*ೃ༄

"Well well, I suppose Althair entrusted me to welcome you to us, Sanjaya Adinata."

There was a mysterious young pale-skinned woman has presenting herself to him—she appears to be Indonesian like him but has elegance and features of ‘femme fatale’. She has a long red wine hair that kept in a loose braid, with bangs reaching just past her eyes and two longer side bangs that frame her face loosely fell and some pulled to the back. Her eyes are of a similar, lighter color of red wine and wears dark sunglasses on her eyes. She wears a white collared dress shirt along with a black jacket that hangs off her shoulders, which has scarlet-gold ombré underneath the Indonesian Batik patterns. With a serpent-like pin on its left lapel, and on the back there is a large, spider-like pattern in the center, along with webs on both shoulders and a dark and light wine red inside with turquoise color inside. There are also neon scarlet-colored straps with golden accents on both her coat-like jacket and thighs, with black gloves of a similar shade. She wears black, high waisted shorts and black tights, with a thigh garter on her right leg. She also wears black boots with high heels and black gloves with red-shades.

Renata Tanubrata; a beautiful and charming but mysterious beauty who was part of Althair’s faction known as Silver Slumbering Dragon—a mysterious organization that leading a group of Rakshas in pursuit of gathering what is called ‘Cores of the Samsara’; a core of all the possible powers within New World and keep it to prevent anyone from grasping them, knowing what a disaster for it. Knowing that Renata watched him at such level of expertise of his abilities and the potential after he awakened his true power—he become aware of his surroundings.

Sanju was silent for a moment, not knowing what to say. The downpour fell onto his shoulders, and he remained silent for the time being.

"I came here under Althair's command, turns out he had to deal with few other things with his friend, his name is Karuna perhaps? It doesn't matter.”

Renata spoke with her mysterious smile, she has an ability that allows her to hypnotically manipulate others through language and touch. This makes her exceptionally potent for reconnaissance and sabotage. "What you did was a little overboard, aside from saving you; at least I don't care anymore whether you like it or not, Sanjaya Adinata," Renata added, not caring of the results he displayed and his condition with his power; she wasn't scared--because she doesn't know what is fear and not even that word is part of her vocabulary.

Sanju doesn't change his expression, his face seemed to be lack of energy; a deadpan expression with a sharp gaze and dull yet raging embers within those crimson-amber eyes of his. It seems like he was still wordless but there's a gleam of hostility brimming within his hues.

"Goodness, the last thing you need is some of your friends injured because of your carelessness... but, no one is at fault in this tragedy. You need to keep that in mind, dear.”

Renata took the time to convince him not to let this get to him or else he will act out rashly when facing Maha. She is aware that she have to stay vigilant, Renata can predict his future and even can tell his next move. "Well now, don't be too hasty--that expression on your face is good for our cause, since they say beauty is an illusion," she playfully clapped his left cheek with her hand, it made his deadpanned gaze intensify while trying to brush his hair on the back due to his hair covering his eyes.

Sanju didn't respond, he looks like he doesn't have a choice--let alone his newfound power. There's something missing that he couldn't remember what actually happened back in that facility, until his memory returned for a moment that he was on the run with no intentions of revenge.

At least Renata knows what must be done and what would happen, somehow it's getting more intense. "I know a secret that some of your friends has, but not all of them know--nor even you. Do you want to know about Haruna Sinuraya? Believe me or not, he was also one of Maha's experiments... the 'perfect' one as he said..." Renata told him; it successfully makes him has his full attention now that it clicked.

Sanju looked up with sharp gaze, twitching his eyebrows; realizing something big is happening in here. He would at least predict this, and what just happened to the others including himself--he wasn't ready. "We have the concrete and field data about that, don't worry; we will keep that evidence so… no one will suspect us as much," Renata told him, she sensed his unrestful aura and his dark energy--she didn't feel any fear.

"I see, you finally get the point. Now we can use you to do this, we are tasked to obtain the Core of the Samsara with any lengths, how's that? You only have two options; leaving yourself had to deal with this mess on your own so you can get 'arrested' by them--or specifically Nirvana Organization, or you can join us and bring ONLY five or at least four people of your little friends with you in our organization--except the one I'm talking about earlier. The latter is the offer I suggested, does it sound appealing?"

It's an offer he can't refuse, yet he is skeptical whether he should trust her or not. This would determine the cost and his next move that he had to think, this was something he didn't expect would happen. He paused for a moment, his gaze averted from her. There was silence between them.

However, Sanju already made his decision--without everything that affected his mind.

He gave his answer which is a gesture of two fingers on his hand that combined together into a letter "V", the mark of Silver Slumbering Dragon.

"How quick, but that's how you make decisions... what a reckless thing you did."

Renata's pink lips curved a smile, pleased when her hunch was correct and her eyes beamed at him. "I can tell that you don't like wasting your time, despite given one week to decide--you already did anyway. Too bad, and I take that as my win against you... then it's settled. Who are the ones you're bringing? Either in your sides or in our side, after all we're simply neutral by staying in our position rather than following the protocol. I'll give you time to get your friends first, Althair and I will be waiting in the other side."

Sanju sensed that she already disappeared into a flash of light, before he turn around and stood on the ground folding his arms that the dome has slowly vanished when he approached it, revealing the figure to be his best friend Raiden--he was awakened as a Thunder Raksha; one who commands the thunder, lightnings and electromagnetic forces--with his ability with Thunder Spectramancy; Danzai Tsukuyomi-Omikami.

Raiden was standing in his intimidating figure, with his hand on his hip along his cold expression. His eyes were shimmering purple with the gray-red color with sharp pupils, two braids of his hair extends longer as well his bangs over his eyes-with pair of red horns emerged from under his bangs and above his forehead. Wearing a black and red Japanese-style contemporary battlesuit with a black metallic Raksha's mask, black bodysuit underneath, black chest piece with the high collar with bare back strapped by the belts and golden sash around his waist.

The black-gold-red mitsudomoe plate was attached in the middle, with black belt around his waist, while a black collared-cape with white-gold strings and mitsudomoe patterns strapped on his bare back and arms. Wearing a pair of black and red high heeled-platformed geta and black fingerless gauntlets, in addition of the red plate armors on his shoulders-he was almost like a Thunder General himself. There's a floating seven den-den daiko drums, with mitsudomoe symbols floating behind him which shows majestic persona of him-he also has choker body harness like him.

When the creature launched to attack him further to his awakening, his fingers snaps when the black pointer floating in the air and hit the creature's head. The Thunder Raksha dashing flash with his newly-forged Brahmastra--Sanction of Vajra; Narukami's Retribution earned his opponent by several series of executing speed cuts, the creature was fatally defeated and shattered into pieces and take the last shot with his upward and downward cut. Raiden's cheerful and carefree nature now replaced with aloof and cold nature instead, glaring sharply from his shoulder in distrust.

Raiden look back at his best friend Sanju, seeing that he has awakened as a Garuda Raksha. Words are unnecessary for the time being for the two--now changed persons and no longer were those kind-hearted friends he used to be before. But, he still keeping his bond with him as if their fate had been entwined by the tragedy, what must be done by one must face the consequences. No matter how painful this is, they have no other choice but to move forward.

Raiden stared at the dragon before he approached the dying creature calmly, as Banares lying lifelessly on the ground. As he has a power to offer for him, in exchange for rebirth but no longer holds the same identity that used to have. "Wake up…" he spoke with softer voice onto the creature, the red paint makeup on his eyelids similar to the one he has.

Raiden stand up and step back to watch the skin, armors and scales changed into a red and black scales with purple eyes; the wyvern colored deep red and black creature stand up and roared into the sky, not the same one that the creature has its new identity. "Kurikara," Raiden named the dragon who was his personal companion now, the dragon turned into female which he didn't expect the change to happen--the soul of Banares still lies there--despite being no longer using its old identity and able to communicate telepathically since the dragon can't speak.

The light rain soon becomes a heavy rain when he stared at gray sky, none of them said a word yet and he close his eyes for a while until he made up his decision. "So, you want me to leave you alone?"

Sanju was silent for a moment after thinking, unable to be more specific at this moment. The Thunder Raksha named Raiden staring at his eyes before Sanju let out a soft exhale, before looking back at Raiden. "I'll be waiting here once you get Akito and Kanae, the last one to come with me will be your father Ryoma, isn't that okay with you?" he asked, Raiden nodding at him as the latter gives him the permission. "What about them?"

"The others?"

Sanju questioned, before he continued firmly. "They can protect themselves, also... don't let Haruna get involved in this," he stated, making him tilted his head--then he asked. "Excluding him, then. How about Demian?" he asked, the same answer goes to him as well.

"Off the list, Raiden. This isn't the time to talk about those insignificant and irrelevant people, no offense intended."

Looks like Sanju took things seriously than before, now he already made his own decision after gathering his thoughts and calm down. "I understand," Raiden answered eventually walks away with Kurikara on the sky--leaving him alone before he used his dragon to fly straight away with the creature while he walked further while shielded under the lightning's protection.

***

Akito and Kanae were unconscious because of the black pointer-like rods were struck into their chests, they were still on the ground after the clock-like constructing creature attacked them and fatally wounding both of them them. Their bloods are splattered on the ground, making the dark-white tiles stained with their bloods and their bodies slumped down sideways. One of the two clock-like creatures was about to get rid of her, but suddenly stopped when there was a black and white-red dome surrounds her with the crane feathers around her. The dome suddenly vanished, revealing Kanae who has transformed into a Crane Raksha; one who commands the suspensions and aviary.

Kanae has white and red feathers around her like a crane, that she holds her Brahmastra; Suspension of Vagla-a glaive on her hand that has black metallic-handle with a black-silver blade with the silver beads on it. Her light brown long hair with vermillion streaks reverted into crimson color with orange-amber streaks; remained with the black Raksha mask like them, her hair almost covered half of her face while tied in traditional braided bun, a red genetic makeup on her eyes and her eyelashes was also bright red-two horns on her head and three hairpins on her bun with two braids.

Wearing a black sleeveless leotard with cleavage shown covered by a brown striped sleeveless but full bodysuit with gold accents and accessories, a pair of long fingerless black gloves under two piece of red sleeves as she wears a red and black kimono around her waist. Wearing a black-gold sash around her waist and her kimono revealed her thigh, in addition of platinum-colored cleopatra-like sandals with the back heels with several silver gems-along black and red cape on her shoulders in elegance and a black choker body harness underneath.

Kanae was dead silent when she's in her Raksha form, she was dangerous and the fastest Raksha in terms of speed. As she spun her glaive and crushed the creature's head into pieces; while her feathers moved violently against the wind-her strength was deadly enough to kill any living creature without mercy.

Another clock-like creature was about to struck down Akito's unconscious and bleeding state, until the black and purple dome has surrounded him with the insects around him. The creature stepped back after the other creature was dead by Kanae's hands, until the clock-like creature saw Akito stood there after the dome has vanished around him in a seconds--revealing him to have become an Insect Raksha; one who commands the insects and poison of the stingers.

Akito's appearance has completely changed when he'd transformed, his short messy golden blonde hair becoming dark brown with purple-gray streaks along two-braided low ponytails into his waist, his bangs went longer and wears a similar black Raksha's mask like them. His eyes were shimmering purple orbs with tints of silver, black pupils like an insect with purple-red eyeshadow on his eyelids; a pair of silver platinum insect-like horns with thorns curled forward.

His clothing consists of modified kimono with a single furisode and black sleeveless top with black choker, a black sleeveless bodysuit underneath his dark purple kimono, with golden-platinum-silver autumn embroidery and crimson-golden sash with a bow wrapped around his waist. With black and golden butterfly wings-like insect coat worn on his shoulders, with the upper arms part open and both of his sleeves reaching his elbows. With a pair of long fingerless black gloves, thigh-high heeled black boots with silver-gold tips-he appears to muscular and taller than before--even fit and lean at the same time with a black choker body harness.

Holding a Brahmastra; Incarnation of Illusory Light, his katana is similar like the katana from the handle to above the hilt, but the weapon loses its blade and instead it is replaced by a rod. It ends in needle-like tip resembling to insect's stinger, in appearance and function--he appears to hold the katana confidently as a swordsman. The clock-like creature tried to attack Akito, but was stopped by his speed as Akito stabbed the blade of his katana into the core of the creature-the poison entered through the wound and paralyze the creature's body. It turned to stone as it's inanimate-his katana returned to its original form and he removed his katana from the stony creature-before it crashed into stones and has purple stains of the poison he has.

Kanae watched Akito has awakened as well even as a Raksha, the rain still pouring that she remained in her emotionless state like his expression--she didn't bother to say anything yet, just observing. She never expected Akito to turn into Raksha, she just assumed that he will remain as a normal human being despite knowing that he was the one who saved her from the spider-creature. "Akito," she called him, he glanced at her in question. "Save your questions for now, you've just awakened to this and it would be unnecessary for now..." she firmly told him, watching her childhood friend nodded at her with a firm expression.

Akito sighed and shook his head, he approached and offered his hand to Kanae as he helped her up from the ground and offered his shoulder for her to stand up. Kanae accepted his help and stood up, with her kimono already soaked with the water. Raiden has arrived after he and Kurikara have left the area, his sharp gaze landed at his two friends now became Rakshas just like him. Kanae was the one surprised when she saw Raiden has become Raksha, her crimson-orange eyes widened before she returned to her usual composure.

"Raiden, how did you--"

Raiden merely put his finger in front of them, his silencing gesture for them. "Hush, we can talk about this. That thing isn't the last one I need to defeat, trust me... once we are done dealing with this problem--then I promise we can have a good chitchat," he warned, folding his arms as he refuse to waste his time any longer. "You will know something, right?"

Kanae turned her head at Akito to which the latter do the same, neither of them said anything to Raiden--but followed his commands since he insisted for them to come. "Hmph, you didn't forget about me either, son?"

Ryoma asked when he approached him, folding his arms as he transformed into Cyclone Raksha; Namikaze Orochi. Having a similar features of his son's hairstyle, eye color and complexion; the difference is that he was very tall, has a purple horns and youthful with his messy hair extended that is tied into dual braids on his shoulders; with white scale-like cloth and ended with gold ring; no sign of age from him as he looks youthful.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Wearing a dark purple-colored haori with a light violet mitsudomoe patterns, it has open-sleeves and platinum-colored epaulettes on his shoulders, underneath was his garment is a black bodysuit, white-black bordered Japanese tunic along a thigh-high dark boots. Wearing a pair of black tekkō along a black belt wrapped around his waist with silver rectangular buckle and his haori and obi, a purple-orange eyeshadow paint on his eyes and black Raksha mask just like the ones they wore but similar to the dragon.

Raiden was surprised a little to see his father here, he nodded as he saw Nagamitsu--his father's companion who was almost similar to Kurikara. The dragon has a purple scales with black skin underneath with a gold-orange horns and armors on its limbs, has a teeth that can crunch enemies alive and a pair of massive wings behind his back. "Come on, let's not waste Sanju's time here, we have to go there right now."

In reality of things that led them there, they are unaware of someone watching them from above, the cloud was covering most of her figures from being seen, her pink lips curved a smile and she vanished through the particles of golden light. Meanwhile, Sanju was standing in his usual spot--waiting for them and he sensed their presences are here. He turned around in his Garuda Raksha form, retaining his cold expression as he walk and seeing three of them along Ryoma. Raiden nodded at Sanju, before he got off from Kurikara who landed softly and walking on the ground behind him.

Ryoma was in awed to see Sanju has become Raksha as well, now turned into the Garuda Raksha based on the legend. He wasn't surprised that this is all Althair's plan, there's nothing bad about it--as long as they will stay alive. Seeing him is enough for them to know that this war will only get worse and the truth will be revealed sooner or later.

Althair was standing beside Renata and Haruse, he was in his Raksha form which is Flame Raksha; Altair Sirius, with glory by his presence. His crimson hair was messy that grew longer to his back, leaving his bangs almost covering his eyes and fell on his cheeks, with a black Raksha's mask like they worn. The golden orbs of his eyes has a black sharp dilated pupils, along the crimson scale-like eyeshadows on his eyelids and a curled black horns on top of his head. His attire consists of high-collared black turtleneck coat, black plate top with vest underneath with the black and crimson cape resembling the patterns of the flames with the burning wings, black slacks tucked under his knee-length crimson boots, a pair of black fingerless gloves with the black plate gauntlets, and platinum-gold ankh earrings attached on his ears.

"You finally made it, Sanjaya Adinata."

Renata's feminine voice greeted him, her lips curved an amused smile while ignoring the sound of thunders above the gray clouds, the grass began to wilt in its color but the roots and flower petals remain. "Is that true... that Haruna is... one of..." Sanju murmured, in a cold tone mixed with caution and uneasiness for the time being. While his expression is shown to be more fierce and emotionless than before, as if there's a person with ice-cold blood and personality.

"Unfortunately, it is true. But what he doesn't know, is how he had 'that orb' within him and Maha left him like that..." Althair answered calmly in his deep masculine voice, while his gaze and neutral expression was firm and sharp--not changing a bit and as intimidating as ever. "Well, getting annoyed is a sign that my work are successful," she stated.

"There's nothing to worry about, you should've heard the news, it turns out your little junior has finally awaken as a new man."

Haruse folded his arms while he was listening to him, keeping a hold of his Brahmastra; Conquest of Vayuda after he transformed into Tiger Raksha; Wisteria Tigris. With the Raksha's mask that revealed his turquoise-colored eyes with white and gold tints-sharp pupils like a tiger, his dark brown messy hair grew longer. A black sleeveless bodysuit and black choker body harness under his black collared coat uniform with the cyan-tint, white line zipping down from the up to down, long sleeves with gold trimmings and black tight pants. The white belt with the gold rectangular buckle and he gained a pair of canines on his teeth like a tiger, added with white and turquoise boots with darker tips and heels. The black fingerless gloves and a large white fur tied around his left shoulder that splits into two; along the white cape an ombre of light and dark ocean blue with sea-green color underneath and behind him.

Sanju stood there after witnessing the evidence, he was so fucking done with the current state where they are now, but nothing won't fix if he starts to run--that was what his mind has been talking to him. Akito could tell that this is no joke for them to give up and choose the easier way out. There is nothing else he can say and Sanju understand more than they knew.

The Rakshas reverted back to their human forms, save for their personalities in their human personas. Sanju's expression remained cold and assertive; his demeanor does not change at all. "If there are any civilians who are not affiliated with us, or our friends, and relatives... no matter what..." he spoke, Akito can't even read his expression. "I want them out of here at once, no more casualties," he insisted, his gaze moved at them.

"Maybe you could break up with your little girlfriend, what was her name again? Kirana Tjahyadi?"

Renata cooed, their interest spikes up when they heard the name. "You know I hate when you toy with his friend's names, especially with that includes her," Althair looked at her, Renata shrugged in defeat. The whole gaslighting thing was supposed to get him involved with her feelings, even the manipulation had its toll. It appears that he's still not affected by his human persona's emotion, Althair and Renata could feel his hidden anger and his dark energy surging, they could see Kanae remained aloof like the rest but her sleep-derived eyes camouflage her dangerous aura.

"Kirana stays," he answered in cold monotone that is enough for them to back away for a bit--he doesn't want anyone who get in his way. There's a trace of his reluctance that can't be removed because of his mental resilience and he doesn't need sympathy because of a painful lost. "I'm not letting her to come with me, I don't care about how she thinks of me--as long as she can survive and live. Same goes for her father, and my other friends," his words send them into silent after hearing him firmly declined him, though Althair felt that his words seemed to be desperate--the desperation of not wanting anyone, including loved ones to hurt or kill because of the hatred he feels when Maha did that tragedy to them.

"Very well, it appears like you have to bid farewell to them. With the fact that, our organization isn't a very nice one to join with," Althair stated, confirming if he were interested or not in terms of strength and abilities.

"That applies to the three of you," Haruse added while looking at Raiden, Akito and Kanae who were in the area. Renata giggled at their sight, before she listened. "Very well, let it be a case when the time comes," Althair folded his arms, staring back at Sanju--whose expression remain cold.

"Sanju!"

Sanju heard their voices which he remained in his spot, while Raiden and Akito guarded him--Kanae keep an eye on him in case Sanju is doing something wrong. His former teammates arrive in time, which Althair immediately broke the silence of them. "Karuna, where's the deal?"

Althair asked, which he offered Karuna the Genesis Agate--a crystal formed from the earth and contains infinite energy within it to enhance one's inner strength. The leader of Nirvana Organization took the crystal and handed the payment for him, knowing that Althair isn't a type that'll go against his words as the leader. "Thank you, which means Sanjaya belongs to us--meaning you don't have rights to get him at any lengths, so I suggest you leave," Althair stated.

Juha was confused, he was shocked to realize they have been tricked by Althair and his organization. Kirana and Izana frowned when the reveal came into the picture--it revealed that in order to keep Rakshas under sight of public, they weren't supposed to exist by the public and what Althair is implying behind the scene.

Knowing Maha and his henchmen were still hiding somewhere, both of them agreed that they must split the awakened Rakshas into two organizations before splitting into groups in order to protect themselves from other forces. "What is this about?" Izana asked, knowing Althair for the first time the two organizations are opposing parties of the society, they did not know Sanju is on Althair's side when he was silently listening to their discussion.

Haruna was confused, he noticed that Sanju remained distant and Damian also noticed that. "The three of us will be waiting in the other side, feel free to give your parting words for them. Karuna, what do you say?"

Karuna was no different than Althair, other than his playful and mischievous side by lying about his identity which he went. He can be cruel and cynical like the others, while trying to put the masks to fool people with manipulation. "The same thing applies to me," Karuna spoke, before he nodded at Jaemin who returned it in a few seconds.

"Let's go."

As each leaders left, which left their option to say the parting words. Sanju was about to speak until he was surprised when Haruna clenched his collars, alerting Raiden and Akito to be careful. Haruna remained in his dark expression, before his eyes widened in fear. He was asking Sanju to stay, he is a fool for forcing himself into trying to control his fate when it meant to be the opposite.

"Sanjaya, did you forget the promise... that all of us will be together, laughing in joy as well as experiencing whatever comes before our eyes... you told us--that you wished we could celebrate for eternity. Who promised that to each of us? Now you're leaving and you didn't give a single damn about everyone? What about our deceased mentor, Miss Siska? Don't you see that she--"

Raiden and Akito raised their blades near Haruna in a warning after seeing Sanju's calm reaction, Sanju continued to stared back at Haruna who's been silenced in shock. "Haruna... the tragedy isn't your fault, but you won't understand because you aren't made for this reason," he started, making Haruna confused and unable to respond or even believe. "And I'm certain you never learned a thing about restraint in life."

Haruna was getting emotional, a tear began to flow into his cheek as he asked him with a broken voice; unresponsive as the past event returns in his memory, he didn't hide the truth--like what Sanju predicted. He saw the image of Siska who was smiling at him, before he covered his eye and winced in pain. He already knew the future isn't looking kind for them, Sanju only knew how to think and act for the best cause. Knowing his efforts are useless now, he won't be a coward like before.

"I know, you will hate me... because what I'm doing now is questionable," Sanju continued, his deadpan expression didn't change nor his tone but became firmer as time passed. "I just need to assure no casualties will occur again, which this situation won't simply happen if you haven't done that. Thanks for proving it to me, you've started something and since I'm done doing it for a living, to let your reckless dreams go..." he was finished, those last lines pierce Haruna's fragile heart who was beginning to weep in silence.

"Haruna, do you want to hear something? There is nothing beyond redemption. What we are known is only as Rakshas, but this isn't an ending, it's a new beginning... and I know you will hurt me more than you expected."

Sanju said, while looking back at him and the others; while seeing Karuna, Althair and Renata stare at them from the corner of their eyes from the distance. "I've made my choice... on my own, you don't have to care about me anymore... Haruna. You won't face anything worse from what you were given."

'Will he... understand my reason?' was what his past voice said, breaking his vision into shattered glass images. How could he explain his feelings when it still hurts as much as the first time? It was hard for him to come up and meet eyes for nothing more, then all the lies he'll ever say. Sanju still can feel his gaze on him, his face still deadpanned and expression is filled with iciness. He no longer was that cheery, kind-hearted youth that he used to have--what they're doing isn't justice, it's beyond reasoning but the harsh truth came into the light. "Haruna... it is revealed that... you're one of Maha's experiments, you're the 'perfect' one... and I admit, I should've known about that--you have certain capabilities that shouldn't go rampant, that can only be solved by elimination of one another..."

There was a dead silence, no one said a word and none of them backed out.

Haruna was horrified, the memories and his darkest secrets flashing right before his eyes for a moment, reminding him of Maha's experiments and the horror he experienced and in short; traumatized him before his fingers loosened Sanju's collar. Demian didn't judge Sanju's words, in fact he didn't expect it was a hard blow.

"You're lying, you're a liar... h-how could you... someone like you will dare lied to me--this must be a mistake, I'm not--no..."

Haruna's voice in low volume, unable to realize that these are truths after all.

"None of the truths can be changed, what you believe in is your decisions... if you need time for yourself, then take as long as you want. It's neither one's fault to be born in harsh world where judgment is important--you'd ask what kind of freedom are for you to hold on, and that's something we can't be certain in terms of fate."

Raiden understood his friend's reasoning, he chose him so what Althair offering will affect the overall situation so it's either following his lead or remain here in the unknown part where Rakshas began to slowly taking over the whole districts. Kirana's heart was on the ground when she listened to everything he had to say, unable to look into his eyes which were cold to see. "If you need something, just return and search for us. We will wait for you, right?" her sentence was more of like an advise to the others--who knew they were listening and agreed with the idea.

How can a girl like Kirana herself is capable of consoling a conflicted soul just like him? One such as him does not understand, but she has the voice of clear and deep heart that resonate within people. He might not make it possible to join their group and become an opposing part of society which he already takes as a warning, he simply has no other choice now.

Seeing she has courage and determined; the leadership and wisdom that he can't understand at first, he returned back, remembering they have done enough partings as the distance grows further between the two of them, at least he ensure their safety. Kirana nodded at Kanae with a smile, knowing her best friend still cared for her--it led them to bid a good fortune until their paths has crossed again.

As the four were about to leave, Sanju stopped when Haruna clenched his shoulder--it made him narrowed his eyes dangerously at his grip. "Haruna, let go. Unless you want to hurt me, do it now... if you really hate me, if you regret ever being part of my life, but are you sure that you wanted to hurt me for this reason? For breaking your heart for what you dreamed to become?" he asked in firm tone that didn't need confirmation, the words has cut the trust they've shared but Haruna couldn't simply remove the barrier around his words.

Haruna turned his gaze at him, he seems... off but nevertheless he will ensure Sanju is safe from him. "What did Maha... wanted to do with me?" his voice now replaced by a fearful whisper, like there's so many things happening inside his head. "I know, but why?" he questioned, his curiosity and grief still present after hearing the hard truth from him. Sanju knew that everything is ending very badly as the time passed without anyone could truly feel no hurt--save for the reality they're having because he can't bring himself to feel a single guilt.

"... you have to figure that out by yourself."

Sanju added in a silent tone that filled with sincerity, knowing Haruna as a person would try to think deeper for the best, he was always the person who would seek truth rather than questioning if it's a trick or not.

Haruna was clenching his fists, slowly but in rage nonetheless. Then, Haruna suddenly punched Sanju's cheek by surprise--that was the last straw for him. From dark brown eyes that still normal and another--changed with red eyes that has black scale-like cover to protect.

Sanju's dark brown eyes flashes in crimson blaze, staring him back before he noticed how powerful the punch is--knowing he let the blind rage took over him because of what happened in the past. "Are you satisfied now, or what?" Sanju replied, looking at him as he unbothered to caress the bruise. Haruna went silent, another consciousness suddenly took over him as Sanju knitted his eyebrows together--curious with how his mind works. Haruna suddenly laughing that made Kirana, Izana, Masaki, Damian and Juha froze in fear when he was standing in his usual position.

"So... you figured out about my... the thing inside of me," Haruna spoke, his chuckles and his creepy laugh send the chills into everyone. He continued despite what happened and to clarify it, it made them alerted. "All of them, step aside," Akito ordered, trying to stop him from advancing further but this had made them to be surrounded, even their friends can't turn back at the moment--before they realize that Haruna suddenly transformed into an Void Raksha; Garnet Vargirion without their sight, both of his eyes already changed in blue sclera with red slit pupils and bloodlust as well as he didn't held back his monstrous personality.

"BENEATH THE CURTAIN OF SEDUCTION, TRUTHS UNKNOWING IN NONE!"

Haruna unleashed the deadly and destructive power which has successfully frightened Izana, Haruna smirked before chuckling in madness when Sanju's eyes narrowed at him. "I knew it..." he said with a sigh, before he nodded at Raiden, Akito and Kanae who let him approaching Haruna by himself. He stared at him throughly and responded. "Rakshas are very dangerous indeed," he admitted with serious tone in his voice, as if he knew all along. "Everyone hated them, as it should've been since we're nothing but creation from them who likes to play around and meddle in order to increase this war to the greater heights," Sanju continued.

Sanju watched the Void Raksha launched his thousand weapons at him, until he close his eyes and take out his black, light gold and red-blade sword from his sheath--before he slashed the millions of the weapons that will probably kill him and decimate him into the ground. The blade has done an effect, as the weapons were deflected and created an impact that prevented the approaching attack that could damage them. He made constructive destruction before he pushed back the weapons away, only his emotionless expression and the flame of his eyes was shown enough. His other fist clenched as his crimson gaze is showing irritation when another parting words came. "Raiden."

"On it."

Raiden obeyed, before he unleashed his katana and made an upward slash to summon a thunder that strike down through each weapons as the lightning appeared, while Akito covered it from the front and made a poisonous constructive cuts from his katana onto the Void Raksha--before Kanae swung her glaive as she made a swift cuts with glowing yellow strikes onto Haruna's skin. Haruna was only watched in silence, unresponsive before he tried to attack them until he stopped--when Sanju spoke with a stern and firm tone like never before. "Let's not meet again someday, Haruna."

Haruna was wide-eyed, feeling the other consciousness faded when Sanju knocks him out with the force of his fist, before the demon within the darkness had weakened until both of his eyes returned into his human eye colors and he was powerless, closing his eyes and Sanju wasn't given a mercy for his opponent. As he watched Haruna was caught by Juha, Damian and Masaki--Kirana approached Sanju for a moment as she clasped her fingers; praying for his safety. "Sanjaya... we understand you had your reasons... let us clear things up. Remember that all of us was never a stranger to fight because we didn't know the difference," Kirana promised, before she apologized for interrupting.

Everyone knew that she must care for her friend enough to understand where did Sanju has come from, no matter how horrible and difficult the decision he made, it is best to obey the laws to survive until the end of the journey. With the last gaze, Sanju decided to turn around and let out a soft sigh. "Is there anything you want to say to me?" he asked, Kirana approached him for a moment--before she wrapped her arms around his waist, startled for a second but he remained calm. "This isn't the end for us, after all. I'll miss you, until our paths has cross each other," Kirana's soft voice calmed him, despite his expressionless expression that showed no weakness but his kindness still remain in him.

Sanju allowed her to do whatever she has to do--both of them didn't talked anything else as he remained in her embrace before letting go. "Remember that we will remember you, always be ready for what will happen and I wish you a farewell for now, I'm giving you my trust and fortune."

Sanju nodded, before he promised. "... I always do."

He nodded, letting her approach her teammates who were waiting for her and they watched him walking from the distance with his expressionless neutral expression behind the mask, a bit conflicted and broken--the burden of leadership has fallen into his shoulders. His three companions followed him, not hesitating to look back at them before leaving.

After seeing everything in chaos, this is the most tiring thing that happened in his life since Maha has always fucked up everything so is Haruna and all of this violence.

*ೃ༄