Recollection and Rebellion

Ep. 1

　The acrid smell of flesh rotting and smoke was the only thing the boy remembered from his life back in the city of Slum. Clouds of dusts always covered the surroundings, which also lead to difficult breathing.

　There ware no peace even for a second in Slum. Food is most likely to be found from garbage dump, and are often in poor and yet are fought over by residents all the time. The lack of access to food sources, young children there were forced to either learn to live without eating the minimum, or learn skills to kill and eat off of human in order to survive as long as possible.

　While at that, Gangs grouping up with self-made and robbed weapons were all around the corner who never hesitated to kill to feed themselves.

　With no way out of the Slum, there was one peculiar boy with hair as white as quartz , with a dash of scarlet dyeing a few locks wandered around fatuously with barefoot waiting for The Death to come and take his life.

　His abnormal hair color already stood out regardless of the location, but compared to the despondent scenery around, he was a lamb among the wolfs.

　"……Is he really the one we're looking for? "

　"Do you not sense his Potency? Just try not to damage his brain. I'll tell you when to go. "

　"But…… he's only like, six or seven, right? Are you sure he really is──"

　Two men coating themselves in jet-black garments lurked in the shadow of the dilapidated buildings, concealing their presence.

　Observing the boy walking unsteadily, one of them, seeming to be timid and unsure, started to doubt the mission they were assigned.

　When he was about to speak another word, the other man rustled shush to silence his partner.

　"We're just hired to do our job. Let's just finish this quickly. "

　Forcing his temporary-partner's courage together, he whispered sharply. He then pulled out syringes from the holster, flicked his finger at it to make sure all airs are removed within. After giving his partner the syringe, he signaled with eye contact to begin on their formation.

　Surrounding the boy from both front and back, a man sprinted to the boy's back, grabbing the head with one hand then striking him hard. With sudden attack and due to starvation, the boy was not able to react to it quick enough and was crucified to the ground. Faint grunt was the only resistance the boy could've done at that moment.

　"You didn't needed me to go."

　"It's for form's sake. Anyway, here, tie his wrist together. "

　A man inserted syringe's needle to the boy's neck, then injected fluids in. The boy's body spasmed for that instance until the fluid injected had taken effect, and in the end he became completely motionless.

　As his partner ordered to, a man prepared ropes and tied the boy's wrist behind his back. Unexpected from him appearing to be scaredy man with little to no experiences in dirty job, he tied the rope with ease as if it is his everyday job.

　"So, uh, we are leaving now right?"

　"Rowan, why did you decided to accept this mission if you get THIS frightened in Slum?"

　While heaving the boy by his shoulder, he snared at his partner, Rowan. He was startled furthermore by the intimidation. Body slightly shivering, he attempted to say something back, but what came out of his throat was a mere stammer. The immense pressure by his partner in the end made Rowan shut his mouth completely.

　Carrying unconscioys boy, two men left the Slum while thrashing the Gangs on their way. At the entrance of the Slum──or so is called that way for convenience, they were welcomed by black limousine that concealed the interior from outside world by window tin.

　The driver observed them through side view mirror, then unlocked the door. Rowan sat down on backseat first. As soon as he roosted down on the seat, he exhaled one huge sigh of relief.

　On contrary, a man carried the boy kept his stiff face on and did not let the guard down. He crudely stuffed the boy in next to Rowan, got inside himself and slammed the door shut, as if he is in distress constantly.

　"Xona, you should correct that habit. You know that it scares me every time you slam the door. "

　Rowan stated as he stared at the ceiling and loosening up the tension. Xona glanced at him with contempt, clicking his tongue with annoyance.

　The silence remained the rest of their trip back to the orphanage. Rowan tried to start conversation by asking Xona what he does in his free time, but it was ignored in the end.

　"……I'm not planning on befriending anyone, including you, Rowan. We are just hired to do the job. "

　"I know──but, I mean, it's just that…"

　"Just what?"

　"Do you not feel empty?"

　Xona stiffens in astounishment for a moment, biting his lip. One simple question out of curiosity somehow strucked him.

　"Look, Rowan. Do I have to explain to you about this? We are mercenaries. We could die at any time. "

　"You're saying that we can't live as normal person anymore?"

　"Indeed. You are same as me, aren't you? "

　"Well, maybe, but I'm trying not to be. "

　Rowan thought he nailed a good counterpunch as he grinned. Without knowing it himself, the smile seemed to be mixed with sorrow. Xona could not interpreted it as a mere joke, and for instance he felt his heart stinged for a second.