It was surreal, like I'm seeing someone I never met. He stared at me with emotions that he never showed me before. I tried to keep a straight face and looked ahead but deep inside me, I wanted to scream at him. To tell him about how he hadn't been a parent for me, not even once but that would require so much effort and I am not going to waste any of it on him. It is too late now to show any filial attachment because I had none of it from him.
"Damian, you've been through this once. Do you really want to do this again?"
Instead of answering him, I tried to focus straight ahead. The wires were already attached to my whole body and my head. The only thing missing right now is the serum that this old man was holding.
I didn't even bother looking at him but I knew that he was sighing and was about to give up on my stubbornness.
I know that he was worried. But, that was an emotion that was not familiar with our relationship. We had always been like that. We were family because that was the role that was given to us. I never met my mother and he was never present. I only learned the concept of love and adornment from Maia.
But never from this said family.
He must have fought hard and long with himself because after that he finally went near me holding up the serum.
"Assign a catalyst Damian"
A catalyst? I looked at him and saw his serious face.
"What do you mean?"
"You've been through this once, going through it again would have permanent side effects. So to prevent that from happening, we'll need to assign a catalyst that would trigger and dissipate the seal."
"Never thought they have those things now"
"I've created this recently ever since you came back alive and we had a hard time recovering your sealed memories. Since your emotions will also be sealed this time around, we're going to use this as a lifeline."
They did find it hard to recover all of my memories that weren't associated with Maia because that was all I could remember and frankly enough? If it wasn't a memory where Maia isn't in it then I could care less.
But a lifeline huh? Well, it doesn't matter to me anymore whether I die revolting or not. My only goal is to see to it that this revolution comes to an end. To ensure that peace will be attained again.
I want to see whether Maia's sacrifice was indeed worth it or not. After all, she died for these people right here.
So, a catalyst huh?
"Then I know what my catalyst should be"
I looked him straight in the eyes and muttered the catalyst that I knew would be impossible to get.
Father looked at me with shock evident in his eyes. He must have thought that I was crazy but I was just determined.
I'll seek victory even if it means not having my memories back.
In the blazing fire of the setting sun, Damian and Maki first saw what was really out there. It had been exactly two days since the scientist sealed the raid group's emotions and memories. They had only two days to go over the polished plan and strategy and prepare to bid their farewells to their families. And yet those two days were the pinnacle to the raid that was about to happen.
Standing amidst the blood colored sky were the group that would sacrifice everything they have now to see that this mission will be a success.
And like the color of the sky, they were sure that it would be the only color that they see in the days that are to follow.
This was the first time that Damian and Maki really saw what was out there. They both knew that they were in the forsaken area. An area that used to be an arena for the first Herculean Tournament.
And yet the sight that unravels in front of them looked like the area was an ancient fortress. Ruins of what used to be houses and buildings build up the majority of the area with little trees here and there and a lot of moss sprouting in between rocks and debris. It was so peaceful that you would have mistaken it for a real haven.
As the 56 people gather and recollect themselves, with straight faces and without any further instruction needed they set out. Each one of them minded the sound of the steps that they were doing. With only one goal in mind, they set out straight past the safe zone set by the SDC.
Eventhough the bunker was built underground, SDC had a much larger area above ground which is called the safe zone. Any intruders would immediately be shot at a long range point. The safe zone's borders are reinforced with microchips underground that acts as land mines. These chips can only be activated and deactivated inside of the bunker. The trees that were purposely planted along the borders also act as traps for anyone who dares to intrude.
With a swift hand motion from Commander Zeph, the inside team quickly deactivated the microchips on their path.
It would take them exactly four days before they reach the front house which is miles away from the capital. And since they were walking by foot they had to be careful not to attract some soldier's attention.
They wouldn't want to encounter some difficulties before they can even reach their main destination.
Emotionless, the 56 people focused on their one main goal.
To infiltrate the front house, gather any information they can get their hands on and to put on the grandest show to let the whole world know that the SDC was strong enough to move forward.
That it's finally the perfect time to regain the freedom they had lost.