Revenge.
As the chief of police had said to them, the reason why both the government and the council suddenly targeted all of those related to Krama is because of the symptoms and attitude they all share. Hunger for vengeance, prone to violence, and traumatized by every action that normality could give them.
Peace and comfort cannot be easily obtained through freedom; it doesn't work that way. Life is difficult enough as it is, and occasionally, it cruelly torments those who are already unfortunate.
Yuzuru Aki often recognizes the fact that they have escaped from Krama's clutches. However, as literally as she made it out to be, it still haunts them every day. So, if they haven't escaped, then what do they call their current situation?
This brings them back to what Police Chief Baldur had said concerning why both the government and council suddenly ordered turning Krama's victims in - because they have the highest possibility to act against their newly reformed society purely out of vengeance.
After all, for every Numbered out there, who wouldn't want to wreak havoc in a society that didn't even try to save them?
'But it wasn't their fault…' Aki specifically remembers what Officer Ain had whispered under his breath, as they finally stepped outside the local precinct. 'Indeed, the bureau was too preoccupied in wanting to prevent Krama from fulfilling their goal, hence ignoring the fact that there are… victims - hostages - locked in their facilities, so it's such a shitty move of them to try and bury their mistakes.'
'A mistake, huh?' The little autumn thought to herself, before shaking her head to rid any form of negativity.
'And what about Ezra Bennett?' The voice of Officer Ain continued to reverberate within her mind, refusing to bury their interaction earlier. 'Isn't she a victim too? Will the public accept that their 'hero' will be locked up due to this idiotic move?'
'She's an exception.' Yuzuru Aki recalls Sir Clyde's response, her frown deepening at the unfairness of it all. 'After all, she's the current face of the bureau.'
"Yuzu?" She soon snapped out of her reverie and cast a sidelong glance at her friend, noticing that they had already traveled quite a distance from the police station. "Are you still thinking about what Bal had said to us back there?"
"..."
Sighing, she slowly nodded her head and began to ramble. "Who wouldn't? We've already found ourselves in quite a sticky situation with Number 129, and now this? It's as if… someone is deliberately trying to expose our existence. After all, it's been two years since Krama's downfall - as the public call it - so I can't help but wonder… why?
'Why now of all times?'
"Expose… our existence?" When Cassandra repeated that specific line, the little autumn eventually found herself locking her gaze with her friend's icy blue ones. "What do you mean?"
Gulping, Aki slowly responded. "Nowadays, rumors are spreading about Krama's return. And just a few hours ago, Sir Clyde informed us about the government and the council's order of capture. Knowing the power and authority he holds, Sir Clyde wouldn't just drop by this place, even if he did use a reason."
"That's right!" Widening her eyes upon realization, Cassandra groaned. "I've been too preoccupied with trying to calm you down that I completely ignored why he was there in the first place. God damn it…"
Flinching, Aki's eyes narrowed upon recalling how she almost killed their fellow number.
And how she almost lost herself from the sudden barrage of emotions.
Really, it's unbecoming of her. But at the same time, she just… doesn't want to lose her friend, her of all people.
So, with a heavy heart, the little autumn quietly spoke. "I just… wanted to have some peace, you know."
"I do know," Cassandra says, eyes narrowing upon connecting with Aki's dull ones. "More than anyone in this world."
Surprised at seeing her determined gaze, Aki could only produce a small smile before finally returning her gaze to the road ahead.
But not before an inevitable pull broke their silence, making Aki ask her dear friend what was wrong.
"Let's take a detour." She says, all the while pulling the little autumn's elbow. "We can't go home with this kind of atmosphere. I refuse to do it."
'Ah…' Astounded at the randomness of her actions, the little autumn could only follow in silence, allowing her friend to guide her to their destination.
Unbeknownst to them, an unidentified individual continues its relentless search for the mysteries that only these two ladies can unlock, remaining undetected throughout its pursuit.
***
An uncharted road, uneven ground, and wildlife blooming all around their surroundings, Yuzuru Aki eventually found herself following her dear friend toward an unknown destination. Analyzing the lack of human touch in this place, the little autumn couldn't help but wonder how Cassandra could discover this spot, and why she had not been able to find this yet - considering the number of her night patrols.
"Cassandra, where are we going?" Sighing, the little autumn finally opened her mouth to speak, curiosity taking control of her actions. "I saw a 'no entry' sign a few meters ago, you know. Are you sure we're going on the right track?"
Noticing her chuckle, it took them a few more steps before Aki got her answer. "You've always been a systematic kind of person, Yuzu. You tend to stick by the book, and rarely go off-road."
The little autumn then pouted. "And? Is that a bad thing to do?"
"No! Silly you, that's not what I'm trying to say!" Perceiving the unimpressed look of the little autumn, Cassandra swiftly took another step and said, "Flexibility isn't always a good thing. That's why you always put me back in a place where I'm safe and secure. However!"
Finally, after a few minutes of walking, she stopped, prompting the little autumn to do so as well. But just when she was about to ask her friend why she suddenly stopped, Yuzuru Aki's eyes widened upon noticing where they are, and how spectacular the view is.
"Going off-road isn't always a bad thing, you know," Cassandra whispers, her smile widening upon noticing the flabbergasted look of the little autumn.
And why wouldn't she? Orange-like hues continue to descend from a majestic blue sky, giving the land it's needed layer to shine even brighter than it usually emits. And from their current vantage, the little autumn's gaze immediately focused on the landscape, showcasing the city where they currently reside in.
It was as if the land itself was untouched, nonetheless, chaotic from within.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Cassandra mumbles under her breath, prompting the little autumn to nod. "However, from our current point of view, I can't help but think how ironic that statement is. It's beautiful, but at the same time, filled with ugly things as well."
'Yeah…' Smirking at her friend's opinion, Yuzuru Aki couldn't help but agree. "You're right."
As silence enveloped them both, the little autumn finally took that time to reflect. Cassandra's encounter with Number 129, their reunion with Sir Clyde, her outburst, and most of all, the government's order to detain both Krama and their victims. All she wanted was peace, especially after everything they'd experienced, and yet…
Fate deliberately plunges them down further into its hole of despair, giving them no time nor chance to escape.
So, without any hidden agenda behind her words, as she simply tries to accept the sudden wave of vulnerability that was overwhelming her, the little autumn whispered. "Haven't we suffered enough?"
Without taking her gaze off the majestic scenery before them, Aki continued. "I can't lose you, Cassandra. Both you and Zen. So why…"
'Why is this happening?'
Why is the world adamant in trying to pull them back in its chaotic endeavors? Are they not allowed to experience any form of peace? Do they not deserve to experience it?
Humming, Cassandra took her time before replying. "I'm… not wise enough to answer that question. You should know by now that I often wear my emotions openly. But… I don't think experience matters in this type of situation."
Baffled, Yuzuru Aki finally turned her head to gaze at her friend out of confusion, not understanding how her eyes dilated at the sight of Cassandra's resolute attitude. Cassandra, on the other hand, was still looking ahead, giving Aki the chance to witness her solemn expression be accentuated by the golden sun. A few seconds have passed before Cassandra eventually opens her mouth to continue.
"Yuzu, I can only say right now that we already did suffer, countless times, for years. But that doesn't give us the privilege of not experiencing it ever again." Shrugging her shoulders at the absurdity of it all, Cassandra chuckled before continuing. "Besides, we're the only ones who truly know why Krama was formed and what their true goal was. As their victims, we have the right not to help in the bureau's investigation. But as a Numbered, isn't it also our duty to see this through?"
"..."
Astounded at her friend's words, Aki eventually found herself tearing up, prompting her to gaze upwards.
'Duty… huh.'
As a new sense of motivation began to flow within her, Yuzuru Aki took Cassandra's words to heart, eventually forcing a smile out of her.
"Yuzu?"
"Thank you, Cassandra." Bewildered at the little autumn's shift in attitude, Cassandra could only smile, shifting her body to touch Aki's shoulder. "What would I have done without you?"
"Allow despair to overwhelm you and lock yourself in your room for days? Be more grateful, Yuzu!"
Chuckling at her friend's antics, the little autumn eventually found herself leaning sideways, as she laid her head on Cassandra's shoulder.
"You… do understand why I said those things, right? After all-"
"Out of everyone in this country," Aki interjected, eyes closing at her relaxed state. "It has always been our desire to see their downfall."
And maybe, as ironic as it sounds, Fate has finally given them the chance to do so, ending their terror once and for all.
…
…
…
…
…
Unbeknownst to them, a few meters from where they stood, lays a man wearing a uniform of the bureau, his hand reaching outwards for the caller to hear their conversation.
"Did you hear all that, Toru?"
And as silently as he had made it out to be, he replied. "Yeah. It's time we make our move. Update me more about the Enforcer, Ain."
Smirking, Officer Ain inwardly saluted. "Roger."
*****