Novels2Search
Phantom Samsara: Path of Asura
Chapter X: Everlasting Bond

Chapter X: Everlasting Bond

*ೃ༄

Two days later...

Raiden flipped his gold coin with his thumb when they're at the international airport of Jakarta, the city is saved that the Phantom Beasts are exterminated thanks to them in secret. Wearing a small, black and red ribbon around his neck like a choker and black bodysuit under his gear revealing his collarbones. With a pair of red sleeves are completely covered his arms and covered with black fingerless gauntlets with red armor plates, white ribbon tied into four-petaled white flowers on his upper gauntlets worn--he wears a black haori in case the weather is cold and his purplish-black short hair with long bangs remained the same--even his violet eyes and fair complexion. The black tunic-like sleeveless cloth with white sash covered by the red belt, a mitsudomoe symbol in the middle. With a black-red cape wrapped around his waist reaching his knees, white feathers ornament hanging at the back and a heeled boots when he was a Raksha; the red eyeshadow paint is smoothly painted on his eyelids and corners, he also wears a frameless spectacles and carries a sealed katana with him that was hidden.

Sanju was leaning his back against the wall with his arms crossed, his emotion was quiet and calm but similar to emotionless. His short scruffy black messy hair remain the same style, now he wears spectacles with chains on them--which is the Mirage Spectacles to keep their identity covered through their 'mirage'. His modified non-Raksha attire consists of a black sleeveless turtleneck underneath his white high-collared long-sleeved shirt with black vertical stripes, with slitted part on his upper arm parts with a black threads, his shirt was tucked into a black belt with gold platinum rectangular buckle, black pants tucked into thigh-high dark gray boots--a bronze-colored accessory around his neck and black collared coat with red threads tied neatly behind his back with a brown-gold Batik patterns underneath. He wears a long black fingerless gloves, his shirt sleeves folded to his elbows under his coat sleeves.

Kanae wears a modified non-Raksha attire that consists of a black sleeveless turtleneck dress with gold and dark brown accents underneath her red-white overcoat with feather patterns on its lower half and sleeves of her cape similar to crane's wings, which has a black and red accents and theme similar to a crane. With a black corset and black tights along black long fingerless gloves, she wears a black thigh-high boots with black tights and a pair of black fingerless gloves; she also wears her spectacles. Her long light auburn hair remain the same, even her violet-blue eyes and fair complexion.

Akito wears his modified non-Raksha attire just like them, it consists of black sleeveless bodysuit underneath a light-cream high-collared, double-breasted, and knee-length coat with red linings at the edges, held together by a waist belt tied in a half bow at the back. Mostly obscured under his coat are a pair of light pants tucked in light-colored, knee-length, fold down boots designed with black toe and heel caps, tied together at the edges of his pants with buckled straps. A leather straps and braided cord's clasp wrapped around the shoulder of his coat, red lines drawn beneath and a pair of wristbands over his hands and wears a black pants. In addition of a gold stole fastened with a gold platinum stole pin--he still wear his spectacles with red lens and strings on them, he retained his golden blonde short hair with long bangs, dark brown eyes and fair complexion.

"Akito," Kanae called him when she adjusted her spectacles, her expression loosened as her voice unintentionally softened a bit that only her friends can hear. He turned his head at her, in a slight anticipation in his orbs. Kanae could feel Akito's hand ruffling her hair, making her a bit surprised at first--since they both childhood friends. With all in the current situation, they couldn't enjoy their lives and act like a family or friends that shouldn't be wasting their days in peace. "Are you scared?" Akito asked, knowing his childhood friend's feelings right now and Sanju's behavior slowly started to change, even Raiden too after all what happened to them. He watched her nodding, watching her softened her gaze and his eyes relaxed.

Neither of them said anything and she allowed him to do whatever he want, she felt his arms wrapped around her in comforting and gentle manner. Her expression soften a bit and she could feel his warmth of the touch that she didn't expect he would offer her a shoulder to lean on. Her voice become sad that her violet-blue eyes were softened and rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry," she whispered to him, while he was rubbing her back slowly as he whispered. "It's okay, you can lean on me, it's good enough if I'm here for you."

Kanae was sighing and then allowed her composure to softened, closing her eyes as they looked at each other. Knowing him for a very long time ever since they are little, he knew what had happened and he always make sure Kanae is alright in his care. She noticed Sanju is still in his somber phase ever since he awakened, Kanae was worried about him that she didn't want to add more burdens than she has been given. Even though her personality remained the same in and outside the Raksha, for her sake, Kanae learned to let her guard down a bit if its him or others, but still have her way and a professional she was.

From everything that they went through after all this time it was very difficult, after what Maha have done with his crime. The group has ended up leaving their friends behind, not know if they'll find a way to be rescued but as far as they know--there's a trace of hope left for them. That's all he hoped for.

Kirana was given a permission by Althair to visit her four friends, even though Sanju didn't want her to join them--he still let her in case Kirana's safety is the main concern. Surprisingly, she wasn't mad at him--knowing that to some extend she has her doubts and faith in their decisions, accepting Sanju's choice after all what had happened. "Ah, Kirana... what brings you here?" Kanae asked, which Kirana gave a half-smile when she approached them. "Althair allowed me to visit you guys, apparently my father and I also had to go on the same route to Egypt with the same flight... it was a coincidence so he let us go together. I'm quite certain you can drop the formalities when we're the same generation," Kirana humored a bit that brought a smile on their faces.

Akito could hear her tone sounded a bit mature and sincerity than ever, it kind of shows she grew up enough to deal with real things now, knowing their circumstances in terms of friendship and their relationships. "Sanjaya's here?" Kirana asked, Raiden nodded as he saw Sanju was still gazing at outside the window near the wall, staring at the starry sky. Both of his arms were crossed and his emotionless expression still remain in control, it almost looked like a robot's face without his lips moved much.

"Sanjaya?"

Sanju was startled a little when Kirana greeted him with no words, only a tone of a gentle voice that not often heard. What Kirana have seen, the sorrow and pain with rage that are all bottled up in one, without no one to talk nor break out. "You still come to me, even if I did something horrible," he joked dryly, it was almost comedic to the core but had all a truth within. His tone returned into a calm demeanor, but his silence was the fact that can't be changed. Kanae's eyes can feel an unsettling voice within his sentences, so does Akito and the other.

Kirana knew that she should know the lesson, the mistake that needs to be done to gain understanding of his pain and the experience. "Sanjaya, what makes your pain can't be forgiven... but I believe there will be someone who can understand your suffering," Kirana spoke, her eyes held the gleam of reassuring Sanju will be alright--nothing could erase his memories when the past was changed by the unforgivable sins in secret.

Sanju listens to her words when Kirana calmly put her fingers on his palm for an assurance, both of them staring at each other until he accepted it. "That's the spirit... huh, where's Althair and the others?" she asked, Raiden pointed his thumb at the direction of Althair who is on the phone as she turned around, he seems busy with the conversation but then turned off his phone when he caught her sight. Althair thought he lost her in crowds, but instead Kirana made a beeline and the four of them followed--likely they might leave since the next plane will be setting up soon.

"Uhm... Althair?" she called politely, when she arrived in front of him.

"Were you waiting for us?"

Althair waved his hand with a smirk, staring at her purple-bluish eyes. "I just finished the last phone call I made, don't worry. What is it, Kirana?" he asked. "Make sure Sanjaya is safe, he won't get hurt right?" she stated, they were looking at each other with a difference in their heights.

"Do you intend to stop him, even though he has his own decisions?"

Althair folded his arms after he paid the tickets and returned the card to the cashier as the official documents handed to him. "I won't stop him if he wishes... he's not forcing himself, and that is his choice, that's why we do not have a reason to. Truth can hurt like a spell and break a part of the heart, breaking the dreams and promises but living by the reality is all we could do," Kirana explained, determined by her statements.

There's no use to fight with her at this rate, other than to shake him--she might become an ally in the end of the journey. Seeing the resistance that sparked within her, Althair realized his threat is a mere joke for her. However, she was just worried--so why not?

"Very well, perhaps now there are more to this than they ever see. So, in that case... watch our backs and never be afraid to join us," he offered, before he sighed and then added. "At first, I wanted to allow you to join our side--but my team in Garden of Destiny didn't approve, meaning as long as we have Sanjaya, the Rakshas won't be out of control."

"Yeah," Kirana nodded, before her lips curled into a sad smile. "For safety... also, Haruna wasn't doing well after he figured out he was Maha's experiment--we also find out he was the vessel of Void Raksha named Alma," she explained the situation, which is true and shocking for the others. "He stayed silent and in isolation since the Nirvana Organization took him for safety," she finished, folding her arms in concern.

It reminded them what happened to Sanju was the same thing that's happened to Haruna, only the scale of how they handle him. "I see... did he show any resentment to Sanjaya yet?"

Kirana shake her head, that was a good news, so far at least. It turns out there's something between them that made the distrust didn't bother his mind, or he was already at least thinking over it.

Althair was relieved, so he glanced at Sanju who stared at them--he gestured that Haruna didn't hate him which made him nodded back. He knew it might hurt when they tell each others secrets and mistakes--they also hid them just to protect their own friends, yet he chose to give Sanju the painful truth. "Speaking of Rakshas..." she started, hoping that Althair won't feel upset by her question.

"Are they dangerous? Why is that you're letting him join you to start with, I mean... at least, it's not a bad thing that I'm asking, it's a simple question with a lot of reasons to face."

"Well, not all Rakshas are bad if you can save or reverse them to be normal, just remember to keep Sanjaya in check with supervision at his surroundings if he shows any danger signs. All we can hope for, will have someone he trusts stay with him."

Althair stated, before he received the flight tickets for tomorrow. "I understand that. I'll let you know if we do encountered something," he added, with a clear and understanding tone without looking in her eyes.

Kirana was happy enough to know, while the rest were standing still and didn't budge or said a thing to them.

"Use them for greater good, not for your own pleasure. In that case, everyone will begin to fear and will soon kill all the members of the Rakshas, that is including him."

Althair answered, that wasn't even something she expected to hear from her perspective. Even though she wanted to explore the world more, she hopes everything that happened will be remembered at the back of her mind. "We still have one day left before our departure tomorrow, feel free to stay around--good luck to us when tomorrow come," he spoke, as he gestured Akito to follow him, Raiden and Kanae followed him--which Sanju turned away and look at the window with his arms folded, standing a few inches away from them--then he followed Althair nonetheless, but he remained silent while entering the airport hotel, with Kirana watching them before her father Rayhanda approached her and they soon entered the same airport hotel.

He was quite shocked at what Althair offered her, she nodded in approval and then stare at the sunset sky before pulling out her phone from her pocket, texting Izana about the entire situation as she followed the group, hoping that things will be fine. Kirana was waiting for the message from her phone, before she noticed Sanju was beside her as she jumped from a slight surprise, seeing his expression remained aloof once again like nothing happen.

Sanju didn't know if their promise are going to be the same like before, neither he blamed himself nor his past memories is a trap--maybe he will embrace everything with open arms, maybe so. He returned with a forced smile before his gaze returned back at the window.

"So, Sanjaya, what was on your mind?"

Kirana asked, knowing it won't end just like that. "I was just... I can't think properly... about everything," he answered honestly, with the same tired look on his face. Kirana realized that his body language remained the same like the old one, but his body language were not in a defensive posture anymore.

They sat down together on the couch in the garden of the airport hotel, with him at his thoughts as she listened closely to him. Kirana was satisfied with everything that happens, yes, they were trying to be friendly despite the bad experiences in the past. It didn't bother her at all, since it won't solve anything and in order to break this cycle, they need to risk something no matter how complicated and unforgivable it is. "Sanjaya, can I... stay with you for a while... after the whole thing?"

He raised an eyebrow as he closed his eyes, trying not to think much. She frowned when Sanju was contemplating, not sure how she felt or even think deeply at him. "Just one day, once a month... don't you think you need a break?" she added, trying to ease up the tension. That offer is definitely from a pure heart and a determination for justice, she seemed like she is kind-hearted and knows what has come to be a sin. In that case, he won't tell her to stop as long as it doesn't harm her too much--her smile could be very contagious for him to enjoy at moments like this.

He merely shrugged, not bothered to give her a sassy comebacks whenever he can't find a way. "Alright then, but you have to remember that it can't be an excuse to--" Kirana stopped for a moment, before she giggled which Sanju froze upon hearing her voice a rare sound to be heard. "Why are you..." he pointed a finger at her slowly, wondering why would she do this while he can only gawked at her.

"No, not that," she answered, as she breathed and chuckled quietly. "I mean, how could I hate someone who gives a bit of encouragement?" Kirana covered her lips with her palm before he blinked at her response, he knew all along she doesn't really hate him or so, they just met now for their 'renewed' friendship; whether if they start the journey over or make this worthy for the last few hours remaining in the city. "Kirana, I must do what I should," he whispered slowly.

"You're a strong person, just don't abuse it with your power," Kirana responded, even he wondered how come he kept lying to his allies without them have any idea he's lying. "Urgh, you sound like a mom. Alright, alright, I won't take all the bad memories to torture myself but stop lecturing me.”

Sanju retorted, then he flinched a bit when Kirana hugged him again and he blinked his eyes for a few times. "You do know how to stay real, but you should learn to get attach into other people. Make a friend who can understand you better and don't try to give yourself the impossible limits," Kirana chuckled a bit.

"I'm not that good enough for you, Kirana..."

"Don't say that, it's alright to have a flaw as long as you have those small chances left to seize and turn into a strength. How can you dare to say that you aren't even real, the pain and sorrows must've trapped you too much it become a numbness."

At least, it cheered him up for a bit.

Meanwhile...

Damian observed that Haruna was still in a bad mood, once they were escorted into the Nirvana Organization that Karuna brought them there. Kirana, Izana, Juhaku and Masaki were joining as well--after the eruption almost died down.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

"How long he has been sulking?"

Masaki asked, still reading his book while standing beside Juha. "About two days... he hasn't mentioned his name the last week," Izana replied, folding his arms and looking at Kirana who was the only woman. The two were sitting in the same sofa, then Haruna remain on his spot and didn't say a word.

Haruna prayed that Sanju is doing alright after their feud, he can tell that he's doing this to protect them--despite the organization's mysterious nature. Juha, Masaki, Izana and Kirana are trying their best to comfort him as the feelings did not change much even after Kirana told him to forget and focused on the path that is ahead.

Karuna shake his head with a sigh, sometimes he cannot stand himself or his subordinates when they need time to reflect in the circumstances. His attention was drawn to Jaemin, who has to take the task and investigate the last raid last month. "How was the weather back then?"

"Cloudy and huge rainfall. From reports, one of the soldiers were missing in action, his corpse were dismembered by those alien-like creatures.”

Jaemin replied, the documents are organized neatly and in the recent files; there were dead and missing people that were believed to be possessed by the alien creatures similar to those kinds that have taken on the soldiers.

"Those constructed, alien-like creatures with clock-like mechanisms are known as Interceptors. We codenamed each types of these creatures after Tarot cards that consist of seven main groups; Major Arcana and Minor Arcana. It's unknown where they came from, but it is highly suspected that they came from Dark Sea of the Void--the deepest layer of Phantom Samsara and the source of quantum forces--no humans can gain the access to go there. It can create quantum damages, just by one smallest wrong steps and that alone weaken their link on this plane of existence.”

Jaemin stated, now his cyan eyes were glancing at him and saw his facial expression turned serious and grim. Karuna hummed in deep thought after hearing that, he asked again. "So, only Asuras, Devas, Yakshas and Herukas can gain access to the area?" he asked. The Secretary-General nodded, before he added. "They're immortals, their resistances are much more advanced and there is no exact reason we could turn them into our asset," he continued to explain.

The jet has landed in Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, luckily the clouds and lighting are calm. Karuna scooped up his twelve-years old daughter Vanya in his arms, that made Izana feel a bit bad because she realized that Karuna is actually a family man--who devoted himself to his daughter and the entire world--he also a single-parent. Before the entrance doors of the jet opened, Jaemin brought a lot of news reports and military-connected about the organization for Karuna to read as Juha look on.

"Karuna, it's been a while!"

Kashiya Osafune; the twenty-three years old Japanese young woman greeted him with a gentle smile, she was one of the Executive Boards of Nirvana Organization. She has a long auburn hair is tied into ponytail with the bangs loose onto her cheeks and retaining a similar style, with the accessories like hairpins and her headdress-she has fair complexion. Wearing a standard Nirvana Organization uniform that similar to the design of safari uniform, which the female members wearing pants just like male members--matching khaki and black colors with high-thigh black boots.

Kasai Ichimonji; the twenty-three years old Japanese young woman smiling while standing beside Kashiya, she was her best friend and part of the Executive Board. The twenty-three years old young woman has a long orange hair with light orange and purple streaks with uneven bangs covering her orange eyes and bangs fell between her face, pale complexion and wearing a matching khaki and black uniform with Kashiya.

Elden Sambara; the twenty-seven years old Indonesian archaeologist waved at him, he was the General Manager of the Nirvana Organization. He had a messy black hair with mullet-like hairstyle, with a white and light-gray hue shades on his mullet and his bangs almost covering his silver eyes--wearing a stringed glasses and light fair complexion. Wearing a standard Nirvana Organization coat draped over his shoulders, wearing a collared military uniform with black-silver accents similar to Archaeological Security Assessment Forces' uniforms.

Kim Seong-hwa; the eighteen-years old South-Korean young man who was a Secretary-General of Nirvana Organization smiled at Vanya, after he brought his nephew and niece from his relatives to play with them. He has a black short hair with longer bangs, a dark brown eyes and slightly exotic tan complexion with a sharp jawline and lean-muscular built. Wearing a standard uniform coat for them, with underneath of black turtleneck and black pants tucked into a pair of dark gray riding boots and wears a fingerless black gloves.

Vincent Soemitra; eighteen years old Indonesian archaeological investigator smiled at him, he's standing between the two young women that he was quite tall and slightly above his height. He has a short brownish-black hair with red streaks on his bangs and behind his ears that reached below his neckline, his long uneven bangs almost covering his violet-blue eyes and his cheeks, with light brown complexion. Wearing an attire that consists of white-collared turtleneck shirt-like sweater and black pants tucked into his brown knee-length boots, with addition of black collared jacket with chest pockets and the black fingerless gloves.

Juha was surprised by the Executive Boards' sudden arrival, he has only three General Managers he knows but never heard of them before. "And, the others are?" Juha asked curiously, which Elden responded. "Most of the Board Directors are entirely busy with the tasks they need to be involved with, both here and Seoul--we must gather them all before proceeding with the arrangements for the new members and the items we need," he explained to him, making Karuna agree and nodding at his thoughts--turning to each of them.

"How was the situation in Jakarta?"

"The aftermath of Phantom Eruption? Sheesh, pretty much bad since four-year post-disaster and the people still haven't managed to recover," Seong-hwa explained, checking his documents for the meeting--making him hummed in deep thought after hearing that before a military's van drove their way and seeing three adults.

Most of the meetings between board directors are held under a cover in Jakarta headquarters, to which even Karuna had to wear his disguise with a hat and glasses--some of his men have been assigned for this.

"Papa!"

Vanya whispered to her father Karuna, while hiding behind his back. "Can I get an ice cream?" she asked, using a cute voice and her cheeks puffed--to make her look so adorable which Karuna can't resist. "Later when we got home, okay?" he asked with a warm smile, she gave him a slight nod with a pout. Izana yawned as she laid down on the sofa, they will have to rest before the meeting begins, because from one look at the table where several other people are sitting--some are already starting.

Few days later...

They arrived in Cairo after a few hours, and they headed straight to the hotel that they booked online before they departed to the airport. Sanju yawned when he carried his suitcases and backpack with him, arriving at the hotel with the others. Raiden fixed his hair that was messier after they slept for three days, even his hair that he didn't get a chance to brush them so he helped him. "Finally we have arrived…" he mumbled, after cleansing his face that he was tired from the jet lag. "I can't believe we're finally here."

Kanae looked up from her phone, taking notes with their itinerary and information on the hotel--the group has become more serious with this trip compared to before. Her narcolepsy didn't relapse like before, but it still can't be cured because she was already narcoleptic from birth--it could be a side effect of her powers.

Sanju was washing his face when he was in the bathroom standing in front of the sink, before he look up at himself. His gaze becoming bitter and sad after he saw his reflection, it wasn't the same since he learned the truth and had no choice but to keep secrets from them. If only he is powerful, without any burdens and expectations, he could defeat whoever was getting in his way.

He doesn't remember that he has changed this much, something that he couldn't regret even when he turned into the very power of his people. He reunited with the others in the hotel lobby, as they finally can see the city in front of their eyes that have the ancient heritage of its own--one of the ancient civilizations where its treasure was lost into the waters and someone may have stolen them in the dark--apparently they were meeting with other three members of Silver Slumbering Dragon Organization--other than Renata and Haruse.

Senjaya Haryadi or Senja; the eighteen-years old tall young Indonesian fellow who was a wanted assassin and now a Binding Raksha; one who commands the binding and Phantom energy, due to the fact that he killed numerous secret agents and assassins who tried to come after him. He is a tall and handsome young fellow has an alabaster complexion, a jet-black messy long hair similar to overgrown wavy mullet to his neckline, with slightly overgrown messy bangs parted in the middle--almost covering his red eyes.

He wears an oriental-styled black tailcoat with red clothed insides with batik patterns and black pants tucked into his knee-length black boots with silver back heels, with a black straps around them as it has silver buckles. The tailcoat is toil-patterned with gold and jade green colors and wears a black belt alongside a styled metal decoration on his left thigh, along the gold platinum sachet hanging on his belt along the jade beads. He also wears a red bandages on his wrists and black fingerless gloves, he wear a green jade earring on his left ear and shimmered like a feather. He has a cold expression on his face, but judging from how he looked--he was murderous and merciless, even from the first impression of him.

Karina Wangsadinata; the eighteen-years old Indonesian member of Garden of Destiny and part of Senja and Renata's team, she was standing beside Senja and known as the Heron Raksha; one who commands the herons and mirages that can create a layers of illusion.

Karina has a long black hair with the two red streaks with one on both sides of her head, some parts of her hair pulled back by black ribbon behind her ears-her messy bangs framing her forehead below her brown eyes and fell to her cheeks as she has light tan complexion. Wearing a black kebaya janggan with long black skirt reaching above her ankles that has batik prints underneath and wears black corset, she wears a white and black sukajan jacket with design of 'silver slumbering dragon' at the back and chest-with black-white batik patterns underneath. In addition of silver rosary around her neck and knee-length boots, wearing black tights with her jacket sleeves rolled to her elbows--along silver bracelets around her wrists and black fingerless gloves. Karina was known for her cold and taciturn nature--she never present during meeting, but she always appear outside meeting room and sometimes standing in the corner.

Sanju observed them for a moment, he still doubting them for no reason since he doesn't trust anyone from all of them--or anything aside from the powers of the Rakshas. He wasn't sure whether he want to do this or not, because if they fight something out of the normal world they will facing a foe that harder to kill.

"Sanjaya, do you have a moment?" Althair asked, so they could go discuss with something that they'd failed to finish during the planning period. Sanju just hummed as an answer, knowing Althair is more of an honorable person rather than them so he let him win for an agreement. They went inside the conference room of their hotel they stayed, standing there for a few minutes before Haruse joined them.

Sanju had to deal with Renata who sat beside him and he endured her cloying voice when she kept asking if Althair is interested or not, Sanju didn't bother to keep her mouth shut or explain the reason. Fuck, it didn't help when her hands held his lean and muscular arm. Raiden and Akito stared at her, while Kanae's sleepy gaze darted at Renata--telling her to leave him alone, unless she wanted to die via blunt. "So, any questions? I think we're making a good progress," Althair snapped his fingers to close the files he read, showing the details and they agreed it was enough before Haruse changed the topic.

After that, Sanju was listening to his three friends like usual--until Renata approached him. "How pitiful, you were chosen as a leader when you have been keeping it inside so harsh," she said, when Sanju wondered how did Renata know he was given a choice as a leader. With all in his suspicions, he wanted to get this finished immediately.

"Don't worry, I won't treat you that cruelly as my enemies. So, is something on your mind?" she asked with her mysterious smile.

Sanju remained emotionless before raising an eyebrow, he truly does not know. Seeing he doesn't want to get any more pain in his heart, he knew he didn't have choice.

"Seriously, you don't have to drag me into this mess--Althair..."

Yukito Kujou; the eighteen-years old college student and member of Silver Slumbering Dragon--being Akito's older twin brother rambled, before he stopped to see his younger twin brother Akito is here. He has similar golden blonde short hair with longer bangs which almost covering his brown eyes under his spectacles and has fair complexion, he was identical to Akito--the only difference is his personality and his behavior. He wears a black coat with khaki accents that covered his white formal shirt, and he wears a black pants and black sneakers.

Unlike Akito, Yukito is very polite and humble individual--though he has foul mouth despite in a soft way to talk. He wasn't like his younger twin who was a womanizer and somewhat an ass to girls because he came from family of successful businessmen--thus Yukito seems to be far different.

Perhaps that was the only reason why he wasn't being too much of an ass like him, though Yukito knows if his brother isn't a complete bad person and well-intentioned, regardless of his action even he didn't make it worse. He tends to get a little awkward around pretty girls, usually when he spouts things that sounds questionable and only then he realizes and covers his mouth as a reply--even he can feel embarrassed he could blush when happened.

"Oh."

Both of the twins reacted simultaneously, except Yukito was surprised and the other was dumbfounded. "If you have met a few days ago, why do you come here? Also--" Akito blinked a few times at him, as the meeting is over. The twins are often argued over less trivial thing like who should listen to people from when they grow up, however their bond are very strong since they both respect each other's boundaries and decisions.

Yukito sighed after that, knowing his brother well by heart and knowing he was always the one to blame for his mischievous act. Akito realized he wasn't around with the sudden encounter, thus he remained still. "Great, my asshat younger twin is an Insect Raksha? That's not good."

Yukito responded jokingly, despite his sarcastic remark about himself, thus all the others chuckled a bit. Akito grabbed his blondie of a brother towards his arms and he ruffled his hair until his eyes widened and cheeks heating a bit, Yukito screeched--he absolutely hates being hugged, having his hair ruffled and any physical touches are enough to make him embarrassed, especially when he was close to someone. Just like his brother, he has little personal space and rarely invaded privacy.

"Cut it out, hey, dude! Don't hug me! Fuck! This isn't a family reunion!"

Yukito snapped, while still trying to struggle free from his painful hold. Sanju couldn't help but snort, slowly he was forming a smirk and for a moment it felt normal with his friends. "Stop whining like an immature brat and act like your age. Look, I'm not dead-looking and I still hang around you," he smirked, causing Yukito to grab a cushion from the couch and covered Akito's face with a growl. "You little brat still have a thick head," he responded sharply, as both of them have fun.

In fact, ever since the ordeals when their group was put to end when the time comes, Sanju had considered how cruel the fate has taken them away from each other. The group split up to their hotel rooms, which Sanju shared a room with Senja while Akito and Raiden got the same room--and lastly Kanae shared with Karina.

'Crap, this is awkward...' he thought, staring at Senja who was just kept looking outside from the balcony. As far as he knew, this is the first time they met--even in the meeting before; but the silence between them become unbearable. But both of them are mature enough to handle one another, since Senja is his Indonesian compatriot--at least he got another Indonesian friend with the same age on the same team.

"Sanjaya Adinata, right?"

Senja asked with his cold and sharp tone, he nodded while unpacking his belongings. God, this is so damn awkward when there was no light conversation other than business, though Sanju wasn't in the mood of making a friend. Sanju checked his phone for a moment, before he answered.

"Yes."

Few hours later...

Sanju watched Senja folded his arms with a sword on him, he was told by Althair to keep an eye on him while he was part of Sanju's team. He can see his cold and harsh temperament but he doesn't give a damn. Though the 'fun' thing he hated the most about Senja is smoking, since he wants him to be responsible--but right now he remains unfazed. It's definitely NOT easy to like him and they're just partners while having a little chitchat every now and then--which he is half-praying or maybe full-praying that he hasn't done something stupid and dangerous yet. "Senja."

Senja opened his eyes and laid his gaze at Sanju in front of him, he was looking somewhat puzzled as he reached his coat--which giving him enough time to see through his expression of arrogance and pride as a typical Raksha. "What is it, Sanjaya?" he asked, his tone is stoic and his expression remains emotionless. Sanju sighed, but he didn't hesitate to move a muscle, wanting to get things back to work. "About your bandaged wrists... what happened to them?" he asked, knowing Senja can read his sight until he gave an indifferent shrug--truly Sanju's impression of him.

"Just cuts..." Senja said, he knew better than to deny the truth that doesn't even help since the memories kept shattering his mind like broken glass. "Cuts? Well that's too risky, considering you're--" Sanju didn't have a chance to finish his words, thus he saw Senja shot a glare. "It's a BIND," he snapped at him. 'What's wrong with him?' Sanju thought, as he didn't expect Senja telling him when they were just acquaintances. "Binding wound--that's the real reason why it fucking hurts. When the Phantom Binding is too strong, it burns and it keeps haunting until their death," Senja explained, his face grimaced while pushing a finger from one another and made a snapping sound, breaking his finger.

"And, how about you?"

Sanju paused when Senja asked him back about why did he became part of Althair's organization, he was reluctant. However, a leader need to keep his patience in check and he did learned about listening and be patient to know what's going on. "... I became a fugitive by those people," he replied, causing Senja to turn back at him--he know how it feels to be a wanted in countries and have to hold a grudge in silence since it didn't take a time to build his wall of defenses around himself. Sanju paused, he know what to do because he let their distance fall away. "And... you probably knew it," he added, making Senja remained quiet when hearing about a story from him.

"Are you going to be alright... Sanjaya?"

Senja finally said, surprising Sanju because it sounded not an usual cruel mocking voice for calling him something 'worthless' and to mock his existence itself--like it was a nightmare that has become something 'satisfying' and will always haunted until you're forced to kill him in order to save your own existence. "I... can't promise you, but knowing myself."

Sanju replied, there was a weird feeling arising after he finished his sentences.

Senja watched Kinana was grabbing his leg, she was asking if they can still hang around like usual--which Sanju gave a small but warm smile at her and he heard a giggle and a few chit-chat responses, while they're waiting for Akito. 'Only this once, I think he knows more about his problems than me,' he thought. Karina was visiting them, her stoic and flat expression is staring at them as if she wants to pull the strings.

It wasn't wrong. But no, she was taking an excellent care of Kanae and she is always in sleepy mode which became a lot more calm than last time, all the bad thoughts won't change their perspectives towards each other. Raiden grew lighter unlike his grumpy and childish act--knowing Yukito is his ally and its gives him a bit ease from doing some heavy action for them.

*ೃ༄