SUBJECT 028-A (A Masterpiece's Wrath)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

I cannot delay justice and the ragging disgust in me. As soon as I have recovered from my fall, I decided to take a step forward against my dear enemy, Khin. Even if Dark Domes planned to exclude me from this war, I cannot bear to see the Gromes in the hands of a killer-traitor.

My fist clenched as my gaze met the dazzling stars above. I was held in place by a piece of wood from the fragile balcony of Dome. This has been one of their hideout when the coast was not clear. If only I had made wise decisions earlier things will be better, but as much as I wanted to blame myself, this could just create further damage.

“Are everyone downstairs?” I tried to compose my voice not to crack from the arrival of Jacob. My peripheral vision told me he was an inch beside the wood I am standing. His eyes were darting, observing mine from a distance.

He slowly shook his head in response as I loosen the clench on my palms.

“The last time I saw you in that state was years ago...” He quickly averted his gaze when I caught his eyes.

“Anyway, dinner is served. Might better if we fill ourselves before the meeting.”

I must be lying to myself if I say that everything between us is alright. If I assume that I can mend the cracks in our bond.

“I'll come after a few minutes.”

This must be the feeling of guilt and remorse. I cannot even look straight pass to their eyes because every time I look at them, it kept on haunting me. I could only see their individual pain. Sometimes I regret having these kinds of ability, I cannot sugarcoat what I read straight pass to their minds.

He started to walk away from the distance. But the crunching woods halted when he looked back at me.

“Whoever you become, I am still here for you.”

I was caught off guards. I did not expect those words from his own. My smile faked before our eyes met again.

“I don't deserve you...” I cannot hold my voice from cracking. My expression curved in mixed emotions 'til I found myself again in his warm embrace. The same old Jacob I knew.

He hushed my tears from falling. I felt like I am releasing a hideous feeling of guilt, disgust and hate to the monster in myself.

“I don't deserve any mercy... I—”

“I believe in the goodness in you.”

“Do me a favor, Jacob.”

His hands caressed my back as I flooded his shoulders with tears.

“When we defeat Khin and take Dome back in the hands of the true Watson...” I lightly pushed him away while I tried to look for something in my pocket.

I felt a sharp object inside it. This one must be enough for my favor.

“I want you to kill me in exchange for the lives I have claimed.”

He stood in frozen feet. His jaws dropped when I reached my shaking hand with the sharp knife. He was shaking his head and pushed it away.

“In honor of Master. Please...” I pleaded.

“You'll be wasting—”

“I can travel back in time and provide another blood pack for myself so my brother will still live.” I know what he was thinking. As what he always mentioned, I'll be sacrificing Master's and my brother's life. But if I'll be able to provide a way to reverse everything, I can bring him back to life.

“This is the dumbest plan I heard from you!” He grabbed the knife from my palms and threw it away.

“I cannot forgive myself.” I admitted. “Every time I think about how notorious I am, I cannot get rid of the idea that I am no different with our enemy.”