Chapter 14: Cold as You

*Damian*

After the announcement, everyone went to their own factions. Maki bid Uncle Khel farewell and I quietly glanced at Uncle Khel who was eyeing both Maki and me. I only gave him a curt nod to which he returned and walked beside Maki.

"You're free to hate him Kuya Damian"

I didn't bother looking at Maki but I knew exactly what he meant. Still, there is a part of me that pities Uncle Khel. His decisions aren't all his, Artemis always has a say to all of the things that he does. 

Artemis. The only people who know who the administrator really is are the faction leaders, her family, me, Iavan and my father. Iavan and I weren't supposed to know but we saw it by accident. I don't think the leaders know that we already know who the administrator is because if they do then we should've died.

"Don't worry, I hate him and her enough to not want to be near them again. Are you okay?"

Maki only looked at me before smiling sadly.

"No matter what I do, Ate won't come back alive anymore."

She won't. I always kept on wishing that all of this was just a dream. That when I wake up we'll still be back to square one. Back to that first day in the arena. I would've done everything to prevent her from dying. I would've protected her until the end. I wouldn't let her run by herself.

I shook my head and focused on what was going to be in front of me. I decided that I will see this through and I'll do it in the frontlines. I'm done hiding and running away.

It took us a few more minutes before we finally reached the training rooms. Everyone else was gathered in front of a small makeshift podium. The training room is full of firearms and different weapons that would be useful once the war starts. It's also the place where Maki and I spend most of our time.

"I hope everyone is well. In accordance with the earlier announcement. I would like to take in volunteers first, before I list the necessary people that I know will be vital for this mission"

It didn't take too long before most of the people in our faction raised their hands. Commander Zeph scratched the back of his head as he took in the raised hands that flocked in front of him. Our faction albeit its nature actually has a caring and kind Commander. Commander Zeph has this Mohawk haircut which goes along well with his eye scar. He may look menacing but he is a softie, especially with Maki. It was like Maki had a special place in his heart.

I've heard it a thousand times already, the reason why he became our faction's commanding officer. Apparently, he used himself as a shield for the administrator earning him the position of the commander. He was also a citizen of H City and had the longest platonic relationship with Artemis' mother.

I looked around and noted how almost everyone in our faction wanted to join in the raid. Our faction is full of arrogant and chauvinist men who want to take in their own pride in the war. They see this war as a means to gain popularity. To be known as a war hero. I saw Maki shake his head before bravely raising his hand.

"Commander Zeph I would like to volunteer"

All eyes landed on Maki and I could only grin. I raised my hand and stared at Commander Zeph directly.

"Let me join too"

A small smile landed on Commander Zeph's face as he cleared his throat and nodded at both of us. He then beckoned us to join him in front. 

"I would now pick the necessary men that are fitted for this mission"

We could feel the deadly stares from everyone in the faction especially from the ones who were in the Alpha chapter but we couldn't care less. Our first priority is to make sure that this mission will be a success. And I am determined to finally end this meaningless war even if it means using nepotism.

After the decision on who would go with this raid, the commander dismissed everyone and gave instructions for the volunteers and chosen ones to stay behind after training hours.

A total of 12 people were included in our faction. The other ten were chosen for their physical capabilities.

"There will be a total of 56 people who will go on this raid. 12 from each faction along with the faction's vice-commanders and an acting vice for their own group. The only commander who will be leading this raid is me."

I looked at Commander Zeph and somehow felt like he had his doubts about this raid. Personally, everyone would have doubts about it. It was supposed to be a raid so one of the main key points to keep in mind is to invade quietly. But, we wouldn't be able to do such a thing when there are a lot of us that will be going.

"There's another thing that you will have to do for this raid"

With a serious face and expression etched on his features, Commander Zeph eyed every last one of us that will be participating.

"You will need to undergo the sealing of memories and emotions"

As he said that, his gaze landed on me. With pity he took on my surprised expression. He knows what I've been through. He knows exactly what happened.

The catalyst why I lost Maia. The very thing that broke us up. The thing I didn't want to go through again. The very thing I despised, I had to endure it all over again.

I felt my breathing become more ragged. As the reality dawned over the other members, all I could feel was disgust. I clenched my fist to contain the anger rising inside of me. 

"We need to do this. To ensure that the raid will go well"

Of course, this was all perfectly planned out. Afterall, she wouldn't agree to letting her soldiers run rampant outside while their memory was still intact. It was in the case of being captured. With our memories sealed there was nothing we could reveal to our capturers. Typical Artemis.

"Kuya"

I looked at Maki and saw how determined he was that it clouded his expression and masked the pain he was feeling. I remember having the same expression once, back when I saw Maia leaving my father's lab. I nodded at him and gave him a pat in the head.

"I know but it's all for her. To see this to the end. It's not much of a sacrifice compared to what she gave"

That was what I said but the pain wouldn't subside. The ache in my chest would not quiet down.

The only thing that was left to me was my memories of Maia. The memories that I failed to cherish. 

And now, to fulfill her wish. To end this war, I would have to let go of it again.

I don't want to forget about her again. Her smile, her voice, her face, our memories together. Those were all the precious memories that I never want to lose again. It was the only thing I had left of her and I don't want to lose it.

I don't want to but I should.

For the future that we all want to achieve.

For the end that she wanted to seek.