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Phantom Samsara: Path of Asura
Chapter XVII: New Origins

Chapter XVII: New Origins

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One month later...

Haruna stretched his arms as he walk out from his room, after they received some training on how to control their Raksha forms that given from Jaemin and the rest who were Rakshas in Nirvana Organization. He donned a new attributes that made him confident, as he heard that there was a group who will becoming here with Althair. Haruna wears a modified non-Raksha attributes consists of black turtleneck with an orange and white outlines, black and orange belt around his waist and black-orange mixed camo pants tucked into his knee-length boots. With a black fingerless gloves, he donned himself an ankle-length black high-collared cape around his body with a yellow straps, batik patterns underneath and a large white star in the middle behind his back and the front.

He wondered if the rest of his friends are okay, the memory of Sanju who came to his subconscious still lingers within him--it made him realize that he did this to protect everyone--even if it cost the public's perception of his status as a fugitive. Being the scapegoat, he had to keep Haruna away from his identity being shown--especially when he's also one of Maha's experiments. He don't know how many clones did that lunatic created, like how the fuck did he get can away with this? Screw it, the government may be shit but he had to trust the Nirvana Organization in this case.

He finally grasp his true power, not wanting to hate himself anymore.

"Alright, let's do this..."

Juha was still curious about the Secretary-General, he watched him dealing with a lot of paperworks without a stress--he works so hard for the institute seriously and doesn't waste time to discipline his subordinates. He watched Jaemin adjusting his spectacles, gathering some documents for his superior Karuna and looked up, now realizing he's sitting on his desk while writing something for a brief. "Oh, did I interrupt you? Sorry about that," Juha apologized, the older male's violet-blue hues glanced at him while narrowing his sharp eyes at him.

Jaemin is somewhat a very secretive person, and Juha wanted to question him about it. He finished writing and stood up, before pulling his coat. "Nope, what's the matter, Juha? Are you sure that you need to ask me something, young fellow?" he questioned, looking back at him with a rather intimidating look. "Can I call you hyung? Well, now that we get along with each other recently," Juha asked, because Jaemin is slightly older than him--usually he doesn't care. The man tilted his head, humming at him for a while and folded his arms. "Why not? We've known each other after more than a month, go ahead," he replied, the younger chuckled.

After a few moments, Jaemin lean forward and speak as their conversation quietly spoken. "Uhm, hyung? How did you join the Nirvana Organization? Was there a reason why you joined?" Juha asked after folding his arms, he has asked that question once, he only managed to reach the others and this is only one person he couldn't get a straight answer from anyone.

Jaemin was silent for a moment, before he adjusted his spectacles. "It's... a long story," he replied, Juha quickly stated an apologize and he forgave him, telling that he wanted to continue if he can. "Honestly, I didn't even know what to say--it all started because of the Phantom Eruption tragedy in Daegu, South Korea--where I was born," he explained, and the news stated there are Phantom Beasts loose in these areas, and one of the Phantom Beasts' territories happened to be his country--South Korea. He was bitter of course, his beloved parents were murdered by them and that he was stranded there alone.

"I was only twelve-years old and never seen the tragedies of a war, I couldn't even understand the consequences of what will occur and never understand what does it mean until these happened," he explained, watching Jaemin before he gave him a copy of his folder as evidence of the testimonies of those he talked about and looked away for a moment. "Because the Phantom Beasts came, the Eruption happened; I was found by the organization. That time, the leader was Karuna's father--Sanji Batara Effendy... he saved me. Back then, Karuna was around my age; fifteen when we've met. That was the first time we ever met and we did became best friends after we have connected to each other."

"Wait, is Karuna..."

Juha was silent, he realized something. "Karuna hasn't become a Superintendent Commander yet, he was still young like... way back then," Jaemin added, folding his arms. The first time Juha felt more shaken and shocked--just as with Elden and Seong-hwa were the same when the three were promoted to General Managers and Executive Board Directors under the current Superintendent. "I see... sorry to break it to you, as far as you know that I'm an Ice Raksha... so do you and Karuna are..."

Jaemin stared at him, he smirked. "Oh? Curious already? It's true, Karuna is a Mahesvara Raksha; one who commands the destruction and demise of worlds," he revealed the forbidden secret to him, but because Juha is an Ice Raksha--he will share that and no humans allowed to know their true identities.

"As for me, I'm a Mahamayuri Raksha; one who commands the omniscience and benevolence. My secondary ability isn't that powerful, but I can restore one's health--but only to a certain point. Mostly, I use my power as support to help our own cause. However, my main ability...is something even dangerous; I can see the flow of fate, it's different compared to Guren. I have my own potential within the knowledge so no one can't manipulate me," he finished, his voice was calm and collective as if he's in control of everything.

Juha nodded, before the Secretary-General continued. "Ice Raksha; one who commands the ice and blizzards of winter season, I was curious how powerful you are... Jeon Juha," the latter whispered, narrowing his eyes before leaning his head closer as he smirked at Juha. "I'm very impressed that you've mastered the control of your powers. However, that black-haired friend of yours was lucky we showed him mercy," he whispered with a smirk, making Juha tilted his head before he stepped back. "What are you talking about?"

"Follow me to the training hall," Jaemin told him, they began to approach to the training hall to have the battle the determine Juha's performance to him. After that, Juha transformed into an Ice Raksha, opening his eyes as he revealed his Raksha form in front of Jaemin.

Jaemin transformed into a Mahamayuri Raksha form, with the black Raksha's mask attached on his eyes--that revealed his red-blue mixed eyes with sharp pupils and a pair of white horns similar to a peacock, his hair turned into light ashen color with green streaks behind his ears and extended longer below his ankles. His bangs almost covering his eyes and cheeks while he has blue, black-white colored Korean rose on the side of his head with silver dangles and purple beads and a silver hairpin behind his head that tied the parts of her hair from behind her ears-along a dark blue, turquoise and black feather-like teardrop earrings similar to peacock feathers on his ears.

His attire consists of black sleeveless turtleneck bodysuit underneath a white high-collared tunic long sleeveless robe, wrapped by a black sash with the embroidery of both black and gold belt with feathers on top. He also wears a single long black fingerless glove and a black choker body harness underneath the robe, and his other hand wearing a black fingerless glove with red threads and turquoise beads with scales. With a cape that colored with shades of ombre sea-green and blue similar with an embroidery of a peacock behind his back, he wears a thigh-high black strapped boots with gold tips and back heels. He also has a catalyst behind his right side with golden circle and feathers, which he also holding his Brahmastra on his hand; Feathers of Vidya, Divine Prosperity--it took form of a bluish-black, light and dark green glaive with peacock feather-like engravings and golden parts in the blade.

Juha's eyes widened when he was summoned by Jaemin using a huge dark and light blue orb to hold both of them inside the orb before she shot ice arrows, he dodge and do the same to attack the young South-Korean's attacks but Jaemin manage to cast some kind of an entrapment to create an array to prevent his attacks with the glaive. "Yah! Don't shield yourself, Juha!" he mocked haughtily, before he managed to catch his arm, holding him tightly before Juha glared at Jaemin--his body decreasing its temperature into 22 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 Celsius) before shoving him off.

Their weapon collided together as their eyes glared at each other, cold blue-teal and ocean-red hues looking straight at each other as if they were feeling each others' intentions. Jaemin observed his hand that was frostbitten before his hand regenerates, his eyes winced for a moment before looking back at Juha, their mind clouded with anger and frustration. It didn't feel long, just as Juha attacked the arrays below the ground, created huge ice spike underneath the ground and about to stab his opponent--Jaemin immediately evaded, leaping above in air before descending down. He held his glaive behind his hand, ready to slash Juha.

Juha gritted his teeth, before he slammed his blade of his trident to create a large ice cocoon and spikes created to stab Jaemin, he avoided those spikes and stabbed the orb with a huge amount of ice spikes to pierce through but he retreated behind the second ice pillar and the first disappeared because of his ice spears stabbing it. Both of them equally injured, one with frostbite and one with blood coming out from the wounds created due to the sharp peacock feather-like projectiles, Jaemin smirked while Juha grinned--both sharing the passion and competition that reflected on each of their eyes.

"Congratulations, young one. I can't believe my own compatriot was able to fight me."

He stood up as their orb vanished, reverted back into their human form--still facing against each other. As Juha bowed his head and clenched his fist, his turquoise-hued orbs stared straight into Jaemin's intimidating violet-blue eyes. "My respect for you, hyung. Maybe I need to be stronger," Juha replied, he sighed and turn back to his human form--immediately regenerates and the wounds are gone after they reverted back into their human forms. "When was the time you became a Mahamayuri Raksha?" Juha asked, lending him a hand and Jaemin hold his hand to stand up from the floor. "I don't remember, maybe around your age? When I first met Seong-hwa and the others at least... hmmm, now come to think of it, this was a long time ago... or I became one during adolescence period."

After all the truth revealed to Juha, Jaemin explained the whole truth and the reason why did the Nirvana Organization going to use them--from how to maintain their sanity and the connection with their connection and human morality. "We did become the military branch organization--since we're the only one who able to communicate to them, we want to protect heritage in partnership with them... but due to Rakshas being a threat to us, there is a good time when we started working together under the Superintendent's rules."

"But, you guys are Rakshas."

Juha retorted, knowing their true nature. Jaemin scoffed, like he doesn't give a shit about it. "We hide our identities, like you guys even did it. But no one from our headquarters and organization are aware of our true intentions and backgrounds. And it would ruin our country's reputation if those Rakshas and humans saw our real nature.”

The Secretary-General explained, he look back at him. "So that's why we're here, thanks for the details I needed to hear," Juha thanked him, after he have learned so much from his kind.

They saw Haruna waving at them, walking towards the two as he greeted. "Heya! Whatcha doing, Juha?" he asked, before he shrieked to see Jaemin who was staring intimidatingly at him. "Haruna, you better get ready because Althair's group will becoming here. They are criminals, do you know that?" he reminded, Haruna was surprised--learning the fact that the Silver Slumbering Dragon has bunch of underworld criminals from around the world--especially when it was Indonesian-based with international members. He must be prepared if they landed their offense on them, in case a worst case scenario happens; things didn't goes well between Althair and Karuna.

After that, Haruna decided to walk along the hallway of the headquarters--there's so many military and administrative personnels were having breakfast as they saluted at their superior and exited the hall. But, he wanted to ask Karuna some questions before he can gather his mind. After they reached their sleeping quarter, while both generals in front of him and Haruna walked with his hands on his pants--greeting them before they left. So, he need to find Karuna first because Jaemin would always follow him and without any doubt.

Karuna was in the hallway, observing the view of the garden and sighed softly by that. "What brings you here? Your friends are already there after you left them," he replied, before turning his head to his subordinate in a manner. Haruna gulped, before he asked. "I have some questions, regarding your... involvement with the man named Althair. So, what is your relationship between you and Althair? Can you tell me about him?"

Haruna knew it was a difficult question, knowing how well Karuna and Althair know each other quite well. He thought he would simply say that he can't tell much about him, turns out he decided to explain.

"Althair and I were rivals, but that doesn't mean we're not friends. He was rather... unique and didn't waste his time being a rebel, but he still respects his own customs. As far as I can think, he did this for the goodness of our world. But, he choose the path of violence, for a great price," he was expressionless for a moment, thinking about his past. "Not that I'm bothered by his choice, yes, he's a fugitive but he's not a weakling," Karuna added.

The Superintendent sighed, before he smiled bitterly."Althair was the founder of Silver Slumbering Dragon, he was referred as 'a maniac who believes he can see the destiny, by inspiring a group of youth and forging an opposition group that opposed against the governments around the world' by this organization. Well, not only Singgahsana Organization and United Nations got pissed by this--but every group that opposed them by Althair because he formed his own human organization with most of his peers are young, ambitious individuals. He have to start somewhere and I'm surprised he's still alive... he's young like the rest of us. He's ambitious, even in spite of the risk but... I thought what he's doing it is for the sake of justice itself."

"Wow, I can't believe him. He's like..."

"Like what, little Raksha?"

Crap, he didn't notice that Jaemin is nearby when he was talking with Karuna. They stood up from the balcony and left the room, not wanting to make him impatient. "Jaemin," Haruna was shocked to see the man in front of him after they walked in the room, Jaemin's calm stare is intimidating on him.

"Don't mess around with that bastard, he might manipulate and blackmail anyone when he wants to--if he and you are not gonna obey his request, he will do anything to use your weaknesses and blackmailing you... as a reward, he will grant you something that no one can refuse. Remember that time when Sanju had no choice but to join his organization with Akito, Raiden and Kanae? Yes, that's the time I spoke of, perhaps more extreme, but more dangerous than the other threat... Maha," Jaemin warned him, making him shuddered.

Oh man, who would've known that you never know that he's gonna come after him and his group next.

"If you want to be alive, then you have to choose wisely. But he's not one to be mess with, in fact, he's often known as an outlaw. He have many associates from different parts of the world, but his former one have been arrested; because this associate backstabbed him and somewhat pissing Althair off. Althair... is an ally with us in a condition; don't meddle in his affairs and we help him in return, this time we offer alliance with the Silver Slumbering Dragon with us; for the betterment of human world," Jaemin concluded. "I understand. But do you know how we can find Maha's whereabouts?"

"Which is why we're asking for their help, especially Althair. He already have those informations and even used them for his 'business', in these days. One who willing to work and has a free-spirited is very... powerful, both physically and morally. Althair have people working on their own under his supervision, we gave him the position where he has to manage the underworld associates."

The Mahesvara Raksha hummed, before Karuna turned to Haruna. "However, it depends if he showed you any hostile intent towards others. Let me tell you this: Althair's motive is unknown, who knows what's inside his head," he whispered, glancing away from his gaze before looking back and narrowed his eyes. "I must warn you if you try to lay a finger on Althair or any other members of Garden of Destiny. Althair is my equal, someone whom I do not hate or love to serve under the yoke of, but at the same time the person I would want to become... or perhaps, that's why people would rather die rather than submit to one they fear."

Haruna knew this sounds right and yet... he was right, he shouldn't be hating that guy and now he regretted for have getting worked up at Sanju for that--he shouldn't have judged his actions. "So, he's like an anti-hero or not an actual villain?" he asked again, making Karuna chuckle when he said that. Oh man, he knew that he isn't a villain... otherwise he have given mixed signals and didn't know how to react before realizing that all of them are Rakshas like them. "Can't say that for sure, but... Althair has his principles and not someone who likes to use any force, he was fine that way... let's just leave him and the rest."

Then, Karuna began to remind him. "Be prepared, they will come here in a minute so don't get yourself alerted."

"Right..."

Damian, Masaki, Juha and Izana were informed by Haruna that the Silver Slumbering Dragon will be arriving in a few hours--telling them to stay on low-profile due to their somewhat fugitive status with the humans. But, they expected that someone is more dangerous. The ones who arrive is the young leader of the infamous criminals' world, along with his mysterious shadowy-members accompanying him. Haruna yawned while he was walking down the street of the city of Yogyakarta, seeing that the city remained the same even though the remnants of Phantom Eruption still there.

Much to his surprise, he saw Sanju's resort and restaurant was rebuilt again but now named 'Kusuma Kencana Hotel' and becoming a five-star hotel instead. What the fuck, how the heck did his hotel becoming five-stars and the buildings becoming even more fancy? He realized that some tourists and guests were here because the place has so many amenities, pool, bars, and every facilities in the hotel has best quality designed like a traditional but unique Indonesian architecture. There's more areas to see here, and as he wander off, he saw a mall; no wonder the hotel is very strategic because it was near to the mall. Sanju's mansion also located next to the hotel, it was huge and reconstructed back after the tragedy.

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Haruna felt a breeze passed him when he sensed that the group of seven people appeared with their backs facing him, he turn around to see the familiar faces except the three members--until he froze at the sight of the stigmatas on their coats and capes were crossed--symbolizing the rebellion against the world government.

The stigmata only can be seen by the Rakshas,

This is the first time he saw Sanju in his non-Raksha form, he hasn't changed--except his body and changes of physical aspects and the Mirage Spectacles he wore--like the rest of his friends in his team. "Hey, Sanjaya! It's been a while, huh?" Haruna greeted him like usual, hoping that he won't respond angrily.

Sanju was looking away and glance his eyes when he heard that voice, before the Indonesian's eyes glared angrily at Haruna and they all turned behind their backs to face him. Oh no, did he piss him off? Haruna watched his expression slowly softened into a calm expression, remembering the moment he helped Haruna to get out of his despair during his battle against the member of Legion Raksha.

"You scared me, you look so different. Like, whoa... okay that was a long time ago but geez... you've become... so beautiful."

Haruna paused that his human vision made him see Sanju's undercover mirage--Raiden loomed over him with a comical dark expression, like he's ready to kill him for flirting with him. "This is normal. I usually make many undercover missions and take disguise whenever I want," Sanju brushed the compliment off and walk away, leaving Haruna dumbfounded. Wait, he decided to use his human vision--Sanju was in a mirage that took form of a woman's form with long hair tied into a loose bun and a beige pin positioned on top and dressed like a colonial Indonesian noblewoman--a woman with slightly pale tone with red lips, her spectacles stayed the same as his coal-brown colored eyes and fair-tan complexion--no longer young-adult that he was.

Akito snorted when Haruna using back his Raksha vision to see their true identities, before he folded his arms. "Seriously, we've been doing this and no one would noticed who we are. Which made me and the rest to avoid any further harm, you fucking idiot," he smirked, eyeing Haruna up and down before approaching him. "Hey hey! Don't came up to my face like that!"

"Shut up, Haruna."

Kanae elbowed Akito lightly and he glared, noticing that both of their hands held together--before Haruna didn't mentioned the part where they are having a date or going through a relationship between them. "Are you guys dating?" he asked blankly, showing his expression and Kanae's sleepy expression remain the same. "We're holding hands because our mirage is a married couple, that's all," she explained as he nodded and understood; usually their mirages are at least they wear matching outfits with their friends and significant others; that's their tactic to blend in to their covers and Haruna told them that he expected that much. "Uhm... Sanjaya, thank you for assisting me... sorry for making you come to me through your power."

Haruna stated, the class monitor stared at him for a moment before he nodded. "It's fine, at least you're here. Now, we must head to the headquarters and now--Raiden, call Jaemin."

The swordsman looked away, and then sighed. "Oh shit... did I forget to tell him that I'll contact him?" he sighed, turning on his voice changer and calling his phone. It didn't takes time and Raiden received a phone call, then he replied. "Oh, the next mission is about to set? Oh wait, it will be tomorrow. No... a week from now. Seriously, who would have thought that I lost count?" while Raiden is talking, Kinana hid behind Sanju and the Indonesian girl whispered. "Sanjaya, I'm scared of him..."

Sanju was slightly surprised, looking down at her. Kinana--who's adopted by Sanju somehow looks childish, but has such maturity on her. "Is that so? Don't worry, I'm gonna be here... it's okay. Let's just make sure to find one, he's harmless."

Kinana nodded silently, looking over at Raiden and felt calm after he give her a thumbs-up sign with a wink. She was looking down because she was shy towards strangers--even if it was her team's friends. "Don't worry, everyone here is okay. It's alright... let's go."

Haruna felt awkward because this is the first time he saw the class president being caring, but he was taken a back. Eventually, Akito look back at him and cleared his throat. "Anyways, do you want to stay here or something? We're booking some rooms because we'll be having extended stays and Sanju also give us discounts," he explained, Haruna was speechless--he always wanted to stay in Sanju's hotel but he never get the chance to do so. Maybe staying in his hotel wasn't a bad idea because Sanju manage to rebuilt this and having the beautiful interior design of the places it has. "You should join us, Haruna. As an apologize for our mistakes, how's that?"

He was tempted to refuse, but Akito has a point--they said that they should make amends with their apologies, this would be unfair if they want to give him an apology but without doing anything. So, Haruna decided to accept that and started to enter the hotel along the others; most of the part, the trio is curious to see their hotel--even Kinana went to explore around the hotel. "I'm definitely joining for lunch and such, but not your organization. Sorry, Akito," Haruna declined his offer from joining the Silver Slumbering Dragon. It's all for the sake of justice, every group wanted to stop the Phantom Beasts--but not all of them have the same path and methods. It's just the way the world works.

"Sorry, it's been a while since we've spent time together... I don't know how to act like my usual self anymore," Sanju muttered, Haruna sighed when they got onto the elevator going up to the seventh floor. "Hey, no need to apologizing. We're done with the ceremony, but there's one thing about you. Even if that means you have to adjust in your new life, even if you have to live in a different area from your home village. You're doing the right thing," Haruna promised, glancing at Sanju and giving him a thumbs up while grinning. The class monitor scoffed, looked away but his lips curved into a slight smirk. "You haven't changed, Haruna Sinuraya."

Haruna was having a hard time getting along with the young fellow known as Senjaya Haryadi or Senja--seriously this guy is so fucking intimidating and scary because he has a murderous aura whenever he's been pissed. Secondly, Karina has an aura of icy silent killer and only speak if she wanted to. Lastly, Kinana is fifteen-years old Indonesian girl who just got adopted by Sanju and his father Radithya--after her parents were killed by the Phantom Beasts. She was so timid and reclusive towards strangers, but has a great optimism on people around her. She was the youngest member of Silver Slumbering Dragon who's willing to fight when there's an emergency.

Haruna was listening to Sanju's explanation and the others started gathering around his office. "So, what's the name of your team?" he asked, Sanju turned to look at him. "I'm not sure, but... all I came up is Garden of Destiny--perhaps we were destined to be one," he stated calmly. "We also called ourselves Flame-Chasers, because we aimed ourselves to be 'the light that shines through the darkness'--yes, thanks to Althair's leadership since the start."

"Bullshit, you are the leader and it should been you. You are the one whose willing to the put the world into its place and shit, which should make me surprised that you decided to betray us and going for your own will, you dick."

Haruna snapped, making the team went silent--did he just... making Sanju gone berserk and got irritated with his words. Sanju just let people who learn about him judge him nor commenting about him negatively, he endured a lot of insults and just ignored them. But not with people like Haruna, he knew that Haruna had the tendency to act high and mighty, very assertive and loud. "Haruna, I think you should stop--" Kanae paused when he continued, somewhat showing that he still carried his anger issues.

"Seriously, you had to start a rebellious group and joining the criminal underworld?! We're not in college anymore and you choose that path of destruction?! I can't believe you, to think that... you're such a pain in the ass! Everyone know that you don't act friendly or cooperative! You are--"

Sanju has been resenting the government because they didn't do anything to stop Maha and his crimes in responsible for Phantom Eruption, illegal experiments, mass genocide and what else? They don't want to admit that they were careless and let Maha to run free, so he decided to dismiss himself from becoming a Phantom Raider--believing that he don't deserve become one after their mentor's death and he wasn't good enough to become their class monitor.

"What do you know about me, Haruna?"

Sanju snappishly stood up, his dark brown eyes glared at Haruna that send shivers down to his spine. "Have you ever felt like there's no reason to live for? Ever did that, Haruna? You don't know the hell I've been in, and you dare to not understanding how it feels like."

Haruna knows that he hasn't treated him this badly, he wants to change his perspectives towards his ex-friend. "That's because you always were left alone and always rejected by everyone... I'm telling you all the truths and not a fucking lies!" Haruna yelled, and it looks like Akito got pissed before Kanae hold his arms and kept him still on his chair.

Masaki, Damian, Juha and Izana rushed to the room and heard a fight between Sanju and Haruna who are facing each other with a scowl or anger... okay, shit. They expected that something would happen; Haruna now betrayed Sanju's trust and now... here they go. "Haruna..." Sanju balled his fists, pissed to see that the person he haven't meet in a long time doesn't understand about him at all. "...in all honesty, I've changed... and not the man you once knew. You're still a childish adult that never changes, at all. Just like before, I couldn't bear to see people suffering and the government to not working together to stop the tragedy; unlike the two organizations before. But, I thought we were friends, I have been trying to protect you and... you didn't even understand every single shit and actions I took, am I right?"

Sanju couldn't contain his frustrations and turned away, refusing to look into his eyes. Karina stared at Haruna for a moment, sensing that her colleague in the organization was somewhat right... even her being compassionate and silent, she gave a lot of support and comfort. "When someone hurting you by shitting every thoughts and lives, what you're gonna do? Give your peace of mind and pretend that nothing's happened? That's what you thought?" he asked.

"I'm talking about the crossed stigmata on the back of your coat! All of you has it?!"

Haruna was angry at his question and Sanju showed them, he just keep his hands on his arms; keeping Sanju away from resisting (although it might pissed him even more) while Masaki realized what it was--a sign of rebellion against the world of governments, the World Government, Nirvana Organization and even Singgahsana Organization together with Nirvana Organization--which both sides had formed an alliance--became enemies.

The rest was looking at Haruna, who was hiding his scowl from the mirror. He really isn't taking this well, before Juha was in his view, closing his eyes. "Haruna..." he whispered, remembering that his friend was being a hypocrite and made Sanju made this kind of expression. Karina whispered to Kinana so she can check on Sanju, realizing that they can see the same vibe in his friends' eyes.

"Nice going, Hypocrite. That man that you and the rest used to see is now a different man because of you," Karina said in a cold tone, before it melted into anger. "He was trying to avoid and suppressed his emotions, until he couldn't take it. Because, you know that man is strong and he do this for the sake of humanity," she explained, before staring at the rest. "What are you been doing, Haruna? For two to three months?" Juha asked, Haruna snapped. "Why would I, stupid question! You all knew the incident of Phantom Eruption as well as everyone in Yogyakarta--we survived. Why didn't you ask those Raksha-hunters?"

This is Haruna's true colors, Sanju stood there like a fucking ice sculpture and having his back faced him. He was betrayed, he never seen Haruna like this before--stranded with anger, madness and hatred. "It must be normal for you, you little runt," Senja chimed in, his voice sounds hoarse and deep--but at the same time sounding murderous, making the four turned their attention to Senja who's standing--glaring down on him angrily. Noticing Haruna's scared look on his expression, he have spoken. "Once a coward, will forever a coward."

Holy... shit, this guy is not shitting at all. In Haruna's view, Senja is fucking terrifying because of his aura, actions and way of speaking--oh god, Haruna's never going to piss this guy off anymore. "Sorry about that, Sanjaya," Damian apologized, his stern face remain there with his stoic attitude but he would never betray Sanju's trust.

Sanju merely held up his palm, accepting his apology by a nod. "It's okay, Damian. Haruna, I'm sorry for--" he paused, his eyes were soften upon looking back. "I'm sorry, everyone... thank you for saving me. And Haruna, how come you don't understand my way of acting?"

Then, Haruna snapped. "Because no one ever wants to be my friend! Every girls, they're interested in you than me and it made me jealous! To top it off, you are so prideful that you tend to thinking so highly of yourself... that's why everyone want you to the president's position in college, that's the reason why you won the election and because you are so smart--that everyone relied on you even we were having a--"

"It wasn't my fate to become like that."

He paused, hearing Sanju said that. Was he not wrong after all? "We thought that you know this path better than anyone, but it looks like you betrayed us..." Izana added, Kanae sighed but didn't showed any interest or annoyed at all. "I never say I betrayed all of you," Sanju spoke the truth, this made Haruna glared at him. "What?!" he yelled furiously, his expression started showing a spiteful side and an evil smile slowly curved around his mouth.

"Sanjaya, why? Why can't you just stay with us? Working together with your friends is great. I thought... no one wants to abandon me, you son of a bitch," his eyes were narrowed and wide open, Sanju recognized his unstable senses. "You bastard," Akito spat at Haruna, who acted and insulted Sanju in spite of his attitude.

But still, Sanju remained calm at his behavior and stepped forward saying. "Hey, enough. Haruna, just let it out. As long as I'm fine, it's not a big deal--"

"It's a big fucking deal! Don't tell me you don't even cared--in spite the government always rejecting our pleas, you can't even accept their apologies and your own responsibility?!"

However, Damian, Izana, Juha and Masaki glared at Haruna instead--seeing him insulting a noble person isn't something that they like... except they being stoic most of the time. "The government did what? Why the fuck you call yourself a guardian when you don't even tried to be one?" Damian spat back. That's it, Haruna has lost his control and without being thinking about Sanju's emotions--he don't care anymore and shouted angrily; not knowing that he had pushed his former-friend and others including his own trio allies.

Haruna already left the scene, they had to apologize because they were mistaken and had to do it on behalf of him. "We're so sorry, Sanju. Even if you don't want to leave behind your past, I have to let you know what was really happened--apparently the government has been very wary over Legion Raksha's existence and they keep a closer watch to see that they haven't spread their power," Masaki added. Oh, look... that's what makes him pissed

Sanju just remained silent, holding a palm as if he telling them to not apologizing as well.

Sanju hung his head low, taking off his spectacles and covered his face with his palm. He felt his emotion get the best of him when Haruna insulted him, insisting that he shouldn't even care. Kinana hugged him gently, patting his back in a manner. At least he wasn't alone, he could count on his friends when he needed them. "Hey, it's okay," Akito spoke, approaching him and he looked at Sanju pitifully. Sanju had never come to terms with anyone close to his heart, especially his teacher as a guardian, leaving him with a broken heart and feel like this... Akito often remembered the moment he and Kanae tried to comfort Sanju when he blamed himself--Raiden tried to cheer him up as well. Senja had to make sure no one is offending their captain while he hold his shoulder, and Karina was patting his back to calm him down.

They really came for each other, helping him to contain the emotion he have and they understand this. There's so many years of friendship, yet there's so many years lost for not reuniting together until now. "No, I'm fine... it's just... I wasn't accustomed to letting someone know me like this... much less I hate being called of that."

Akito was ready to punch the shit out of Haruna but he was restrained by Kanae, who sighed heavily. Karina narrowed her eyes, standing beside Sanju--she wanted him to get over with his anger. Sanju's calm expression return, with his mirage dissolved and shown his true form--their mirages also dissolved when they take off their Mirage Spectacles. Akito let Sanju resting his head on his shoulder, calmly running his fingers to his dark hair. Kanae stood by his side, petting Sanju's soft black hair before she lowered her own head. "There's so much for your stubbornness to get into your emotions, Sanju."

"I guess so..."

Sanju's voice sounded hoarse and raspy, Kanae put her palm over Sanju's before grasping it gently. "I'm sorry for dragging all of you into this mess, I didn't mean it--"

"Hey now, it's not really your fault. Don't be feeling hard on yourself," Karina placed her hand on his shoulder, the team's class monitor lifted his head--his emotion changed into somewhat sorrow and melancholy. "Tell me, am I a burden to you guys?" he asked blankly, unaware that Raiden is starting to turn his head in case he really lost it. "What the...? What did Haruna said that making you feel like this, asshole? Dude, if you're, like, trying to tell that you're a burden..." Akito can't help to push Sanju onto the sofa, causing him to let out a muffled groans while being crushed with Raiden. "We're going to do anything to snap you out of it, asshat," he growled. "No, that's... Haruna is just being his usual self, I know... that he isn't pleased with this. I just figured that he had enough with my--"

"Idiot, then be thankful that we're willing to serve you with our loyalty," Sanju was surprised, Kanae said all of that because Sanju has been their role model and strength in their alliance. "And, when you didn't stop us from not treating you like the king you think you are... we're gonna repay you when you need us."

"For all the years we spent together," Raiden uttered firmly, this made Sanju taken a back at him. "Look, I don't know if I can say this but..." Karina started, before she folded her arms as she spoke. "Not everyone is perfect, we acknowledge your acts and values, Sanju... and still wants you to be by our side. Like Althair said, he's fine and thankful for all the stuff we gave to him as a reason to encourage and motivate us. Not really his words, but mine."

Senja ran his fingers through his black longs with red streaks, he sighed. "Not gonna lie, you tried to make a whole effort to support us after you became our team captain and I'm... willing to follow. And without you, we would've lost ourselves and going against the grain."

Kinana look up at Sanju, releasing him as the little girl smiled. "Remember what you said to me, that reality hurts us, right?" she asked, Sanju nodded--he clearly remember that. His tears stopped flowing, his melancholic and sorrowful face reverted into gentle and soft expression while listening to Kinana. The Indonesian team leader may not be a perfect leader nor his friends are perfect, but he will do his best to get along with them. "We're willing to guide each other, leading the path to the right direction."

Damian almost forgot that... Haruna just arrived here and trying to stop the bad guys--for the first time he wanted to feel the satisfaction of stopping them for good. But, he realized that it was his own former associates. "Can I beat up Haruna? He's surely pissing me off, not only Sanju but he also badmouthed him and went out of control. I can't stand to see it."

"Stop, Raiden."

"... fine."

It is life, after all--reality hurts them a lot.

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