When You Disappeared in the Light

4: Bittersweet Welcome

Asian Branch

"Mugen is still fine", Master Zuu, the head of Chang family assured. It was his family and Epstein that created the project of second exorcist. Kanda sat at the window with his mouth twitching in irritation. Never had he forgotten the hell he experienced in that place.

Kanda walked at heading at the arc. He was about to entered when crows are being thrown away from the inside. Kanda evaded and the crow landed at Bak. "What is happening there?", Bak asked while Wong is carrying the crow away from him. "Don't touch me", they heard a woman's voice.

"Fou, prepare for battle", Bak instructed. Few more crows are being thrown from the inside. Finally, the girl exposed herself and went out of the arc. Zuu and For was startled to see her. "Huh? Here I am in the middle of a laboratory. It brings back memories", Zoe cracked her neck. Kanda just walked passing through her. "Oh, excuse me. Can you tell me where this place is?", Zoe asked casually. "Beats me. Why don't you ask them", Kanda pointed the Asian Branch people. Zoe's eyes changed expression. It was full if hatred. Zoe grabbed Kanda's sword and rushed towards Zuu. For fortunately blocked the attack. For's hand is starting to break. Bak used his ability to create a barrier enclosing Zoe inside. "Doctor... Edgar?", Zoe looked at Bak. Kanda flinched when he heard the lady mention the name. "Prepare for tranquilizer", Zuu shouted. Kanda felt irritated. He hit Zoe's nape and she fell unconscious. "You stole my mugen, stupid woman", Kanda looked down on her.

London Main Branch.

"Oh, Kanda came back", Seth noticed Kanda at the dining hall. He was eating alone. He went to sit with him. "Guh. Kanda will throw him at the walls", Allen waited. Kanda just remained silent. They were all surprised. "Kanda. We just finished a mission. I saw my next scedule, I was partnered with you", Seth informed. "I see", Kanda replied. "What is happening?! Kanda is talking while eating?!!!", Lavi shook Allen. "Kanda must have recognized Seth's skills", Lenalee inferred.

Kanda cleaned the sword while Seth watched him. "Did someone use your sword without permission?", Seth asked. "How did you know?", Kanda looked at Seth. "I was once a swordsman. I know how it feels", Seth leaned on the table. "What kind of work do you do?", Kanda asked. "I kill people", Seth suddenly said. Kanda remained silent. "You don't believe me?", Seth asked.

Germany
Castle

"We're suppose to protect this place", Kanda informed Seth. "I'll be making a plan. I'll take some time for me to roam around the castle. Can we ask for this building's blue print?", Seth suggested. "I guess so", Kanda agreed. "You don't need to. You've been in this place couples of time", the King appeared in front of them. "I see. You succeeded in the throne", Seth gave a short laugh. "Thanks to you. You murdered the whole lineage of the previous King", the King laughed. Seth bit his lips. "Do you remember, the last person you killed was your lover. It was the King's daughter. In the first place, the king never liked a commoner like you", the king added.  "I don't have time to listen to old stories", Kanda interupted. "Let's go", Kanda called Seth.

They stayed at the watchtower. "This feels nostalgic", Seth remembered his work at the town. Kanda passed a sword to Seth. "That is made by the order. It's not that strong as an innocence but use it to protect yourself", Kanda passed it. "I don't think I can use this again", Seth looked down at the sword. "Stupid. You're against the enemy right now", Kanda pushed the sword on him. "I also killed the only friend I have with this sword", Kanda said then turned around. "Kanda...", Seth gave a weak smile. "Tell me. Swords are used to protect and save people, right?", Seth confirmed. Kanda just nodded.

After a while, Akumas appeared. "I will serve as your eyes. Kanda", Seth activated his innocence.

5 years ago...

Seth was drenched in blood after slaughtering the King's family. Seth was left sitting down the corridor. "You have left one person alive. My order is for you to kill everyone", the King's enemy instructed. "Then, take the daughter away from here", the old man shrugged. Seth's eyes brightened and went to the princess' room. "Sandra. Let's get away from this place", Seth entered the room. "Don't come near me, you murderer", Sandra cried. "How could you do that to my family? We took care of you. They gave you a warm place to sleep and a food to eat. Yet, you pay them with something like this?", Sandra shouted. "I did it for you, Sandra. They were to force you to marry an old man in order to remain in the throne", Seth explained. "I don't care marrying an old man as long as I could still be with my family and you, Seth", Sandra knelt down. "Kill me", Sandra looked at Seth with such desperate eyes. "No.. I won't be able to kill you", Seth throw the sword away. "If I live, I will just be living a hell. If you won't, the enemies will. I won't die in their arms", Sandra went closer to Seth. "Please. End my suffering", Sandra cried louder. The enemies footsteps arw drawing closer. Sandra pushed the sword on Seth's chest. "Please. If you love me, free me from this pain", Sandra smiled.

A hand held Seth's hand and controlled it. A white haired lady appeared and assisted Seth. She helped Seth hold the sword together. "Let's bear the responsibility together. Look at her, look at her smiling face", Zoe whispered.

Finally, Seth slashed the sword. "Thank you, Seth. I... loved you", Sandra smiled. Zoe put the soldiers in sleep. "You've got an interesting eyes. Those eyes are pure", Zoe placed eyeglasses on Seth. It reacted to him and they synchronized. "Remember, it wasn't you who killed the princess. I did it for you", Zoe offered a hand to Seth. "If you take this hand, I promise to walk this dark and lonely journey with you", Zoe assured. Seth saw honestly in Zoe's eyes. "Can't you see that your making pact with a monster?", Seth asked. "I've seen worst, Seth", Zoe grabbed his hand raised him from the floor.

End of flashback...

London Branch

Zoe was brought on her knees. She's facing Hevelaska. "Welcome Home, Zoe", Hevelaska greeted. "Thank you. You're the only one who gave me that greeting", Zoe chuckled. Zoe's expression changed seeing the higher ups. "But sorry. I'm bitterly glad to be back", Zoe stood up. "Bind", talisman surrounded her. "I'm going to put back the innocence in your body", Hevelaska placed the innocence inside Zoe's hand. Hevelaska felt an innocence inside Zoe's body. "You're using two innocence?", Hevelaska asked. "Nope", Zoe answered. She pierced through her sternum and grabbed an innocence. It was broken into half. "It's already dead", Zoe informed. "Who did that?", the higher up asked. "I crushed it with my own hands. So bad that it didnt turn into ashes", Zoe shrugged. "Insolent child!", they ordered for Zoe to be punished.

The crows used thunderbolts to Zoe.

After a while, Zoe's wounds regenerate. "Disgusting. My flesh is being stiched on their own ", Zoe sighed and destroyed the talisman. "Old men, if you don't stop torturing me, I will set this place on fire", Zoe warned.

I hate Black Order.

I hate the Central Agency.

I hate Innocence.

Chapter End.