"Come in,"

His intimidating presence never fail to send shiver through Akaito's spine. Even after 22 years, he still couldn't bring himself to get used to it. But he knew better not to show his fear in front of this man.

"Father," Akaito bowed deeply.

Mr. Shion didn't even look at him. He was looking out the enormous window behind his desk, standing tall.

"I suppose you're going to bring me the good news?"

"I am sorry Father, but I haven't be able to tell the exact location of Yuuma. But I do have some evidence which could lead us to him," once again, Akaito bowed. He was trying so hard to keep his calm demeanor; he shouldn't show any hesitation.

"Any words from Sakine-san?"

"She said that the government hasn't suspected anything,"

Silence. The atmosphere around them felt so heavy that it's hard to breathe. Akaito had to fight the urge to run away.

"Tell me Akaito," Mr. Shion turned his body and faced Akaito. His gaze was intense; Akaito knew, his father was trying to investigate him.

"Where did your brother go yesterday?"

Akaito had a feeling that question were coming, so he had prepared his answer, "He was visiting an information source of Yuuma's location, Father,"

"All the way to the country side?"

So he had someone to follow Kaito, huh?

"Indeed, Father. She refused to meet us outside the house,"

"And this so-called source of yours name is...?"

"I am truly sorry Father, but in exchange of the information, she refused to reveal her identity,"

"Is that so?" his pair of hawk eyes watched Akaito intently. Frightening, but he shouldn't be shaken; for he should pretend he was telling the truth.

"You are dismissed, then,"

For the last time Akaito bowed, then he exited the room. His pace was quicker than normal that it caught his father attention.

"Don't try anything against me, Akaito. You know better," Mr. Shion said, a moment just before Akaito took a step outside the door.

"I understand, Father,"

He wouldn't hesitate to slaughter his own flesh and blood—someone who got in his way is enemy, regardless any kind of relationship between them. Yes, he was this cruel. And he was this powerful.

After all, he is the leader of Shion Clan, the most feared assassin clan in Japan. Nobody that had been targeted by The Shions ever escaped.

No one.

•••

"Meiko, it's me,"

"What's wrong Akaito?" Akaito never called if there's nothing urgent, his calls always meant something wasn't going right. Meiko knew this. That's why when she saw Akaito's name on her phone, she excused herself and answer the call immediately.

"Are you busy now?"

"Not really. I am just in the middle of family dinner. What is it, Kai?"

"Ask Teto to move as soon as possible. Father has ordered someone to follow Kaito the other day, and he knew Kaito visited someone there. I covered for him, but I don't think Father is that easy to deceive. It's just matter of time till he sends someone to check on Teto and Miku,"

"What?! Okay, I will tell her at once. Don't worry,"

"Thank you, Mei,"

Akaito sighed. This is the least I can do for you, stupid brother. He thought. After all, you did the right thing...

•••

"Teto, are we going to move again?" Miku suddenly appeared at Teto's room doorway, while Teto was packing her clothes and stuff.

"Oh my, Miku! Why are you still awake?! And why are you walking around?" Teto was actually startled; she started to pack at the moment Meiko called her and told her about Mr. Shion's suspicions. She knew that every second she wastes could increase the probability The Shion's men to find her and Miku.

"Are they still chasing after us, Teto?" Miku whispered in fear. Teto could see that Miku's hands were trembling; her eyes unfocused. She might be recalling that frightening memory. The red haired girl rose to her feet immediately and hugged Miku; tried to give her some comfort.

"No, Miku... don't worry, I won't let them get you, I promise,"

"Is... Is Kaito alright? Did they find us because Kaito visited me?" there was a hint of tears in her voice. Even without seeing, Teto knew Miku was crying. She was worried about Kaito. She was worried about everyone.

"He's okay, he's always going to be okay, so don't worry, alright?" Teto patted her back in a soothing manner, tried to lessen her fear and panic. Truth to be told, Teto didn't know wheter Kaito was okay or not. But Meiko didn't mention anything before, so she assumed the man was safe.

"I'm sorry, Teto... Because of me, you and everyone—,"

"No, Miku. I've told you; you're not the burden, and don't ever think that way again. We are protecting you because you're precious to us. You're precious to Kaito,"

"Thank you, Teto,"

For a while, they just hugged each other. Teto's mind were already full of plans; Meiko had booked their flight under the fake IDs. She had to do something about Miku's hair so she wouldn't be easy to be recognized in the airport later. Using a wig probably would do, but in the future, she actually thought of dyeing Miku's hair black or brown; but they didn't have enough time at the moment.

"I'll help you pack, Teto,"

"No—don't, Miku. You need to rest, I'll get everything done, okay?"

"But I want to help, this is the least I can do, right?" Miku frowned.

"... Alright, then. But please don't push yourself too hard, if you're tired, you have to stop, okay?"

Miku nodded and smiled.

•••

"Ted, I'm in the airport now. You could start the operation cleaning right away,"

"... Urgh, Teto, why do you have to disturb someone's beauty sleep at this hour?" Ted yawned, "I was in the middle of a good dream when I finally got this pretty babe and—"

"... You know this is the order from Meiko, don't you?"

Suddenly Ted was fully awake. Thanks to the name Meiko.

"I, Ted, the humble servant of Miss Meiko is at your service, Madam. I will be on my way in no time,"

"Good," Teto hanged up. That guy definitely needed some threatening sometimes.

After all, his cleaning operation was essential, in order to prevent them from finding any kind of evidence. It would be a difficult situation if someone from Shion figured out they used to live there.

"Ah, such a pretty house. Too bad I have to do this," said Ted, as he set the house that Teto and Miku used to live, in fire.