“If revenge is called Justice, then that Justice breeds yet more revenge, and becomes a chain of hatred.” - Pein (Naruto)

  * * * *

  It’s not unusual for Timo to see Sera come into his cafe alone, or with one of Aegis’ members, or even with Zest.

  What is unusual are the looks on the faces of Sera and Zest, even as they entered, with the bell tinkling somewhere in the cafe as they did so.

  “What’s crawled up both your asses and died?” Timo wanted to know, even as he got to preparing for Sera and Zest’s usual drinks—both young adults have come to his cafe so often that he knew what they would order.

  Even as quick as the words left Timo, the man winced. Earl’s death was barely a month ago, but he knew that the survivors of Blade were still mourning for their friend.

  Leroy and Alisa have arranged for Earl’s burial at Zalfari. From what Timo knew, the members of Blade who had perished during the attack barely had anything large enough of them to identify, let alone bury. As a result, one of the members of Blade had created a memorial at their old hideout, and Timo had a few guesses about who the person who had made the memorial was.

  Timo’s eyes fell on the calendar on his side of the counter, even as he slid the drinks over to the duo. His eyes then widened a slight fraction when he realised what today was.

  “…Today’s the anniversary.” Timo realised, even as he met with Zest and Sera’s eyes. “You both have been to Zephys, haven’t you?”

  Timo is aware that Sera and Zest made periodic visits back to their old hunting grounds for their own reasons. But returning on the anniversary of the day when they’ve lost all their friends…

  Sera managed a small smile at Timo before picking up the teaspoon and stirring her coffee. “I go back there every single year, but it doesn’t get any easier,” she admitted.

  And while Sera didn’t see any signs of Leroy and Alisa, and if her suspicions about Lleucu or even Jamie’s survival were true—there were signs that they had visited as well, judging by the flowers left at the memorial stone.

  Zest nodded. “The place hasn’t changed. It’s like it’s still stuck in time,” he revealed, “Almost like it’s waiting for us to come home.”

  Timo sighed. Not for the first time, he wondered if perchance he shouldn’t recommend for Sera and Zest at least to visit a psychiatrist. Though on second thoughts, said psychiatrist would have issues of their own after visiting with them. People of the underground are already fucked up enough with their own issues.

  But the survivors of Blade take that word to a whole new level. Privately, Timo had suspected that if not for the people around them, Sera and the rest of Blade’s survivors would even be more fucked up in the head after everything that had happened.

  “Maybe you should minimise your visits to Zephys,” Timo said at last. “It’s not healthy. I know you lot have accepted what had happened in the past. You know it in your heart.” He tapped at his chest with a fist. “But in here…” He trailed off slowly, tapping at the side of his temple.

  Sera sighed. “I know.”

  Timo only shook his head but said nothing. Both Zest and Sera are young, yes. But they’re still adults. They know what they’re doing.

  “Where are you both off to later? It’s unusual not to see one of your people with you, Sera.” Timo said, changing the subject expertly, but also careful to not mention Aegis’ name at all. Even at the moment when there are just Sera and Zest in his cafe, he can never be truly certain who is listening in.

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  “Day off.” Sera shrugged. “Besides that, Alexis mentioned something about a speech that Albert Nicolosi is going to give at Helmut later this evening.” She exchanged looks with Zest. “I thought that maybe we should check it out.”

  “Helmut, huh?” Timo murmured, his gaze alternating between the two in front of him. “It’s a hunter-affiliated city.” He reminded. “Their headquarters is there.”

  And from what Timo had heard from a certain acquaintance of his in the ESA, said acquaintance barely got out of Helmut in one piece himself just a few months ago. Though Elijah is street smart, as is Taylor. He had seen the twins get out of stickier situations before. For the life of Timo, however, he still doesn’t understand just why Elijah and Taylor would join the ESA to begin with, despite warnings from everyone around them.

  Sera, Timo knew, wasn’t that pleased with their decision either when she’d heard.

  Sera shook her head. “I know better than to walk into Helmut,” she said, much to Timo’s relief. Not only is Sera top on the hunters’ most wanted list, Timo wouldn’t be surprised if there were wanted posters everywhere in Helmut, either. As is Zest. “Knowing the hunters, it’ll probably be broadcast live anyway.”

  Zest had remained silent so far, only listening to Timo and Sera. “How about we head to Zhane City then to check it out?” He suggested. “It too is affiliated with the hunters, but the security there wouldn’t be as tight as Helmut. And knowing them, the broadcast would be on the screens in the city.”

  Timo shook his head with disagreement. “I don’t like this. I got a bad feeling about it,” he admitted. “Whatever that broadcast is about, can’t you just wait for Ethan or Alexis to tell you what it is about?” He asked. “Knowing those two, they would have eyes and ears in Helmut and even Zhane City. If not Alexis, then Ethan definitely would.”

  “True, we can do that.” Zest agreed, taking a sip of his coffee. “But considering that it’s Albert Nicolosi who is doing a broadcast, it’s better if we listen to it ourselves. We can gauge the reactions of the people at the same time too.”

  Timo wanted to groan but knew that Zest had a point. “You both be careful then,” he warned. “I got a feeling that things are going to take a turn for the worse.”

  Sera said nothing but merely sipped at her coffee. Timo’s instincts are no joke. The man had survived this long by relying on his instincts and sixth sense. Whatever that the broadcast is about later, it isn’t going to be good news.

  The bell tinkled somewhere in the cafe just then, and all three occupants turned just in time to see a familiar figure entering. Zest’s fingers twitched, before his eyes met with Sera, with the latter giving a subtle shake of her head.

  Lucas Alescio paused in his tracks when he realised that the cafe isn’t as empty as he’d thought.

  “Hi Lucas, it’s been awhile since I saw you in here.” Timo greeted.

  “Hey, Timo.” Lucas greeted, his mind distracted, even as he never took his eyes off Sera. “…Sera…” He greeted meekly. Something in his voice caught Sera and even Zest’s attention. “Uh… Who’s your friend here?” He asked, grasping at straws to keep the conversation going, even as his own eyes met with the red eyes of Sera’s companion.

  There is however something in those red eyes that made Lucas nervous. This guy is no civilian. Something about the air around him, and even the way he carries himself sent several warning alarms through Lucas’ head.

  And then, Lucas noticed the partially hidden blade tattoo on the left side of his neck—partially hidden by not just the plain black choker he wore, but also the collar of the hoodie he had on.

  A choker that is almost identical to the one that Sera wore, now that Lucas thinks about it.

  “…Zest.” Sera’s male companion grunted at last.

  Lucas hesitated for just a moment before he turned his attention towards Sera. It isn’t often that he had the chance to meet her. The few times when he’d met Sera was always at Timo’s cafe, and it was always by chance.

  “Sera, can we have a word?”

  Something in the way Lucas phrased that question caught Sera’s attention, and she half-turned in her seat to face him. Something in her eyes looked resigned before she got to her feet.

  “Corner seat’s free,” was all that she said with a light tilt of her head towards the corner seats. Without a word, Zest got to his feet to follow Sera, and Lucas frowned.

  “I want to speak to Sera alone.”

  Zest blocked Lucas’ path even as Sera headed over to the corner seat in particular. “I go where she goes,” he answered, “Besides, I think I know what you’re going to say to her anyway, and this involves me as well.”

  Behind the counter, Timo can’t help feeling apprehensive even as he watches the three of them walk towards the corner seat. He knew that this day would come sooner or later.

  The day when Lucas either clued in on who Sera really is, or even accidentally stumbled across the truth of her identity.

  He had been reluctant to trust Lucas from the start—partially due to his last name, but it was Sera who convinced him to give Lucas a chance.

  “Let’s see you live up to her expectations, Lucas,” Timo murmured, even as he moved towards the door to flip the sign to Closed. Whatever this conversation was about, Timo had a feeling that it’s better for everyone if it is kept private.