Chapter 29
This situation was familiar to Rin. She was making her way through the forest in the direction Teto had pointed her in. She'd been in all too many forests recently and yet, found she wasn't quite as sick of them as she should be.
The weather had changed; it was cool now; the sky a velvety rich shade of ebony with starlight so clear it was stunning. The vegetation was lusher on this side of the forest, with its varying shade of moss greens, reeds and thick clumps of grass that tickled Rin's ankles as she walked by.
She was thankful there were no thorns or sharp brush in which she'd accidentally cut herself on. Right now, she was just a girl walking through a forest. A normal girl. For several miles in front of her the land replicated what was around her but in a way that was refreshing. Thick tall oak trees were attached to the earth, producing quality of life for animals and plants alike. Their roots were grim and twisted. Shadows slugged around in the elusive darkness, seemingly watching her every step of the way. Even if her steps were muffled due to grass and soft beds of evergreen needles. Ferns and thimbleberries and other leafy plants flourished alongside more common plants.
Rin navigated her way through it all, not entirely sure if Teto was trying to punish her or not. The challenge of hiking through yet another set of woods had decreased in all possible difficulty after she'd done it so frequently. Being who she was, Rin also expected she had more endurance than the average person. The thought was both calming and bothersome.
It wasn't as if she hated being what she was entirely. There were a few upsides if she thought about it carefully. However, the cons outweighed the pros no matter how much thought was put into the matter. Rin wanted to be normal, to live normally. However normal it could get anyway. She was setting herself straight with this; it was one step to a better self. One very necessary step in her new life. She'd always be looking backwards like her mother said if this continued.
And it couldn't continue, it really couldn't. Every second she was with Len caused him to be in danger. Maybe nothing immediate, but things could always change. Rin didn't want to be the cause of any harm to Len or any of her friends. Even Miku who seemed resolute in her decision to hate Rin.
She could do this, she knew she could. It was all a matter of her will and her resolve. That's what she'd settled on.
"Do you really think you can actually handle going back?" Rin heard her other self ask. She hadn't noticed when she'd bothered to appear.
"Of course I can handle it," Rin declared. She folded her arms across her chest in defiance and continued to climb. It was a foolish decision though, as seconds later she almost lost her footing allowing her other self a good chuckle.
"What makes you think so?" Another question that seemed of pique interest from her other self.
"I just, feel that if I'm strong enough, everything will be okay. We managed to escape before, they can't hold us there." And in a way, Rin felt she was right. They couldn't hold her there. If she damn well pleased she could take Teto's brother and Teto and be on her merry way.
"You really are arrogant Rin." Her other self chuckled. "Heed my words when I say you won't last a second in there if He finds out you're there. You have no fighting experience, I do. And I broke out, it wasn't we, it was me."
"But you did it for both of us, because I convinced you," Rin pointed out. Her other self frowned.
"You fill everyone with false hopes Rin, we do, together: just the two of us."
"Well, this is my body," Rin affirmed. "I'm not going to let you take over just to rip everything apart."
"I won't," her other self promised innocently. "I'm merely striking a deal of safety with you. You'll need my protection Rin, trust me on that one. If you never listen to anything I say ever again, just trust me on this one thing."
It wasn't the deal that caught Rin's attention. It was the ethical tone of honesty she heard in her voice. There was a hint of desperation too, a tacit tone of worry that startled Rin. She'd thought her other self cold and unfeeling; this sudden care was...it was different. She couldn't decide whether to take it seriously or be cautious.
"Why do you think I'd need protection from the agency? I'm capable of protecting myself if I have to." But her other self shook her head.
"I know you can fight Rin, you're as good as me, hell, maybe even better. However, you're wrong on this not to trust me. The agency will rip us apart for a time before we're accepted again. It'll be dangerous and hellish and you're innocent unlike me. You shouldn't go through that, any of it. It'll taint your mind in ways you'd never thought possible."
"I can handle it."
"No!" Her other self screamed, her holographic figure wavering. "You don't have the heart to do what needs to be done. You're caring and compassionate...I'm,...I'm...the killer here."
"We were both equally apart of the killing," Rin pointed out again. Yet, her other self avoided eye contact before staring her sharply in the eyes.
"Unlike me, you hated every second of it..." Rin heard the unsteady trail of voice in her other self. She seemed so weak now, even vulnerable. Yet, she spoke with a determined conviction. "I loved it Rin, more than that: I craved it. You were different. Always different in the back of my mind. A place you should've stayed. A place it would've been so much better to stay..."
"It happened because we didn't know anything else," Rin said. "It was necessary, and all we knew how to do."
"We should've never left in the first place..."
Then she was gone. Her other self disappeared, back into her own mind. Rin couldn't shake how different she'd been. Her other self had seemed wary, detached from her usual demeanor even. It left Rin with questions. More questions she didn't have answers for. She would've thought more about it but as she stepped out of the forest finally reaching the clearing of the road, she noticed a person in the distance. Rin glanced around for a few seconds, bewildered that anyone would be roaming at this hour around this deserted area.
The only reason she was out here was because of her decision and Teto. Otherwise she wouldn't be out roaming. There were no houses in this area either and momentarily, Rin found herself wondering about the houses she'd destroyed. A cold shiver ran through her. Even those people she would eventually compensate. Even if that compensation was her dying breath.
She felt the need to move as the strange person seemed to strut in her direction. He had on regular faded jeans and a jet-black shirt. Rin's eyes traced the skull on the front of it, her eyes grazing every line. The silver moonlight brushed over his shirt in the clearing, causing the picture to shimmer and glint with life. A sudden feeling started within Rin's gut. A mixture of anxiety and anticipation for this stranger.
He stopped advancing towards her so abruptly that Rin almost dashed towards him. Rin felt her breath catch as certain gears seemed to turn in her mind. They turned mindlessly though, not quite accomplishing anything. His hair was a radiant pink in the silver light. It flared with life and was even almost silver the way the moonlight hit it at an angle. He'd stopped at a bus station Rin had failed to notice, as if that had been his intention all along. However Len had told her when the buses stopped running and Rin immediately detected his attempt at trickery.
He was making it quite obvious he was staring at her too: with no little subtlety. His flaming pink eyes were boring into her with so much intensity Rin thought maybe she would faint or even be harmed. Yet she couldn't bring herself to look away. The world seemed utterly color-washed as she was trapped in his gaze. No creature, or animal, or person, or even a God themselves could distract her from him or even attempt to try. There was just something about him that she knew. Unfortunately, the thought eluded her the more she reached for it.
Rin's breath turned to a sharp stone in her throat. A lump that refused to go down no matter how hard she swallowed. Sort of like the food in Vocalo High's cafeteria. Kid's forced it down as best as they could but it never truly went away; the aftertaste bit harder than the food. But this boy in the distance, his pale toned skin, tumbling pink hair, eyes such a bright shade of pink that what Luka wore seemed droll and dull in comparison was so abnormal.
Rin had never cared to notice strangers so much when she'd been with Len. There was something about this boy though that was...familiar, deathly familiar. It was recognition. A sort of pull that told Rin she knew him. His eyes simply watched her, studying and examining with more precision than a professional sniper. With another quick glance over him, he even seemed like the type to be adept with such weapons. He took a few steps closer, almost as if she was a rabid animal and he was a keeper just trying to finish his duty. She dug deeper, and though she was only staring at him, their souls seemed to brush. Resonate even.
Rin's stomach dropped when she realized there was only the length of the road keeping them apart. She had an impulse to run, to scream and fight but the impulse to just stare overtook those emotions by sheer force. She locked her eyes on his pink ones and all but gazed into them. Behind the surprise and bewilderment in his stare she saw a solemn lucid vulnerability. An emotion that only existed between the two of them like an unbreakable pact.
However, she couldn't understand how, or where she might've met him before for the answer eluded her. Puzzled, she'd found words coming out of her mouth before she'd had time to process why she'd said them.
"You...have we..., met before?" Rin asked, throwing a question at the boy. He was speechless a second before he answered.
"No,...I..., I don't believe so." Somehow, there was something in his eyes. Something that told Rin he was lying and she didn't believe him. Couldn't believe him. He was just so...familiar.
That's when a dark car pulled up in front of her and Teto stepped out. Rin cut her a faint glance as she wasn't wearing the same attire as before. Her hoodie and jeans had replaced the summery look she'd had earlier.
A driver dressed in all black stepped out of the front seat. He bowed to Rin and proceeded to come around to hold the door open for Rin and Teto. A few minor words were exchanged before Rin set her eyes back on the stranger. His eyes were so suddenly void of all emotion, so empty that Rin was stunned. It was as if an intimate moment had been ripped from her. Similar to a mother who'd recently given birth and her child was snatched from her grasp.
"Rin?" Teto called out to her. "Let's go," She heard Teto's voice but couldn't quite rip her gaze away from this stranger. Just the same, he was staring at her. Emotion was leaking through as if she was essential to him. As if she was the air, water, food, and shelter he needed to live: an absolute necessity. Then when Teto bothered to glance the way Rin was looking in, the boy brushed Rin off and walked away. He receded into the forest and it was only Teto's hand that stopped her from chasing him. Rin couldn't help feeling as if a part of her had torn away from her and left with him.
"What were you looking at?" Teto asked curiously, but Rin couldn't reply. She didn't know how, she really didn't. So she answered accordingly.
"I don't know...," she mumbled somewhat not caring if Teto could hear her. "I just don't know..."
Without another word, Rin got into the car with Teto close behind her. A moment later the car jutted into motion. But Rin felt detached, her mind set on discovering the stranger's identity. Her thoughts only ceased as Teto eased the window open and the cool slick night air brushed against Rin's face.
It brushed against her with abnormal tenderness despite the gravity of the situation. It chilled her fair skin as she recalled the encounter just now and what she was truly headed for. The night air seemed to cool a raging inferno that Rin hadn't even noticed had started inside her. She was heading back, delivering herself to custody of the bone chilling agency of her memories and dreams.
She sat still in the back of the ominous black car that had come to retrieve them. Rin focused her thoughts on the view outside. She surveyed the land to know the exact route to take in case things went awry.
Their driver had been completely silent despite the few words Rin had shared with him. She remembered him bowing to her in his dark suit and similar dress pants. He had lowered himself in such a way that Rin pondered if she might be nobility. She wasn't, at least not to her knowledge. His eyes had scanned over her seemingly searching for injuries. The small talk he'd made had consisted of asking her if she needed anything like food or drink. She'd said no and he had apologized to her. For what reason, she didn't know. However, she'd forgiven him of whatever he'd done.
What she'd said to him was true though. Rin wasn't hungry and the last thing she needed was sleep. She was only preparing herself as one could when they were about to willingly throw themselves in harm's way.
Rin knew this was stupid. And if Len had known she'd been doing this, he would've stopped her. Possibly would've even dragged her away from the danger himself. Maybe even throw himself in harm's way for her sake. The thought caused her happiness as much as it gave her grief. She couldn't bear to think of Len being harmed because of her, of Len harming himself for her. And yet, she also felt a sort of contentment that he'd do such a thing for her.
Still, this was stupid. It was beyond stupid actually to go back to the agency: it was flat out insanity and Rin pinched herself to ensure she wasn't going through a delirium. However, this wasn't a dream. It was everything but.
She was going back, back to the very man who could freeze her in time and cut her legs out from under her with a gaze, the same man who was sadistic and felt no inflection at his actions. Who could cause people to shudder and obey his every command. It was stupid. Hell, a whole lot of stupid; but it was necessary. No matter what argument was raised, it would always be necessary.
Teto needed her brother even if Rin couldn't remember anything about him. Teto deserved her brother. Because maybe if Rin made everyone around her happy, she'd have the right to be happy too. Her past was bleak and would haunt her as long as she left matters unsolved. Until she felt she was safe, neither would Len.
If somehow she fixed everything, maybe just maybe, she could live happily beside Len. Yet, even as she thought this, Rin knew such a thing couldn't be. Even if she made everyone around her happy, with all the sins she'd committed she really didn't deserve such a thing. She could change and still that emotion: happiness would be foreign to her.
So even when Teto asked Rin if she really wanted to do this, Rin nodded. Not sure how to handle the situation any better. In truth, she was scared and mortified. Every second brought her closer to being in his reach, in his grasp. Again forced to do...to do...Rin gripped the armrest of her chair for stability. She felt uneasy on her feet and her body was heavy, denying her the right to sit up straight.
But Rin forced herself upright with all the dignity and pride she could muster. She did her best to plaster on an exterior of cool calmness. She wouldn't let anything bother her. This was her decision after all; she'd stand by it like Len did with everything he said.
The plan was simple after all. She didn't exactly need to stay, just had to get in and free Teto's brother before she actually ever had to lay eyes on. . . Him. She only had to return after all. Nobody had said anything about staying or even making her presence known further.
Rin took several minutest building herself a wall of defenses. She fortified walls around her mind, not entirely sure what needed to be kept out but knowing she needed protection of some sort.
A moment later, an anxiety rushed through Rin's veins. It took all her willpower not to twitch and move about in her seat. She'd never been this far away from Len before. Since he'd found her, they hadn't left each other's company to go anywhere particularly far. Besides maybe the forest she'd gotten lost in.
That exact thought spawned another thought. A thought Rin had never considered. If He could probe her thoughts, maybe she could probe his. Her skin lined with thin ice at the thought as she wondered why in her right mind she would want to do such a thing.
Communicating mentally was something so immensely close and pro-founding, it'd be better not to do it lightly. But, if she could communicate with Him...could she also reach Len the same way?"
Rin processed the thought while she stared out the window. Her eyes met pitch darkness and a heedless brown. Her gut twisted as she realized she'd failed to pay attention to her surroundings while she'd been lost in thought. She'd forgotten completely.
"Teto? Where-"
"We're underground, shouldn't be too long now." Teto said, cutting Rin off. It wasn't abrupt but it was still a cut.
"You have to get in from underground? The agency is surrounded by wildlife, isn't it?" Rin asked, puzzled.
"Honestly, the undergrounds were made for fast travel from traffic. It also is a means of helping Dolls avoid detection if the situation calls for it. Which is never. So mostly, it's for fast travel." Rin was about to speak when she felt the car tilt upwards ascending to the summit of a hill. The car parked then and Teto ushered her out of the car. She waved to the driver and he was off.
Rin was astounded by the sheer beauty of the agencies surroundings. It was an abundance of wildlife. Its glory went undiminished in the gratifying light of the moon. It shot crystals of light over everything and vegetation swayed with life. Off in the distance Rin made out hilly plains and gigantic mountains that lined the landscape. They were oppressive with their bulk but gorgeous all the same.
They stood in front an enormous gate made of a metal Rin couldn't place. She noticed the guards all in thick black protective gear holding weapons. Her eyes trailed the courtyard beyond the gate that held gardens so vibrant they were blinding and effortlessly drew the eye. An exotic pair of butterflies spiraled around each other as they rose from a radiant bed of flowers inside. They were grey butterflies with silver wing outlining.
Teto turned to face Rin and smiled.
"Welcome to Vocal Corp Rin. Welcome home." After that Teto gestured Rin to follow her as they approached the gate and it swung open automatically after Teto flashed some brand Rin had failed to notice on her wrist.
As they neared the agency Rin couldn't help but notice how beautiful the place was. The gardens were plentiful, in varying colors and shades with flowers ranging from vibrant neon's, to tranquil colors of the spectrum. Robins and other birds roamed the sky above streaking the area with other colors. Butterflies and other insects floated and flew from garden to garden living in simple chivalry of their world. Rin spotted a small animal that resembled a deer out of the corner of her eye. It lingered not too far from them in a nearby forest. The place was even more spectacular than in her dreams.
The path Teto and she walked on was made of smooth, glossy cobblestone that glistened effortlessly when light hit it. It was even despite the rocky nature: not a single stone was loose. Rin was baffled by how clean the rock was. It was as if even the cobblestone was cleaned daily.
Rin followed Teto to the front door and even that was breath taking. Large white marble pillars sat at each side of the staircase. They had identical ravishing carvings of singing angels at their base. Their grace had been captured and their very essence and spectacular beauty had been sealed flawlessly with the sculptors chisel in the stone. Their wings were so lifelike Rin ached to touch them. She wanted to touch them and noticed only then that her hand was extended out towards them. She withdrew her hands upon realizing.
"Is this really the agency?" Rin asked, gaping as she looked around. In no way, shape, or form did this look like a place of evil. It had not met her expectations in detestable ominous aura. Instead, it seemed like a place one would run away too just to think. A sacred place that you could relax in and never worry again. A place where one day and one thought melted into another and was consumed without knowledge for an eternity of bliss. However she knew better than to trust it by appearance alone. Yet it was just so...magnificent.
"This is Vocal Corporation Rin, here before us." Rin had to muffle her mouth to keep from awing. She heard the smooth click of the gate they'd just passed through and only then jolted.
"Why aren't you blindfolding me? I mean I'll know where this place is...doesn't that bother you?" Rin asked. Teto only chuckled, a laugh that for once wasn't all too broken.
"No, of course not. This is your home Rin. There isn't a thing about it that they don't want you to see. Everyone is supposed to be comfortable here."
"Says the locked gates, extra security and fortified guards," Rin mumbled.
"That's all to protect us and everything inside the lab. Or so they say anyway," Teto spat bitterly. "This place is a prison Rin," But Teto shook her head. "No, that's an understatement, even prison is better." Another heavily armored set of guards yanked the door open for Teto and Rin and inside they went. If Vocal Corp was a place that typically did not receive guests, it did not show it.
Inside there were two men waiting. They wore fine butler outfits and took Teto's hoodie when she offered it to them. They wordlessly glanced over Rin with surprise and shock flashing through their gaze and then desperation. They both bowed swiftly to her and softly asked them to follow. There were lustrous marble floors and dazzling glass chandeliers that reflected light beautifully. Fresh flowers in any vase they passed. They were in a main foyer that much Rin knew. Doors and other hallways extended from the main hall way, leading off into different parts of the agency. Two sets of stairs led up to a second floor, a sleek red carpet on both of them. There were wooden railings and an elevator as well on the second floor: central to the staircase.
A woman sat at a marble reception desk in a chair that Rin deemed more than comfy. She was working efficiently and only glanced up when Rin went by. Her face of absolute sheer horror masked by respect. The woman shot her a wary and tremulous smile before she bowed her head and said, "Lady Rin." The way she'd been addressed startled Rin. She stopped where she was and stared at the receptionist for a time before Teto tugged at her arm and she started again. She tried to listen to any further comments of passing staff and the reception, but all she heard was the elegant music of the foyer.
She stepped into the elevator with Teto and the butlers. Teto ordered the men to speak nothing to the boss until they were called personally. They rode the elevator to the scientific branch with its walls of thick beige and Teto even told Rin that two fourths of every wall was metal. The branch had long hopeless corridors, with each room assigned a number and a name. The air lingered with an acrid smell but nothing Rin couldn't stand.
The entire estate seemed to be magical. Both modernized and yet classy with age. Rin couldn't help but be astounded. Most of her was eager to open every door she passed and yet, for the sake of not being overwhelmed by her memories she refrained.
Teto dismissed the butlers the minute they arrived outside a certain door at the end of one of the longest halls. They took their leave of absence in complete silence and veneration of Rin. Never before had Rin seen somebody dismiss themselves with such silence. It was as if the butlers considered themselves no more than ghosts. Without knocking or even any hesitation Teto pushed open the door in front of them.
The door opened up to a spacious office. The walls were colored a dark red and only a faint light illuminated the room. The walls were lined with bookcases and file cabinets where they could fit. A projector screen sat further off in a corner near a locked door that wasn't quite so hidden. Two identical couches of burgundy sat opposite each other with a glass coffee table between them.
In the center of the room seated at a large oak desk was a scientist. The similarities of his features struck something in Rin's memory and sparked as she remembered. No matter what he wore, Rin recognized him. It was Ted, the same scientist Rin had seen in her dreams. The same man who'd both grabbed her in the supermarket and stood up for her.
"Lily, if you're here to bother me again, you're better off leaving as I have work to do that does not require your assistance."
"Brother?" Teto called sheepishly. She took a few cautious steps towards him, as if he were a dangerous substance that was likely to explode. In that moment, Ted sat straighter as some newfound energy filled him.
"Teto...?" And then Teto ran for him and Ted spun in his chair and left it, arms open to embrace her.
He lifted her off the ground and squeezed her tightly to him in a warm embrace. Likewise, Teto returned it.
The two seemed virtually shocked to see one another. It looked to Rin, as if they rarely got to be together. Rin stood in silence in the doorway. She was utterly dumbfounded to discover Ted was Teto's infamous brother. Teto's high laugh broke Rin's thought and she returned her eyes to them and their clasp. They stayed that way for a while before Ted set her back down. He seemed to reluctantly release his sister. Ted stilled remained the contact by kneeling and caressing Teto's cheek.
"Teto, you have no idea how relieved I am to see you," Ted began smiling at his sister. "Unfortunately, you know I'm working and I have many more matters to attend to."
"You always work so hard till the early hours of the morning," Teto replied. She reached up to wipe tears from her eyes but Ted beat her to it. "All for me, just for me..." Teto's voice trailed off. "But no more, I've done it. We're free to go! Look!"
That's when Teto gestured behind her to Rin who was still waiting in the doorway. She stepped in then, waving awkwardly at Ted. It was frightening how fast color drained from his face; stunning how quickly his features settled on dread.
"Rin?" Ted spoke her name in absolute disbelief. His voice was a thin weak squeal as if he were speaking to a ghost. Rin contemplated what to do, what to say. In the end, she settled for another awkward wave this time accompanied by a weak smile. Teto saved them from any further awkward moments.
"See, the boss promised if I brought Rin back we'd be free to go. For any other questions, Rin came willingly with me." It was a happy and lovely reunion but as Ted stared at Rin, he seemed anything but happy. In fact, he looked sickly and pale. It seemed to Rin, he'd just about heard the worst possible news one could hear and felt ill.
"Teto," Ted said. His voice was stern and firm. Teto tensed like a violin string pulled too tight. Her shoulders were stiff and her hands twitched. "Tell me exactly what he said to you." And as Teto explained Ted's face transformed into a pale so white he seemed deathly ill. The atmosphere fell heavy and thick. An unknown force seemed to feed on the happiness and life that had once been here.
"No..., Teto you fool!" Ted shouted, Teto flinched. She seemed so confused by his anger and lost like Rin herself. She was nothing like the Teto who'd told her off in the woods: she was vulnerable.
"Do you understand the severity of what you've just done?" Her brother asked her with a matter-of-fact bitterness.
"I thought you'd be...t-that we'd be happy to go..." Teto choked out.
"He's not going to let us go," Ted said dryly. He looked his sister in the eyes, nothing but pure pain and disappointment written there. "He said we could go, that we'd have funds. However, he never said I'd be alive or that you would be either. He can still send us off with all the money regardless." Ted laughed soundlessly without humor. "But he also never stated we'd be able to use any of it."
Teto's face went equally pale with Ted's as she realized this. Her stance faltered.
"Not only that," continued Ted. "The second Rin walked through that door; by freeing me you've terminated the promise between me and the boss. He set us free but he has no obligation anymore that allows him not to harm you." Teto stumbled backwards and barely kept herself from falling. She swayed, sickened of a sort.
"No...I-I thought..."
"We'll both be dead by tonight," Ted said grimly. He stood tall over his sister and ran a single hand over his face. "You should've told me Teto...you should've told me."
Ted made it sound as if he'd been betrayed. And in a way, this was the ultimate betrayal to him, Rin was sure of it. Teto had just about undone everything Ted had strained and labored and slaved away for all those years.
"Can't you just escape before he finds out I'm here?" Rin suggested. To this, Ted shook his head. He extended his wrist towards Rin and lifted his sleeve.
"We've all been branded Rin," Ted said. Rin was abnormally drawn to the symbol. It burned like headlights into the back of her mind. It was a V with twisting vines around it, or maybe they were chains: Rin couldn't tell. "These marks make it so you cannot leave the grounds unless granted. It also keeps you from doing...otherthings." Ted's voice trailed off. Avoiding a certain subject. "Until these are gone, we're stuck here." Rin felt sick at their fate.
"Ted...Ted I didn't mean to..." Teto said her words weak. "This isn't what I wanted...I-I just wanted it all to be over. To hear you say you're proud of me for getting us out of this situation. This situation I got you into in the first place . . . that's all I've ever wanted. I just-"
"I know," Ted cut in. He kneeled and pulled his sister tight to him. He stroked his sister's hair with such gentleness for a second, Rin was jealous. She didn't know much about Ted, but he wasn't quite her enemy. Out of anyone, he was the most fatherly to her.
"Both of you," Ted looked from Teto to Rin. "Need to get out of here. I might be able to access the tunnels for you to escape from but you'll have to be quick."
"But Ted, I came here out of my own will," Rin protested. "You were going to have to search for me at some point right? I'm here now, so why don't you-"
"You have to get my sister out of here Rin. If anything...just Teto..."
"But if you do this you'll..." Rin lost the rest of her words in the determined gaze Ted shot her.
It was a gaze packed with so many strong emotions that it would've rendered anyone speechless. He made his way over to Rin, setting his hands on her shoulders.
"It may very well be considered treason and betrayal but I can't, I won't, let anything happen to my sister. I don't care what happens to me." Ted let out a solemn soundless laugh before he smiled. "As long as Teto is safe, as long as I know she's safe...I'll be okay."
"No...No...Everything is going to be fine, okay brother," Teto said. "I won't leave you again...I'd rather perish."
That's when Teto fell.
Ted rushed to her and lifted her in his arms. She screamed, writhing with pain. She clutched at her right arm and screamed more, cried more. Rin rushed to help her but there was nothing she could do. Ted also, couldn't do anything. Nothing but watch. In torment and suffering until the spasm was over and he cradled her weak head against his chest. Teto didn't speak, and the blood that seeped down her arm, stained the marble floor at such a rate it was alarming. Rin's stomach tightened when she saw Teto's arm.
Saying a message had been written on Teto's arm would've been an understatement; it had been engraved. Deeply imbedded in her flesh in some parts more than others. It was a message. Specifically to Ted.
You will bring her to me Ted, and that's an order. By now, you've probably figured out what kind of position you're in and that I since long ago realized you lied to me. I do not appreciate liars Kasane. Alas, I am a hospitable man so I will give you twochoices: you can either submit yourself back to me in the same deal as before, or I can fulfill my deal with your sister. Please do choosewisely as you make your way to my office.
Rin felt sick, and sicker still when she looked and saw the hopeless despair on Ted's face. His fists were curled so tightly that he was indeed bleeding. She swallowed hard.
"How did he...was it him that did this?" Rin asked. Ted didn't answer. He only softly brushed Teto's stray hairs from her face and turned to Rin.
"We have no choice but to go." Was all Ted said before he forced his eyes from his sisters wound. He stood slowly and weakly. Rin rushed to his side when he staggered and he cast her a warm smile of thanks. She was only momentarily baffled but how easy it was to support Ted. He rested on her for a time being before he spoke.
"We may not have much of a choice, but I won't take you if you do not wish to go Rin."
"But what about you and Teto if I don't go?"
"Don't worry about us Rin, we've always-"
"I don't want it to be like always Ted. If I can help Teto and you somehow...then I'll do it." Ted only wavered on the decision for another second.
Rin would never forget the way he looked at her. It wasn't with scorn, or disdain, not even disgust or fear. It was a thankful and rather surprised gaze.
"Shall we go then?" And together they stormed the halls, walking ever swiftly to for all they knew, certain doom. A hopeless, ceaseless doom that was Rin's and Kasane's.
As Rin walked, she did nothing but think. She thought of the morbid details of her memories and the fragile angelic grace of her mother. She was about to meet the man who had issued every order to any torture she had endured. Any mental exhaustion and abuse she'd received. She thought about topics in great detail until her voice froze and her skin chilled to a polar ice. She was strangely determined and it was then she decided no matter what happened, she wouldn't run. She wouldn't hide or fight with her powers. But she would face it head on.
Even if she wanted to run she couldn't bring herself to do that to Ted and Teto. What would be their fate if she ran? Rin didn't see a positive outcome and so she stayed and walked with Ted to the boss.
"Why do you trust me so much Rin?" Ted suddenly asked. His voice wedged itself into her thoughts.
"Simple," Rin smiled, "you're not my enemy Ted. Besides, Teto needs you." Then, they were before large, pristine, and sleek glass doors. They were blurred though. Or maybe tears were blinding Rin; she couldn't decide which it was. Her heart was hammering in her chest, beat after rapid beat. She couldn't understand why but it was as if there were two heartbeats. One her own and...a second
Then Ted pushed the doors open and suddenly she was inside. Rin froze, she did more than freeze: she solidified. The atmosphere of the room drowned her, forcing her almost to gasp for air. She didn't move as the air itself was examining her. It forced out her breath and she took a new one. But her next breath was thick and restrained. This new air invaded her and she choked on it, coughed even. She lurched over and outright hacked, and then the ordeal was over.
She found herself standing straight again; glancing around. However, there was no sign of this boss. Only an office: and a very expensive one at that. The floors were made of marble and the windows were wide, tall, and tinted. The marble was flat and even until it rose an entire slab which allowed the desk she saw to be elevated higher. Her skin tingled when she spotted the all too familiar cabinet of porcelain dolls.
"You may leave us now for the time being Ted Kasane. I'll decide what to do with you afterwards." Came a voice so silky and so smooth that the ice Rin felt around her melted. It was a voice so entirely charming that anticipation overwhelmed Rin and she was eager to see the male that held it. Yet at the same time she knew whom the voice belonged to and stood her ground. However, she was anything but steady. She reached out as Ted went to go, clutching tightly to his lab coat.
"Ted will stay here at my request...sir," Rin said. The room became shockingly silent before he spoke again.
"As you wish."
Ted eyed Rin but his gaze held no anger. Only and uncertain surprise at whether he should be afraid or not. Despite that, he let the door he was holding go and the double doors sealed behind them soundlessly. In a way, Rin knew that it would rest on her what happened to Ted and Teto. She cautioned herself likewise.
"I should welcome you to my home, Rin," the boss said to her, speaking only to her as if Ted didn't exist. It was only then did she notice the chair behind the desk was facing the window and it rocked slightly. "But this is your home too." Rin tensed not all that sure what to say. She held her breath for a second and then breathed, careful not to bite her tongue which was suddenly too big for her mouth.
After an excruciating pause, Rin had found the words to say. But before she could say anything the boss had stood and left his seat. He was dressed sharply in a suit with linear stripes and his loafers clicked as he made his way around. Rin didn't speak. She couldn't breathe as he stood in front of her, his eyes closed; he said nothing.
Rin had known he was someone evil and relentless. She'd hoped he'd even look the part. Someone who was direct and hostile. He still was hostile, that she knew better than the back of her own hand. What she hadn't been expecting, was someone so handsome and dashing you'd mistake him for a model. Perhaps even from overseas.
Rin couldn't help but taking in his features. His skin was fair and not quite pale, as it had a tone. His eyebrows were thin but existent. He possessed high cheekbones and a face untouched by age and wrinkles. His face was slightly angular but even that feature was indubitably handsome. His hair flared a vibrant pink that fell in all the right places. This man shamed Luka's looks and even the boy whom she'd seen earlier. He opened his eyes then and smiled at her: lovingly even despite what she knew about him. As if he knew she was examining him. Their eyes locked and a fire ignited inside of Rin. The boss's eyes were a flame, bright and luminous. A liquid shade of untouched amber. He was tall and lean. And Rin couldn't help it when her eyes traced his muscles. She drank in every last feature of him. Everything from the size of his hands to his very posture.
Everything she knew about him seemed a farce as she looked at him. He looked so kind, like someone who was always ready for laughter. Anything that was hostile about him seemed to be nonexistent and vanished in his gorgeous face. Hidden masterfully under a calm exterior. If she hadn't known about him, she wouldn't have believed what anyone said about him. She would've denied and defended him fiercely against any and all accusations. He looked like the kind of man both sexes would do anything for. His imagination, his wills and hopes and dreams; all of it people would accomplish for him with or without being asked. And it was then she realized another asset he had to fool so many.
He stared at her during the entire second excruciating pause, he said, "I know there are many things you'd like to ask me. Now is not the time to hold your tongue."
"What do you expect me to say?" Rin asked, her tone high and accusing. And she really didn't know what to say. What could she say? And where did she begin? There were millions of questions speeding through her mind. They raced at speeds any cop would've pulled them over for. If he hadn't looked so serious Rin would've thought what he said next a joke.
"Possibly, that you missed me." And Rin had to stop herself from laughing, from picking up a blunt object and maybe even ripping the wall open to harm him with. She felt her hands twitch at her sides but kept them steady.
"I've done everything but miss you. Hate you and loathe you, yes. Miss you? Never." However, the boss only smiled at her comment. It seemed to bother him no more than the lack of light.
"I believe that's mostly because you do not remember me if I am correct?" The boss stated. Ted answered.
"You'd be correct sir."
"Did I speak to you?" The boss asked kindly but still Rin jolted. Ted stiffened.
"You did not..."
"Then please refrain from speaking Ted. I have much to discuss with Rin."
"Ted can speak if he wants sir," Rin said defiantly. Ted shot her a wary look but the boss said nothing. He frowned and then just as fast the frown was gone.
"Young lady...speaking like that," the boss sighed heavily. "Do you not know who I am?"
"You're the head of Vocal Corp, a heartless, soulless and corrupt man who owns an even worse company. What else could you be other than that?" Rin glared at the man before her so intensely she thought the windows may combust with the force of her anger alone. "If you were anything else I wouldn't care."
But the boss chuckled at what he deemed anger not worthy enough to acknowledge. Despite his personality his laughter to her surprise did not grate on her ears. Rather it was a joyous sound similar to Len's.
"So you won't ask questions, but you will hurl insults?" The boss pointed out. He chuckled further with bemusement. "How humorous."
"There's nothing funny about what you do," Rin spat. She thrust her index finger at the boss. She was appalled by her sense of superiority and confidence.
"I'll ask you again Rin; do you not know who I am?" Rin shook her head.
"I don't," she answered politely, contradicting her earlier attitude.
"Even such important details were forgotten...very well. And please refrain from using sir. No such formality exists between us. You may call me Yuma." And so Yuma it was.
Rin's head throbbed at his name, like a thousand needles pricking her.
"Come," said Yuma as he gestured toward the hall. As defiant as she felt, Rin followed. However, she followed at a distance behind him with Ted who was ever silent. They made their way through the beige colored halls and went down a floor and into a room which was the likes of a dining hall. It was a divine room with its varying shades of intricate colors. Rin glimpsed the many maids who were ushering food to the sizable glass table and otherwise setting it for three.
They placed all matters of bowls of fruit and nuts, loafs of bread and silken butter. There were all matters of greens and other vegetables; the main chorus consisted of fine steaks and chicken. A crystal decanter of wine sat at the center next to the poultry. As Rin observed, two maidens filled two glasses with wine and the last with water.
"I assume you are rather exhausted from your journey? I'm sure you'd at least care for a meal before down time and other questions."
"Most kind of you sir," said Ted all too formally. The boss simply nodded and Rin stayed true to her current vow of silence. She really wasn't too interested in dinner, or eating at all. She was sickened even that he could fathom to eat after what he'd just done to Teto. She wondered if Teto was okay. As cruel and irrational as she'd been, Teto's present and past must have been traumatic years for her. For Teto wasn't a bad person, to Rin she was just a lost girl much like herself. A girl that the universe had been unusually cruel to.
It was her past experiences and reasons that made Teto the person she was today. And if she was safe with her brother, she would indefinitely be a better person. Rin vowed upon this from the remembrance of the sheer joy on Teto's face as she reunited with her brother. All Rin wanted was for questions to be answered and to rescue Teto and her brother; nothing else was of any importance other than returning to Len's side as quickly as she could.
Still, she took her seat at the table, for there would be no denying the boss and this hospitality. He sat across from her and Ted was seated on the opposite side of Rin. Her food came and was set before her even before she could ponder what she wanted to eat. Food was food though, and she didn't complain as she mindlessly ate, her stomach was unsettled: not by the food. Fortunately, the table was deathly quiet but Rin sensed no malicious intent coming from the boss.
As she ate Rin pondered what questions she could and would ask. She also considered what questions would be beneficial to ask. Figuring it was best to start with the basic of the basics Rin finally said, "You said I could ask any amount of questions I wanted," The boss continued to eat, swallowing a finely cut piece of steak. "I really need-"
"Unless it is unbearably urgent that you must know now, we will eat and continue eating until our meal is finished. Are we agreed?" He spoke firmly and left no room for question. Rin hesitated and then nodded, returning to her food.
She hadn't meant to comply, but she was trained to halt her speech when he ordered it. So they ate in silence and when their plates were impeccably clean and the table was cleared Yuma looked up at her.
"Well, continue then."
"Will you answer all of my questions truthfully and to the best of your ability?" Rin asked.
"I will," Yuma replied feigning a face as if it was redundant to reply.
Rin gazed sightlessly at the table before her. She examined her hands, searching for strength.
"Why have you ruined so many people's lives with your cruelty including mine? Why did you make this corporation and why do you do the things you do? Who am I? What am I? Why...why did you make me the way I am?"
Rin knew she probably should ask one question at a time and wait for an answer. If she bombarded him like this he would be too confused to answer anything. However, she couldn't help it. More words spilled out of her mouth: some even unrelated to questions.
"Why did you make me do those things? What happened to my mother? My father? Did I kill him of them like my mother? Why can't I be normal? I've suffered enough you know! I've...I'm tearing myself apart over what has taken place here. Why am I doomed to destroy everything I'm associated with? Why do I do what others can't!"
Rin hadn't noticed when her voice had risen to a shout and likewise that tears were spilling down her cheeks. It just wasn't fair, this entire situation. Things she'd been through she wouldn't wish on her worst enemy.
"If I'm so precious to you why did you treat me like that! I...I hate you and everything you've done! You're a horrible man and because of you I've hurt so many beyond repair. Even my own mother! All because of what you've made me, what you've done to me. Why. . .? Why? Why!?"
The sudden anger that swelled inside Rin's chest was unbearable. As unbearable as the pain she felt at her actions. The pain she caused others because of them. The unrepairable holes she'd carved into the lives of individuals she'd known nothing about.
The world was stifling and she was sick of drowning. Sick of choking and despairing over her thoughts. She knew she deserved it, as this was her punishment; divine or not.
But it burned. Smoldered and blazed more than the hottest fire. Scalded and ate away worse than the most acidic acid. It reached depths deeper than any sea and gripped tighter than any vise. The pain was extensive, mind-numbing, torturous, and more profound than any before. It wasn't and instant pain, but a lingering pain: like bleeding to death slowly. And now it was at the point where she was no longer doing herself a penance. It was self-flagellation: martyrdom. Even if it was her punishment all the same.
It was then that a soft hand lightly wiped tears from Rin's face. For a moment she welcomed the gentle action. Her mind was hazy and she thought of Len, if anyone was doing this it was Len. Yet the dream shattered and she knew it wasn't: not this time. She was against this stranger and tight in their arms. Their grip was firm and lovingly close. When she found out it was Yuma, Rin shoved him hard and he was gone, but he hadn't stumbled.
"How dare you touch me!" Rin shrieked, tears bleeding down her face. "After all you've done, how dare you even look at me!" Rin's hands were trembling and when a hand set itself on her shoulder she knew it was Ted. His assuring touch set her so much more at ease but her anger had not completely simmered. It had been boiling for too long.
"Anything else you'd like me to know?" Yuma asked, a smug smile on his face that fed Rin's anger. "I'm here to listen after all." Ted gripped her shoulder more when she tensed under him and lunged forward a step. She was aggravated by the fact that Yuma was still calm and somehow, finding this situation humorous. He was calm and collected and unfeeling. His features still as gorgeous as ever and possibly even more so.
"How could you do that to Teto? You're despicable," Rin spat.
"I know." And his was a reply that startled but didn't shake Rin's rage. Ted remained silent.
"You're beyond cruel."
"I know."
"You're a heartless monster with a void for a heart."
"I know." Rin's own heart seemed to jolt at his response.
"You're sick and twisted. A sadistic maniac who causes no end of suffering."
"I know."
"Is that all you know how to say!" Rin blurted. "If you know so much why don't you change?"
"Because I don't see a reason too. Rin, everything I've done was for you."
"What. . .? You. . .you expect me to believe that?" Rin croaked, her voice suddenly hoarse. Her air limited.
"I'm not telling you what to believe. When I state facts those are the facts. Otherwise, believe what you will. Just know this, it's because I needed you by my side that I did what I had to, using any means necessary."
"What you had to?" Rin choked: disbelieving, disgusted. "What you had to! And in Ted's case?"
"I needed him and everything he had to offer. I didn't want to lose you or anything ever again. I was angry and hurt and most of all resentful."
And Yuma the all-powerful boss did something Rin never thought he would. He staggered forward to her. The very same man who cared for nobody. The same man whom looked as if he'd never done anything ungraceful in his life had stumbled like a klutz.
"You're a broken man. . .and don't you dare pin any of this on me."
Rin forced herself not to notice or care as he looked at her. He had empty eyes, the eyes of men she'd seen many times before. The eyes of a broken man.
"Rin, who am I?" He asked her again. His voice full of uncalled agony.
"Yuma, head of Vocal Corporation."
"You really don't remember. . .do you?" Rin shook her head plainly. She didn't know. Even if she searched her memory she still wouldn't know. Regardless, his amber eyes pinned her in place. Gazing into her for the truth even though she'd already told it.
"Rin, surely if you remember your mother you'd remember your father?"
"I don't," she said flatly and suddenly Ted's hand dropped from her shoulder. Rin turned to look at him, question in her gaze. Ted only watched her with horror written so clearly on his face it rocked Rin. He took a few steps back from her in horrified amazement.
"Ted?"
"No. . ., that couldn't be. . ."
"Ted? What do you mean? What's wrong?" But Ted wasn't listening to her. He was frantically glancing from Yuma to Rin until his gaze settled on Yuma.
"I-I thought that was a lie! That you were just using that word lightly, but you weren't kidding. She really is. . ."
"Ted!" Rin shouted. "What are you talking about?"
"Rin," Yuma called, his voice smooth and silky. Rin reluctantly focused her gaze on him. "Please remember already my...most precious daughter."
But Rin couldn't speak. She couldn't breathe. Couldn't do anything but stare in speechless dread.
"I'm your biological father Rin. Even that you couldn't have possibly forgotten."
