He stared at me with emotions that he has never shown me before. I tried to keep a straight face and looked on ahead. It is too late now to show any filial attachment because I had none of it from him.
"Damian, you've been through this once. Do you really want to do this again?"
Instead of answering him, I tried to focus straight on ahead. The wires were already attached on my whole body and my head. The only thing missing right now is the serum that this old man was holding.
I didn't even bother looking at him but I knew that he was sighing and is about to give up on my stubbornness.
I know that he is worried. But, that was an emotion that was not familiar with our relationship. We had always been like that. We were family because that was the role that was given to us. I only learned the concept of love and adornment from Maia.
But never from their said family.
He must have fought hard and long with himself because after that he finally went near me holding up the serum.
"Assign a catalyst, Damian"
A catalyst? I looked at him and saw his serious face.
"What do you mean?"
"You've been through this once, going through it again would have permanent side effects. So to prevent that from happening, we'll need to assign a catalyst that would trigger and dissipate the seal."
Permanent side effects huh? Does that mean I could lose my emotions and memories for good?
"Never thought they have those things now"
"I've created this recently ever since you came back alive and had a hard time recovering your sealed memories. Since your emotions will also be sealed this time around, we're going to use this as a lifeline."
As a lifeline huh? Well, it doesn't matter to me anymore whether I die revolting or not. My only goal is to see to it that this revolution comes to an end. To ensure that peace will be attained again.
I want to see whether Maia's sacrifice was indeed worth it or not. After all, she died for these people right here.
So, a catalyst huh?
"Then I know what my catalyst should be"
I looked at him straight in the eyes and muttered the catalyst that I know would be impossible to get.
Father looked at me with shock evident in his eyes. He must have thought that I was crazy but I was just determined.
I'll seek victory even if it meant not having my memories back.
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In the blazing fire of the setting sun, Damian and Maki first saw what was really out there.
It had been exactly two days since the scientist sealed the raid group's emotions and memories. They had only two days to go over the polished plan and strategy and prepare to bid their farewells to their families. And yet those two days were the pinnacle to the raid that was about to happen.
Standing amidst the blood-colored sky were the group that would sacrifice everything they have now to see that this mission will be a success.
And like the color of the sky, they were sure that it would be the only color that they see in the days that are to follow.
This was the first time that Damian and Maki really saw what was out there. Aside from the city where they grew up, they both had never been to other places. They both knew that they were in the forsaken area. An area that used to be an arena for the first Herculean Tournament.
And yet the sight that unravels in front of them looked like an ancient fortress. With ruins of what used to be houses and buildings covering up the majority of the area with little trees here and there and a lot of moss sprouting in between rocks and debris. It was almost peaceful. It was almost like we're in a historic place with so much to learn from.
As the 56 people gather and recollect themselves, with straight faces and without any further instruction needed, they set out. Each one of them minding the sound of the steps that they were doing. With only one goal in mind, they set out straight past the safe zone set by the SDC.
Even though the bunker was built underground, the mutiny had a much larger area above ground which is called the safe zone. Any intruders would immediately be shot at a long-range point. The safe zone's borders are reinforced with microchips underground that acts as land mines. These chips can only be activated and deactivated inside of the bunker. The trees that were purposely planted along the borders also act as traps for anyone who dares to intrude.
With a swift hand motion from Commander Zeph, the inside team quickly deactivated the microchips on their path.
It would take them exactly two days before they reach the front house which is miles away from the capital. And since they were walking on foot they had to be careful not to attract some soldier's attention.
They wouldn't want to encounter some difficulties before they can even reach their main destination.
Emotionless, the 56 people focused on their one main goal.
To infiltrate the front house, gather any information they can get their hands on, and put on the grandest show to let the whole world know that the SDC was beginning to move.
That it's finally the perfect time for a fightback.