The Captain studies the empty jar in his hands.

What should I do?

He lifts his head toward the boy, barely visible in the darkness.

“What’s your name?”

The boy flinches again.

…

“I... I shouldn’t say…” 

His voice is barely above a whisper.

…

“I see.” 

... 

“Are you the fog spirit?”

…

“If I am…” He hesitates. “Do I have to go back in the jar?”

The question comes out trembling.

Something in the Captain's chest tightens.

“Unfortunately…”

…

The boy thinks for a moment. “...then no.”

The Captain laughs to himself. “Are you a human then?” 

“...yes?”

He sounds a little unsure.

A small smile tugs at the Captain’s mouth before he lets out a breath. “Humans have names. What should I call you?”

…

The boy is quiet again. 

“... Taka?”

“Is that your name?” 

“Yes!” 

His tone carries confidence.

“Nice to meet you, Taka.” His tone softens. “You can call me-”

“Captain?”

The Captain chuckles. “That works.”

He stares at the small jar in his hand.

His smile fades.

Was he really that scared to go back in? 

…

He glances down the hall. 

The raid should be almost done.

…

His gaze shifts back to the vent. 

I can’t leave him here… 

But I can’t take him like that… 

“Taka?”

…

“...yes, Captain?”

…

“I have to put you back in…” He pauses. “... but, when we get to where we are going, I will let you back out.”

The boy is quiet.

…

“... promise?”

A small smile returns to the Captain’s face. 

“I promise.”

The words hang in the quiet tunnel.

Taka isn't sure whether to believe him.

No one has ever made him a promise before.

He has only ever been treated like an object.

But…

For some reason…

His gaze meets the Captain's steady yellow eyes.

…

The Captain didn’t sound like he was lying…

…

“...Okay…” Taka murmurs.

The Captain lifts his hand before hesitating.

…

He takes a breath before resting his palm on the end of the jar.

The air inside shifts toward his hand as Taka's body unravels into mist once more.

After the air pulls him completely inside, the Captain seals the lid before studying him for a moment.

It feels different this time.

The Captain didn’t shake the jar or tap the glass… 

He even seems to be carrying it gently.

…

Without a word, the Captain places the jar into his rear holster, with his cape draped over it.

The darkness returns...

...

But it doesn't feel as lonely.