The twins sneaked out of the ballroom and went to the garden. It was the biggest one around the whole school and was located near where the ballroom is. The winter version of it was all white and blue. They entered a giant maze which was built with large hedge that was white in color. It was also covered in winter flowers that glowed under the moonlight. The path was also covered with glowing stones, emitting blue lights, brightening the night.
When they reached the middle of the giant maze, five frozen fountains are found in the large circular space. In the center of it, stood a beautiful stone gazebo that is covered with vines and beautiful flowers. A man that came out for some fresh air stood there as well. He gives off a terrifying aura, the air that surrounds him is also filled with strong murderous intent that one would surely gulp and tremble in its presence.
The twins quickly hid behind the fountain the moment they saw him, but it was all useless since the man already knew they were there before he even saw them.
"Stop hiding, I knew you were there"
His voice was deep and bold. It has an icy tone in it, though it sounded gentle towards them
They slowly went out and faced him, but two daggers came flying towards them in great speed. With Kishi's reflexes, He caught one by the handle just before it hit between his eyes. The one that went flying towards Kira had melted away before her.
"Hey mister, it's rude to throw daggers at people you know" said Kishi, waving the dagger around carelessly
Akaru grinned at their reaction "You do know that I'm one of your godparents, right?"
"Yeah, we do" he answered
"You're at the ball earlier, together with the rest" Kira added
"Aren't you afraid?" He asked earnestly
The twins exchanged looks then honestly replied to him
"No, why would we be?" said Kishi
Akaru was dumbfounded in his response. He might not know much about these two, but he knew that they can feel the terror that surrounds him. Earlier in the ball, he has to hide his presence, for it alone can scare those around him. That was also the reason he went here, hoping to get sometime alone, half expecting to run into these two. He was impressed though, even he was scared by his own aura, yet these two didn't even seem to care at all!
The air around them was really chilly, too much even for winter. The murderous intent he gave off is quite frightening one would surely fell on their knees. If their senses were high enough as well, various cries and screams could be heard just by being around him.
What could these two children could possibly think of him? Even his own children would falter before him, so how different could they be from the rest? He thought
Kira noticed that he was falling in daze. She spoke to him in wonder "Uncle, for an assassin, you quite lower your guard"
Again, Akaru was taken aback. These two is really incomparable, they just can't fail to impress him
Akaru beamed at them then said softly, "I admit, you two are a lot like him"
Hearing these words, a sudden curiosity popped out of them. It was rare for someone to speak about their parents. They also knew nothing about them as well, and they only have been told their existence just recently.
They were filled with a ton of questions, but they never asked because asking will only trigger many sad memories to appear yet again. They never want to be a burden, nor to bring more sadness to others than they already have, so they never bothered.
Kira slightly got ahead of herself and asked him curiously
"Uncle, were you close with--Er....um...how.....should I call him?"
A sudden realization hit her. She doesn't know how to address someone such as her own father. In fact, she doesn't even know anything about parent and child relationship
On the other hand, Kishi was flabbergasted and quickly apologized for his sister's action. Akaru only smiled at him
"I appreciate your consideration, but there's nothing wrong about curiosity. Just as James said it earlier, running away from these kinds of things won't change anything, so it's better to just accept it. After all, all living things have to die eventually"
He sighed. "Kira, I believe Jen and even Mira would appreciate it if you address her the way you prefer"
"What would that be?" Kira asked again
Again, he was taken aback by this. He didn't expect things to be this hard, but in fact, he should have. These two grow up not acknowledging or even knowing anything about their parents. They also grew up in isolation that watching other children with their parents is out of the question where they can learn about it. There is also a great doubt that Sychi would teach them that, for it only triggers more questions that she would surely like to avoid. Reading books won't teach them that either. He sighed as he felt pity for these children. He was not a great father and he can't deny that, but just watching his children, he could tell that these twins are entirely different. Not having parents to look after them, and not even knowing what it feels like to have one. They already missed out a whole lot from their childhood that other children would just throw away, while the others desired most and cherished deeply, but for these two, they have experienced neither that made them entirely different from the rest of their age
He placed his hand on Kira's head then caressed her hair gently. He bent down then looked at her
"Daddy, I reckon it's best that you call him daddy. I'll bet he'll love it" He said with a smile
"I think it's weird" said Kishi
Akaru chuckled in his reaction "Why do you think so? Children of your age addressed their parents that way"
"It's too childish I guess"
"May I remind you that you are a child"
"Daddy...." They both looked at her. She formed a big smile then said cheerfully, "I like it!"
Kishi stared at her for a while. Knowing that he already lost, he sighed then just nodded
"If she says she like it, then I guess I have no choice than to agree with it"
As Akaru looked at them, he can't help but just admire them
"Oh, and Uncle, should that mean we would call her mommy too?" Kira asked
Slightly taken aback, he replied "I'm surprised that you know, but yes"
A smile of great delight appeared on her face. Kishi might fail to acknowledge his parents whom he never even knew, seeing the smile on his sister's face would already give him delight, even if he wasn't interested in their conversation. Staying there with her was enough for him, even if he had no parents to guide them and give them company, all he ever needs is her and nothing more. What would he exactly do without her?
The three of them chatted through the night. Kira's curiosity was satisfied for now, and even Kishi enjoyed the talk. Akaru also appreciated the time. He adored them both before even realizing it. But maybe he just missed his best friend a lot that he thought of them as him. He also hadn't had such a good time for so long. As years went by, his presence grew more frightening. A very few people could stand being around him without him hiding his own presence. He's always the one who tried hard to please others that he gave up after so long.
Jen was different though; he was fun to be with and he's very trust worthy. They shared dreams, and watched each other's back every time. He was aloof when it comes to others, especially those he knew they can't trust. But when it comes to his friends, he was kind and treasures them greatly. He's willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of others.
But isn't that also the reason why he ended up with such a fate? Maybe, but there must be a better reason, right?
He never knew. As a friend, one thing he failed to do is to understand him. He was just too ignorant and was so obsessed with his family and profession, that in the end, he lost his dearest friend without knowing his full intention.