My Liberté

Prologue

*****

Pov: Kiyotaka

I was taken to a specialised interrogation room. Then my hands and feet were handcuffed, they seemed to know what I was capable of. While waiting for the officer, I picked up the book I had with me, Crime and Punishment.

Its basic idea of inevitability of punishment for a crime is what really fosters moral upbringing, moral worldview, etc.

However, it seems that the book I borrowed from Horikita will not be able to be returned to its owner for a long time yet.

In the time it took to read it. A JSDF troop officer entered the room. It surprised me, what the military is doing here. But it looks like I'll get an answer very soon.

- Hello Ayanokoji Kiyotaka - he began.

- Good afternoon. - I answered his greeting.

- I'm Kuro Tsubame, Deputy Minister of Defense. You must know why you're here, Ayanokoji-san. - Kuro asked a question.

- It's about killing 'that man' right? - I asked in response.

- 'Correct. Let me ask you one question, why did you do it?

Kuro's question did not puzzle me and I answered briefly:

- Freedom.

- Freedom? If you wanted freedom, why go to such lengths? - he knew why, but asked it only for the formality of the law.

He added:

- For killing a man, you face jail time. And the fact that Ayanokoji Atsuomi had ties to powerful men ensures that you will not live a peaceful life. I'm sure you understand that.

Now it's my turn:

- I don't consider 'that man' to be human after all he's done. But I have a deal for you.

- A deal? And what is that? - Kuro asked with an interested face.

Well, the bait is well taken.

- You must be in charge a one sensitive case. And I can help you with it by testifying. - I offered.

- How do we know that you are not lying? - Kuro said with seriousness.

That's it...

- As proof of my intentions I can give you the coordinates of one of the objects. Right now. - I replied.

- Okay, but what are the terms of the deal?

An obvious question. But the terms I have long ago agreed upon.

- You guarantee my freedom and safety during the sweep, all of the former owner's assets i.e. Atsuomi will be obtained by me, and also, this case must not be made public.

Deputy Kuro thought about it. Apparently, this deal seems even too tempting to him. But then he asked:

- Is it really to your advantage?

He seemed to have doubts about the deal I proposed. Well, it's not his fault, I'd be wary too.

- Yes, you would. And don't worry. My intentions only include protecting my freedom. Nothing more.

- All right, then, I'll take the deal. Give me the coordinates. - Kuro agreed.

- North 75. East 83. South 9. West 13. You must have special satellites, you can check.

After I gave him the coordinates he called someone.

- Operator. Put me through to Section Three. Have them check the coordinates:

North 75. East 83. South 9. West 13.

- All right, stand by.

Then the department confirmed the presence of the unknown object, Kuro was pleased. We shook hands and I was taken to a special facility for witness protection.

It was a pity that I would have to leave school, but it was inevitable.

(Flashback)

Pov: Kiyotaka

An hour later the 'polite men' arrived at ANHS after I killed my father. They had no insignia, but I realised they were military.

The task force entered the office, Chairman Sakayanagi and I instinctively raised our hands.

Then the bodies of my father and his bodyguards were bagged and carried off, apparently out the back door.

I was asked to follow with the others. The head of the group stayed behind to talk to Sakayanagi-san.

Some of my classmates and friends reacted to this appearance of machines, including: Horikita, Ichinose, Sakura, Sudo, Arisu and Ryuen. As well as Chabashira-sensei.

They didn't understand why I was being escorted by 'polite people'.

As I walked away it came from outside:

- 'Monster where are you going?" said Ryuen trying to make his way through those military men.

- 'Masterpiece' what have you done? - Arisu looked on indignantly.

- 'Let go Ayanokoji!!! - Sudo tried to break through too, but he and Ryuen were thrown to the ground.

The others only looked on bitterly and aware of their powerlessness in this situation, especially Horikita and Chabashira. It seemed their ambitions were not destined to materialise.

I only turned to them and said:

- Everything will be fine. Don't worry about me. See you later, ciao.

Yeah, and it's still going to be a hassle for me. What a hassle. I just mentally promised myself I'd explain everything later.

And so I left without saying goodbye

(Флэшбек выключен.)

I have a feeling this is going to be even more of a hassle.