*Damian's*
After the announcement, everyone went to their own factions. Maki bid Uncle Khel farewell before nodding at me. I quietly glanced at Uncle Khel who was eyeing both Maki and me. I only gave him a curt nod and walked beside Maki.
"You're free to hate him Kuya Damian"
I didn't bother looking at Maki but I know exactly what he meant. The only people who know who the administrator really is are the faction leaders, her family, me, Iavan, and my father. Iavan and I weren't supposed to know but we saw it by accident. I don't think the leaders know that we already know who the administrator is because if they do then we should've died.
"Don't worry, I hate him and her enough to not want to be near them again. Are you okay?"
Maki only looked at me before smiling sadly.
"No matter what I do, Ate won't come back alive doesn't she?"
She won't. I always kept on wishing that all of this was just a dream. That when I wake up we'll still be back to square one. Back to that first day in the arena. I would've done everything to prevent her from dying. I would've protected her until the end. I wouldn't let her run by herself.
I shook my head and focused on what was going to be in front of me. I decided that I will see this through and I'll do it on the frontlines. I'm done hiding and running away.
It took us a few more minutes before we finally reached the training rooms. Everyone else was gathered in front of a small make-shift podium. The training room is full of firearms and different weapons that would be useful once the war starts.
"I hope everyone is well. In accordance with the earlier announcement. I would like to take in volunteers first, before I list the necessary people that I know will be vital for this mission"
It didn't take too long before most of the people in our faction raised their hands. Commander Zeph scratched his head as he take in the raised hands that flocked in front of him. Our faction albeit its nature actually has a caring and kind Commander. Commander Zeph has this Mohawk haircut which goes along well with his eye scar.
I've heard it a thousand times already, the reason why he became our faction's commanding officer. Apparently, he used himself as a shield for the administrator earning him the position of commander.
A bit much? Well, that isn't the only thing that's too much for us. Our faction is full of arrogant and chauvinist men who want to take in their own pride in the war. They see this war as a means to gain popularity. I saw Maki shake his head before bravely raising his hand.
"Commander Zeph I would like to volunteer"
All eyes landed on Maki and I could only grin. I raised my hand and stared at Commander Zeph directly.
"Let me join too"
A small smile landed on Commander Zeph's face as he cleared his throat and nodded at both of us. He then beckoned us to join him in front.
"I would now pick the necessary men that are fitted for this mission"
We could feel the deadly stares from everyone in the faction especially from the ones who were in the Alpha faction but we couldn't care less. Our first priority is to make sure that this mission will be a success. And I am determined to finally end this meaningless war.
To bring an end to this decade-long war. After the decision on whom would go with this raid, the commander dismissed everyone and gave instructions for the volunteers and chosen ones to stay behind after training hours.
A total of 12 people were included in our faction. The other ten were chosen for their physical capabilities.
"There will be a total of 56 people who will go on this raid. 12 from each faction along with a commander and a vice for their own group"
I looked at Commander Zeph and somehow felt like he had his doubts about this raid. Personally, everyone would have doubts about it. It was supposed to be a raid so one of the main key points to keep in the mind is to invade quietly. But, we wouldn't be able to do such a thing when there is a lot of us that will be going.
"There's another thing that you will have to do for this raid"
With a serious face and expression etched on his features, Commander Zeph eyed every last one of us that will be participating.
"You will need to undergo the sealing of memories and emotions"
As he said that, his gaze landed on me. With pity, he took on my surprised expression.
The catalyst why I lost Maia. The very thing that broke us up. I had to endure it all over again.
I felt my breathing become more ragged. As the reality dawned over the other members, all I could feel was disgust.
"We need to do this. To ensure that the raid will go well"
Of course. After all, she wouldn't agree on letting her soldiers run rampant outside while their memory was still intact.
"Kuya"
I looked at Maki and saw how determined he was that it clouded his expression and masked the pain he was feeling. I remember having the same expression once. I nodded at him and gave him a pat on the head.
"I know but it's all for her. To see this to the end. It's not much of a sacrifice compared to what she gave"
That was what I said but the pain wouldn't subside.
The only thing that was left to me was my memories of Maia.
And now, to fulfill her wish. To end this war, I would have to let go of it again.
I don't want to forget about her again. Her smile, her voice, her face, our memories together. Those were all the precious memories that I never want to lose again.
I don't want to but I should.
For the future that we all want to achieve.
For the end that she wanted to seek.