[XX] - Individuality

He spoke with calming honesty in his voice.

Tears fell down my face without me being able to control them. I still couldn't understand what was going on. The meaning behind these words wasn't being processed by my brain. Too much… This is too much…

What does it exactly mean to be special?

I was aware, that with every ability, there was also a responsibility to bear.

The silence stung my ears loudly, defying it's own existence in this very room, a place where I felt uncomfortable, with it's white, obscure walls unfamiliar.

I can't deny, something has changed within me. Everything seems to change around with me, faster than I can grasp.

I didn't know how to react after just being told by someone, that I'm more average than I ever thought. And the consequences of this appeared as suddenly as a person coming from behind a corner.

It all happened too fast, and I can't bring myself to analyze it all at the same moment. Hundreds of questions swam through my mind, like this one:

"What caused me to suddenly become like this?"

It brightened up in my head, the taste of the liquid she gave me, when I was going out of my house. It was unusually bittersweet. Like the memories I have with her, swirling through my mind. The only person that could know anything about me…

The air seemed to be full of menthol, it made my eyes pinch, my nose empty like a street at night, I felt every particle filling my lungs, and be breathed out of it.

Why didn't it come earlier to me, that it's all too suspicious? The knowledge, none of my relatives coming to visit me, hiding before the whole society. It was normal for me, but in reality, we diverged beyond a margin of what seems to be acceptable.

I wonder if the person I trusted the most is really my aunt. I wonder if it's really what it seemed to be, just a woman hiding behind meters of concrete walls, scared of what the world truly has become. And her underling, denying the rules the society has set.

It burned in my head like a hellish fire, devouring every piece of constancy I had, and I was holding on to. How could my

whole reality fall into pieces like that?

•••

The gaze of a stranger made me come back to my senses.

His ice cold, blue eyes seemed to pierce through my soul, awakening every suspicion i had hidden inside of it.

What's going on?

Who am I really?

Why do you know so much about me?

Who are you?

What is this place?

How come I am like this?

How come you knew about this?

What's the purpose of it all?

So many questions and no answers.

Would I even ever get the answers to those? It all seems futile, I never got any to the previous ones I asked. I only speculated. But if I can finally know with the power I gained, I won't hesitate to reach the peaks and watch it all from above.

"What are you— trying to say to me? What should I do then? What is the path you've been telling me it's right?!" I asked him furiously after a while of silence.

He watched me struggle with my thoughts and observed how I fall in the void of anxiety.

"You are here to start doing what has been intended for you to do. To improve the world. We all, in here, have a goal that has been appointed to us a long time ago. Yours is the key one."

"Stop going around the topic. I want some straight answers!"

I got annoyed by his metaphorical replies. I just wanted a straightforward sincerity, so much needed in a situation like this.

His eyes changed, from blooming with passion to one's that could tell me what's going on.

"What if I told you there was an object that could destroy all the barriers between us? A key to the lock of making all of these concrete giants collapse?" He glared at me with his pale, blue eyes. "It's a metaphor, but at the same time it isn't."

I gave him an inquisitive look. His words lifted up something fragile inside of me. What item could possibly achieve my dreams come true?

"An item with so much energy that could power the entire metropolis for centuries. An object able to gather and store so much memory, pasts of a million of people couldn't fill it to the brim. A thing that can alter properties of all the programmed devices around the metropolis. Unlimited power to control over the society and the ones who govern it, the "unfair rulers." He put an influence into his last words, making it sound like an insult. "… So little it could fit onto your palm, yet wields so much power."

"…"

An item like this was unimaginable for me. What exactly was it? Who could even dare to create such a thing, was the technology developed enough to create a weapon of mass destruction? How could anyone use it? Why does it exist in the first place?

I was left speechless, just staring at the floor next to me. How could I possibly know if this thing is even real? How can a "thing that can fit on your palm" ruin everything that everyone around has achieved for years, including me?

Before I could ask any questions, he spoke out first.

"I created an order called 'The Cube'. It is my life goal to gather people with special abilities like yours, and make use of those powers, to abolish the cruel society we've been given to live in." The eyes of the man turned teary. He looked down at the floor too. Our eyes were both glaring at the same point on the ground. I could feel melancholy and grief in his words, as if the memories were hurting him deep inside.

"I—"

"I know you have so many questions to ask. And time will surely come for the answers. But I need to tell you Asha, you are necessary for this. Your existence is crucial for restoring the hope in these pitiful people. Haven't you felt it on your own skin? The misery? The arrow of instincts making you swim up from the bottoms of the ocean called 'brutal survival?'"

My heart never felt warmer before, the words:

"You are necessary, You are crucial."

I've never heard them before. Six words, yet made my heart race and face fill with rushing blood at one moment.

"I'm asking you to stay here, let your abilities bloom, and with their help, be a part of achieving what's obligatory for this city, a change."

He enchanted me with his words. It was exactly as he said, but it worried me, where does he learn it from? Why does he know so much about me? Why should I believe him?

I looked at him with a bit of distrust in my eyes, and it seemed as if he understood what I wanted to ask: "How come all of this?"

The man just grabbed my shoulder, like a good friend, and told me:

"It's hard, I know. It's hard for us all, that's why I want you to help everyone. To ease their pain. You are capable of it, and you always were. So, I understand that you may be wary of this all, it all came so quickly and unexpectedly. But it's crucial for a thing we have all been waiting for. A step forwards from a straight line of obedient people. You understand it, right?"

His words were like an aid to my damaged morals and ambitions.

"It has all been so dangerous, painful and heart-crushing, hasn't it been?"

I nodded softly.

"So before I ask you to stay with us, and fulfill your goals, I understand you may need some time to come to your senses and calm down. No rush. We will give you all the time you need."

I've never met such a considerate person in my entire life. He thought about everything that worries me, and said it out loud for me, understanding every aspect of my problem. But… deep inside…

Isn't it all too perfect and beautiful?

I moved away from him a bit.

"How do you know it so well, what I want?"

"All of us, deep inside, want the same, more or less."

"But, what can I achieve with my powers? And what will be our prior goal?" My question was straightforward.

"You have not only great strength and sharper senses… Your dominant ability will show of after deeper investigation and research. To do that, you have to be fully sure you want to do what I'm asking you of — joining The Cube." All of my senses seemed to agree with his facts. "And if we are talking about our goal… It's nothing simpler than gathering all of the Cube pieces that are scattered around the metropolis."

"If it is as simple as you said, why would you need me?"

He shivered upon hearing my question.

"I already told you, that you are special. Your rebel way of thinking… Said abilities, everything shows me that you are perfect for this role."

"But… Why do you know so much about me?"

"Special people are worth knowing of."

"…"

I guess I won't get to know all of it, until I agree to stay with him and join this mysterious organization. But I couldn't do this until one thing.

Until I solved the mystery behind my aunt. And why she did what she did. Has she known about all of this, what was sleeping inside of me? Was she treating me like that because deep inside she always knew?

Maybe after years I will get to know everything necessary. And then I will commit myself to achieving what have I always wanted. I can have a bright way now, and will be pushed onto the right path. But…

"Can I… Really trust you? I don't even know who you are. You appeared all of a sudden, telling me all of this. Isn't it too suspicious? All of these people that have been pursuing me… Which one were sent by you? Are you… responsible for those two who… massacred the whole officer squadron? Did you make those two deliberate delinquents come after me, make the hell of a mess out of my body, terrorize me and make me lose my mind as I ran across half a district missing bullets that were about to pierce my head?!"

These painful words were coming out of me like a waterfall. My tears were shattering on the walls, as I shook my head in disbelief, that all of this has happened to me in such a short time.

Is a person that wanted me dead worth trusting?

I stood up from the bed I and him were sitting on. He was left behind, as I stepped on the hard floor with my legs, which seemed as light and soft as a feather. The energy inside of me was restored. I felt physically better, like never before. I had an urge to run like lightning and jump high into the sky, but the small room was blocking me from doing it. Every of my movements were fast, it seemed like the reality has slowed down for me.

I wanted to punch those snow white annoying walls out of the anger that burned inside me. Feeling like erupting any seconds, similar to a boiling volcano.

Was all of this necessary?

I turned my head towards the man, which was glaring at the "new" me like at a fascinating star.

"You can trust me. If I had any bad intentions, why would I keep you alive until now? Would we have cured your injuries? Would I have told you everything just for nothing? All of this was just to awaken this deeply hidden 'strength' which no one would never know you had."

I moved my hands before my face and observed how my fingers moved quickly. Ready to suffocate someone to death.

"We always knew about your existence, but never got to know you…"

I knew in what direction he wanted to proceed.

Yes, I've been hiding myself well. But I wasn't avoiding streets at all. I could say they were my second home. Yet, he says, that I was like a secret, uncovered and unknown. So… How did he find the other ones he was talking about?

"You can rest and stay here, until you calm your mind and decide what to do."

"You need to prove to me that you won't dispose of me after getting what you actually want."

"Asha, what in the world are you talking about…?"

Everyone lies to me. Everything is a hoax. So why should I believe?

"And I don't even know from where do you know my name."

A disturbing silence has fallen, but it was broken shortly after.

"I know the fear of the unknown is what changes people the most. But I can

promise you, no harm awaits you here. You can hide here safely from all of those dangerous people who are searching for you. Seeing such things as you have, you probably realized holding these informations isn't putting you in a safe spot. Here you will learn how to actually defend yourself, rather than just running all of the time. And with your awaken strength, we will unite to abolish this cruel system. So… Will you calm down, collect your thoughts and join us?

…Or is there something on your mind that you have to deal with?"

If I stay here… Will I get to know everything that was being hidden from me all these years?

Will I actually… Be a real assistance of revolutionizing this society…?

…Not until my aunt tells me the truth.

…

"…I have a business I need to take care of urgently."

I had to tell him. Furthermore, I had to go and solve it myself. Get some fresh air and rethink if it's all really worth it.

I have a lot of things to accomplish. I guess I will forget about this man and his words as the abyss of the monotone, usual for me, world sucks me inside.

"Can we help you in any way?"

"I will see."

My stomach started to hurt from the thought of confronting my aunt. But I need to know all of the truth, so I can rest at ease and finally get to know everything about the Cube stuff that I need. Maybe it's a good step to get involved…

And then I finally remembered the one person I forgot about.

The blood pressure in my veins arose, and my mouth opened widely.

"What… What about Icto? He… I saw him there! At the street where those two guys were!" I exclaimed, frightened that something may have happened to him.

"…..

…Who?" — After a longer pause, the man asked.

The surprise from his answer shook my body.

"Icto! The person leading the group! He has dark hair and lilac eyes! I am sure he was there! He is my friend, I hope you didn't hurt him!" My voice was shaking, and my hand tried to catch the last particles of air, squeezing them tightly.

"But… From what I know…

…There was no one like that there."

"What? There was such a sudden light emerging from behind me. It devoured it all… But I remember some people coming for me! And I can swear it was him!"

"Ah… Yes. Orbis sometimes can't control his abilities when in rage. I knew letting him go with Silen was a bad idea, but they both insisted on going on the mission. But don't worry, it's not dangerous when it comes to specialized people like you."

"But what about Icto?!" I was getting annoyed over the lack of crucial facts.

"The ones that you saw were probably our aiding group. They came to invite you here and persuade you to join us, but… I guess Orbis was quicker and more fatal."

"So, it wasn't… Icto?"

"One person from our squad has violet eyes. I believe you could mistake him for your friend. I do not know anything about his whereabouts… My apologies."

The shock accumulated in my thoughts couldn't disappear. I could swear it was him… Could all of these powers and fear mess with my mind? My…

My memories seemed unclear the longer I was thinking. I decided to abandon them, not to worsen it. I had one thing I must do.

"I need to go. But I will come back… Maybe… No. I will. So don't turn your words back on me. Please." I wanted to falsely say I'm very glad that someone has offered me a work, and talked with me so earnestly like that. It seems like if his words were picked and chosen to suit my opinions entirely. I didn't know what to think about that…

Maybe this old man… actually knew me?

I wanted to know more, but not until I finish my last task. Finding out the truth behind my past 18 years.

His face showed a bit of disappointed expression, but if not my sharp sight, I wouldn't be able to see his face muscles twitch microscopically.

"We will wait for you as much as you need. Take your time. Solve your problems." He smiled softly at me, and also stood up from the bed.

It was then when I saw my reflection in his glasses.

A warm beige skinned person, with short, curly and brown hair. My almond, green eyes giving me an anxious glare. The shape of my face seemed to be thinner than usual. My cloudy gaze looked down on my clothes. I was covered in a white cloth, a plain, and long shirt, with the toxic vibes of a medical facility.

"Can I get something to change?"

"Of course."

He went up to the wardrobe that was standing in the corner of the room. I expected it to be filled with all sorts of medical stuff, but to my surprise, inside was only a pile of folded clothes. And they were the ones I wore when I went on my journey.

The man handed me them, and then told me he would wait outside the room.

I listened, and then quickly changed into them. My body seemed to be in an unmoved state, with no injuries or even bruises to be seen. But the clothes smelled artificially, and I felt like something was missing. They were as comfortable as ever, and I felt as light as a dust particle floating in the uncalm air.

My monotony is about to end. I'm going to enter a new stage of life, uncovering everything that has been hidden right next to me.

I looked around for the last time, and nothing more seemed to be suspicious inside the whiteness.

I left the overwhelming room, and entered a dark void, with the man standing in the middle of it. After a short second, I recognized the walls and the outlines of a corridor. My eyes adapted to the surrounding smoothly, like never before. They always stung when the light amount changed.

"Go straight forwards, do not turn. On the end, a door named "TVNG" will appear. It's a long way, so you will get to the end quicker if you run. I bet your body won't be exhausted as fast as it got earlier. And the code to the door is 0404." The man explained everything to me, pointing to the right.

I nodded my head, and was about to rush into the corridor, when I heard him say:

"Don't be afraid of what is coming towards you. We will always help you here. So don't hesitate to come back when you need. We will explain everything more then."

I turned my head to see his dark silhouette contrasting with the light coming from the room. He was incredibly tiny in my point of view, but I could say this man was actually my height.

My damp lips smiled in the darkness, and I rushed in the direction he told me to.

I won't return.

Everything around was dark, no other door could be seen, so I couldn't think of escaping anywhere else. The air flied by my head, messing up my hair, as the blurred walls went past me. I felt like I traveled kilometers in an unfinishing corridor, but the time flew surprisingly fast, and I reached the end in no time.

I entered the code to a big metal door, and they opened widely before me, showing up a sight of a staircase leading up. I climbed it for a minute, and when I finally exited the place, a mesmerizing sight of the whole district seen from above showed to me.

I was standing on the concrete roof of a tall skyscraper.

All the roofs of the buildings were creating a check board of concrete gray, and crimson orange tiles. The taller ones were enlightened by the light of the rising sun, the dawn was in the color of the blood. The squares got smaller as my eyes went farther, to the point where I met a giant wall with my eyes. And behind it, I saw glassy surfaces reflecting the sunny ocean. And in the middle of my view, an arising, dark building in the center. As I believed, it was the core. The main headquarters of the governors, a place where all rule above the others. It pulsed with red colors in the rhythm of my heart beat. A breathtaking landscape, with an ominous sky, it's neutral blue color being amplified by the pinkish colour of the barrier. And yet now, when the sun was setting, the crimson colour of the sky was underlining the barrier hue.

It made my heart race. A warm feeling surrounded my heart, and knowing that unhappy people fill this huge city, made me jump in a melancholic mood.

Such a large city, so many citizens, so much hatred and sorrow.

The society truly needs a redemption. And I will grant it.

I was standing on the top of one of the building in the north part of the block. When I analyzed from what direction I came…

Have I been taken to the Secundus district?

The length of the corridor and the time seemed to blend in together, fading in my mind like an ink dropped into an ocean. It's not important.

What lies before me, is.

•••

The air conditioners were working on full power, with their blades swirling like a whirlpool. Their buzzing was filling the silent corridor to the utter most.

Dim lights on the floor were enlightening someone's soft steps, marching through the long hall. The echoes were muffled, and nothing else was to be heard.

On the end of the corridor, another silhouette appeared. You could say these two were copies of each other, identical shoes, the same size, same gait, swift as an arrow shot in the air. Reflection upon each other.

"So, how did it go?" A soft voice of the person who appeared, asked.

"Exactly as I planned." Another one responded, but it seemed as if only one of them spoke. You couldn't tell the difference.

A quiet laughter was heard, and then the two of them headed in opposite directions, and only silence was left in this place, a maze of void tunnels, with no explanation.