herself even more by trying to find Rika for revenge.

That feels so long ago. It was a long time ago. But then I found out I was pregnant. And at the time, Seyong was more important to me than revenge. He still is. But now I need answers, especially with Saeran watching us. I couldn't keep Saeyoung safe, but I will keep my son safe.

After getting all that stuff and some food into the car, she locked the house. MC took one long, and perhaps last look around the place. I love it here. I was able to create some wonderful memories...even though Saeyoung wasn't here to share them.

With a small sigh, she turned and got into the car. Turning on the ignition, she drove down the dirt road. And down her own road towards some answers.

~*~

I can't believe I'm back here.

MC had went back to the place where Rika had taken Saeyoung, Vanderwood and herself, so many years ago. Where she had lost Saeyoung.

She needed answers. Mostly answers on Saeran's location. Or on how to find him. And this place was her biggest lead. But time had not been kind to this area. The buildings were covered in moss, and saplings had taken root all over the place. Plus Jumin's people had scoured it for clues on where Rika had went. As far as she could tell, nothing was left. Sighing, she leaned against a sapling.

Now what? I need another lead. I'm not gonna get anywhere at this point.

Giving another sigh, she started walking to her car.

Ok, think. How can I find Saeran? No one has ever been able to find him. Not even Saeyoung.

Plopping into her car, she pressed her forehead against the wheel and closed her eyes. It's not like sleep was something she had got much of the night before.

But he sure has always been able to find us. He is probably watching me now. If only I could get him off my back for awhile.

She snapped her eyes open.

That's it! Maybe I can get him to come to me instead. I don't know how yet, but I bet snooping around here was a good start. First of all though, I need to get situated.

Pulling out her phone, she looked up the nearest city. "Ok, perfect. They have a bad neighborhood. Exactly where I need to go." After entering in the address into Woogle Maps, she headed off.

~*~

"Three days, you said?"

"Yes, thank you," MC replied.

"Here are your keys. Enjoy your stay!"

MC was in a motel in one of worst parts of the city. After dragging her belongings to her room,  she started setting up her equipment.

I've never been able to find Saeran. Every time I've seem him, he always showed up first. And almost every time I saw him, I was alone. I think if I hide out here for a day or two and look like I'm trying to find more clues on Rika, it will catch his attention. But me sitting locked away in this room won't get him to come to me. What else can I do?

Plopping down in front of her laptop, she started hacking into Jumin's files on Rika and the Mint Eye cult. She could have asked Jumin for them, but then he would have asked too many questions and there would have been too much paperwork. Plus, doing it this way would peak Saeran's interest even more.

Now that I think about it, Rika and/or Saeran must need me for for something. They left me alone for years, when they could have tried to recapture or kill me. And now Saeran just suddenly showed up? Something changed. But logically, they need me alive. So if I were to put myself into a dangerous situation, Saeran would have to show up to make sure I'm safe. Hmmm.

~*~

MC had gotten the files she needed on the first day. The second day was spent making sure her gun was clean and that it would fire without a hitch. She would need it. She also repacked everything, making sure it was all ready to go in case she needed to leave in a hurry. MC had a plan formulating on how to put herself in a 'dangerous situation,' but she really didn't like it. And really hoped nothing would go wrong.

Grabbing her phone, she called Zen.

"Hey MC, what's up?"

"Haha, just the usual. Grand adventures of stealing, hacking, stalking, potentially losing my life. All the good stuff."

"...you're kidding, right?"

MC gave a sad smile. "Of course I'm kidding, Zen! I couldn't do any of that crazy stuff even if I wanted to. Don't have the resources for it," she lied, glancing over to her hacking equipment. "Hey, can I talk to Seyong?"

"Sure! Lemme grab'im real quick."

"Thanks."

She waited a few seconds.

"Mommy?" a little voice came over the phone.

"Little one! How is my little guy doing?"

"I'm doing great! Uncle Zenny took me to the park today. I got to play with a whole bunch of kids!"

"Aww, that sounds like fun! I'm jealous," MC smiled. "Did you get to go on the slides?"

"Yep!" He replied happily.

"Ahh, that's the best part! Did Zen take good care of you?"

"Uncle Zenny was da best. He has lots of fun with me."

"I'm glad. Ok, Mommy has to go now, alright? It's time for you to go to bed too. Tell Zen I said goodnight."

"Ok, Mommy. I loves you!"

"Heh, I loves you too, little one. Night!"

"Night-night!"

Please take good care of him, Zen.

Sighing, she got ready for bed.

Sleeping through the last night at the motel, she went through her day like it was every other. Once it started getting dark however, she changed into a low-cut, rather provocative dress. She also secured a knife sheath around her thigh, hidden under the dress.

God, I always hated this outfit. I'm glad I kept it though.

She looked at her reflection in the mirror.

"Are you really willing to do this?" she asked herself. "Are you willing to risk your life and happiness?"

Yes. I would do anything to protect my son.

Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her purse - making sure the gun was inside - and walked out of the room. Stepped down the stairs, and went outside. And continued on to the worst bar in town. Catching the attention of everybody as she walked in, she went and sat down at the bar counter.

I haven't felt this vulnerable in awhile.

MC then proceeded to pretend that she was getting very, very drunk. Which she was surprisingly good at. She ordered cans of beer, and only took sips while pretending to guzzle it. Sneaking glances around the bar, she saw that she was definitely grabbing attention. With her seemingly expensive dress and purse, and and the fact that she was 'drunk,' made her a perfect target to potentially steal from. It was quite frightening, seeing people staring at her like coyotes do with their prey.

I can't believe I'm betting on Saeran to save me from this.

Sighing, she pretended to get even more drunk for another half-hour. Then, staggering up, she swayed and stumbled her way out the door, trying not to be too obvious. MC snuck a look behind her. And yes, there were definitely three shifty looking men following her. Gulping, MC continued her act, walking and stumbling her way along until she stopped by an alley. Bending over, she proceeded to sound like she was retching. She glanced over. They were definitely still walking towards her, even though she hadn't moved.

It's now or never.

"Hello there, sweetheart."

She looked up and saw a swarthy, dark-haired man staring at her. Behind him were the other two men. They were not as big as the first man, and looked more shifty-eyed and sneaky. The one in front must be the leader. "Hello," she replied, smiling sweetly.

"Now, what is a girl like you doing out at night all alone?" he asked, faking courtesy.

"Oh, just wallowing in misery. The usual," she snarked.

"Well little lady, your night is about to get worse." he replied, his face darkening. "Now, hand over your purse, and we won't hurt you."

"But sir! My life's savings are in here!" MC pleaded, trying to sound as placating as she could.

"And there goes your one chance." Stepping forward, he slammed MC against the wall by her throat.

Son of a gun, that took me by surprise. Ok, this is actually really bad.

Desperately, she tried reaching into her purse for her gun. Feeling her movement, the man grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head. MC tried kicking him, but he was faster than he looked, and avoided her kicks. And she also revealed her knife while doing so.

"Boss! She's got a knife!" one of the men in the back ground yelled.

Reaching with his free hand, the swarthy man snatched the knife.

"Little witch, you thought you could snake your way out of this one?"

Feeling the knife edge against her throat, MC stopped trying to get free. He gave her a small nick anyway, luckily not too close to her jugular vein.

"That's what you get for trying to pull a fast one on me."

"I pulled a fast one on you!?" MC spat.

Smirking, he gave her another nick on her cheek, breathing in to give her another reply. But he never got that far.

BAM!

MC startled at the noise, and saw the man's eyes roll up. Releasing her, he fell to the ground.

"Don't you ever touch her."

Looking up, she saw Saeran still pointing the gun.

Oh yeah. He's the reason why I'm in this situation.

Saeran turned the gun on the other two men, who were still staring in shock at their boss.

"You two. Get out of here. Now."

They ran off without a second glance. MC had never seen anyone run so fast. And then Saeran turned his gaze on her.

"You idiot," he said.

~~~