Thirty-three – EXILE

“In this dimension brimming with noise, silence is the only thing I seek.”

▪ ▪ ▪

“Look now, people of our country. They are alive. Now they seek for revolution with this note they sent to me. They’re keeping watch on every move we do for more than seven decades.

Those things are now revolting and potentially posing a threat to us. Orions, they are not needed in this country. I ask of you, help me with this conflict, and we shall end this mess once and for all.

They were chosen by fate to be thrown away. The nature itself does not accept them, and why should we? They deserve to-“

*beep*

“Mr. President, your thoughts on Senator Horach’s interview?”

“…

Just what in the world is he saying? Is he out of his mind? I know that my grandfather started this all, and I will never inherit what my late grandfather did.

And Senator Horach… they are also humans and people of this country… Is he insane?”

“So, do you plan to make a move, sir?”

“The note obviously meant a rendezvous. If only they wrote a more detailed letter, we can act immediately…

So at this point, we shall be on standby. I will let the Exiles make the first move.”

“Sir, are you interested?”

“It’s not ‘interest,’ but more like concern. Even though this is just a hunch, I think something might unfold in this encounter. I have no idea what they are thinking… but for now, we are in no position to interfere.

This country had been cruel to them since the last war. If we join in, it will make us more untrustworthy. At this point, they probably don’t trust the government and the system of Orio.

…

If the police stations' have been notified after the interview, inform them to standby. And if possible, close off the Cotona Square.”

“Is that everything?”

“Yes.”

“Will do.”

▪ ▪ ▪

Cotona Square—the largest open area of the municipality. Residential areas are roughly half a kilometer away from the vicinity. It is well known for being the area of entertainment that is outside the Capital. There takes place the events like concerts, sports events, anime conventions, you name it.

But since March 10, it has been closed because of the issuance of a mysterious letter that was sent to one of the senators that highly interest himself in the beings called Exiles.

They are people that were known from unpopular stories of perhaps our grandparents. It stated that those who were abused died and others suddenly vanished from the country. Many identities have disappeared ever since the war.

Thus, it became an unknown legend that has been forgotten after generations. But in reality, they are hiding underground, living away from the society that threw them out of the world. Now in the modern times when the word once again arose, they have become ghosts.

They are no different from humans, but they were discriminated, abused, and hurt by the humans themselves. Yes, they also commit sins like any other. But they decided to separate themselves and live lives avoiding grave crimes and not associating with the society.

But one of them built up resolve to face his fears and went back the stairway to the cruel world. With his name erased from existence, he blended in to the population, and came back again below the land from his journey, with success on his shoulders.

He became the one that first led them and passed on his words generations after generations.

“One day, we will make them see that we were once humans, and we will see to it that they will understand the lifetime crime they made… and we will once again regain our choice of freedom.”

It is freedom that we seek, not vengeance.

▪ ▪ ▪

March 13. The tenth hour of the day.

A quiet, and normal day it is. People are living their lives like they used to do everyday. Children are playing outside, adults are working to make money for their expenses, students are studying at school, the parents are taking care of their sons and daughters, people are traveling on the roads suffering the turtle traffic, criminals kill and steal, and police does their best to serve justice.

It’s just another extremely peaceful(?) and normal day.

“Mommy! Mommy! Look at the TV! Masks!”

“Son, what is it? What masks…

Masks…?”

…

“It has been a few days since the sudden uprising of the matter regarding the existence of the so-called ‘Exiles.’ People questioned if they are really alive or just a fictional story.

A note or letter was then publicly shown in an interview of Senator Joseph Horach that seems to be exclusively sent to him.

Moving on, just a few minutes ago, people are seeing some strange sight that has also spread in social media. Netizens and photos sent to us specified that they are people wearing black long suit jackets and plain white masks. But the contents of the photos are very intriguing seeing that the masks are entirely covering the face without any passageway for the eyes to see.

We’re just notified that the sightings of them are around the entirety of Cotona and they seem to be directing towards the recently closed Cotona Square.

Are they the rumored ‘Exiles’ that has been revolving on the news?”

▪ ▪ ▪

House No. 275, located at White Street, Sector 527.

“Hey… What’s up with the big bag?” asked Nagi.

“Of course I also planned for countermeasures and preparations. I will be using this to stuff this big suit inside the bag since I don’t want to be identified as an Exile. Besides, the bag is also common for photographers and videographers so it won’t be easy for them to know.

I of course will be bringing a camera for myself. Disguising is our preparation in the end game.”

“Sometimes, I really do commend you in how prepared you are.”

“Well, thanks Nagi.”

“I really don’t know what you lots are planning to do, but I hope you all succeed.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

Every one that has relation to me are all in standby on the area of my residence before I leave. This is the day we are going to face the fears that were burdening us for years.

“All for the children that has only taken a glimpse of the sunlight…”

“Gin… I’m scared…”

“Don’t be, Rin. You have placed your faith on us and you helped every single move I do. Sit tight with everyone.

I promise I will come back… I will come back alive for you, Rin, and to all of you.

Ittekimasu.”

“Come back, stupid.” Akira insulted.

“You still haven’t treated me.” Jean imposed.

“Bring home mochi, please.” Shiro imposed more.

“You’re such a sweet tooth, Shiro. Just let Gin be.”

“Itterasshai, musuko.” Shuu told his greeting.

“Come back in one piece, son. I’ll treat you a drink if you do.”

“Dad… You know that I only drink coffee, right?”

“I’m sure people are fussing about how we can see through our masks. Haha…”

▪ ▪ ▪

I have finally arrived in Cotona Square after walking with a mask on. I stood out a lot, but thankfully it wasn’t such a pain.

It’s kind of astonishing to see them with those suits and masks. Men or women, we were all wearing the same for uniformity. I was then received by Sean.

I don't know though. I can't see their faces.

“I guess everyone is here now. Sorry for being late.”

“But your plan of dispersal worked, Gin. Our base will be found out if we didn’t plan that.”

“Really? I didn’t think it would work that well.”

“I’m still amazed how we can clearly see. This mask is great.”

“Gin!”

“’Sup, Hiro.”

“Everything is ready and the request is being sent.”

“I feel sorry for interrupting the whole country…”

“Hahh… Any time soon, they will be here. I’ll ask them to take positions now.”

“Gin, is it you, Makoto, and Tenth in front?”

“Yep. I’ll just quickly put down my bag and get ready. While we’re waiting, we should at least take a seat and eat some grubs.”

~ ~ ~

And so, at last… Someone from the distance is approaching. It is just him that is coming. The brave senator himself is heading towards us, alone. As he is walking towards us, he started speaking.

Indeed, the air is starting to get tenser…

“Ahh… You finally showed up, you wretched beings. I have come as per your invitation… but it is quite unfair that you didn’t put the exact time and date. How shameful…

You people are never accepted in this world. Why dare hide from us? All that is needed is for all of you to get disposed and be thrown away. Don’t you get it? You are all trash that is not necessary in this world! Did you show up here just to get you’re heads tilted down?

But I shall thank you for the reason that this open field is closed down to the public. I can do what is needed to be done.

I, as a senator of this country… My objective is to make this world more peaceful not with just the laws but of course-“

…or so he thought.

“Man, this is the first time in two years since I had fries from Mc and I can’t savor it because I’m eating by opening this mask ever so slightly. I don’t want my ugly face to be revealed.

Oh, Senator. Pardon our rudeness of eating fast-food fries in front of you. We were listening.

Alright, let’s stand as paying respect to an authority under the legislative branch.”

“Senator Joseph Horach, we bid you a good day.” Tenth, without his face shown modestly greeted.

It seems that he didn’t see such an anticlimactic scene coming. But regardless of the scene we made, it was just right to at least pay respect even if we are in no position to do such a thing.

“W-W-What is this nonsense?!”

He suddenly paused and hesitation built up to his head. By the looks of it, he’s probably putting up a front.

“Excuse my unsightly composure.

But you don’t deserve to see my respectable sight anyways since you are all just beings of garbage.”

“Such verbal abuse coming from him…”

“I am in the position to do whatever I want now. All that is present here are the Exiles and I. It is easy to make such a scene once everything is over.

No press, no cameras and no reporters. It is very convenient that this field is closed off to the public. Right now, you Exiles are standing on the palm of my hand!

Hahahahahaha…!”

"…

Lol."

~ ~ ~

Meanwhile, in a certain broadcasting tower…

“I hope the signals are coming through the televisions properly. This is the last week of the show so I really do hope that nothing bad happens.”

“Hey! A notification came in! There’s a request of an emergency broadcast!”

“Oh, great… Just as I was saying.

What’s their location?”

“It’s from Cotona Square!”

“Wha… There? Alright, let’s see, let’s see…

Oh, we got in! Huh? Wait, their broadcast is requested, right?”

"Y-Yes…!"

"Then… Then why are the broadcast being forced to prompt?!"

"But look…

What are these people… Are those masks?”

“Wait, is that the senator…?”

~ ~ ~

A television show is currently airing that is currently a mainstream and topping the ratings off. Right now, this is the third to the last episode of it and it is expected that there will be a lot more people watching it.

But in a lot of households nationwide, their viewing time has been interrupted by a suspicious angle of a camera that is located in Cotona Square.

“What happened?!”

“What in the world is this?!”

“Are they the guys with masks that had been floating around social media?”

“Woah, how can they see with those?”

“No! The show!”

“Hey, look! Is that Senator Horach?”

“Are they the Exiles?”

“The letter from the interview! I remember now!”

“What could be happening there?”

“Be quiet! I think the Senator is speaking!”

In a matter of minutes, the whole country shook.

~ ~ ~

“Well then, Mr. Senator. You just said that you can do whatever you want now. May I ask what is it that you will do?”

“Good going, Tenth.”

“I expected such stupidity coming from your heads. You don’t even know what my objectives are? What foolish beings!

Well… I’ll tell you lots of a very memorable story.

Since you are all mindless beings, I’m sure that you have no idea what happened twelve years ago.”

(!)

“A call center company was attacked by a lone killer and killed 43 innocent people. It was before I became a businessman and a politician. I hired a foolish one to eliminate every one inside the building telling him that they are all disguised to hide their identities of being people of the underworld.

And the brat took the bait and eliminated all of them! This just shows how naïve children became! By framing him, I cornered him and I acted as a victim and justice was served! I made it look like he was the one that planted a bomb that exploded the whole building.

All I want is to serve justice to our people so we can live a more peaceful life. I will do everything to grasp my ideals and make the wars stop. You know, I don’t care if there are sacrifices involved. It doesn’t matter if I need to kill. As long as I see the ideal world I want, I will keep going.

Now I am a respectable senator of this country. One more step and I can become the president. I will wait for the next elections to come. But while waiting, I guess I can dispose the trash and burn them.”

It is indeed true that we can’t turn back time and change the future. A broken ceramic will never remain the same even if you put it together again.

Right now, Makoto is experiencing deep agony as he was listening to the words of that beast.

“Makoto, hang in there…”

“Why tell us, senator?”

“Why you ask? You really are dumb.

Of course, because this will be the place you will all meet your end!”

“…

How ironic, Joseph Horach. A human losing his humanity. Are you not ashamed of how rotten you have become? I have experienced a lot of cruelty when I was still an ordinary man. But you are the most rotten to the core.

Then let me tell you something too, Joseph Horach. We decided to show ourselves just for you. Right now, you are witnessing an exclusive and unprecedented sight that no one has ever seen, apart from you. We, who our names have been erased, popped out from nothing just to see you eye to eye.

As much as I don’t want to say, I am disappointed to see such an inhuman act.”

“Hah. So you bunch can speak with arrogance, huh?”

~ ~ ~

At the same time, in Gin’s house.

“Huh? I don’t see Gin. He said he will be in front.”

“Look closer Akira, maybe he’s behind your father. The principal is in the middle so he’s probably close.”

“Please… everyone. Be safe.”

“Gin…”

“Look, the guy in the right side is speaking. Do you know her, Ringo?”

“N-No… I think that’s the first time I’m seeing him.”

“I have listened to your nice words, cold blooded killer. I am truly moved by your lovely little speech.

They respect the strong, and they laugh on the weak. Indeed, we are stupid, dumb, unnecessary, and a trash. I’d say…

Those who don’t value other people’s lives are worse than any other trash.”

“Wait… Why does that sound so familiar…”

“You’re right Jean. I really feel like I heard that somewhere, but I don’t remember…”

“And you call yourself a hooman- I mean…”

“HUH?”

“Did that guy said ‘hooman?’”

“So that guy is Gin?!”

“What happened to his hair?!”

~ ~ ~

“And you call yourself a human? I bet you don’t even care anymore if a relative of yours lost their life. What I can see in your gaze is that you only care for your life, ideals and twisted desires.

You know, there’s no need to hide it. I know that the thing that brings you the most satisfaction is killing anyone that enters your vision.”

…

“Hahahaha…

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA…! Yes, you are definitely right! Just now, I thought all of you are just brainless vessels but to think that you can actually perceive my objective is extremely amazing!

Now that you have proven that you have a brain, can you please die now?”

Horach took a gun from his back and aimed it approximately close to my heart.

BANG!

And so, I finally meet my end and fell flat on the ground.

“Hey!”

“Oi! Are you okay?!”

“Hey, wake up!”

“Anyone! We need first aid!”

~ ~ ~

“Gin!”

“N-N-No way… Gin was… shot…”

“No, Gin!”

“Ringo! Are you okay?! Don’t just stay quiet there! We’re going there!”

“No… It’s alright…”

“What do you mean, Ringo?! Look! Gin is dying! He needs you there!”

“Huh? What do you mean?” dumfoundedly, Rin asked.

“Huh?! Can’t you understand that the one you love is dying now?!”

She knows that there is nothing she can do anymore. Sudden moments happened at sudden times, thus, she can't properly comprehend what was going on. She remained sat with her head lowered while clenching her fists.

“…

Pfft… Ahahahahahaha…!”

“R-R-Ringo…?”

“Is… is she losing it now…?”

“Ahahaha! Gin’s acting is really funny! There’s no way they’re going to be hurt with a gun.

Look closely. Right now, Gin is acting. His hand…

And you should listen, they’re not calling their names.”

At first glance, it looks like he really was shot, but Makoto and Tenth aren’t showing the part where Gin was hit and he’s making a thumbs up gesture while seemingly lying down cold to the ground.

“…

Huh??”

“N-No! Don’t die on us…!”

“There’s no way this could be happening!”

“HAHAHAHAHAHA! One down! Just more than a hundred to go! I’m seriously enjoying this. Thank you for giving me entertainment! Now you can all go after hi-“

“Ahh… it feels like a kid threw a pebble on my chest."

“What the- How are you still alive?! I made sure that the bullet hit you exactly in the heart!”

“Oh, are you talking about this bullet? It’s cute. I shall keep it.”

“HAAAAHHH?!”

“He stood up like nothing happened?! What in the blue blazes is happening, Ringo?!”

Explanation!

“I was actually watching them prepare for this since the start. The long suits that they are wearing are no ordinary fabric. At the last minute when they were finishing the masks, they discovered a happy accident.

Imagine hot glue stick in a glue gun. It leaves a thread like remains when you heat it up, right? The material used for the mask when heated, it will melt.

Ah, no. That's a very poor analogy. Nevermind.

They managed to modify its properties so it can become cloth-like.

It’s just like a fabric to the touch, but it is actually strong, durable, and hard to destroy. It’s serving as their armor and shield right now.”

“Uhh… I know that you were coming to their base after school… but they produced those much in just a few days?!”

“That is half correct, Jean. They actually used the room where Gin spent his two years. They used that to shorten the duration of the work. But of course, things didn’t go as planned. They past a month inside so the gravity changed.

But thanks to Ken, who has entered the room earlier, he taught them how to endure the increase of the gravity. It’s also a big upside that the people who entered the room physically trained themselves.

And in the base itself, they also worked to amp up the efficiency more so I watched the process of making the cloth without entering the Void.”

“Woah… Ringo is so talkative that I can't believe it."

“Thank goodness Gin is safe. I almost had a heart attack earlier…”

“Dad never told me of their plans. Boo…”

~ ~ ~

“How could that even happen?! How?!”

“Do you really want to know how?

Then kill us.”

“Urgh… You! Come out now!”

Out of nowhere, a man with a cover in his face charged towards me. He’s really fast and agile. He brought out a small gun and as he closed our distance, pointed the gun directly on the forehead part of my mask. It is so close that the tip of the gun is literally like a kiss on my forehead.

Without dodging, I whispered to him.

“Hey… Have you heard of ricochet?”

BANG!

He was taken aback by what I said but still pulled the trigger directly on my head. The gun itself dispersed into pieces as he stepped back because of how the bullet bounced off of the mask.

“Forget what was said earlier…

We are not letting ourselves die here. Call us trash, but we also have dreams. We are not different from innocent humans who strive to achieve something.”

“So we stood here, trying to make our dreams come true…

And achieve our freedom while remaining an Exile.”

“Argh… Why are you just standing there?! Take him out!”

Once again, he charged on me without any weapons, but his fists and feet. It’s fortunate that I can still evade while he keeps his momentum going.

“Let’s switch! Go in front of the others! I can handle him better!”

“Thanks!”

“Thanks, Makoto.”

If we were to exchange conversations, we need to lower our voices because we can’t call out our names.

“Watch out, Tenth. Horach is coming.”

“You take him. I’ll ask Ken to go in front.”

“Got it. Watch your back.”

Horach came running with an outraged expression towards me. He took me by surprise with a knife that he took on his back.

His movements are surprisingly agile regardless of his appearance. He’s also good at handling a knife. I would say that the knife he is using has some weight in it and it seems that it was a combat knife that the military possibly used.

As much as I hate to say, his dexterity, his arms, his movements in general are of a skill of an expert.

“Urgh… Just die already!”

I have been dodging his strikes for a bit and now he is probably getting irritated by my dodges.

But I almost took a hit on my head. If my mask was not strapped around my head, I may have gotten a graze on my ear and worst, my left ear might just fly off to the distance.

“Outputting more strength, huh…”

“You’re no use to this world… Why do you keep running and running?! Do you even have a purpose in your lives?! You have no right to live! Just go and disappear, you worthless pieces of trash…!”

“'Do you even have a purpose in your lives?!'”

“Horach…

Now you have said the words I don’t ever want to hear from that mouth of yours that pukes frogs.”

Stay calm…

Stay calm…

Suppress your anger… Don’t lose control… Breathe… Remain composed… Stay calm…

It is not our objective to harm, and we never intended to. We came here to end the mess that took us away from our once normal lives. Honestly, I am sick and tired of living in this cruel of a world.

But I… But we have no choice. This is the only world we live on.

“Harming anyone will be inexcusable… So why don’t we just apprehend them?”

“Hey, Horach. Can I ask you- Close!

…something?”

“You have no right to speak!”

“Hahh… I’m persistent so I’ll ask anyways.

Are we not humans?”

“Shut up!

Of course, you are not humans. You’re all just superficial beings in the end! You are all aliens… inferior aliens that is under the humans…!”

“He’s not running out of verbal abuse, huh.”

“Inferior, you say?

But why is it that you haven’t landed a single strike on me? You’re superior to us, right? You are above us Exiles. You’re human just like any other, right?

A human who has lost his humanity just to satisfy his senseless makeshift of a justice by killing anyone that you see.”

“RAAAHHH!!! Go die!!!!”

“Last question…

We’re inferior… So how come you haven’t killed anyone of us?”

Provocation is such a cliché when it comes to dealing with hot-headed people. Finally, the time bomb exploded.

He abruptly stopped and once again charged. Not to me, but to the hundreds of Exiles behind me. I let him pass, and I have failed to apprehend him… because it is not my job to do that.

“EVERYONE! MOVE TO YOUR POSITIONS NOW!”

Shouting—one of the most essential ways of communicating. It isn’t recommended to use on a daily basis, but Horach himself started shouting a few minutes ago, so it doesn't matter.

The only ones that are left on standby is Tenth and Ken, who are the ones that shall immobilize Horach. Ken, entering the Void, helped sharpen his senses and movements.

“I would love to hear his experience inside the room and what change he had undergone.

I’m counting on you two.”

The others ran with all their might while uniformly running one line. They took their position and formed a human circle with their front outside surrounding Horach and his lackey. The backs of their long suits shall act as shields like we really intended to.

As they organize themselves more, they started condensing and compressing until the circle they formed shrank to a circle fitting only a few people inside it.

It was definitely a risky move, but it is our only choice to perhaps make an inescapable cage.

Unintentionally, the two got startled and confused with the formation. It also became a decoy for Makoto, Ken, and Tenth to hopefully conclude this fiasco.

As Horach’s lackey was still in shock, Makoto managed to grab a rope inside his suit and tied the guy’s arms and upper body. I have observed that Makoto was holding back more than when we sparred. I do understand that he doesn’t want to kill or harm anyone anymore.

On the other side, Ken took the upper hand and broke the knife with his bare hands. He then took the ends of Horach’s collar and pinned him on the ground and Tenth cuffing both of his hand and checking if he still had more weapons in his disposal.

With the wave dying down, Tenth continued to lead.

“Phew… Everyone, don’t lower your guard and stay in position.”

“Yes, Te- I mean, Sir!”

“Are they secured now?” I asked after landing from a leap to the human wall.

“Apprehended Horach.”

“Immobilized successfully.”

“This isn’t a fail-safe plan. The sun is not about to set any time soon. Remember that, every one of you.”

“Persistent beast! Let go of me!

You dare touch me with those filthy hands of yours?! Get these sinful hands away from me!”

“You’re really getting on my nerves, Joseph Horach…”

“Sinful…?

You who blab about insulting the weaklings, would you please shut that mouth that is filthier than our hands?”

As the surrounding finally calmed down, we heard footsteps of someone running.

“Guys! Someone’s coming…!”

“Look closer! Are they backups?!”

“He’s wearing a long blue suit and his eyes are scary. He’s alone.”

“Hahaha… That wimp’s awfully late.”

“Makoto…?”

Now that it got clearer for us in the inside to see, the one who is approaching us is actually someone from the police.

I think this is the first time I’m seeing Juno Artecus in action… not as a detective.

He took every one of us by surprise seeing as he easily leaped through the barrier we formed and went inside the circle.

“It’s best not to underestimate that guy.”

“You’re later than we expected, Mr. Police.”

“Let’s cut to the chase…

Senator Joseph Horach, I am Juno Artecus of Cotona PD and with the direct orders of President Maven Aquos along with attempted murder…

You are under arrest.”

…

“Reinforcements are coming in any second. I ask of you to open a passageway for my men to take these two out.”

“Aren’t you going to arrest us too?”

“I was also ordered by the president himself not to lay a finger on anyone of you.”

“Well, while waiting, can you hold this guy for me, (Gin)?”

“…”

“Oh… I get it now, Makoto.”

On that queue, he stepped forward. Even with his mask on, he still wore a big smile of happiness.

“Alright. Guys, make an opening for them.”

“Thanks. Mr. Officer, come with me for a second. Let your men handle those on the inside.” Makoto tapped the detective's shoulder, leading him out of the circle.

“…?

I don’t get it…”

“Sir! We’re here!”

“Good. Come inside the human barrier and take the two without a mask. Quickly cuff them and-" A loud whack sounded. "Oi…! What do you think you’re doing?!”

“Sir!” his men immediately pointed their guns to Makoto.

It is as I expected that Makoto will try to kick Juno and ended up missing because of Juno’s vigorous block. After all, Makoto has a score to settle with his childhood friend.

This time, he is not holding back but Juno can still avoid those relentless attacks.

“Sir! We’ll go and apprehend him too!”

“Halt! I’ll handle him alone! You take care of the two!”

“Roger!”

…

Having exchanged missed blows, Juno's perceptive ability has noticed that something was off.

“You masked man… Who are you really…?

Those movements… without a doubt, it’s his… Are you him…?!”

“Who could you be talking about? Do I know you?”

“Then why charge to me…? Do you have a reason why you're doing this?!”

“Well, yeah…

It’s just that you look like the guy I crossed fists with when I was fifteen years old. Call it my unfinished business…”

“…!

So it really is you, Ma-“

“Close that mouth of yours. We will all be doomed if you continued what you’re about to say, Juno.

Don’t expect a reunion right now. But don’t worry. I turned to a new leaf twelve years ago. I have atoned on my sins.

I guess you should thank that foulmouthed senator of this country for setting me up. Though, I lost my memories when we met that time that’s why I attacked you without any hesitation.

I’m sorry for suddenly disappearing.”

Juno let out a big sigh and looked on the faceless long lost friend of his.

“Then, for the meantime, can the Exiles help us with this matter on our hands?”

“We’re no vigilantes, so just for today.”

“It’s okay. Anyways, the pre-“

“Everyone! The president has arrived!”

Actually, most of the Exiles don’t even know the face of the president. But now, he’s coming with his guards.

The guys opened up the barrier in order for the two captives to be passed on to the police.

As it opened, the whole circle dispersed and the president was welcomed by Tenth.

“Good day to you, Mr. President. Excuse this question, but what could be the reason of your arrival in this dangerous zone?”

“Likewise, Mr. Exile.

Ever since that letter, I decided to leave everything in the hands of the Exiles because I had a hunch that something will definitely happen. I was the one that ordered to close the whole Square until something out of the ordinary takes place here.

I presume it was your work that the Channel 7 received a broadcast request?”

“Yes, indeed. We were actually surprised that the senator didn’t see a broadcast coming.

Now, he’s shouting.”

“How did this happen?! How was I found out?! How?!”

“He was the most respectable of the senators but he actually is a twisted killer. It’s not even pitiful.”

“That’s your words, sir. I just hope that no one heard that.”

“Hahahahaha…

Well, I am here because I have something to tell the nation. Don’t worry, no reporters and press is going to come here. But I will ask if I can borrow your broadcasting system for what I am going to tell.”

“If it is far from harming us, we will accept.”

“Mark my word, nothing will happen.”

~ ~ ~

“Wow… Gin is actually seeing the president in flesh right now…”

“I don’t even know what is happening anymore.”

“This is why I never cared for the politics…”

“’The sun is not about to set any time soon.’”

“Ringo…? Now you’re sounding more like Gin.”

“Can’t be helped, Shiro. Hehe…”

“But Ringo has a point, Shiro. Even with the president, his guards, and the police present… they cannot be at ease yet.”

“Ehem… Attention, those who are watching from the televisions and anyone that is present in the scene.”

“Oh, the president is about to say something. Let’s listen.”

“I have something to disclose to the public regarding the existence of the Exiles. The roots of how they have become ever since the 40’s has been flowing in my blood.

The truth is, my grandfather, who was the former president of this country was not a very good leader. He was the roots of the abusive acts that took place in that administration.

Little did we know that because of that, those who were abused were either killed or vanished from the existence. We have the very tiny knowledge of what and who the Exiles really are. Seeing them now, I assume that they have kept quiet until this day.

I am not in the position to tell any encouraging things for them. Right now, they probably have zero trust on us because of how they were thrown away and became rejects not just of the society, but of the world.

Sad to say, it is us humans that harm our own kind. We are all foolish. They have lived a quiet life for decades, and their silence was recently paused because of the mess we dealt to them. Now they arose from the void, wanting to reclaim their silence.

Earlier, I have talked with the few of the faceless. It is true that they want to reclaim their silence, but their main objective is to reveal the real identity of Senator Horach and fulfill the dream they had wished for decades…”

~ ~ ~

“…This is why I am here. I want to end the dirty doings my grandfather started. It is my responsibility to witness what they ask for.

Anyone from the Exiles, I would like to invite a representative to step forward.”

…

“Gin.”

“Are you sure, Tenth?”

“Go. You proceed in front.”

“I won’t fail you.”

…

“Thank you very much, Mr. Exile. May I know your name?”

“It is part of our wish as faceless to hide our identities. That is why we are here with this mask.”

“If that is the case, I will respect it. Now, I will lend you my ears.”

“…

Hear our wish, world.

As I have said, our identities will never be revealed until we are living. Not even our names or information.

Next, leave us alone.

We Exiles seek freedom that we never once had. We will continue living as who we are. So we ask of you to not lay a finger on us. We will assure all of you that we pose no threat to anyone. We have watched this cruel world for a long time now… And we have had enough of all of the wars that are happening in the years. We don’t want such a dystopian world that we all live in.

Our people also have children born as Exiles. It is also for their future which is also our objective.

We wish for us to live as how we prefer. We don’t want to see anymore abusive acts. We are indifferent.

Joseph Horach asked with such a foul expression if we have a purpose in our lives. I will be honest, I was ticked off of those words. We were also humans with dreams. We love people, and we also have individuals that are dearest to us. But as things have gone by, we are no longer humans.

So Mr. President, you yourself showed up to witness this. ‘Normal’ humans, we Exiles wish for our freedom.”

“…

There shall be no need for such unnecessary words.

Listen, people of Orio! I, Maven Aquos, the current president of this country, will hereby grant the Exiles who once lived as ordinary people the freedom they wished. Their identities will stay unknown to the world. Promising that they pose no harm, they are reigned the life as they please, without our intervention.

This is the rewards that I will give you, Exiles, for unfolding the dark history of Senator Horach. You are all the witnesses. Joseph Horach, as of today will be removed from the position in the government and will be sentenced the right punishment for his doings.”

“Mr. President. This storage disk will be of help for you and the sentence that will be given to him.”

Meanwhile, behind the president is where the two captives are.

“You… President… You’re just like them. You are also just a worthless piece of trash that deserves to die!!!”

Using the fuss Horach made, he and his lackey got up and escaped the police who is handling them. Not being far from the president the two ran with their hands cuffed and as they reached the president, they attempted to land a lethal kick on both sides of the president.

“You persistent killers…!”

Just in the nick of time, I managed to block both of blows.

“Urk… This is just like Marcus’s… Argh…! It freaking hurts!”

It is true that bullets won’t penetrate on our suit, but a metal plated, powerful kick on two sides…

Will definitely break both the bones of my forearms.

“Quick! Get those two!”

“Hey! Are you okay?!”

“Are your arms fine?!”

“Urk… Of course I’m not okay… My bones just broke…”

“Quickly! First aid!”

Fortunately, they are once again apprehended. But we’re not expecting this…

“Hurry up! Drop it now!”

Horach’s shout caught our attention and his lackey once again escaped from a police and from his pocket, a rectangular thing dropped that he then kicked towards us Exiles.

The situation suddenly turned to the worst.

“A C4?!

EVERYBODY RUN! THAT IS A BOMB! SOMEONE GIVE ME A SPARE LONG SUIT! QUICKLY!!!”

“Gin! Where are you going?! We haven’t treated your injuries yet!”

“I don’t care…

I PROMISED THAT WE WILL COME BACK ALIVE!!!!”

…

I don’t know…

My body suddenly moved on its own. My legs ran on their own. My broken arms moved on their own.

It hurts…

The pain is extreme…

But it doesn’t matter…

I don’t care anymore…

All that is on my mind…

IS SENDING THAT BOMB FLYING SOMEWHERE.

As I ran, I immediately took the suit even with severely broken arms. My hands just moved. I don’t care anymore if the whole country finds out of my inhuman abilities. I jumped with all of my strength and caught the bomb inside the suit.

“Just as we regained our freedom… Now this is going to happen?! No way I’m going to accept this. I didn’t train my body for nothing. Please, just this one time.

Let me protect the ones I love.”

As I am hovering on thin air, I tied the suit and secured that no holes are seen. It’s just a matter of time before it explodes. I don’t know if this long suit can handle it. I need to throw it somewhere.

“There…! Another open space!

300 meters… That should be enough.”

Oh, how my arms hurt. I don’t know what I’m doing anymore. I realized that there’s nothing I’m holding.

So I looked in the sky as I slowly fall. There is a speck I saw. And it expanded and fell. It was actually the suit I wrapped the bomb on.

I looked down below. They are all alive.

“Thank goodness…”

I briefly lost consciousness, and then I fell.

…

I woke up after momentarily fainting. There I saw that I was caught by Ken.

“Hey… can you stand?”

“I… I should be asking you if you’re okay…

You midget… I’m heavy you know…”

“Yeah, right. So get up, stupid idiot.”

Thank goodness I fell on his shoulders.

“I think we should call an ambulance.”

“Gin… Are you serious?”

“My arms need immediate treatment instead of just first aid. Hiro, Sean. I’ll leave this to you later.”

“Well… I just hope that your regeneration kicks in.

Anyways, thanks for saving us, Gin.”

~ ~ ~

Finally, everything has ended.

Horach is finally on the custody of the police and we remained in the Square. The ambulance came, and I was immediately escorted by Makoto and Juno Artecus in the ambulance.

“Your arms really broke but fortunately, it is not that bad. But your left arm might need a surgery.”

“Nah, it’s okay, Doctor. I know someone that can treat my injuries well.”

“Actually… I have been tuned in earlier. But is it okay if you remove your mask so I can check your face up?”

“Sure.”

“Eh?

Hey (Gin), Are you serious about this?!”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s not like they can check it up.”

I have always thought that it is better to always be ready and think of countless possibilities. I have also thought of this, and I am prepared.

I removed the strapping on the back of my head and I seriously removed my mask, but with caution. I carefully flipped the mask so the only part will be seen is the white front.

The mask is pretty much like a glass and it has the similar property of a pair of sunglasses where the outside is coated but you can still clearly see.

Little did they know that I wrapped my whole face with bandages except for my eyes.

“Oh… I guess I can’t check it…”

“Well then, Doctor. We will be going now.”

“Oh, yes…”

My two companions suddenly had a little conversation.

“Hey, Makoto. Can I have a talk with that Exile alone?”

“Hmm… Sure, go ahead. He’s hard to deal with, though.”

…

“Excuse me, Mr. Exile.”

“What is it, Mr. Artecus?”

“Have… we by chance met before…?”

“Huh??? What are you talking about? There’s no way a vanished human like me had ever interacted with a detective.”

“Wait, have I ever told you that I am a detective?”

“Hahaha… I intentionally did that. There’s no way you can be a detective if you can be this dumb not to know me. You’ll soon know anyways even if I didn’t tell you.”

“Goodness. What a small world. Well, I am truly amazed with how you heroically saved everyone.

I’ll keep this a secret, Mr. Gin Sakato.”

“I hope we don’t ever see each other again.”

“I hope we don’t ever see each other again… not like this.”

~ ~ ~

A few minutes later.

“That guy forgot his mask… Is he still somewhere?”

The doctor went out of the ambulance and tried to search for the person with bandages.

“Doctor? What is that mask you’re holding?”

A young man with a backpack and a camera approached the doctor.

“Ah, have you seen an Exile with bandages on his face? He forgot his mask.”

“Oh, I’m a photographer and I saw someone like that. Here’s a picture. I just saw him not too far, so he will be easy to spot. Can I have it so I can look for him?”

“Sure… here.”

“Thank you very much.

Wait, where is he?! Oh, well I’m going to look for him. Good seeing you, Doctor.”

“Okay…

Wait, aren’t photographers not allowed to enter the Square?”

…

“Ow… my arms hurt like crazy…”

“Hey~ Mr. Photographer. I have a car where you can drop off your things.”

“Oh, hello there, Mr. Principal of Blue Ink. I will gladly take on your offer.”

“But seriously. You changed really fast.”

“Tenth… It’s still difficult to change you know. I can barely move my arm. Thankfully, it was easy to fix my hair back to normal.”

“Thanks for teaching me how to change my hairstyle, Onee-san (Kei’s girlfriend).”

“I really thought the doctor will find out. I just want to role play for a bit so I intentionally left my mask there and disguised as a photographer. I have bandages in my arms and it’s a good thing I brought long sleeves for a change of clothes.”

“Sneaky until the end, Gin.

Alright, let’s go to the car for you to be treated by Hiroomi and Sean. We’re finally going back to the base.”

~ ~ ~

It is not just me that brought a change of clothes. Every one of us brought bags and once again dispersed like we did in the morning.

This is it. As I promised everyone, no one died in the eventful encounter. Our expedition is a success. Now, we can finally live our normal lives as Exiles.

And once again, I am late. Everyone has already returned to the base except for me and Tenth.

“Gin! You’re finally back!”

“Big bro! Thank goodness you’re safe!”

“Gin. Go rest now.”

“Yeah! You deserve a rest more than anyone!”

“Thanks, everyone.

I guess I was the only one who got injured, huh? Alright, after I got my arms treated, I’ll rest.”

“Well, you better have a good rest since the guys that remained in the base are preparing a feast!”

“Woah… seriously?!”

“We’ll celebrate for the success of this! We finally have freedom!”

~ ~ ~

I feel like I ate a week’s worth of food in just one sitting.

It was really fun having a chat with everyone while we were eating. It has been an eventful day but it was all worth it in the end. It is not just my work that made the success, but everyone’s efforts.

If not for their hard work, we won’t have those suits and masks. Those are things that are out of my league.

Thankfully, my injury healed quickly but the X-ray showed that it still has cracks so I can’t make rapid movements for a bit of time.

Almost all of us passed out after the feast of a lunch. I took a nap in one of the rooms since my whole body started to hurt instead of just my arms.

A few hours have passed and it is now 6 in the evening.

Tadaima.

▪ ▪ ▪

It seems that someone is in my house as expected. I was dropped off by Sean into my house so that they can secure my safety.

The lights are on, and so I lifted my key to open the door of the house.

“…

I’m home.”

Just as I opened the door, Rin came running towards me and gave me a warm embrace. She spoke with her face planted on my body.

“Gin…

You taught me that not everything will go as planned. So I clung onto that belief until the end.

But I was still worried…”

“Rin… I just said that I am home.”

“…

Welcome home…!”

“Welcome back. I really thought you exploded there.”

“Good to see you safe, Gin.”

“You deserve a great rest.”

“Gin. Mind if we stay the night?”

“Yea-

Woah… Did you prepare all this?”

“Another feast!”

“This time, it’s not from your fridge!”

“Nii! You’re back!”

“And there goes Anna. She’ll probably call your parents.”

“Hahaha…

Go ahead. Then let’s go play later.”

“Hey, hey. Can we eat now? I’m starving.”

“Get your own plates! You’re not babies anymore.”

“Let me sleep on your lap, Shiro.”

“No.”

“Ehh…”

“If Gin sleeps on my lap, you should let Nacchi too, Shiro.”

“Fine…”

“Meh. Rin will probably sneak on my bed again and sleep beside me just like what she did when I was sick.”

“What?! That seriously happened?!”

“Why didn’t I know that?!”

“That’s really surprising you know!”

“No! That won’t happen again! I swear I won’t sneak on his bed half-asleep!”

Future: She drooled on Gin’s pillow again.

“Why’d you even tell them, Gin!”

“Hahahaha… Pardon the injured, please.”

“Gin! We’re here!”

“Yo, musuko! You’re safe, thank goodness! I thought I will lose a son-in-law.”

“Dad…!” Rin shouted.

“Hahaha…! There’s no way this son-in-law of yours will die that easily.”

“Gin…!” she shouted again.

“So, when is the wedding?”

“Anna?! You too?”

“Can I be the maid of honor?”

“Even Shiro…!”

“Just get married already!”

“Hahahahaha!”

Silence isn’t always just total silence. There is a lot to it. And this silence is what I wished for.

Oyasumi.

Two steps remaining.


Chapter Message:

inhales

That's it for chapter 33!

How is this 30+ page chapter in 8k words done in one day, even I ask myself. And why did I even cram so much in this chapter, I asked anew. But with this, Normal in Parenthesis is definitely on its way to concluding. Two more chapters and this 35-chapter story really is going to end.

kikkeriki

Thank you for reading!

Next

Thirty-four: How I wish I met you, Eijiro.