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Kohaku went pale that the shadow government ministers of Indonesia somewhat 'disapproved' of his team name EXODUS because one: it has term 'exodus' because it implied to "abandon" or "stranger" to them which they rather him take different path, two: the shadow government is being cautious in some cases--but now that he's the youngest among the members of Administrators, they were so fucking disappointed. Three: they denied if he went as "Loyalist" or "Hero" because Kohaku's quality is suitable to be anti-hero instead. He was facing the shadow government ministers who dressed in black under the shadow in the unknown building, he was listening to them who were speaking.
"Kayana, we understand that you feel hesitant but for us, 'EXODUS' is... outrageous."
One of the male ministers argued, knowing full well they don't want anything from their country to be damaged by any means. "We'll allow you to have it as 'alternative' name, but don't use that as a main name for your team. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir."
The young assassin simply nodded, showing no resistance--though his eyes hold a fire. He was thinking of new name since his team let him have the freedom of coming up with ideas as long as it doesn't offend anyone, while he was rubbing his chin lightly. "Regarding to this... problem, we've decided to help you choose your team name," a female minister implied, making the male ministers to concur and agree with her terms. "We'll give you feedbacks, don't force yourself just because you wanted it," she added, causing Kohaku to tilt his head.
"After all, your safety was at stake--and to us, your lives are priceless gems..."
The female minister commented, making her partner snicker in agreement as Kohaku smiled a bit at them. "That's why I think the name 'Exodus' suits me, nothing can win over me," he reasoned out and the male ministers simply sighed but could help themselves but smile at his naivety, before he folded his arms. "Alright, how about OUTLAW?" he suggested, their eyes glinted in surprise by his bold choice. "Outlaw..." a female minister muttered, the men kept silent before they nodded at him--they seems to like his ideas. "Go on, continue..." the older advised, showing their favor on him as the leader continued once more.
Kohaku was surprised, he thought they might not interested in the title. "In my opinion, OUTLAW means 'a renegade' or 'deserter'--breaking all rules and laws, especially when fighting with the good and evil or villain and hero. In this case, an anti-hero," he explained, making the rest of them face him in wide-eyed. The shadow government was very interested in his suggestions that's why he chose it, the male ministers who were stubborn previously kept on exchanging whispering conversation with the female minister--seems they're agreeing that OUTLAW is a good choice. Kohaku was surprised by how his words change their minds, until they finally gave him an approval.
"Sorry for taking you a long time for approval, we had a lot of shit in Indonesia," one of the male ministers apologized, even though they did worked hard for them--they also very busy with 'dirty' works. Kohaku noticed that he was almost done with them, his team still have another option. "Thanks for the approval, I understand if one of you don't like the option but fortunately I have second or maybe... third name, but perhaps not now--we just need to change the logo, right?"
They nodded at him, the place where they usually have meeting is abandoned courtroom-like building where the shadow government run their business. Their names are hidden so does their faces, but their red eyes gleaming through the dark when the curtain behind them falling down when the trial is complete. "Alright, do not be afraid to tell us. Do what you must be done to carry out our expectation, do not disappoint us... do you have any questions?" one of them asked, since there's many ministers he was surrounded in the courtroom.
Usually, the shadow ministers always keep their faces covered in the darkness, a black transparent curtains that only showed their silhouettes and crimson bright glowing red colored eyes. Those eyes are familiar to Kohaku, given they are same colored eyes that made him remember the first day where he first joined Secret Garden. As he kept on staring at their eyes--it felt very deja vu and thus, he then thought. 'I think... I remembered a bit on how their eyes look like at me.'
The assassins observed his expression, they decided to let him make his own judgement over them as a leader for team OUTLAW.
"I have a question, regarding..." he stated in calm-friendly manner and tone, his mouth remains closed in stoic blank expression before his eyes glows. "... the World Government made me a fugitive, what did I do wrong?" he asked, his question left them frozen with both widened eyes--before the minister's expression replaced by their cunning smile. "Kayana Sahanaya Tirta, your actions did the right thing for our beloved country so does everyone around the world--but it seems like those 'leaders' had forced their men in an attempt to kill you as their pawns, even better if they plan to manipulate you and turns you against Secret Garden, as I've heard?" one of them pointed out with his gloved fingers, referring to his attempted assassination during the elections--made Kohaku nodded silently.
"Those scumbags were only using you as their target to dispose of, but not giving you any attention unlike Secret Garden... but it's an eye-opener for them, right?" another male minister questioned with his sly fox smile, the assassin nodded with a calm facade. Kohaku's gaze wander around for a moment, in case Damien is here and the government minister answered his question. "Regarding what I said about 'how I can see through your intentions', because we've witnessed you and Damien since the very beginning," another said, their voices echo from the shadows. "Unlike those corrupted leaders who are blinded by the lies fed into their 'idiotic heads' with broken morals and ethnics, we have observed a significant change in YOU."
The assassin simply bowed his head with a respectful tone, even though there's nothing special about it but every action he took; must be planned because he knows his own advantage. From then on, Secret Garden arranged the contracts, they will take the responsibility and the consequences, thus leaving NO traces behind or they can do it anyway they want--to maintain peace around the world from this time. "We also want to inform you regarding Indonesian politics, don't get involved in any kind of interference because this might hit the news," a minister explained, his arms crossed while eyeing over him. "Understood sir."
"Remember, if there's a person who claimed that they are 'representative' for something or whoever is affiliated with corrupt public officials; don't listen to them and walk away from them, because they are trying to prevent you from pursuing your goal--no matter who is the reason behind. Also, they would offer you some money to keep your mouth shut but NEVER listen to them," a female minister warned him, which only made him gulped, nodding again at her. "And in case of dealing with one, don't hesitate to send one of your members to kill them or get rid of their heirs so the organization will fall," the minister at last instructs him with his sinister tone.
"What if they threaten that they have a huge ass backup?"
"Just kill them."
In case the assassination does not work, prepare the counterattack... just in case. Then again, the system would've also failed due to the negligence or corruption of the people, thus you have the legal right to take all of their shit. "We're warring with the police, because this fucking constitution has a drug cartel," a male minister who was standing in front of Kohaku--spoke out, in low and exasperated tone before cursing.
"Listen, kid. We've been dealing with some shitty mess with them because they tried to ruin democracy and now it's up to you to ruin everything that has anything to do with that bitch..." the minister cursed with frustration. Kohaku laughed, somewhat relieved when the ministers talked out their problems with him. "Is it time for me to say 'Fuck the Police' now?" Kohaku commented, breaking out a quiet chuckle among the ministers. They shake their heads, chuckling back and knowing full well what they should do next.
"Who knows?"
The cold voice came in front of him, next thing he knew--he saw a silhouette entered. "Sherry, good to see you here," one of the ministers greeted her, seeing her dressed in her typical professional fashion. She raises an eyebrow, tapping her black umbrella on the wooden floor slowly--signaling them that it's time for the meeting to be continue. "Sherry?" Kohaku asked, before he froze when she wrap her arm around his shoulders. What surprises him, is how she pulls him close to her without fear of harming him despite looking at her in confusion. "Who is she to you, Kayana? Your girlfriend?"
The other ministers teased with sly smirks while exchanging glance and smirk each other, only a few of the younger ministers were smiling along with the teasing old geezers. Kohaku facepalmed, while letting himself lean into the chair--groaning in irritation from Sherry's hand of attempting to tease him. "You bunch of shitheads," he swore to them who let out laughter or chuckled at his demeanor. "Kayana, did you forgot our date again?" she asked.
"The fuck? Since when I agreed for you to be my woman?" he replied, glaring at her as she gasped in shocked with dramatic act. "You're being mean, Kayana!"
"For the love of--let's go now!"
Kohaku stand up with a snap at her, before he nodded at them. "Also, thank you for summoning me here--and giving me your evaluation..." Kohaku added, realizing they're not happy if they heard his old team's name which he just need to have a better opinion, at least he understand. He stand up and saluting at them with loyalty and dedication he shown in his eyes. "... your excellency."
They nodded at him, dismissing him. 'We expect highly you, Kayana Sahanaya Tirta...' a man thought, smirking a bit as the young man didn't noticed it. His eyes darkened, but returned to normal when the curtain moving to cover their silhouettes from the moonlight. Kohaku felt her arms wrapped around his neck, as she murmured into his ear. "Guess I stole a valuable asset as yours, only I'm sure that you prefer a partner who share same interest like you, not quite a sweet talker or some assassin...?"
"Get off me."
Sherry was too playful, being more bold and sadistic--while he trying to pry her arms off from him but he eventually to defeat, and getting dragged by her. "Come on, am I that pretty girl that you think she is?" she questioned, smirking playfully at him while tightening her grip on his waist. Kohaku sighed in displease, his face almost distorted in boredom. "You know what? Let's go back to Bali, I'm hungry as fuck," he uttered, taking out his black umbrella. "Hm... sounds like an idea."
He carries a black umbrella with silver handle-blade underneath as it rains, showing no fear for his actions at all. As he opened the umbrella for both of them, their appearance turns into hologram, emitting rays of blue light before dissolving into nothingness. Kohaku appeared again in the busy streets of Kuta with Sherry, closing his umbrella while looking at his surroundings with alert demeanor.
Luckily, no one saw them.
"What do you want to eat? I'll follow you," Sherry asked, wrapping her arm around his arm as he had to sigh. "Follow me to the best restaurant in here then," he ordered her, finally accepted her actions--making her smile in satisfying, humming when they were walking in Kuta. "Do you know Merlin's Magic Shop? It's a famous restaurant in Bali where you can pick your cards there, I will gladly show you this place..." Kohaku grinned with small smiles.
It's certainly worth being there, given the secret behind of their deck of cards...
In Merlin's Magic Shop...
"Good evening, reservation for how many people?"
The receptionist asked both of them, Kohaku was about to reply until Sherry replied first. "Both of us, he's my boyfriend so that makes it a date night for both of us," she exclaimed, waving her hand as a sign of exaggeration. Kohaku had to pinch his nose bridge, letting out exasperated sigh. 'She's being sassy, of course... Goddammit,' he thought, cursing under his breath when the receptionist just chuckled at them. 'Perhaps, a fake date isn't that bad...?'
Kohaku just walked up to a buffet table that they 'reserved', with Sherry looking around for possible route and distractions; spotting her targets--a member of the client's enemy family that Damien tasked her to retrieve an information regarding the assassination attempt that was conducted against them. "Sit beside me, Kayana," Sherry told him before her tone was changed into a seductive as she spoke to him, twirling her hair with her fingertips. "'How does this look?"
Kohaku shivered, her voice was hypnotizing and just attractive--that made him to unable to resist as she wrapped her fingers on his hand--intertwining their fingers together. Before the owner called his name out loud and hand him a bag of Magic Cards, 'Magic Shop is very popular restaurant in Bali, the cards were something like fortune telling. With great accuracy, everyone should have a try to draw cards and who knows; maybe you can receive secret fortune, good or bad... you're gonna find out. Bon Appetit.' Kohaku read the guide of instruction in his thoughts, as he drawn out a cards.
When he turned the card around, it shows three symbols that depicting some sort of message as the cards represent a general problem related to one's question and the other symbol represents a clue that given the answer to their question, one must decipher what the three symbols and sentences meant and were interpreted so it could be applied in one's life. It may come off as an uncertain and questionable problem to figure out because the results could be ambiguous, with multiple interpretation and uncertainty to someone but either way: 'you have to keep an open mind to fully receive the message of what the cards gave to you.'
Kohaku grumbled, he was holding the menu as he was trying to look for a good meal for them. "What do you want to order, Sher?" he asked, referring 'Sher' as short for her name Sherry to her. "Hmm... do you want to try Salmon and Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich? We can split into halves," the light purple-haired offered, feeling a bit thirsty as she drink a red-colored cocktails and placing an empty glass on the table--looking at the menu card. "Sure, I'll order the Spaghetti Carbonara with Mushroom to balance it," he replied.
"And we have the Triple Chocolate Molten Lava cake for deserts?"
"Yes, thanks Sherry. Also, drinks? Perhaps Mojito Cocktail to blend with our meals?"
"Yes! Not too many glasses though, not going to get us in trouble."
The restaurant waitress quickly write down their orders before leaving for them to enjoy their 'date', before Kohaku began to ask her. "You know, you could've find another guy to be your fake boyfriend--and not messing up my identity right? That would be too messy," he commented, making her sip her wine on the long glass--feeling a bit thirsty. "That's why I choose you, besides... you deserve to chill once in awhile," she answered, placing the glass on the table with a smirk on her beautiful face. Kohaku sigh, covering his face with his palm slightly--this woman needs a lesson. "Damien told me to find a partner for my mission, some male assassins were either busy or unavailable and I had no choice but to pick you--you and I are twenty-one! Must be fun having a date night like this could catch us up--isn't it?"
'Well shit.'
Sherry smirk with a slight huff, knowing full well she's annoying him a bit--sometimes. But, not gonna lie--she's very helpful during their mission so far--including him as her friend, it's not surprising that Damien had put her in double-team with him even sometimes given the chance, and can he dare to say that she's the 'perfect partner' for him since none of them will fall behind. However, Damien choose Byakuya as his 'partner' during mission because he's more experienced; however, he didn't gave her any challenge--and making her miss some valuable experience in the organization by playing around with her mission through Damien's 'script'.
As their food came, Kohaku was eating with his usual table manner just like her--he was twirling the spaghetti first with his fork, feeling delighted as the pasta wasn't that fussy. "Kayana, open your mouth," Sherry told him before offering him the grilled cheese sandwich, about to hand feed him with her free hand. He opened his mouth without thinking about it, before immediately regretting--but... the sandwich taste delicious. "Hm, not bad," he commented with a small hum, which Sherry gives him a thumb-up. Sherry just giggles while she noticed his faint blush, she knew he'd never go down--unlike Byakuya who always kept his coolheaded and stern but stoic expression during the fake date.
After done with their grilled cheese sandwich, they ate their spaghetti with a glass of mojito drinks. A rich full-flavored taste that just adds a bit of zing; perfect to go along with their main course, such as garlic bread and tomato-based, they were drinking it while enjoying the night of their mealtime. "What does Byakuya looks like when you took him for a fake date? I heard you also do fake date to his little sister Kyouka in different mission?" he asked, Sherry snorted. "Byakuya does not make any facial expressions, and the dinner's basically just some polite conversation with both of us. Kyouka... I know she's the opposite of him but--it was quite fun with her," she replied, remembering it when she's having a pretend date with Byakuya and she had to endure his silent moments during their dinner. "It's funny because I just ended up talking shit non-stop," she added while her hand now on her cheek.
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Kohaku almost chocked on his food, making her pat his back to keep him from choking before giving her a glass of mojito. "I mean Kyouka told me about Byakuya doesn't mind me babbling to her about this stuffs, they also asked about any gossips around the Secret Garden or government officials I met with. But, yeah, it makes my toes curled while the only thing that goes through Byakuya's head would be either ignoring me or he's thinking of the target," she finished with another sip on her glass, before Kohaku picked another card from the deck.
With the second card he drew, he had to say 'Jesus Christ, I've picked both symbols of 'The High Priestess' AND 'The Tower'... what the fuck kind of fortune does this bring to me?' he thought, staring at the bottom text saying 'be on your guard'. "I'm on a mission to assassinate a target without ruining the restaurant's reputation," Sherry said with a small grin, her eyes glowing red--becoming bloodthirsty. "Really? Then I hope you could get the hint then," Kohaku replied, making her wide-eyed a little. "Hey! Now you're being mean, Kayana?"
Kohaku closed his eyes before glaring at her, but she glared at him more to show her dominance but he did the same as well--in the end, they stuck with staring and glaring at each other. "Does Damien approve of you, coming to me when you were working to find the target on your own?" he questioned, this time she softened her gaze and shrug with a mumble. "I don't fucking know."
Well shit... they are acting like an idiot who got dragged by their date.
Their foods were beautifully presented, just enough to fill them for the night and the texture, taste, fragrance, and amount of salt was on-point, as expected of high-class meals. "It was very delicious, the food was on-point for me!" Sherry gushed at her half-empty plate, Kohaku just huffed but smiled a bit--knowing full well her praises were not false. "Okay, who's paying the bill?" he asked, before hearing her chuckled mischievously--he could see a quick flash in her eyes, indicating to him that there's many possibilities what could she do. 'Sherry... this isn't time for me to fuck off. I didn't know you'd been this playful,' he thought, before crossing his arms--waiting for the answers.
"We'll pay the bill, both of us," she finally replied, smiling as if nothing happened. "Oh... I see," he thought, a sly smirk formed in the corner of his lips, now that he realized they have the same mind. "Good, because if you leave so early without me... you're gonna regret it."
"Not bad, considering I have to drag you to this place with my arm locked in yours. This dinner isn't bad, I'll be looking forward for the dessert," she spoke with a graceful smile as she looks at the plates of desert in the kitchen. Then, Sherry stand up from her seat before taking out her phone to transfer her money to him--while he take out his black platinum card to pay for their bill.
Sherry knows he's acting well-mannered for a gentleman, even though he's coldblooded assassin underneath the surface he's been showing to everyone around him but at night; he gets to be a cunning snake that can become an animal he desires--the real him, sometimes he prefers his facade to keep him alive but everytime his nature began to slip a bit, the animal inside him just waiting to set him off so he can devour everything. Sherry always wanted to see him fight just to satisfy her sadistic and curious mood.
Kohaku handed the black platinum card for the receptionist, once again while she was turning around; facing her back from him. "Let me take care of my target, I don't want Damien to fuss about me fucking up the assassination..." she explained while typing something on the phone, until she turned around again. "Oh right..." she added, walking away before Kohaku rose an eyebrow.
"... catch me if you can~"
She left a small seductive smirk before taking her leave, while Kohaku simply hinting a middle finger as answer to her. "Thanks for your co-operations, sir. Enjoy the rest of your night," the waiter said before bowing slightly at him, as Kohaku left a tip before he was walking down, leaving the restaurant just like how it appears in a certain romance comedy that was sent to him by Radjasa.
Meanwhile, the man ran off to the alleyway while being targeted by Sherry--since he's the target she was searching for. Sherry was chasing her target through the streets as he went past several crowd in hopes of losing her, but the cunning sniper simply made sure her quarry wasn't caught off guard until she was able to approach the alley and found him alone as she stops her running. Sherry's signature presence is her seductive and alluring smile, sometimes a light laughter or chuckle while tapping her heels, twirling a katana-like weapon using her hand or a red-purple threads similar to web cobs.
The way she move could indicate a lot of things, her actions are as unpredictable as ever even while performing a seduction to her enemies.
"Now now, stay where you are..."
She whispered, her voice that is as captivating and charming as honey yet having a threatening vibe and allure as if someone would accidentally fell into her trap--hypnotized by her mere presence alone. The man was cornered against the wall when she walked toward him with her calm steps, glancing up with red glowing eyes under her sunglasses--the cat eye was a sign that indicated her assassinating attitude, before she draw her weapon. "Do you have any last words for me...?" she whispered, pointing her blade directly at his neck. "No matter who has bribed you, we'd kill you and get rid of the evidence," she added.
Then, a blood splattered.
The katana was pulled from his neck. Sherry finally killed him, ensuring that no traces of their battle or his existence was left behind and she got a phone call from Damien. "How did it go, Sherry?"
"It went well, I just need a head start if I want to escape."
When she heard a car's honk, she narrowed her eyes before looking at her surroundings--noticing it's one of Damien's men of Secret Garden which is finally the time for cleanup session. "Clean them up, also contact someone to take his body away."
Sherry ordered, giving a hint that's where the target is. The men nodded as they began to clean up the mess and left no traces behind, she smiled when Damien sent her the payment in her phone. "Miss Simalungun, do you need anything?" one of the men asked, Sherry hummed while walking away from them. "Tell him that our official team name is complete," she replied, waving her gloved hand at them as the other man replied. "Already on it, Miss Sherry."
Kohaku noticed Damien was heading to nowhere as he followed him, making him immediately focused on him. He wondered where he was going, as he sneaked from behind of a bush and peeked--seeing Damien looking around his environment as he entered somewhere with lots of people, he followed him and ended up in--
"What are you doing?"
Damien asked, showing up from nowhere to his behind as he flinched--before he turned around, noticing the latter stood firmly and looking at him suspiciously. Kohaku broke into a cold sweat of nerves from the deadly aura he given, glancing at the buildings. "Uhm, sorry... I was looking for you and found you, that's all..." he explained as he facepalmed, Damien's expression changed into guilt for frightening the youngster.
"Apology accepted," Damien sighed, shaking his head lightly as Kohaku stared at him. "So, where we're going actually? I swear to myself I wanna come," he said with a slight challenging look, Damien still remaining expressionless and that's what makes him annoying. However, he's loyal and knows the punishment if he doesn't obey his words. "Follow me, just keep your eyes on me," he replied as he made his way to the waiting crowd for the tour, Kohaku raised his eyebrows with slight 'question marks' but none of his words left unheard and he follow his direction.
Kohaku watched his steps as they both entering an empty cliff, he seems confused by the choices of place but decided to be quiet and looked at him with admiration look on his face--until they both stopped in the middle, facing each other.
Damien smirked while he spun his cane a bit with his fingers gracefully, Kohaku observed him as he followed his own movement until Damien suddenly stopped and he blinked twice--his mind was unfocused. "Okay, that's cheating... you distracting me when you spinning your favorite cane," he complained as the man simply chuckled, raising his eyebrows as he put his cane back to his holder and folded his arms.
"Tell me, Kayana... why do you have ambition to get better in your tasks? What is the goal that's always lingering in your brain?" he questioned as the young man gripped his umbrella, thinking deeply before slowly showing his determination. "Because, I'll defend this paradise from the criminals, evil or humanity itself if I had to... I, myself, know what I want to accomplish... in this world full of corruption and war," he firmly spoke out, causing him to widen his eyes a bit as he continued, tightening his grip around his umbrella. "All I want is... to succeed in anything that was thrown at me, to not disappointed everyone..."
Damien is a man full of mystery and is usually closed off if his private life or past is mentioned--that's why he never dared to ask about his life, even though he's an open book when on field. "Sometimes, I keep questioning my morality, about trust and duty... but fate seems to answer it, telling me that there's more than one fate. To succeed or be in ruins. All thanks to the 'script' that I made, it saved me from my downfall for a long time, but after... there's more possibilities that's yet to discover. Maybe there's more than meets the eye, you can't know what it is by a glance..."
"They say I have a bad habit of hiding my weakness, seeing the reflection of it through mirror tells me that I'm very different from any human being. That's how we continue, and that's the life we'll have to live with... no exception."
Kohaku was amazed, but also he noticed the slight tone in the man's voice, and it must be a sore spot for him. Suddenly, he felt his instinct kicked in--causing Kohaku to realize there's one question that's in his head, and he needs the answer. "If your goal was on the verge of downfall... would you pull yourself to save your people and sacrifice your life, for the sake of our dream?" he hesitantly asked, making Damien widened his eyes that slightly fuming in burning rage. "Don't ask anymore, stay focused on our present... never look back," he hissed.
This is it, he was scared of him all this time.
Kohaku gritted his teeth with veins popped on his forehead, staring at Damien with piercing glare--making the man almost backed off with surprise expression. "Damien, you trusted me... right? Why are you hiding your weaknesses from me...?" he asked, thinking that even he trusted the latter with his business connections, he's still scared of him. "Then tell me, how could I trust you if you don't trust me? You know my weakness, but I don't know yours?" Kohaku added, revealing his emotions he contained previously. Damien remained silent at his words, knowing he told the truth yet Kohaku was bold to reprimand him about this. "Damien... what am I... to you?"
'What?!'
At that moment, he lost control on his composure, he scowled at the boy. 'What the hell is he up to?!' he thought with fury, gripping his cane tighter before trying his best to refrain himself to lose his temper at him. 'I'm sorry, Damien... but... this is unfair, you know my weakness and I don't understand--what drives you for doing this? You're suffering, why...?!' Kohaku thought, making a tears trailing down. 'Why won't you let me help you... please...!' he pleaded in silence. The administrator knew the rules, the protocol--the conditions of 'EXODUS' in the OUTLAW. Yet he doesn't want to have his feeling be restrained and all...
Kohaku froze when Damien brought him to the edge of the cliff and still gripping his collar, below them is a beach. Damien glanced down for a moment to the waves that colliding on the rocks beneath the ground they're standing on, before he smirked again while returning his red eyes back to him. "What are you... to me...? Do you even know what am I..." his eyes flashed in darker color and the aura has increasing darkness around him--startling the assassin, then in a cold tone. "... capable of...?"
A long silence remained in their place, until Kohaku gasped in realization of how fragile he's been all this time... and so is Damien, they realized each other's weaknesses and vulnerabilities. "You sound like a proud man, aren't you... Kayana?" Damien teased playfully, making Kohaku growled. "Go on, if you want to drop me down there--that's fine! You will be hated one day, nobody will defend you... because they will know... it's you..." he threatened him, as the latter's eyes glinted in nervousness.
Kohaku doesn't expect this. He's not afraid of death because he trusts him, but if he must die--this is not how he wants to be killed by his own superior. His magenta-red eyes widened when they're now few steps away from the edge, yet Damien still brought him by the collar he's holding. Damien's cold and composed expression slowly shaken by the words Kohaku said to him, yet he maintained his composure. "Just... remember that... even if people will hate you one day, I will... never... ever hated you. If that's the consequence you wanted, maybe this is your lucky day."
As Kohaku closed his eyes, preparing for an impact on the stone below.
Damien still hesitant, he didn't move--he heard the assassin's words, which means that Kohaku doesn't care if he's dying or not. His hand shivered, the cold ocean breeze tickles his skin in slow motion as he took the rest of his ability to look at the assassin who's surrendering himself in an oblivion. 'Don't tell me, I... made a big mistake...?! Fuck, I fucked up!' Kohaku thought.
'Release him, dammit!' Damien thought, his teeth gritted that his mind is conflicted between decision and choice to made. Suddenly, he feels the tremble in his heart, realizing it was his real intentions all along. He was afraid of his friends despised him and find him unworthy, ashamed of him and hateful glares piercing through his bones, leading to his death. He does...
'It's... me who is the worst person I've ever thought to be, in my mind. No wonder, that I've... turned insane in this world,' his eyes shut tightly in pain, but he still remain firm. But still, the young man was serious. He finally speaks his heart's truth to someone and have zero tolerance for anyone. "I understand your hatred..." Kohaku stated, looking at him with stoic expression, yet fear was also remained on him. "... towards humanity. Towards those who are not worthy in your eyes..."
He added, before staring at him with teary eyes. "I believe you, and I want you to realize I'll never hated you, no matter what you did to me... this is my declaration of loyalty, do not betray it."
'Damien, you have the freedom to do whatever you want with your beloved Secret Garden...' the words of shadow government echoed in his ears, the minister who spoke to him that day. 'Your responsibility is your subordinates, still. You need a proper candidate, and... we do think you did chose the right person,' they finished.
'Next time, don't let him wander off out of nowhere. Do you understand? You need to train him in any way possible in the aftermath. He could even die if the wounds are critical. Next time, DON'T do that again or this is going to turn uglier than anything else.'
'Also, his test to become the leader of his own team must be completed--he may faced a lot of obstacles in many ways, depending on him, his leadership skills and tactics--to accomplish a task force is the requirement for his goal. You know what we're talking about, Mr. Christiadjie--Kayana is not a tool, he is your co-leader and an important member for your group that will make exodus complete and the end of any other enemies. Make sure he'll gain respect from his comrades as well, we gave him permission to build the official team of his choice since he's an important part of your organization.'
'How many script did you skipped, Damien? Just to let Kayana become like that? Can you follow them properly?'
Those words... still clearly plagues Damien's head with cold guilt, an unbearable sadness. If there is something he ever regretted... is listening to others who forced their dreams, views and plans on someone... like Kohaku, as the government officials and ministers took him to lead one team. "Kayana, when I met you... for the first time... something I don't understand but to protect your identity as an ally, I decided to recruited you in this organization that is connected to my business... I thought the first time we met, this world is full of lies, corruption... despair..."
"... every second in my life, I am a person who seeks meaning in everything. I suppose you are the same, as I had no choice but to accept that and look at how you behave, I would say you agreed," he continued, not noticing a single sign that he's still venting the truth. "Everyone hates me, those people hate me because of imperfections and sin inside their heart, traitors betrayed me--it haunts my sight for a long time."
"But, meeting you... is like a light that I had needed to reached and grasp as a person in the dark. I know I treat you that way because you're always talk back, stubborn and hard-working... I thought I could just ignore your pain, but instead the thoughts that is in my mind is more painful--I need to save you, that's what I know," Damien's eyes were colder, the expression was like something was torturing him in his consciousness as he slowly grasping on the reality he facing. "Yet I know what others saw me as, a great leader that all the others proud of. Everyone feared me, including you, and I really am surprised by your perspective."
Kohaku opened his eyes at the last part, blinking in surprise. 'What is he talking about...? 'Me' and not 'them'... but me, personally? Is he--' he stopped, trying to understand that this is his confession... and for the past few days, he changed the vision of his own perspective.
"You are... my destiny."
Damien confessed that his breath hitched on his throat, this time--it was his words are spoken from his mouth. It's no use, when I finally let my tears falls from my eyes--frustrations piled, hitting him with all the sorrow he kept alone and only I know, he's no mere prideful boss but he's got a heart that is soft--reeling from everything that's happened and the painful emotions that he has to bear the loss, struggle and isolation that becomes his weapon to win for power.
Kohaku prayed that he didn't drop him down at the wave, while tears were remaining to trail down to his cheeks and feel the older man embrace him--pulling him from the edge and not letting him go. Kohaku embraced back with slight shiver and held him back, as he buried his face on the Administrator's shoulder. "W-Why did you do that to yourself...? Why are you seeking me like this...? Please tell me the truth--" he questioned.
"Is there... always a meaning when I'm with you? Did I... ever have you trusted with me? T-Tell me..."
Kohaku replied by his eyes, crying uncontrollably because this is breaking his heart for the man who understood and comfort him, as he feels the same pain to him. Unable to find any words to explain what kind of torment is that haunting him, but he needs him here to comfort him without hatred or anger. "Kayana... you're right, just like the 'script'..." he whimpered a response, burying his face into Kohaku's shoulder. "... and in every moment where we stand together, side by side. Every day, with our heads and thoughts, finding ourselves in a struggle, understanding of who we are... you're still important for me to have faith that it will get better one day. This time... there is no one else..."
The ocean roared in the darkness, yet it provided gentle crash from the shore that makes a beautiful melody of waves. Seeing the moonlight illuminate the distant horizon where clouds overturned and rolling, swirling about like cotton wads and there--some stars that glimmered faintly in the deep night sky. "I'm sorry... Kayana. Please... let me hear it one more time, the voice of yours."
Kohaku wanted to respond, yet his heart kept beating at a regular rhythm. "Kayana... you changed my life, you saved me from this loneliness--let me pay back by giving my words... and my everything... to you."
Damien is a genius, despite he's aloof and emotionless; he can be very sarcastic in a non-vocal way by conveying his sass, but other than that--in his heart, all he wants is a love from the person he acknowledged. He yearns for the affection, the heart is willing and gentle--those are the things that make him different from any normal leader to a group, because that's what gives the heart its courage and guidance. Despite his strength, his heart has been covered with chains to keep him trapped in isolation. Until, Kohaku was the one that breaks those heavy chains that hold him back.
Every precious thing happens to a person, even when their heart has been scarred and destroyed many times that they almost died from the past pain that couldn't be healed or the old scars would still manifest--they still have to move on from the past. "Damien... please tell me... do you still want to kill me now? Because, in all honesty... I can't betray our oath," he sniffed, rubbing his tears away and glancing at the man who was much taller than him. "No, I don't want to. If I did that, you and me... you will no longer exist to soothe my thoughts and the one who would help me in such despair," he explained. "Also, trust me, I don't want to see someone dear to me... die in my hands, and I was the cause of it."
"I'm sorry, Damien... for making you uncomfortable during our conversation, I swear I mean well."
"Me too."
Damien pulled away from his embrace, before the older man softly wiped his tears away--meanwhile, he heard himself gasping, his mind and feeling have been thrown into chaos once again. After that, they let go as they were calming themselves down. Kohaku knew that he could trust Damien, however, he's still scary nonetheless.
"Well, I'm not gonna cry anymore. Shall we return and go home?" Damien interrupted his thoughts, gesturing him to walk together. "Yeah... let's go back."
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