I've already told this part of my story, but I'll tell it again if you forget.
One morning I received a text from a stranger I would soon come to know as Snow, asking for help in returning a phone they had found. Later that same day I was at a castle, that strangers assistant. Reason being I lied to him.
This tale is hard to write, I don't completely remember it all, so I'll skip to the end of this part.
After staying there for 7 months, I tried to escape Mint Eye without the strangers knowing. One night it was just me, a locked door, and a sharpened blade. The stranger found me before I could 'escape' and had me patched up.
Weeks later I tried to escape again but with a more sure-fire way. - heh, fire- I used Snow's own gun.
Later I woke up in my home, though I didn't remember what had happened so I went about my day as normal.
I received a text from a stranger.
Now I didn't lie this time, not because I knew what would happen, but because I… just didn't…
As I was being introduced to the new RFA, a blonde boy caught my eye. I had seen him around the university campus every now and then, always raving about homework or LOLOL. But after chatting we found we shared a lot of interests, games, computers, animals, hell, like I said, we went to the same school.
Four years later we were having talks about adopting.
Sadly, our talks were cut short one day when, while walking together, I was hit by a bus, dying instantly.
Later I received a text from a stranger.
Small memories of my life stayed with me, primarily me dying and my relationship with the blonde. I avoided the blonde as much as I could.
Although I acted cold to the blonde, someone was extra nice, and I found care in his words. I had caught the eye of an actor. We talked more, and I warmed up, even talking to the blonde. Me and the actor got along so well we knew we were practically dating each other by the seventh day we'd known one another.
Two years later I was his manager, helping him get roles for work, everything was happy and fine. I'd mostly forgotten about what happened in the past.
I think it was the day the actor was going to propose to me, he was being extremely secretive that morning. But I was in the wrong place in the wrong time. I think something landed on me, not quite sure though, didn't see it coming.
I received a text.
I bonded with the assistant over the labours of work and the need to balance work and personal life. Nothing much besides friendship blossomed from our talks, but eventually we opened a coffee shop where she taught me to bake and make amazing coffee.
Again, misfortune struck. Robbery of our shop gone violent. At least I saved her by letting myself get shot. That'd happen again at some point.
Little after noon rolled by, I received a text.
I remembered events of the past earlier that usual, my second day with the RFA. My lack of expressing myself semi-detoured the other members, but when asked why I was like that, I replied by saying there's no point if showing emotions if it's all for not. I wasn't lying, if I was going to die within years, why bother?
That got the interest of a CEO-in-line.
I didn't make it to the party that time, the day before the party I got a call from the RFA hacker, he was sad. I don't think he knew that I knew what he was talking about. His broken breadcrumbs broke my heart to complete guilt for reasons I didn't know back then. I made it to the party, but only physically.
Only two weeks after the call, the penthouse window was open. Completely guilt ridden beyond what I can explain, I stepped out the window.
That's… that is only the first half of my tale… I'll tell the rest later.
"Tracking target. 10.27km… 10.12km…"
Gripping the wheel, Saeyoung stared straight ahead into the forest. The road covered in a light fog not detouring him as he sped down the path, the GPS counting down the distance to the meeting spot.
"The charity organization RFA has stated that they will use the funds raised from last week's party for various charity events"
As the radio stated, it had been a week since the charity event. The agency taking such time to make a meeting space and contact their previous hacker about it, having failed in their attempts to track him.
"The new leader of the organization is Jumin Han, Director of C&R and most likely the next chairman in line. Here is a direct comment from the man himself"
Saeyoung and MC had talked to the RFA over the passing days since the party and in a unanimous vote, decided Jumin would become the new RFA Leader, V himself forgoing the title beforehand.
"9.25km… 8.98km…"
Continuing to zoom across the forested path, MC scratched his wrists at an irregular pace, eyes directed out the window, once again counting trees.
"Our three main agendas for this year is to support cultural organizations and artists, establish a global infrastructure that can facilitate the spreading of information, and manage a suicide prevention center"
"Anyone who feels their environment is hindering their talents, please submit a request to the RFA, we will hire more than 500 personnel to directly visit people"
"Moreover, in the next 5 years, we will build an infrastructure that instantly translates events happening across the nation and the world to spread to major cities as well as marginalized areas. We will develop a meticulous mechanism so that the information is well protected. We believe that spreading exact information to anyone who wishes to know is a way we can help solve social inequality"
"Lastly the suicide prevention center will…"
"I'm sure that's because he doesn't want anyone to lose their lives like Rika…" Saeyoung muttered more to himself as the recording of Jumin continued to play, stating what the center would do.
MC smiled as he listened to the radio, glad to have at least helped in the saving of others lives, even if it was just inviting guests. He was happy that others would be able to find a better situation for themselves if they were in a bad one. Knowing what a bad situation could do to someone, and what it could make someone do, he wished the best of luck for the program.
"3.20km… 2.97km… 2.67km…"
"MC, we're almost there. Vanderwood will be waiting for us when we arrive" Taking a shaky breath, Seven drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, biting his lip as he stared into the setting-sun bathed fog.
"You're shaking! Coward!" A whirling sound came from the back seat. Looking behind himself MC saw a dim blue glow inside one of the bags, he recognised the voice as Meowy.
"Meowy, shush please…" He tapped his mouth with a finger, the whirling stopping after he spoke.
"Yeah…" MC turned to Saeyoung as the red head began to speak. "I'm afraid I'll never see Saeran again…" Turning to him Saeyoung smiled briefly before turning serious "MC, you know the plan, right?" He nodded "Don't forget where the gun is in the car. If something happens, use it. You have to" Again he nodded, remembering being shown the gun hidden on the roof of the glove compartment.
"0.36km… 0.10km… You have arrived"
Both turned to the GPS as it dimmed, the window behind it showing a small open field surrounded by trees. Two figures were visible in front of the tree line, one wearing brown, the other black.
With another deep breath and final look to each other, the car pulled into the area.
"Boss, I see his car. Stand by. Over" Receiving orders, the man in brown, Agent Vanderwood, clicked his ear piece.
Saeran chuckled against his restraints "Teaming up with the agency to get rid of Luciel is cliché… But I don't care if Luciel is gone. Vanderwood, you won't be safe either…" He looked at his captor with amusement "Do you truly think you'll be forgiven by your boss if you do this?"
"Shut up, you're a hostage. Shouldn't you worry about your own life right now?" Vanderwood sighed in annoyance as he placed a hand on his hip, just above his taser "Who knew 707 had a twin… Just my luck!"
Saeran huffed as he looked away, gritting his teeth as he stared into the trees "Luciel never mentioned me. He just forgot all about me and focused on obeying V to have all those parties"
Vanderwood glanced at Saeran in confusion "You're his twin, but you two are nothing alike. He isn't gloomy like you. Oh… he's getting out of his car"
"Boss, he's on his way towards us, over" He watched a figure with red hair, who he knew to be 707, walk to the other side of the car and open the door, another person stepping out with his help.
"That man over there… he's the one who lived in that apartment. I knew they were in love… 707's internet history showed enough he wasn't into woman… Well, looks like he'll have to go down too. Unfortunate, but there's no other option"
"Agent 707! This way!" He yelled to the hacker and man next to him.
Saeran stared at MC in disbelief, wondering why he was here. His eyes looked at the brunette in sadness, knowing he would be killed too.
"Mrs. Vanderwood! Long time no see! You miss me?" Saeyoung stayed a few feet away from Vanderwood, smiling with his words, MC smiling next to him as he kept his eyes on the long-haired man
"You can still joke at a time like this?" Vanderwood sighed "Fine, do what you want… Where's the info you brought?"
"It's in my car"
"I have to see the info is destroyed before I can safely return your hostage"
Saeyoung's face returned to a more neutral look as he nodded "You can check inside the car. I have to check your hostage is safe, like I said, not a hair on his body"
Vanderwood waved his off "Do as you please, I didn't do anything to him just like you said"
Stepping away from MC, Saeyoung went to Saeran, "Saeran… I'm glad you don't seem hurt…" the man in question stayed silent as he was looked over, everything in order. "I checked the hostage I accessed the server with my laptop in the car, check and delete it yourself. I'll wait here."
Turning back to Vanderwood who had stepped away.
The long-haired man shook his head "No. You're coming with me to the car"
Saeyoung smirked, tilting his head "What? Why can't you trust me?"
"How can you ask that right…! Know what, forget that…" Vanderwood crossed his arms as he glared at the red head.
"I'll go to the car with you"
Both men, including Saeran looked at MC. The brunette stared at Vanderwood with confidence.
"What? MC… Are you sure? N… No, I'll just go!" Seven stepped towards MC only to be blocked by Vanderwood's arm.
"No." He started, facing him "I'll take him," Vanderwood turned to MC to Saeyoung "you know what happens to him if you do something, right Agent 707?"
Backing down, Saeyoung gritted his teeth "I know. But Vanderwood… if you do-do something to him, I'm going to blow this whole place up, got it?" He glared heavily at the calm man, his hands balled.
"You're threatening me too? What, did you bring a bomb or something?" Vanderwood looked him over, searching for any suspicious lumps in his baggy sweater.
Saeyoung raised his arms "As you can see, I have nothing on me" He lowered them back to his sides "We both have nothing to hide so just hurry"
Sighing Vanderwood turned to MC "Alright, let's go mister"
As Vanderwood was checking through the laptop in the backseat MC leaned against the side of the car "You're Miss Vanderwood" he stated, still confused on weather the person was a guy or girl. The flat and muscular chest said guy, but he didn't want to assume.
Vanderwood sighed as he glared at the computer "Miss… I hate being called that… Hey," He turned to him "be quiet, would you? Until I have this stuff done you're my hostage, hostages should be quiet"
"Sae-" MC cut himself off, not knowing if it was a good situation to say his partners real name. Deeming it not, he used something else "Seven said there was a Vanderwood watching me through cameras a few days ago, that's you I'm guessing. What was your first impression of me, I'm curious?"
Vanderwood sighed "He's not going to shut up, if he…? Fine. You looked energetic, carefree like 707. There was no audio, so I couldn't tell if you were obnoxious or not" He glanced at the brunette "But I know the answer to that now" He went back to the laptop.
Amused by the answer he got, MC nodded, remembering his and Saeyoung's plan. As he reached into the car Vanderwood immedietly noticed him and stood straight.
"What are you doing?!" As he reached to stop him MC pressed a button.
"You didn't implant something inside the car, did you?!" Gripping his shoulder Vanderwood pulled MC away from the vehicle.
"Let go of him Vanderwood"
A dark voice spoke through the cars radio making the long-haired man release him and step back.
"707?! Why is his voice coming through the radio?!"
"Don't even think of holding the person next to you hostage. If you touch him again, I will make sure you disappear from the face of the Earth. I'm serious"
Wiping his hands on his suit Vanderwood turned to MC, the brunette was smiling affectionately at the radio.
"…This was all part of your plan? What the hell are you both planning?" Vanderwood's gaze shifted between the MC and the radio.
"I don't know what deal you made with the agency. I'm sure they said they'd put you in high ranks or promised you a wealthy life once this is all done. But no. To them, you're just a person who knows too much. If you're smart, you should already know that they'll kill you once this is over"
"You came this far because there wasn't another way out"
Saeyoung's voice began to sound empathetic.
Vanderwood glared at the radio while muttering to himself.
"I will give you a chance to run away right here. If you open the glove box, you'll find your new identification forms. You're already listed in the national registry. If you just accept it, we can make sure the agency never finds us"
Going around the car to the passenger's side Vanderwood opened the door and glove box. Stealthily he looked through the forms he found, all ringing true to what Saeyoung said.
"Identification…? You hacked the national registry? Are you inside?" He stared at the radio like the man speaking through it was.
Saeyoung stayed silent for a moment before exhaling a breath.
"Right now, I've left the person most important to me in your hands. This is the only chance for you to live. The Vanderwood I know wouldn't refuse this. If you understand, tell your boss everything is okay and then drive the car towards me"
Cursing under his breath Vanderwood looked up from the ID forms. Seeing MC, he stared at him for a moment, the brunettes eyes were focused on him, waiting.
"The car's bulletproof. Then, see you later"
"Best hurry and make the decision" MC stated, looking through the driver's side door at him.
Curing himself again he stuffed the papers back into the glove box before standing up and taking steadying his breathing. "…Boss, it's Vanderwood. I encountered a security lock while deleting the data in the car. Requesting permission to approach Agent 707, over"
After a moment of silence, he nodded "Yes sir. On my way to him, over"
Walking over to MC, the brunette moving out of the way of the driver's entrance, Vanderwood got inside, MC quickly getting in the passenger's seat
"Wait!" A new voice yelled as Vanderwood threw his earpiece onto the back seat "You didn't say you were taking the car! Agent Vanderwood, respond, over!"
Chuckling, Vanderwood sighed "I guess… this would be a less painful way to die"
"Stop moving! We will attack if you do not stop!" The man yelled, warning them.
Stopping the car in front of Saeyoung, Vanderwood getting out as he was handed Saeran.
"What? Why is he unconscious?!" He asked now holding an unconscious Saeran
"Hurry!" Saeyoung helped Vanderwood with Saeran settle into the back seat.
"Betrayal! Begin attack! Attack!" The man ordered, guns going off as he did.
As bullets flew towards them Saeyoung ran around the back of the car to MCs seat "MC, drivers seat. GO!"
Following the orders, MC switched seats as he opened the door for Saeyoung. Unfortunately, Saeyoung was hit in the shoulder as he was getting in. Falling into the car he slammed the door, gripping his new wound.
"Drive!" Vanderwood yelled from the back seat as the sound of bullets hitting the car almost overpowered his voice.
Starting slowly, MC turned the car around and began driving away.
"MC, lower your head so you don't get hit!" Saeyoung ordered again, holding his shoulder to stop the bleeding.
Doing as told again, he sped up the car.
After the escape, Vanderwood, Saeran, Saeyoung and MC were inside the cabin the latter two had spend a night in two weeks ago, now recovering from what happened.
"You're lucky to be alive right now. Thank god the bullet just brushed you" Sitting at the dining table Vanderwood tapped the wound with rubbing alcohol, the red head filching and hissing at the stinging it brought, he wrapped it in medical tape from the car "Don't you have that powerful guy in the RFA? Shouldn't you contact him?"
As the tape was cut and settled, Saeyoung grabbed his shirt and slipped it back on, again hissing at the wound. "We… we need to stall for a bit here. If we move, the agency will find us. I can see a doctor once we're safe"
Standing up Vanderwood packed up the first aid supplies "7 years and I still can't believe you…"
"Well… now I have two people to protect…" Saeyoung laughed as he looked over to MC and Saeran on the couch, the brunette struggling to wrap the still unconscious Saeran in a blanket.
"How can you laugh right now?" Following Saeyoung's eyes, Vanderwood sighed at seeing the two on the couch "And I guess I don't count in that two?"
Ignoring the question, Saeyoung smiled as MC cheered at getting the blanket around his twin "Thank you for deciding to get us out Vanderwood. We'd be dead without…"
Vanderwood waved off the praise. "No need, I didn't do it for you," He picked up the identification papers "I trust this ID is real?"
"Of course, who do you think I am?" Pulling forward his laptop, Saeyoung struggled to open it, succeeding after a moment "I'll tell you the code so type it for me. The agency just changed their algorithm, I need to hack it but… I can't type…"
On the couch MC sat next to Saeran, hand running through the sleeping mans hair before he felt him stir.
"He's waking up" MC stated, setting a hand on Saeran's shoulder as he woke up.
"Saeran…! Ow…" Saeyoung held his arm as he slouched in his chair.
"Saeyoung, stay seated" MC ordered. "You'll strain yourself if you move around too much" The red head nodded and sat back, eyes trained on the moving white-haired man.
"Where… where am I?" Looking around Saeran saw Saeyoung and Vanderwood sat together "Why are you two together?! What happened?" Feeling a hand on his shoulder he backed away, tensed. But seeing MC where the hand was, he relaxed.
"Oh, that… I betrayed the agency and ran away with your twin and brother-in-law, we're still on the run" Vanderwood said all while cleaning the table.
"Brother-in-law? Nice" Saeyoung laughed as MCs face reddened.
"…You two are on the same team? God…" Saeran broke out of the blanket bundle, MC frowning at his destroyed work, and looked around "where are my things?"
"Probably with the agency" Vanderwood stated, walking over to the kitchen.
As Saeyoung stood up, ignoring MCs light glares, he inched closer to his brother "Saeran, can we talk?"
"I have nothing to say to you" Saeran muttered before turning to Vanderwood "Hey kidnapper, I feel like I'm suffocating… I need some fresh air"
Voicing his protests Vanderwood sipped from a glass "You can't go outside, what if you run away?"
But before anyone could speak more, MC interrupted "I'll go and watch him"
Looking between each other, Saeyoung an Vanderwood nodded "Alright, just don't go past the tree line"
Helping Saeran stand they both went out as Saeyoung continued to work.
Standing under the night stars Saeran closed his eyes as he breathed in the cold air.
"Are you okay Saeran?" MC asked, standing next to the shorter man.
Staying silent for a minute Saeran clicked his tongue, stopping only as he sighed "They were going to kill you…" The brunette hummed curiously as the statement "That agency, they were going to kill you after killing Luciel…" Saeran's lips twitched upwards "I'm… glad they didn't get the chance"
"Ah" MC looked away as he began lightly scratching his wrist, the small noise making Saeran notice the action, he frowned as he saw it.
"Well, I'm glad I didn't die either… but…" MC looked down at the white-haired man "It wouldn't have mattered much either way, right? We'd just be back at square one" Sighing MC leaned against the cabins wall, crossing his arms over his chest he closed his eyes.
"Yes but… I'm still glad… you shouldn't have gone through this even once. 11 times is… more suffering then anyone should face" Looking down at the ground Saeran felt arms wrap around him in a hug, MCs chin resting on his shoulders.
After another few minutes of staying in the hug, Saeran nearly falling asleep from the warmth, MC spoke up "Are you ready to go back inside?" The warmth disappeared as MC backed away, his hands stuffing themselves into his pockets.
Looking back out into the night sky Saeran shook his head, hands fiddling with something hidden "No. I think I'll stay out here for a while longer"
Not hearing any footsteps walking away Saeran looked over at the brunette, he was being watched with suspicion "What?" Saeran laughed after asking "I'm not going to run away, I promise" He held a hand over his heart with an amused smirk.
Smiling, MC nodded and turned around. "Don't forget to come in if you get cold, I'll be making warm drinks for everyone. I'll see if I can make yours sweet, just like you like it" Without another word he stepped inside.
A small smile on his face, Saeran pulled out the gray phone from his jacket sleeve, fiddling with it. Putting it to his ear he tapped his foot on the ground. "Come on… pick up…"
Looking back at the door he began pacing back and forth.
He didn't feel bad about lying, saying he needed a breather, maybe he felt guilty about lying to MC, but it was necessary. He needed to get back.
Hearing someone pick up his call be started to say coordinates and describing his situation; being with Saeyoung, his assistant and the Prince. After stating that he'd stall until morning he turned off the phone, undoing what he had previously done to it.
"Luciel… you will pay with your life for tricking me. The Prince will return home after seeing your cowardice and the truth I will show him; your assistant too will be invited to paradise…"
Zipping up the bag of things he took from the car, MC turned as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Seeing Saeyoung again he smiled.
You finished gathering your things?" The red-head asked holding his own small bag.
"Yeah, but… I don't have a good feeling, I had a weird dream last night… I don't remember it besides seeing the colour blue…" Sitting next to Saeyoung on the bed MC held his hand, shifting his fingers uncomfortably.
In an attempt to calm his partner down Saeyoung gave MC a kiss, Vanderwood voicing his disgust from the kitchen. Standing up Saeyoung opened his bag "I'll check everything again if it makes you feel safer" Noting Meowy on the bed side table he ordered him to go into battery saving mode.
"MC, here, wear this" Saeyoung threw him the fluffy jacket he had given him days ago "It's gotten colder so it's best to stay warm and… I'd feel better if you didn't catch a cold"
Smiling, MC nodded and removed his brown sweater in favour of zipping on the black and yellow jacket. It was fluffy enough to be good against the cold, but light enough not make him sweat in it. He noticed that it felt heavier than he expected of a jacket but knew he could handle the extra weight.
Smiling he ran his fingers over the designing on the arms, the yellow marks the same as the ones on Saeyoung's sweater; yellow circles on the shoulders and wrists, the edge of the hood also being full made of yellow fluff.
The talking going on in the cabin, either between Saeyoung, Vanderwood and Saeran or MC to himself, was cut off as knocking was heard at the door.
"Who's knocking…?" Saeyoung quietly asked, slowly moving taking a pistol out of his sweater pocket.
"Is it someone from the agency? You sure you can run?" Vanderwood questioned, doing the same.
"We'll have to. MC, come behind me. Ugh…" Saeyoung lowered his gun as he held his shoulder.
Nodding, MC made his way towards Saeyoung and Vanderwood. Taking the gun out of his bag, he pointed it at the door with a shaky hand.
The knocking continued.
"Move over…" Saeran stood from the chair behind Vanderwood and brushed past him, making his way to the cabin door.
"Hey! Get back here!"
"Saeran?! What are you doing?"
"Back off, traitors!" Saeran snapped back at them. "Why are you here?!" He yelled as he opened the door.
"Isn't he… one of yours?" Vanderwood whispered to Saeyoung, the red head not responding as V stepped inside.
"Saeyoung, are you hurt?" Wearily, V went to the injured hacker.
Saeyoung stepped away from him as he got closer. Gritting his teeth, he glared at V "You don't care. Just tell me why you're here" As V took another step he stopped, MC stepping in front of him, glaring at the blue haired man.
"MC…" V whispered, taking a step back as he saw the gun in the brunette's hands. Looking behind him, he watched Saeyoung hiss as he grabbed his shoulder through blurred vision. "Saeyoung, did you get hurt? Were you shot…?"
"Shut up and tell me why you're here!" As Saeyoung stumbled MC dropped his stance to help him stay standing.
Looking back at the robed people surrounding them, V sighed. "… I came to take you all away" As V noticed Saeran, the white-haired man stopped over to him.
"What did you do to the Savior?!" Saeran yelled while shaking him by the shoulders.
After the rough shaking V looked into Saeran's eyes, seeing only anger he turned away "The savior sent me. I am to lead you all to Magenta- to bring you into Mint Eye"
"I knew it…" Saeyoung hissed. Nearly falling over again, he grabbed onto MCs arm, the brunette asking him if he's alright "I'm fine…" He returned his glare to V "You only gave us clue to go after Saeran for this, isn't it?"
"Ah-" V hissed as Saeran tightened his grip of his shoulders.
"Why are you here instead on the Savior?!" Saeran demanded to know, once again shaking the man.
"Because the savior chose me to... but I didn't come alone" V looked behind Saeran to the front door "I brought enough people to take you all by force. But… I have to be the one to deliver the message"
Sighing, Saeran released V and turned to the door, arms crossed over his chest "I don't like this but… I'll be the first to return to Magenta, Disciples!" A person in a robe stepped inside "Take these people away!"
As Saeran stepped outside people in robes like the ones MC and Saeyoung saw last week came in. A weapon was attached to the belt each was wearing.
"How can you be part of Mint Eye?" MC turned to V, an arm still slung around Saeyoung "How can you be part of them, I never saw you there"
"MC… if we have the chance, that is something I would like to talk to you about. You being the Prince of Paradise"
Hearing his title, MC glared at the man "Why? You probably know more about that than me"
"…" V turned towards the disciple in the door frame "Let's take them…"
The disciple nodded and ushered in more robed people "Arrest those who are not with us!" One of them yelled as they all began closing in on the three of them.
"Don't touch us!" MC yelled, backing him and Saeyoung towards the cabin wall, Vanderwood following "You… you heard him, don't you know who I am?!"
The disciples stopped moving towards them and looked to one another. In the murmuring one of them stepped forward "Yes," They started "we know exactly who you are, Prince… but the Savior has denounced you for the time being. You hold no power at Magenta until she reinstates you"
Sighing MC cursed under his breath "There goes my plan…" he muttered to himself as the disciples stepped forward.
"Now, drop your weapons or we will use force!" Another disciple yelled as they all put their hands on their guns.
Seeing no way out, Saeyoung, Vanderwood and MC set their guns on the floor.
"Rika..." MC stated, knowing exactly who he was talking to.
"Hello, Mel" On the throne in front of him sat Rika, founder of both RFA and Mint Eye. Not dead as the members of the former thought "Or should I call you MC, whichever you prefer if what I will call you"
As he stayed silent, Rika nodded "To not be rude, and because I reviewed no answer, I will address you by your name then, Mel"
"…Why do you have to say to me?" With trained eyes, MC watched Rika stand, her ceremonious dress glimmering in the new sunlight as she made her way towards him.
Stepping around him, Rika began to circle the brunette her green eyes always staying on him "You're wondering why I asked for you to stay here while sending your friends, Saeyoung and that agent, to the basement" She stopped to watch him, but seeing neither a nod nor shake, she continued to walk around him until she stood face to face.
"I'm sure you were surprised to see me when you were brought in… but I foresaw that, it is thought that I am dead, dead by suicide. But what you were told on that matter is not what I wanted to talk about. I wanted to talk about you, Mel…" Stepping forward Rika gripped MCs jacket, placing her other hand on his chest. Tilting her head, she looked up at him with dark, green eyes. "More specifically… what you could do"
Being so close to Rika; a woman he had not only just met, but also found out had not killed herself, MC began to feel an uncomfortable itch. Feeling sweat run down his face he took a large step back, Rika releasing him as he retreated.
Without time to recover he shuttered as he felt and saw Rika look him up and down, her eyes taking in every detail of his parka covered body.
"There is no need to feel uncomfortable, Mel. I do not hurt anyone who comes to Magenta for happiness" Brushing her hands on her robe she clasped them behind her back as she stared at him again.
"'What you could do…'" She quotes herself in her neutral voice "You can do much good Mel, you already have from what I have been told. You brought a, albeit brief, flicker of happiness to the RFA and Mint Eye alike. You show both factions peace and care when you have all rights to show malice. Abduction, suspicion, interrogation, and torment are all things you were shown by both faction; which side showed what I will leave you to decide"
"When Saeran first pulled up the list of applicants he thought best for the infiltration mission to the RFA, he showed great interest in-"
"Cut the unnecessary talk Rika, just tell me why you want to talk to me" MC glared at while he cut the blonde off "…I have a boyfriend I have to tend to…" His glare shifted into concern as he looked over to the door his boyfriend (And Vanderwood), were dragged through.
Following his gaze, she sighed, "Yes… I do suppose we both have things we must attend to. Me, the ceremony; and you, your lover" Taking a step forward, MC turned back to her, guarded. Her being unsettling him "I will skip what I was saying. I do not fully understand the physical pain Saeyoung is in, but I know he does need treatment… If you listen to what I have to say… I can promise immediate medical treatment for Saeyoung"
MC stood silent, thinking about the 'proposition'. But with quick realization that the time he was spending in thought, Saeyoung was spending in pain. Nodding, he accepted the deal.
Rika nodded in return. Reaching into her robe she pulled out a walkie talkie and began to speak into it, telling a medical team to provide moderate treatment to Saeyoung, the bleeding red-head as she called him, but to have guards with them to ensure they stayed captured.
Setting the device back into her robe, she turned back to him "He will be given treatment, so he does not die, further treatment will require your further cooperation"
With him nodding, Rika continued to speak.
"I have an offer for you, Mel. An offer I think will benefit both of us should you accept"
As Rika strode away from him MC watched her, his eyes narrowed in suspicion but said nothing, Rika spoke as she sat back on her gold coloured throne.
"My offer… Return to Mint Eye" Pausing, Rika watched MC, seeing to response she continued. She turned away from him and towards a wall "Saeran was so very fond of you when you were last here… and I don't mean last week. You see… we— me and you— are more alike than either of us would like to admit. Firstly, we both share knowlage of the past, up to the point where Saeran led you to my apartment. Where this comes from even I don't know, a god perhaps?"
"…You're surprised" MC stared at Rika with wide eyes, his body shaking ever so.
Turning away from him again Rika began to fiddle with a tassel of fabric on her robe "While I may not remember a lot when these… 'resets' occur, I remember that you were once a believer, unofficial, but still a believer in my eyes, brought here by Saeran…"
"You could help Saeran…" Rika's voice snapped MC out of his anxious state. Looking down, he pulled the sleeve of his jacket down although he had only been scratching it. "and-" Rika's chuckle sent a shiver down his spine "-if you treat him right, you may even see the remnant of a poor, weak, flower loving child…"
While Rika was silently tapping her chin, MC thought about what the woman was talking about. What she meant by the flower loving child. What she meant by poor and weak.
"Ah…!" His attention was brought back to Rika as she smiled "With you… it may be possible to not only help Saeran, but complete him, help him become strong like Saeran…" As Rika continued her eyes grew darker, more sinister "Unite them as one, stronger person; Ray and Saeran…"
"Who's… Ray?" MC spoke without thought, curiosity of the blonde's previous words still in his mind.
Her green eyes cleared of their darkness, the brunettes question bringing her back to reality. Rika cleared her throat "My offer" She spoke with clear objectiveness "I saw how you handled that believer when you and Saeyoung first broke into this place. It is… similar to how I cleanse people"
Turning away from Rika, MC looked down while remembering what she was referring to. The threats he made to the young believer, thinking about how easily he did it nearly made him sick, and for what he did to be compared to the evidently psychotic cult leader's way of handling people? He felt ready to throw up at that moment.
"You don't realise it yet…" Yet again Rika surprised him, but instead of only her voice shocking him, it was that along with the blonde's small hands holding one of his hands. Stepping back in attempt to reclaim his hand, Rika did little besides continue to hold it and step closer to him.
"But you hold a natural gift that draws people to you… a gift that allows you to instill fear into others without second thought or regret… a gift that, if nurtured… could save people..." Stepping even closer to him, Rika craned her neck to look up at him, placing a hand on his chest. "Possibly even more than I can…"
MC moved away while he shuttered, Rika barely registering it as she was pushed away, her darkened eyes returning.
"Your gift… if you accept my offer you could be by my and Saeran's side, together we could bring in the RFA and save them from the outside world… You only wish them happiness and love, they can find that here…"
"Jumin, obsessed with his cat to the point of emotional isolation"
"Jaehee, so enveloped in her to prove herself to… herself"
"Yoosung, devastated by my leaving he is willing to cling to every memory of me he can find… I feel sorry for how he turned out…"
"Zen, shunned by his family and closest friends when he was young for being handsome, now draws compliments of himself from others as reassurance that he is handsome"
"Saeyoung… beaten and bruised by his birth mother, works where he can die to protect his brother, caring not about himself all the while…"
"And Saeran, tormented by his own mother who fed him only to extort their father, saved by me and now living happily here"
As Rika continued to talk, MC relaxed, his eyes continued to scan the large room for an exit, but he didn't feel any hurry.
Turning to the preaching blonde he took in her posture, she had a stiff smile with her hands clasped in front of her, everything about her radiating confidence.
"Mel…" She stepped towards him. He stepped back. "You have the potential to reunite those brothers, bring forgiveness into their hearts and minds through fear you'd instill of loss and loneliness. Of course-" Rika held a hand out, palm up "-you could still be with Saeyoung, it is obvious he loves you." Holding out her other hand she also held it palm up "But do you not think it is selfish of you to acknowledge— yet deny— Saeran's feelings for you? Back then… you looked at Saeran the same way he looks at you; with care and love…"
Rika's eyes lost more of their original colour green as they became darker like a midnight swamp "Here, you could have them both, be the lover of two people…"
"What do you say to my offer, Mel? Save everyone and love who you want?" She suddenly closed one of her hands, her own grip leaving marks on her palms "Or the alternative…" Her other hand shut with the same force.
The two stood in silence as both waited for the other to speak, Rika waiting for MC to respond; MC waiting for Rika to hopefully add more to the 'offer'.
After another minute of silence MC chuckled "You're joking right…?" Putting his arms down he stepped forward.
"You… you have to be either joking or insane!" MC exclaimed. He crossed his arms again, a glare forming as he looked down upon Rika.
"My offer is not a joke, nor am I insane-"
"I'll say you are" He interrupted her, one of his arms now gabbing a finger at her.
"I was pretty scared of you before, Yoosung told me how charismatic you are, able to have almost everyone you talk to agree with you. But now," He laughed "I can see you're just an insane lady with a saviour complex"
As MC continued to say what he thought, Rika relaxed, resting her body. Seeing this of the blonde made MC ball his hands.
"You really expected me to blindly accept your so called gracious 'offer', huh? How much of an idiot do you think I am- hell I'm surprised all these people haven't seen through your lies of salvation"
Despite all the words thrown at her, Rika simply nodded "I understand why you feel that way, Mel. But that is because you do not understand our rules and way of life, I only wish what is best for all the hurt people in the world" She turned back to the wall "Think of Saeran. He was miserable with his birth mother, as a said, he was tortured. He is happy now, here"
MC backed away, disgusted at how Rika looked proud to say he was tortured at his home "He's not happy here. All you've done for him is move him from one abusive home to another!"
Sighing, Rika pulled out her walkie talkie, speaking into it before putting it away. Moments later armed robed people entered the throne room.
"I will take it that you refuse my offer" Closing her eyes she shook her head solemnly "Such a shame, I was hoping to have you help me willingly" She turned to the armed people "Put him with the others"
V has entered the chatroom
V: 118.382646, 72. 575152
V: SOS
V has left the chatroom
Snatching the phone from Jaehee's hand, Jumin scanned over the messages again. Mumbling the numbers to himself he nodded, handing the phone back to his assistant without even an apology. "Assistant Kang, prepare a helicopter. Now"
Jaehee stammered as she began following behind him as he left the penthouse "Excuse me? Did you say helicopter?"
With a click of his tongue he took his own phone from his suit pocket "I'll go there myself. Tell the pilot to land on the roof, send them the coordinates"
"Mr. Han, it's too dangerous! Please think this through, it might be a trap" Despite her words, Jaehee was already messaging Jumin's private pilot. From her years working with him, she knew she had little chance of changing her bosses mind.
"No. I'm going there right now. Get the flight permit" Tucking his phone away, having messaged Driver Kim to take him to C&R, he stepped into an elevator, the door closing as Jaehee lagged behind him.
"Mr. Han!" She yelled, arm outstretched to the closed door.
Sighing she heard mumbling as the elevator descended. Mumbling from Jumin.
"V is there. Everything is there…"