Passerby

"You are sure? They are in the building? Jane?"

Atsuki looked at her phone, mumbling as she struggled to get a response upon the shuffling of feet and the breeze of an electric car. The lady seemingly panting from her rush down into the scrubs. Barely escaping her ordeal in the dim moonlight and the strong rains that squandered her every opportunity.

It had been hard pressing to ask her to help. Especially someone who she had yet to meet in the flesh despite being constantly online, to her 'fans' resolve. Only recently knowing her yesterday as an office worker in Sector C, she didn't know what she felt. Being chubby in her profile picture while stating to be somewhat quick wasn't necessarily good for spying. But as a favour and a building of trust from her most loyal fan, she could only hope it succeeds. Still wondering to herself what truly makes a friend.

"Yes...." She began to pant hard, only glad to see her car was still around in the distance, not stolen like it was some sort of video game.

She looked around. The creepiness of the forest beginning to set in, giving her the cold shoulder in her sticky shirt, terrifying her unlike the haunted houses at the amusement parks with their fake props and constant jump scares. Nothing like a sense of death. But this was what her hero constantly faced? Taken over by the horrors that humanity could never know or imagine? To be able to act and experience it by themselves? She couldn't care less after all.

Being a friend with her had her over the moon. She peered her eyes at the fading taillights, only determined not to fail her role model. Grinning as she continued, "They are definitely in the factory. Although when I saw the doctor, his face seemed grim..."

Atsuki sighed, shaking her head at the probabilities. Hearing Maximilian go was already hard among the others. Though right by the dining table with six others staring at her, it wasn't a good idea to get into funny ideas. Just like what happened back in Sector B. She looked back at her Chicken Cutlet amongst the mash potatoes and broccoli, all filled with drooling brown barbecue syrup, alluring her to distract herself with the butler's rather nonchalant meal as she continued her talk,

"Nice! Just send me the coordinates. I'll bring you for a meal together very soon alright?"

She hears the tired lady giggle as she energetically say her farewells, hanging up almost instantly amongst the dark trees that ruffled under the strong winds. So commonplace nowadays under climate change's control that it felt easy to ignore. Just like the old days. She looked at her number, smiling silently. Hopeful that her relationship was secure. After all, she seemed caring in her eyes.

"Whoa you are having a friend for once! What a nice friend you are! For bringing her ALONE to an quiet location in the dark!"

Derek looked at her, mumbling amongst the tender chicken that stood by his messy mouth. Hardly eating like a normal person but rather an animal as he feels a hard jab in the chest. His face pulled violently by Baku, playfully pulling his cheeks like kids in a party as he nearly chokes, much to his annoyance and Atsuki's grumpiness. Something that made Victor smile for once.

"Come on! She is trying really hard, let her off for once!"

Derek rolled his eyes, staring at Victor in a state of disappointment, probably wondering what his colleagues were doing. Their tight schedule seemed to make their lives miserable. Constantly scrambling about on paper works and dealing with 'gangsters'. Although he couldn't tell what the paperwork meant. If that was what he thought.

"Anyways what was it about?"

Victor looked at Atsuki, still busy putting her phone down in her denim trousers, relaxed and comfortable in her own made bright pink sweater filled with details such as a red heart shape and the hidden pocket by her heart, unlike her friend still stuck in the forest in purgatory. Despite her joyful expression, it was painfully obvious she was still hiding the little bone fractures she had sustained in her battle. Their progress had been perfect so far however, able to walk once again without a wheelchair was a breeze. Although amongst the chaos that ensured, he wonders if the norm would return.

"It was about them. We have to go and deal with them l-"

She looked at the group, all mumbling about their meals except for Bryony who still nonchalantly stared at her mashed potatoes. The only one who still had no clue what was going on after two weeks. Barely grasping the scale of the incident. Only bothered to calm herself down instead, watching the potatoes curiously cuddle around her spoon like melted butter. Ready to take another bite of the food and sensationalise it's tanginess, only to be jumped from the dark wooden chair she sat upon. Startled by the butler's quiet yet sudden talk. Standing beside her indifferently like a ghost, grunting upon Atsuki's conversation, filled with mixed emotions that made his face creepier despite his warm smile. Creeping her out.

"I'm not so sure about that. You guys are still healing. Besides if you go, we may not be able to provide an alibi for your absence around this time."

The man looked at them, shaking his head in disappointment at their request. Their antics had already caused a lot of problems for his master. Especially with their increased presence outdoors. It was hardly a concern for Sebastian however who sat by interested in the talk. Although he could only wonder how badly it would escalate, after seeing what happened in Macau.

"Think of your options wisely. This could mean the slight possibility of us on the run."

He looks at Sebastian, fiddling with his thumb amongst the tense mood that began to set in. He looks out into the dimly lit halls past the dull faces of unmoving and unfeeling portraits. Feeling their unnerving presence outside.

Their lens intrusive, deafening the scenic mood amid the light electric hums of the white truck. Staring grumpily with it's tinted windows. Completely unwelcoming and still waiting for the fools that remained in his probation house. Hardly what he wanted in his scrambling thoughts that is continuously interrupted. He looks back, bringing his attention to the group. Watching Bryony lay calm and collected despite her snobbishness. A complete opposite from what she was several weeks earlier as she speaks out,

"But if we don't do anything, we would still be implicated. Besides, we can try to understand their situation. Having no conflict would after all be the best for everyone."

Sebastian frowned upon their brash collective minds. Each time he felt tempted to ascend to the throne. But amongst the aftermath, he could only watch uselessly. Still clinging on to the hopelessness and the laziness of not running a country. To be left alone in his bed as he runs his own business. Far from his homeland and the people who rallied alongside him. Rioting on the streets like wild dogs. Still hoping for his presence in the political game. He looks at the group, immeasurably disappointed. But he can't do much.

"Fine. But to guarantee your safety, you all cannot return here."

He shook his head, disappointed amongst the silence and the butler's questionable looks. Frustrated by what he was supposed to be doing with the sudden change in instructions. Staring back at Baku in frustration amid the sudden spitting of Derek's unfinished meal. Unable to take in what he had just heard.

"So that means I can go now?"

He looks at him jubilantly. Hopeful that he could be released from their grasp. Eager within his gleaming eyes, looking forward to returning back to his shanty home. His trip to his house was completely unnecessary. Especially a castle which is also a museum. It was too overwhelming for him. He attempts to jump from his seat. Each leg screeching upon the tiles, imploring at it's ignorable pain and the presence of a slimy arm which blocked his path. Smudging his face upon the sticky goo that dripped onto the floor.

"And do you think the people outside won't care? You should seriously be hating yourself for your lack-thereof of observation skills."

His burbled mouth was filled with rage, gargling through the goo as he is released from her grasp. Puking hard on the floor, infuriated that he had to be brought along like a prisoner. Except he was in his own personal hell of dizziness and intolerance.

"NNNNOOOO!!!!"

He yelled upon the thick walls. His grumpy seat groggily from the constant shaking in his frustration. Unable to comprehend his role in society and upset from his 'imprisonment' despite Baku nudging his shoulder. Comforting him at his 'brave actions'. Hardly comforting despite what he had heard.

Sebastian slouched, staring into his butler's listless eyes. Too tired of even think about their situation. Perhaps he was wrong. But then he had never seen much of a failure as bad as the ride he had to take as a child of an estranged family. Beaten by everyone and left to rot from their former glory despite his efforts. Futile. Just like himself.