Unity of Hope

After learning the truth behind the relationship between the warden and Mazuko, it may be the right time to initiate the plan and investigate some pieces of evidence that might prove worthy of being used. The puzzle that became complex started to unravel, and every piece now starts to connect. When I started, it seemed to me like an endless tunnel without any lights at the end.

Thankful for the information that he shared with me. Everything started to become logical. Finally, the time that I have allotted for this might look as if it wasn't enough. But after months of investigating, I have finally proved my theory, and the only thing left to accomplish is to gather the evidence.

"Now, you made everything clear. Let's head towards phase two. What punishment will be given to Mazuko if we win the countless retrials of about fifty people? They were sentenced for the cases of murder and kidnap for ransom," Humbly asking. To know the possible results of the blood and sweat I have spent in seeking the shreds of evidence to prove their innocence.

"For being the cause of several deaths, and kidnap for ransom, plus the act of slander for causing innocent people to damage their reputation. Death penalty, I say, is the only punishment without any reasonable doubt to be sentenced to Mazuko, who is the center of these crimes," his response slightly scared me.

Since I still haven't had any thoughts regarding death itself. Even the thought of it makes it harder to manage. Why does this country have such a cruel justice system? Isn't a lifetime in prison enough to be called the worst punishment? Taking his life wouldn't be satisfying if I were the one who gets to decide. Because I'd rather let him live in agony than swiftly ending his life without suffering.

"Death Penalty? I don't have any idea what it means. But from the name itself, the first thought that flowed in my mind is death. Am I right?" the question I asked.

"Oh right, let me explain it to you more. The death penalty is a form of punishment by the law to those who committed grave offenses. After trials and looking through the evidence, the judge will be the one who hands his verdict if the accused should be sentenced to the death penalty," he explains the essence of the death penalty. Hoping to make me understand what it meant.

"As you can see, Mazuko has caused many lives to suffer while not only that but ending too many people's lives. So if by chance the number of retrials will be won and prove those people not guilty. Then I believe that the only jurisdiction of the judge would be the death penalty," he added to his response.

Laws, rules, what the hell is that? I have so little knowledge known in this world. Because my existence circled around this prison for the last three years. Yes, I have Xavier's mindset and intelligence, but we are different personalities. All of his memories and mind are what do you call this, restricted. We share the same mind, but what we know is contrasting with each other.

This officer, to whom I still don't know the name, am thankful for all the help that he has provided even though he already knew about the disorder Xavier faces. Would it be alright if I swallow my pride and ask for his name? However, I have this feeling of distress that tells me not to get attached to people.

"Now that you know their relationship, it's time that you finish what you have started. The clock is ticking, and may I remind you that Xavier is on the verge of extinction. As early as possible, you should start taking those hypnotherapy sessions," he reminded me of the remaining time I have in finishing all of this at once.

"Thanks, I already have it covered. By the way, I don't know if it's alright to ask this question. Plus, I haven't really had the chance to ask but may I humbly ask for your name?" Even Though he rejects my question, I'll just be forever in debt to this old man.

"Atsushi," he responded abruptly.

"What I didn't understand?" answered his response and asked if he can repeat what he stated.

"Takahashi Atsushi, Kid. That's my name," he replied, then left the watchtower because it's been about an hour since we started our conversation.

He has quite a powerful name, maybe it's because of his name that I kept getting uncomfortable around him. Takahashi Atsushi, an old man who has a wide variety of information and connection. A man who looks as if he is someone who can command other people, and everyone will obey him. For example, his presence feels like that of a president with many people under his guidance.

Anyways, now that everything is set in place. And I still have three weeks to seek a lawyer that will hold those retrials, plus asking the warden for help. Although the chances that the warden will assist with the trials is still low. However, if I can just use his fear from Mazuko against him. Then things will flow smoothly.

Enough with this because I have already spent half of Xavier's brain cells figuring out the relationship and seeking evidence. Now that I have found my answer to the question, I should probably tell Abe about the good news. I kinda feel sleepy also, so I'll resume my mission tomorrow.

-Tomorrow Morning-

"Xavier, wake up!" Someone suddenly yelled Xavier's name while I was asleep.

When I opened my eyes, it was just Abe waking me up.

"The hell Abe! Early in the morning, and you start shouting? Why would you call me in that tone? Do you have something important to tell me? Cause if you don't have, I'll gladly punch you in the face three times," Grumpily replied because it is still seven o'clock in the morning, and Abe is already ear-deafening.

"Oh, I'm sorry. But I have good news for you, hurry up and meet me at Utopia," He responded as he laughed at how I reacted towards his loud attitude in the morning.

"You should have waited for me there this afternoon! I didn't even manage to have eight hours of sleep. Let me sleep in peace," Again grumpily answered his response.

"Stupid, it's already seven o'clock in the morning. You can't return to your humble sleep, and just hurry up and head to Utopia later. Don't worry because you can rest there for a while. Since we have already prepared someplace to sleep in there," he stated before he rushed back to Utopia.

Honestly, I kinda feel like I belong in this world. But still when reality hits and slaps me in the face that again I'm just an alternate personality. Here I go again with this useless overthinking. And I shouldn't worry too much about this since, sooner or later, I'll cease to exist once Xavier returns.

I should probably head towards Utopia since Abe stated that he has some good news that he would like to share with me. Everything is such a pain in the ass how I need to carefully enter Utopia because of Mazuko and his goons. When I arrived at Utopia, many of the men whom I had not seen and were unfamiliar to my eyes were inside looking at me with awe.

Don't want to jump to a conclusion, but what if the good news that Abe was so eager to tell me is connected with all of these people?

While I walk past everyone to talk with Abe. Abe suddenly called everyone's attention. Then one by one, they all started to say Xavier's name.

"Xavier, we want to ask for forgiveness for thinking ill of your pure intentions of helping us. As a whole, we decided to assist you. Again, we want to say sorry, and please tell us what you need us to do," shocked with their sudden apologies. I can't think of what expression I should show them. Should I act tough and tell them everything is alright? Or should I really show them what I feel?

"Yeah, It's alright since I know that you all are scared of being involved with Mazuko again. But since you all came up with this decision, then let's start discussing everything now," I wanted to cry because I was flattered, but I chose not to show it.

"Less than three weeks is all we have to file these retrials for your cases. Because the sooner we focus on this case, then the earlier everyone can have their freedom once again," I added to my response.

"Then what are we supposed to do? Is there something in particular that you need?" one of them asked.

"Yes, to be precise, I do have something that I need. Everyone in here hasn't really seen the face of the warden, am I correct? Well, piece of advice, the warden has a scar on his face. The duty that I am assigning some of you is to find out the schedule of the warden," I responded while handing out their tasks.

"What does the warden have to do with this?" one of them asked.

I can't remember if I have already told them about the relationship between Mazuko and the warden. So might as well just tell them again about the issue.

"Mazuko and the warden have a very complex relationship," what I have stated piqued their interests.

"WHAT!" all of them surprisingly shouted.