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Phantom Samsara: Path of Asura
Chapter XI: Awakening Flames

Chapter XI: Awakening Flames

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After all the exhausting and long flight he had, Sanju needed a shower as he didn't have a chance for several weeks--at least he managed not to make anyone else got on his nerves just like what Senja did to him. He will show some respect to the youth, like one of the example is giving a hint he doesn't want to get on his nerves. At that point of view, Senja still didn't change as much as he thought--but only this once Sanju hoped that he would stay sane no matter how insane he is. "Sanjaya, you're going to babysit one of our members--she needs some guidance," Renata reminded, somewhat almost to the point of hypnotizing him into submission. As Senja ignored her, after throwing a death glare at Renata for acting rudely in the first place, which was a surprise to him because he tended to be hostile and aggressive even to his teammates, including Renata.

Sanju began to question himself, why is he still alive? Did he go through this whole mess just to babysit a mere children, or a teammate? 'Someone fucking save me...' he thought, Raiden avoids Renata's presence while Akito gave a scowl towards her--while Kanae merely yawned in a bored tone. "Fine, where is she?" he asked, before a fifteen-years old innocent girl entered the room after Althair was talking to them.

The girl has a silver-colored hair with neon green-yellow ribbon tied her hair into half-ponytail, her bangs almost covering her green-yellow mixed eyes and has fair complexion. She wears a black blazer with gold accents over a green-black-white dress with a yellow bow tied in bowtie choker underneath, underneath her black sleeves is long green fabric reaching down to the hem and white puffy shorts with black knee-high socks and a pair of dark red Mary-Janes--a green pouch bag slung over her shoulders, adorned with a four-leaf clover charm as her necklace has a charms of silver and green striped ribbon keychain. Her expression was quite curious, but somewhat looks bubbly and a bit reserved.

"Her name is Kinana, she's an orphan and currently taken care under our custody. Apparently she need some guidance from youth, from our perspective--I hope you understand and please teach her a lot of things including self-defense. We agreed to introduce our new recruit to her, so--"

Althair answered after introducing his 'special case', however before he could continue, Kinana went ahead to jumped Sanju's front and gave him a sudden embrace. He was shocked at first even his friends, but soon he melted at her warm hug in the process. Sanju finally accepted it, didn't know this child is too adorable to kill. "So that's the girl..." Akito spoke in a dry tone, until his twin brother's words stunned him. "Make sure that she's doing okay and I want her to be safe with a few of you. If she got hurt, all of us are so damn screwed. That's all I want to ask you."

Raiden observed the girl while Kanae watched Kinana approached her, while he was writing a mental note in his head 'eyes on guard, remember the good things... remember the good things'. Even though he thought the girl isn't annoying, the girl was far too cute like a pastel sweet treat, which gives him no reason to look away. 'Fuck, she reminds me of Kirana... this is basically a child version of her...' Sanju thought, good thing she's in Egypt with them and her father Rayhanda was busy with official duty, so they could spend his time with her as they explored. 'And, I'm not good with babysitting people, it's not fucking helping... I should've brought her with me but screw it...'

Without a moment later, both of them joined the tour when Senja didn't say anything to his leader. Sometimes he wanted his freedom but it will not make him happy, knowing he'll still hold a grudge against his superior (not Sanju--Althair) and all the others around the world no matter the result. "You must be Sanjaya Adinata, right?" Kinana asked, he nodded while he walked beside her with his allies--heading to the pyramids of Giza, watching an endless horizon while standing on the boardwalk. As he watched a large group of tourists from the different country while showing they never giving up as long as it taught in many generations of Egyptian origins. "Are you... a Raksha?"

The question that was difficult to answer from her made him turned his head to her, before he smiled while playing with her hair--which Kinana giggled, knowing Sanju still care from what he knew about her that Kirana is like an older sister to her. He was starting to warm up to Kinana's presence, which the silver-haired girl pouted. The others have no comment about Kinana asking Sanju's origins that led him to the current form he has become--before Karina helped her to keep her focus on the journey and the group entered the pyramid. "So, what's our mission again?"

Raiden asked like a dumbass, making Akito adjusting his sleeve while preparing to smack his back so hard--while Sanju's gaze remained on her sight with Kinana was watching them. "Senja, Karina," Sanju addressed both of them, before he continued speaking in his native language Bahasa after a few hours he spent with them.

"(We have to find the cause of these unknown powers surrounding the area, without being noticed by security or the people will notice and possibly endanger us)," he explained, before he continued. "(Both of you will be under my watch after Althair assigned both of you in my team as a new members, you'll be following me. Don't push me in limits otherwise you don't even want to know how much will I tolerate)."

The two Indonesians simply nodding for his every words, while Akito, Raiden and Kanae was able to understand since they also speak Bahasa after been in Indonesia. "Our mission is to find the Core of Samsara. But first we have to avoid everyone from out home countries since we don't want any attention, we'll attract," he said, which they didn't take that long until they arrived at the underground in the deepest level of the pyramids, using the staircases until they reached the bottom. Their hands were drawn to their respective weapons as Sanju took Kinana closer to him and his friends circled around her, they were hearing the ancient voices, growling from the eerie wind but otherwise silent.

And there you go, the sphinx-like Phantom Beasts appeared from underground.

"I'll handle this, Sanju."

Akito volunteered, drawing his katana as its weapon loses its blade and is replaced by a rod. It ends in a needle-like tip, resembling an insect's stinger in appearance and function. Sanju blinked, he thought that Akito is not possessing the physical strength and seems to be unable to utilizes his ability to severe nor cut things easily--but his fighting style is incredibly unique, but as effective as traditional swordsmanship styles.

He specializes in thrusting and piercing techniques in order to inject poisonous venom to his victims, while all of the attacks he does are precise and very powerful. "We don't want you having a hard time. My friends and I didn't come here only to hurt or eliminate. Trust your heart and it will obey, don't push yourself to this madness," Akito said, determined in his calm voice as Sanju nod in agreement. "Well then, time and place is yours."

Akito nodded, before he utilizes his speed and reflexes--his Insect Raksha abilities is capable of producing poisonousfluids within the cavity located at the apex of the sting with all of the powerful and potent agents. Contrary to the Asian Giant Hornet which paralyzing its victims, his poison is deadly and fast-acting enough to put its victim into death. Just one 'stung' can kill at least an adult human at a time, something so far, Sanju suspected it was a good method since it didn't take long for all the creatures to fallen to the ground dead, before Akito landed down and sheathing his katana back.

They saw the floating golden-colored orb that has a size of a basketball in front of them, only the Rakshas are able to holdit. After he tried to examine it, he doesn't feel the burning pain on his palm--ever since he became a Garuda Raksha. Their resistance is very strong compared to normal humans, which is good. "Oh damn, this is too easy. That means NirvanaOrganization did a good job researching this kind of thing," Sanju sighed, his eyes gleaming a bit while touching the ball.

Kinana was wide-eyed by the result, she just figured there was some certain places where she didn't enter as she thought before. Her friends arrived at the staircase to met with them, Akito doesn't move a bit while smiling at his victory before Haruse approached the group. "Alright, where's the Core?" he asked, knowing he wouldn't stop before they will have this Core that's very important than saving the world, but rather their goal for freedom and choice to live free life--no matter what.

Sanju handed him the floating orb, it's glistening as if it contained some light. Haruse told them to return to the hotel and rest well, because they will be dealing with a lot of shit after this. Meanwhile, Kirana was accompanying her father Rayhanda to the meeting hall in Cairo, where his discussion can be held among the other officials and the representatives of World Peace Organization--regarding the Phantom Eruption and the criminal named Mahatma 'Maha' Kartawinata (seriously Rayhanda went apeshit and mad because he brought a huge shame to his nation), although the meeting is confidential so they can't talk to each other. She heard the door was closed--locking her sight as no light can be seen other than the corridor and Kirana remained calm.

"Ah, Kirana."

Sanju greeted her, he was standing beside Kinana because he had to keep her company until Althair comes back. Seeing her soft smile made him not wanting to accept this as a chance, but his curiosity gets the better of him. "Sanjaya, we meet again! How was the mission?" Kirana asked, waving her hand to greet him while walking towards his direction and held her cousin close.

"I think its..."

Sanju responded dryly, staring at Kinana's little gesture by mimicking him and his bored expression caused Kirana chuckled and giggled, like seeing two little children doing their usual friendship act. Maybe that was the thing he won't mind--her presence is very necessary for them. "It went well, also... Althair assigned all of us to babysit Kinana for her protection. At least, we got a time to do what we wanted and we got paid by helping others," he explained, changing his demeanor into a polite and well-mannered one after his glare returned back to her sight and didn't bat an eye.

Kirana could understand what he meant, she knows at least his story--given by the information he's given during his induction and acceptance as an important member within the group. While she hoped that even she agreed the decision that she wanted Sanjaya Adinata out of this mess due to his unstable conditions that might lead him to insanity in case he kept getting angry about everything, but it seemed that he is controlling his emotion and learn how to express his honest emotions to others and being positive and open-minded despite how bad things getting.

Sometime she had to remind him about his true nature when needed, or he'll fall under madness and this madness can last for millennia to another person with no consequences. 'And all I can see... is a soul that desperately seek refuge in his despair... he is strong-willed... for what's true desire never will waver for his determination' she thought, knowing Sanju's determination, courage and even his anger was directed for the right cause.

Sanju checked his phone, he still have time for a meeting before evening arrives. He typed a message for Akito's reply that said 'gotcha, bring the kid somewhere you wanted'--and that alone made him satisfied so much. He felt happy enough not to resist his own desires--he deserves it, at least. "I'm going to walk around Cairo, Kinana wanted me to accompany her. You have any plans today? All I know, it will be evening soon," he asked, feeling Kinana's hand tugging his coat sleeve.

It made Kirana turned, before she smiled. "I have plans, my father is very busy for the investigation and also... they want to investigate about the Core of Sound Asura that was resonating in Alexandria, at one of the museum," Kirana answered, noticing the worried expression from the silver-haired girl. "And, we have to go back here again... sounds pretty interesting for an interesting trip," she added.

"Alright, take care, Kirana. Maybe we can meet up someday," Sanju winked, before the silver-haired girl grabbed his hand which followed by his small laughter--at least he had found something in his life he didn't need to change and felt more open for. She said goodbye and waved her hand at Kinana before returning back to her destination and she had reached the meeting hall. "Sanjaya, can I tell you something... private?"

Kinana muttered. "Sure. What's wrong, Kinana?" Sanju asked, they have arrived in the Nile River at the bank without anyone noticing them being out--finally Sanju can feel the peace like he was before, it wasn't anything fancy or extravagant. "Sanjaya... can you stay beside me, please?" she requested with a sad tone, her eyes are not soaking her tears like a waterfall, but her cheeks looked pretty wet because she used her sleeves.

Her expression gives a feeling like not wanting to end their friendship.

That hurts a lot since he knew Kinana, only seeing him as an adult figure rather a real parent since she doesn't have them. Considering how his mind is a complete mess and isn't a suitable influence due to his instability at a young age, of course, he respects Kinana as she is special since their bond with each other strengthened. Sanju stared down at her, before he kneel on one knee to talk to her. "Don't worry, I'll be here to protect you... not because I'm forced to babysit you, it's a promise between us. Do you remember, the one when you promised you'll take care of yourself as well for me?" he said, with a smile and serious tone--that even he doesn't need to say if he did a bad example, he cares for her feelings and wellbeing. "The other important thing to tell, never letting go from a promise. Because even I don't want to leave you alone... this is why I should be the one who protected the one I love the most as soon as possible."

"I promised, right? Not because it's for myself. I cannot love someone else in the span of seconds," he continued, allowing himself to scoop up her so they stared eye-to-eye and the young child gave him a hug, making Sanju somewhat relaxed. When it comes to things they will become awkward because their feelings in chaos, the day it became a nightmare they lived through. If they failed to stop the chaos, it's dangerous and even evil and despicable intent is lurking for dark times.

Few hours later...

Sanju took a mentorship from Althair, guiding him outside from the hotel and find the good area in the woods. Once they found the right spot, he stood there as Sanju was standing across him. "Your three friends like Raiden, Akito and Kanae will on the other side, so you will be on my mentorship," he explained when he was adjusting his sleeve, entering the training area with white ceramic tiles beneath--before he stopped and turn around to face him.

"Eminence Training."

Althair pointed out that made him curious about the training, even though he's still reluctant to the power--he had to accept it no matter what. "What you must learn is Eminence; the center of Spectramancy to be trained and the Raksha form is very essential, this power affects you mentally, physically and emotionally depending on how you'll take it," he began to explain. "Eminence is basically a perfect and the strongest form for a Raksha to show off your strength, but you can call this form 'the original' when the term 'Raksha' appeared. Then all other types of Eminence are sub-forms, thus the name is divided into 12 forms."

He finished his explanation, before he saw Kinana was watching their training session as she sat behind the curtain of plants that blocking the wind so she won't get into trouble. "It's time to begin your training. From the previous assessment, you are considered as Garuda Raksha; one who capable of a high destructive power," he added.

"I have a question."

"What is it?"

"Why did you bring Kinana here? I thought she's a human or something else."

The question was an incredible one, even Althair couldn't answer. "I'm unsure, we discovered she has a long history with others when the experiment almost killed her. We decided to help her in giving her a new life and start over. She's also our secret weapon if needed," he answered. He changed his attention towards him as he wondered about something else. "But, I need to awaken the Yang side of your Raksha form."

Sanju does what he told him without saying anything, he closed his eyes and remained standing in the same spot. The state brought him into the place that expanded into his domain that he created, that he created on his own with the core. Sanju hummed when he stared at the scenery above at the balcony, the sunlight hit through the ginkgo trees with yellow leaves falling into the ground.

The domain was themed with the traditional aspects of Indonesian mansion, Chinese statues and lanterns with the golden ginkgo trees and leaves. In addition of the darknight aether with the white stars, he eventually stand up in his subconscious of the Eminence he created on his own. The source of the power was sentience and sun-like flames with the balancing aspects, of the Yin and Yang is part of his power as he continue to practice with his newly-awakened power.

Although he was able to use his power in extent from yesterday night he did, he need to know what lays within his strength that was hidden. As he need to balance his Spectramancy through his strength and humanity he retains, he take a deep breath when he turn around to face the Yin Garuda Raksha. "Yin Garuda Raksha," he remarked when he's retaining his stern and determined gaze, seeing the expression he had matching his; emotionless.

"You're my other side, right?"

The sentience narrowing his eyes a little, seemingly interested with how he asked him. "Is it the time you accepted this power? You can never predict anything, because you can never expect," the other Garuda Raksha responded coldly, he's aware of his actions when he stared at him. "My power isn't just Yin but there's more, that's…" he clenched his fists, an anxiety rose from his chest as he goes to fight that off with struggle. "… you, Yang Garuda."

The sentient being smirked, he can still recognize himself. "This strength is the power to live a life, that's what I wanted. That doesn't mean I'm weak... and you made my strong, doesn't it?" Sanju questioned, to see how he will answer that. "Don't let your own emotions getting ahead of you, you're the one who will balancing these two powers. This balance will strengthen your resolve, that's all I can advise for your safety," he pointed out while keep his hands by his waist.

However, he knew something that gives enough clue for what Sanju will ask about the power is related to a form: a soul. Sanju was listening that he was unfazed by his intimidation, he know what he was doing and not regretting it. "No matter what happened," he placed his hand onto his shoulder, before leaning forward to whisper in front of him. "If you got distracted… whatever I'll make you promise will happen."

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Without wasting a second, it triggered him. "You've made a fair decision..." he nodded, looking at him with his eyes without a single flinch from him. "From now, I won't see you only as my power; but part of me--a warrior on my hands."

This is how he looks like when he's a Garuda Raksha, isn't surprised that he was like this. "Such a wise words tosay, you'll know more about this power. This is your first time becoming a Raksha, so you'll know the strength and weakness sooner…"

Sanju narrowed his eyes when he watched him closing his eyes and becoming black chains with dark red and black waves, soon circling around him and entangled him when he hissed a bit by the burning sensation. As he closed his eyes and feeling the light entering into between his chest, he has shown a menacing reaction on his eyes--feeling the power almost balancing in unison--he smirked that he was wreathing in pain.

Sanju shrieked that he had fell down onto the ground and kneeling down on his knees, sensing the similar sensation during his Raksha's awakening. That was like a ball crashing into the window, feeling the suffering and agony that Raksha must've gone through in his life. With positive and negative aspects of the energy flowing through his whole body, the core has blossoming again that he was going to take full control of the power and unleashed the Yang side.

Althair observed him who was wreathing in pain after he sensed the same level of energy during his awakening, he stayed composed about what he can do at this point that's possible.

Sanju transformed into Yang Garuda Raksha; Emuna Garuda, his hair color appeared to be more white-light color with red streaks and gold schemes of his attributes. Wearing a sleeveless white blouse with high collars, underneath of red and black accents, he gained long black fingerless gloves with the separate white sleeves with reminiscent of flames on side arms--still keeping the similar black choker body harness on his neck into his body.

With flowing two red capes reminiscent of flames on the both of his shoulders behind him with the gold accents and two symbols of Chinese characters; Yin (陰) and Yang (陽) with golden colors. His horns are silver instead of the platinum color and curled up like a crown, with his earrings remained the same even his hairstyle. Now he was holding his newly-forged prototype black and platinum-colored claymore with red strings, with the Yin and Yang symbol above with the hilt.

Sanju narrowed his eyes which he appears to be more like a wildfire, making Kinana startled by his second Raksha form--the first Raksha to have another form. She could sense his power to easily burned everything in the vast area like the sun's corona and emitting a cold sensation and bright sunlight, but that was the sign of death he carried on his shoulder like a beast. He has the power of firewood-flames that is known as a life force of living things, healing and reviving the dead matter to another chance with the nature laws and spiritual chi (qi) it used. The mix of flames and firewood, he is the source of heat and passion during the other coldness--especially when the cold has to keep to survive a long time in the darkness, a leader.

"Good, it's a success."

Sanju clenched his grip and glaring at him, narrowing his glowing eyes at him when he feels himself burning. But, there's no ashes or even burned mark on his clothes or skin, so he tried not to fight the Flame Raksha. "The fire comes and its blazing rage..." he began to speak, before he throw the sword without minding him, clashed with the stone pillars that led him to be surrounded by raging flames. "It's up to you to bring it down, I'll be watching you."

"Are you having a problem, Althair?"

Renata asked, sitting on the nearby wall and watching them have a serious training with their skills and powers while swinging her legs, and has stopped filing her nails. "It's not even an hour since you're training him, and judging from the situation... he's quite a wildfire, am I right?" Renata stated with her amused glance. "This one, young but dangerous. I wonder about the outcome of this."

Althair stated, before he look back at her. "Could you use your ability to suppress his power?" she snapped her fingers, beaming a smile at him. "Absolutely," she stated, leaning off the wall and heading towards Sanju--using her ability that allows her to hypnotically manipulate others through language and touch, before she was in the position to touch him. "Dear Kinana, please cover your ears."

Renata commanded the young child who covered her ears with her hands, to make sure she won't hear what she was going to say.

Sanju saw her reaching out her hand to him, feeling her hand hold his own that felt the tranquil energy enter his veins--he remained silence, as her spell manages to override his mind and change his movements a bit. That's what she does when she calmed the insane and angry people, although she unable to capture his conscious, his body is now hers to manipulate. "Now pay attention," she emphasize on her tone when he didn't feel himself at first, completely at her mercy. "When I say "free", you are out of your daze."

All it takes was a reminder, and Sanju was unfazed by what happened to him. "Free."

Renata grinned as a sign that it did a success and that she calms him a bit, but maintaining her abilities to suppress the other's consciousness during her manipulation. She released his hand and her hand was glowing, along the color and his transformation changing slowly from Yang to his human form.

Sanju released both hands as he kneeled down--coughing from the power was no longer there before he staggered back. "He'll not know about my true ability, and just a simple manipulation is enough," Renata shrugged, waving her hand as a sign that it did a success and that she calms him a bit, but maintaining her abilities to suppress the other's consciousness during her manipulation.

Renata swiftly released his hand and her hand is glowing as the color and his transformation changing slowly from Yang to his human form, Sanju released both hands as he kneeled down--coughing from the power was no longer there before he staggered back. "He'll not know about my true ability, and just a simple manipulation is enough," Renata shrugged, waving her hand before her steps creating a thump noise from the ground when her heels were hitting on the tiles.

Sanju was panting when he was covered in cold sweat, before he touched his chest to calm down. It should be weird enough if any ordinary being able to witness how a transformation that was related to nature or any humanoid figures with monstrous forms, perhaps they would scream in a terror even when they have such beautiful appearances when they were in combat.

Sanju ignored that thought, until he noticed a hand reached out in front of him. He noticed it was Althair who offered him a hand, making Sanju confused. "Why?" he asked him, after he was lifting up.

"Yeah, you look exhausted. Perhaps, you should check yourself first. Also, I'll tell about something when you're ready to."

Sanju narrowed his eyes, before he accepted his hand.

After that--

Sanju yawned after he walk out from the bathroom as he took a warm shower from the training in the next morning, wearing his non-Raksha attire while he observed himself in front of the mirror. As he seems curious of the effect after their Raksha's awakening, he decided to unbutton his shirt to peek what it has. His eyes widened at how broad muscular he has, from his chest and his whole body while retains his slim and athletic posture--he also gained a tattoo behind his back and his wrists--his abs could be seen through his bodysuit and his built muscles and his pectorals are defined and ripped.

Sanju buttoned his shirt again before fixing his coat, he seems a bit flattered that he had grown up so much but the bitter memories will come and haunt him in a nightmare. When he stare at the core in his hands when he was using his palm to examine it.

Now Sanju's strength was enough to fight back Althair during training, although he knew it's gonna happen soon. "No wonder why Althair looks muscular like Haruse…" he mumbled, before he put on his necklace and heading downstairs to meet the others. "Good morning, Sanju," Raiden greeted him like usual with his calm tone, he was startled--he couldn't help but rolling his eyes with a forced smile on his lips. "Good morning… Raiden."

Raiden wrapped his arm around his neck while walking down the hallway by his side, seeing him walking with his eyes closed with folding his arms while not even smiling. "Are you thinking?" he open his eyes, looking at him before he stared forward while saying.

"Not really thinking, I'm just exhausted from yesterday's training… God, I think Althair hurt my back a little…" he could feel the burning sensation from his back, which is why he has been having a hard time bathing and sleeping from last night. "I fell down a lot and almost broke my bones… my muscles has been pain in the ass after that… I suppose it make sense why Raksha's trainings are even much harder…"

Sanju listened to him that made him thinking if that should be self-taught, he nodded a little before he held his chin. "You're right…" they went into the dining hall of the hotel, where the breakfast has been prepared. "Good morning you two!" Ryoma greeted them with a grin, since he was the chef not only in his restaurant but also skilled in Western and Middle Eastern cuisines.

"Kanae, Akito! How was the training yesterday?"

Akito couldn't believe he got dragged into the training which he was stopped by Haruse, even though he know how to control his power doesn't mean he can get away from their mentorships from last night. "Urgh… it was horrifying... I thought I would die..." he groaned while he was eating the porridge, he didn't expect Kanae was stronger enough to handle that kind of power. His older twin Yukito rolled his eyes, it wasn't as difficult as he think it is--he watched Senja and Karina has arrived as well.

Sanju was thinking for a moment when they were going to eat now, this time he was curious. Ryoma noticed some features that reminds him of Sanju's father, thus making the latter smiled at him. "Sanju, mind if we can talk before you go?" he look up at Raiden's father, he seems to be meaning to say this to him. "Don't fret, I'll let Haruse know later," Sanju was relieved that he'll let Haruse know about this, otherwise he'll scold him for sure if he wasn't around.

After a while, he followed him to the balcony where they will going to talking about something. Sanju folded his arms when he was standing beside him, facing the city before his focus now centered on him. "You know… you remind me of your father when you're like this," Ryoma remarked, smiling at him when he was resting his arms on the railings that are still folded. "My father…?"

Sanju tilted his head, he never saw his father before nor meeting him in person and he was curious. "Radithya Adinata, that's his name, you might think your father passed away... I don't think he's dead--because of Althair," Ryoma told him when he remembered him, before disappeared after his wife's death. "So… Master Amagiri, what does my father looks like?"

Ryoma rubbed his chin when he recalled how he looked that time, he smiled at him cheekily. "Radithya looks like you, but he was more like adult version of you--he has a bad boy image that he has tattoos on his wrists. However, he's actually a kind and good with kids--and your mother is a sweet and kind woman; you have a round eye shape like her and have delicate features when you're humble," he rolled his eyes, thinking that it was protagonist's story would have.

Sanju hummed when he think about it, before he unfolded his arms and was curious about their state. "My father is alive so… my mother?" Ryoma frowned a little, closing his eyes with deep sigh. "Unfortunately she passed away after she gave birth to you."

Sanju fell silent when he mentioned that to him which made him nods, on the other side he wondered if it is meant for him to be born. "Don't overthink that, your mother is ill when she was born--and you were healthy when you're born. It's not your fault, it's a miracle--which is why Radithya made me your godfather in case something terrible will happen."

Ryoma said when he think about her condition, making him understand what happened to him. Sanju heard him that made him smiled a bit until he's frowning his lips, he hasn't smiled in long time ever since he was depressed. "I understand…" Sanju said as he felt him patting his back and caressing circles on him, comforting him who have gone through so much in his life already.

"Thank you, Master Amagiri--"

Ryoma hugged him tightly--not hugging him but like what a father would do, which made Sanju somewhat speechless. "You don't have to call me 'Master Amagiri' Ryoma is just fine with me, my son Raiden treated you more than just a best friend but he didn't want to tell. As your godfather, I'm glad you're such a strong young lad when your father has high hopes to you," he remarked, letting him go as Sanju is being flustered a bit as a child.

Few hours later…

Sanju was entering the lobby where they are having a meeting in the morning, he was folding his arms retaining his focused expression. "Hmph… seems like we're going to have important things to discuss," Raiden commented when he's resting his hand on his hip, looking around the lobby where the others aren't here and they're the ones who arrived quite early in time. Kinana showed up as she followed Akito and Kanae to the lobby, making her surprised by their quick arrival.

He could see that there was some flowers were being prepared by the arrangement, where he was thinking about it before he felt Kinana tugging his coat sleeve and his hand placed on her head, patting her without a thought. "Good, now listen up--when it comes to people coming for your safety is to allow them, alright?" Sanju asked, looking at her in a serious tone that made Kinana nod while clutching his coat sleeve with her fingers. . "Haruse and Ryoma took a survey outside, they detected the presence of the Phantom Beasts will be going to heist the exhibition hall. The name of the hotel is Pharaoh's Palace, where any kinds of arts and statues of Egyptian gods are exhibited there."

Haruse continued his sentence with folding his arms, leaning against the wall near the window. "The artifact is called Genesis Agate, or known as the Seed of the Tree of Genesis--the artifact that the Phantom Beasts will come after," Renata explained as she stood beside Senja and Karina.

Ryoma nodded when he was resting his hand on his hip, looking at Althair beside him before looking back at them as he elaborated. "But, Althair already handed the first piece to Karuna and he already keep it by himself--which means the Phantom Beasts were all enraged and coming after us. Turns out, they were under control of one of Maha's faction, both forces known as Raiders and Legion under his lead--and the auctioneer suspected to be one of them. Our mission is… obtaining the second piece and the third piece."

Althair close his eyes for a moment to think of the complex strategy and plan, especially for the new Rakshas. "Would you like to take a challenge of this mission?" he smiled slyly when he asked them that, testing the waters if they'll willing to participate.

The four of them stared at each other that words are unnecessary, Sanju was mostly focused but he was mostly focusing on his friends. Then focusing on him again after discussing about them with silence, since they know each other and have made their minds.

"What's the plan?"

Haruse was slightly baffled of Sanju's response to them especially to Althair, he didn't expect them to discuss like that. "That was unexpected... Althair," Ryoma teased him when he was less flinched but his eyes didn't change, he was quite surprised that they're taking their decisions. "Kinana, you will be staying behind because Sanju will be on a mission with his friends--but he'll come back soon, okay?" Ryoma said with a smile, asking her if she has a permission to stay behind with the adults.

Kinana nodded as she let go of Sanju's coat sleeve, and she lets him come forward.

"Alright… it seems like you get what I meant, so here's the plan..."

That night...

Sanju landed on the rooftop of the large exhibition hall where the masquerade party and the auction began, with his friends following him. They can hear the crowd noise inside the building, making their heads tingle and feel dizzy in there. "I don't like crowds," Raiden said with a sigh when he felt the same, but he knows he has to endure it and Akito ended up sighing as he stood beside Kanae.

Sanju could feel the pressure overwhelming him that he must do this mission seriously so he remained composed, he can fully access to the area of the exhibition hall and the auction. He was watching the auction with his arms folded, their appearances were concealed with their invisibility at will and their mask. They can reveal themselves at their own will, they wanted to summon their Brahmastra with their own commands.

Althair was silent when one of the guest bid the higher price and he knew the time is come, blending in to be part of the guests with their opera masks on their face. There were many people walking around in the grand hall, bidding their highest price for the item that they want. "It seems like they're holding an auction for the artifact," Ryoma observed, Sanju called out for their attention, everyone nodded in agreement with him.

"One million."

The guests went gasped and shocked by his sudden biddings, he hoped he did nothing wrong as long he has money to begin with. "Wow, that's the highest price! Do you want to bid this item for one million?" the auctioneer asked him with a smile, he seems excited that the item got the highest price. "Of course," Akito folded his arms while retaining his cool, lifting up his chin to show his arrogance. "Three million."

Everyone went gushed and awed, never in their expectation that he got such the best result. "Incredible! Three million?! Do you think you can--"

"Ten million."

Akito smirked that they finally made it and he heard the Phantom Beasts are in pain, hearing their screams were overwhelmed by the loud applause. However this was not done yet, now it was the time that they will come. "I'll go for five million," Akito said, he knew it was risky to bid this amount since many people are watching him. Senja raised his hand and called out, through the megaphone.

"Six million!"

Althair was waiting until the highest bidder decides to spend more of his money; he was shocked and stunned to see that Akito's bid is six million pounds. "Eight million," he said, raising his own hand and called out, hoping he won't make a mistake. "Ten million," Renata said with a yawn, while Yukito raised her hand to bid.

"Eleven million."

Senja raise his hand to bid, standing between them. "Twelve million!" Sanju waited until they reached the highest price, so he took the last chance to bid higher than him. "Twenty million!"

Everyone went shocked and flabbergasted to hear Sanju's sudden bidding, but he doesn't care about what the others think. "Twenty million pounds, the highest price is twenty million pounds!" Raiden gave a thumbs up at Sanju as he nodded at him, even Althair grinned that they will win this item.

The host was startled by the sudden increase of the bids, thinking of how he would continue the auction since the highest price is twenty million pounds. "Haruse, do you mind if you partake them there?" Althair spoke when he look up at the stage, while Haruse was responding with grim smile. "Your wish is my command."

Haruse hold his black hat and toss it away from his head, distracting the guests when he swiftly passed through them before he transform at the right time-through the blue flames emitted from him. Althair close his eyes when he jumps into the wave of flames and elegantly transformed into massive blast of flames, launching onto the stage and obtain the second piece of Genesis Agate--earning a surprise from the audience.

Althair standing up with his Flame Raksha form with glory from his presence, his fiery long crimson messy hair with bangs almost covering his eyes and cheeks swayed by the breeze and the spotlights. "From now on, I will take the gracious gemstone from your hand, sire."

Althair politely snatch the gemstone from his hand, gazing at the audience with his sharp gaze and smug expression. The guards hesitated and fearfully backed away from him, he he knows what happened to them and he knows what he have to do now. "Let the show begin!"

The stage is filled with smoke and fire as the Phantom Beasts appeared from the shadows and surrounded the stage, their human forms are disguised to hide themselves among the crowd. They burned down the auction hall, and saving the captives from them as they were hospitalized. Althair sighed when he observed the Genesis Agate on his hand, he sensed a Phantom Beast was about to launch at him from behind--until someone has interrupted and that sight was a familiar sight to Akito.

"Seriously, do I have to make myself clear? Out of my way."

Yukito has transformed into Flower Raksha, with his Flower Spectramancy; Shangri-La Blossom, one who commands the flowers and fruits, known for its techniques of combined graceful attacks that focus on agility and durable strength. His golden blonde hair turned dark brown-colored and extended longer beneath his feet with shades of cherry blossom colors, his bangs almost covered his pink-colored eyes with red-gold tints and black sharp pupils--retaining his usual fair complexion. With his parts of his hair pulled back with the golden hairpin and white and pink cherry blossom ornaments with hanging marble beads, he has pair of two golden horns with cherry blossom petals on them.

He wears a signature Raksha's mask and the black choker body harness, with black sleeveless bodysuit under his black sleeveless kimono with the embroidery of pink-gold sakura petals and flowers on his furisode and the hem--along a black obi around his waist with the red and gold four-petaled ribbons in the middle with the beads and golden sachets strapped with black belt. He wears a long black fingerless gloves under two black-gold furisode with the embroidery of flowers and sprouts, along a black thigh-high boots with gold plates and back heels.

Yukito carried his Brahmastra; Flowering Oath of Padma--a katana on his hand, the katana is red-green color with fragrance on the blade. The hilt is circular shaped with a light pastel blue center and border, filled with the five-petaled red flowers and a winding pattern that is light green in color.

The Rakshas has exterminated the Phantom Beasts one by one, while Yukito forming an elegant formation and dance-like ability along with the rosemary scents around them. The auctions looked beautiful, elegant and delicate movements in certain points--slipping through the spaces. At the end, one of them will unleash a powerful attack to the final boss. "Let's get going, we need to leave immediately and get to the mansion. No time to waste."

"Yes sir!"

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