“Things come and go; ephemeral, fleeting. There will be a time where we will say our farewells to someone.”

▪ ▪ ▪

November 23.

“Gin, please read the contents in the next page.”

“Umm… starting in this paragraph?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Okay~

‘Aking mga nasasakupan… marahil kayo ay napapaisip kung bakit kayo ay tinipong lahat sa harap ng palasyong ito.

Ako ay may nais na ilahad sa inyo sapagkat ito lamang ang araw na nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataon na kayo ay aking makaharap. Batid ko na kayo ay dinadalaw ng pagtataka sa aking mga pananalita…

Ngayon, akin nang sasabihin sa inyo.

Sa loob ng ilang araw, ang koronang ito ay akin nang ipapamana sa nararapat na magsuot nito! Ako ay hindi isang dugong-bughaw. Isa lamang akong ordinaryong tao na inampon ng pamilya ng pagkahari.

At ang aking mga araw ay nabibilang na. Ako ay dinapuan ng isang malubha at nakamamatay na sakit na aking iniinda para pagsilbihan ang kahariang ito.

Nais ko lamang—na ako ay yumao nang may dangal sa akin, hindi dahil sa ako ay isang dugong-bughaw; kundi bilang isang mamamayan ng kahariang ito!

Marahil ay idinikta na ng kalikasan na labis na ang aking mga gantimpalang natamo sa buhay na hindi nararapat para sa akin, at ngayon ay binabawi na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng aking buhay.

Ang buhay na ito ay hindi na naaayon na umiral pa. Ako lamang ay isang taong nakaligtas sa digmaang tatlumpung-taon na ang nakalilipas. Ako ay tinuruan na humawak ng tabak at naging hari. Ang aking buhay ay hindi katanggap-tanggap at ang titulong ito ay maipapasa lamang sa nararapat.

Nais ko lamang na kayo ay mamuhay sa ilalim ng isang tunay na pinuno!’

('To my people… perhaps you are wondering why you are all gathered here in front of the palace.

I have something that I wish to tell you as this is the only time that I have the opportunity to face all of you. I am very much aware that my words left confusion to you…

And now, I will declare to all of you…

In days' time, this crown will be passed on to who is truly worthy to wear this! I am by no means a royal blood. I am just a mere commoner who was adopted by the royalty.

And, my days will not be long. I have been infected with a severe and life-endangering disease that I have been fighting to serve this kingdom.

All that I wish for—is that I want to die with my honor, not as a royalty, but as a child of common birth instead!

It seems that nature itself has dictated that I have obtained more than what I can in the life I do not deserve and now it is being returned in exchange with this life.

This life shall not exist anymore. I am just a no one that survived the war thirty years in the past. I was taught how to hold a sword, and became a king. My life is indeed unacceptable and this title ought to only be passed on to a worthy one.

That is why I wish that all of you… live under a real, a worthy leader!')”

At the end of the story, the king died after nine days with the crown passed on with the new ruler. He closed his eyes with a smile on his face, being contended with his death.

But I can start an argument about him not accepting the life he had while the crown was still on his head.

I accepted the reality that I can’t be a normal human every single time. I’m fighting this huge storm right in front of me and I’m still walking amidst of the force of the storm.

▪ ▪ ▪

“Hey, Ringo. Care to tell us what happened yesterday?”

“Uhh…

Sorry, Gin told me that it’s still too early for you to know. So right now, we’re going to keep it to ourselves.”

“Ehh…”

“I guess if that’s what he said, I’ll respect it. I bet it’s kind of hard to tell us.”

“Woah, Shiro’s quite sharp…

But I wonder why Gin is very quiet right now.”

“If that’s really the case, knowing Gin, it’s probably connected with the Void or something.”

“He’ll eventually tell us. Am I right Gin?

…

Gin?”

“Is he in a daze or what?”

.

.

.

“Hey… is this serious?”

“What the…”

“So this is the effect of that drug… I guess it’s not yet near the completion of this medicine.”

“But I never thought that a drug can destroy one’s rationality.”

“027… No way… the doctor…”

My hands hurt a lot.

I wonder what they are talking about.

And why am I kneeling… over a doctor…?

Wait, what in the world happened to him?

He’s bleeding really bad… Ah, my hands really hurt…

Huh?!

My hands… are red…

Blood…

What is happening…? Someone tell me…

I’m scared…

I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared, I’m scared…

“Oi, I think he’s back!”

“Oh thank goodness, that wasn’t a permanent brain damage.”

“Quickly, check his vitals! Look if there are any complications in his body.”

“Yes, Doc!”

“He’s crying now!”

“Kid, calm down! Everything will be fine.”

“027…”

I am scared.

Did I just… kill someone…?

.

.

.

“…

in…

KA. TO. GIN!” an inch closer and Rin will hit Gin's nose.

“Huh?”

“Oh, finally you’re awake!”

“What?”

“You’ve been out for it for quite some time, you know?”

“What… just happened?”

“Well… I guess you wouldn’t remember since you’re like in some kind of genjutsu.”

“Yeah, you’re just sitting there like an owl that doesn’t even budge in a branch.”

“Huh… Did that ha-“

(!)

“Oh… I was remembering a memory I shouldn’t have recalled.”

“Now that’s dark…

Alright, you can tell us about yesterday whenever you want.”

“Oh, I guess…”

“Exchange, please? One sausage.”

The mood fortunately lightened with Nagi's demand.

“Here, have lettuce.”

“Jean, last period is vacant today, right?”

“Yep, Nacchi. We have two hours of club today.”

“I almost forgot that you’re entering the contest this year, Jean.”

“I’m still thinking about it. I’m not as eager like last year because a lot of stuff is bugging me right now.”

“We should go back to classroom soon. Don’t want to get late in class.”

▪ ▪ ▪

“Yo, Gin. We’re going to the clubroom first.”

“Sure. I have some things to grab, anyways.

Get the keys from the office.”

“Nyaa.”

It’s rare to have our last period as vacant but when it’s like this, we always hang around the clubroom because we don’t really have anything to do.

I’m so busy looking for things in my bag that I didn’t even notice that I and another student were the only remaining people in the classroom.

“Yo, Ei- I mean… Gin!”

“Huh?”

It was Ken. Ken Ichikawa.

If you can remember him, he’s one of the students who got suspended because of a dangerous prank. But Marcus said that it felt like he was just a tag-along that doesn’t really care about the prank. And the only thing he did was open the door’s shed and stood still while I apprehend his accomplices.

Quite, mysterious… I’d say.

“Oh, Ken. What’s up?”

“Can I borrow a few of your notes? I just realized that I don’t have some of the notes when I was suspended and the exams are quite near.”

“Sure.

If you can, please return it to me in the dismissal.”

“Alright, thanks a lot, Gin!”

As Ken was about to leave the room, a weak clink sounded.

(!)

“What was that?”

“Hey, Ken.”

“Hmm? Gin?”

“Ah, sorry for calling you so abruptly. I just kind of noticed your bracelet on your left wrist.”

I was mistaken.

It was indeed a bracelet… with chains. It was just my eyes playing with me. I thought I definitely saw a small metal plate on it.

I was suddenly remembered of my bracelet from when I was five. I’ve thrown it away already, though.

“This bracelet? It’s quite cool, right? I got it as a present when I was like first year.”

“Yeah, it sure is cool.

Ah, I have to message my mates in the club that I’ll be late.”

“I forgot that you’re from the Art Club. Well, see ‘ya!”

Seriously, I’ve been thinking about things like that to the point that I’m mistaking small things like those.

~ ~ ~

“Hmm… So it’s already dismissal, by the looks of it.”

The bell already rang so that means that students are now going home. It’s kind of unusual that we’re spending two hours for club time.

“Why don’t we move on the rooftop? The sky is clear today and the rooftop was cleaned yesterday.”

Nagi suggested as we are still looking outside of the room from our seats.

“Sounds like a good idea. I’ll go first so I can get the keys.

I’ll message anyone of you once I open the rooftop.”

“Off you go, Gin.”

It was actually a bit of a walk just by going to the office from the clubroom.

“Excuse me, I’ll just get the keys from the rooftop. We’re the Art Club.”

“Oh, the rooftop is actually open right now.”

“Is that so… Thank you very much. I’ll be going, then.”

Well, it’s good that the rooftop is already opened for today.

What’s tiring is walking from the clubroom to the office, then to the fourth floor of the old building just to open a door. So I guess I saved up some time.

But I didn’t even think of going to the clubroom to inform them. What an idiot.

“I guess I’ll just text them…

Oh?”

The door of the rooftop is indeed open, and there is one student outside, looking at the view of the horizon.

“Oh, hello again, Gin.

I was about to go down to return your notes. But I guess I can return it now since we coincidentally met here.”

“Thanks, Ken.

I’ll just call someone so hold still.”

I closed the door but instead of going back inside, I remained on the rooftop while I call Rin.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Gin? Can we go up there now?”

“Sorry. But I think you’re going to be staying in the clubroom until 4.”

“Huh? Did something happen?”

“Don’t tell the others that Ken is here in the rooftop. I’ll just chat with him here.

If they ask, please tell them honestly that I can’t say what’s happening.”

“Alright.”

*beep*

~ ~ ~

“Was that Gin?” upon hearing the tone of the call, Shiro immediately asked.

“Can we go now, Ringo?”

“We can’t go to the rooftop for today. It’s what Gin said.”

“Whaaat. Did something happen?”

“Sorry, he’ll explain later.”

“Hmm… I get it. Let’s just wait for him.”

~ ~ ~

“Sorry that I overheard you talking on the phone… But what was that about?”

“Sorry about that. I just want to have a chat with my other classmates for a change of pace.”

“I would like to have a chat with you too. Hahaha.

I was actually quite amazed when you found out our location that quick, and how you adapt to what was happening that time.”

“Nah. That’s not something I should be proud of, really.”

“But when you dodged the punch and tactically used him as a shield, I was seriously astonished.”

“Should I be proud of it? Lol.

But seriously, I used him as a shield when the two of them came running at me because I know that they won’t hurt your accomplices.”

“Accomplices… That kind of hurt but it’s the truth.”

“Then all you did was stood behind and you just watched the other two tripped.

Wait, I actually saw you laugh when they fell. What a heartless monster.”

“Hahahaha! It can’t be helped.” Ken laughed, rather cheerfully.

“That aside, I was actually wondering why you were with them even though you barely did nothing. And Marcus even said that you didn’t seem to care one bit.”

“That… How should I put it…

I guess it’s just to observe how our chaotic class will end. But I didn’t even think that I will get to see the principal for the first time. It was also astonishing.

I really felt pity when I saw Murasaki in pain when he ran outside of the classroom. I guess it’s really hard to lose a friend. I’m just glad that I didn’t see Akaji when his eyes closed for good.

…

I’ve had enough of seeing such things.”

“Hmm…? Were you whispering something?”

“Ah, no. Nothing, really.

Shouldn’t you be going back to your club?”

“It’s fine. I already told them that I’ll be a bit late.

Besides, I always like to see the sun and the sky together. I wished it every time when I was a child.”

“You wished… it?”

“Yeah. Though, it’s a brat’s wish.”

At that point, Ken suddenly remembered words from a child.

“I wish to see the sun and the sky together in one. It’s pretty when the sunlight changes in color.

But I guess I can’t because we are here.”

“Darn it…

You seriously don’t change…”

“Ken…?”

“Of course, of course…

Hey, Gin.”

“…?”

“Don’t you think it’s pretty when the sun changes in color?”

“Yeah… especially when it turns into orange. It’s nice to see the sky this clear even though it’s winter.

Sometimes, I even weep when seeing this.”

“Hahaha. That’s so uncharacteristic of you.

…

You do know that you’re dense sometimes, don’t you?”

“I’m aware of it. You saying that makes it feel like I’m missing something, though.

No, I’m definitely missing something right now.”

“Wow, you’re just sharp.”

“You’re just too easy to read. Look, you just spoiled that I’m missing something.”

“Pfft… Hahahahaha!

Seriously… I miss this kind of conversations with you.”

(!)

“No way… Don’t tell me… Ken, are you…”

“Y-You just slipped."

“Yeah, I did.”

And suddenly, the cold wind coming from the west strongly pushed me. It immediately got really cold to the point that it’s already penetrating through my jacket.

But I suddenly forgot the cold wind after hearing my name.

“Long time no see…

'Eiji.'”

“There’s one kid there that calls me with a nickname.”

Eiji.

I’ve said it myself. There is one child in the laboratory that definitely called me with a nickname, act friendly to me for some reason, talk about nonsense with me, and stood in front of me every time.

“Seriously… you’re really no fun.

086.”

“Right back at you, you dimwit.”

“I never thought that I’ll end my survivor hunt this quickly.”

“Survivor hunt?”

“Yeah. Something in the lines of searching for children like you.

I guess I’ll thank Rin later.”

“It’s a good idea to end that hunt now.”

“What do you mean?”

“…

The two of us were the only survivors of Kagetora’s experiments.”

“I’m surprised and at the same time I’m not. Hahh…

Please explain, Ken.”

“You sure don’t play around, huh. Alright.

I spent the whole of my first year visiting graves. And when I came to the end of my visits, I can’t find the last one. All in all, I counted up to 97 children that I visited. Of course, I’m excluded in that numbers.

And when I found out the existence of a student in the name of Gin Sakato, I insisted to be transferred in Blue Ink High when we turned second years.

Coincidentally, I ended up in Class 2A which was the same class as you.”

“You said 97… just now. Were you mistaken?”

“No. The truth is, I can't seem to find the last child. I guess that the grave is somewhere far away.”

“…”

I was a little quiet for some time. My head keeps saying that I could’ve sworn he was that child that was carried with a stretcher and was covered with a cloth.

But something tells me that I’m not looking more inside the box.

“Then it’s safe to assume that you’re still that child that was covered in cloth, but you managed to escape and you were alive and well when you were sent out of the lab.”

“Woah, Gin… You’re extremely sharp!”

“The doctors thoroughly confirm if one is dead or not. I’ll be amazed if you managed to stop your whole circulatory and respiratory system in that time.

But you beat me into escaping. I managed to find the blind spots of the security cameras in the lab, but I failed in the end. You are really something.”

“To be honest, I’m still a bit terrified of you.”

“It’s unavoidable. We can’t go back to the past to save myself and that doctor.”

“You’re expression that time… it wasn’t rage, but you’re sad. Though, you’ve changed a lot.

When I first transferred, your eyes still had a faint display of that sadness. But you suddenly came into the classroom with your friends, and you have a big smile on your face.

And your height… it irritates me.”

“…

I always wished to see the sky and the sun being together. After I got out of the lab after exactly 365 days, I saw the sky.

But that doesn’t end there. Even after that, I still wished to see the sky again for another two years.”

“What?! Are you saying that you didn’t see the sky for two years?!”

“Missed all of the 730 days.

I’ll tell you my story after I got out of the lab sooner or later.”

“Huh…”

I wonder what suddenly came up in his thoughts. It feels like he’s about to say something with that pained face.

“I suggest you do the former instead of the latter.”

“’Sooner’ instead of ‘later…’”

“I don’t want to break it to you… but let me borrow some quotes.

…

‘Ang aking mga araw ay nabibilang na.’”

It was at that point that a fleeting despair came down on me. I've finally found someone that is the same as my kind, only to find out that…

“Hahh…

Ken… if you really think I’m weak, you really should reevaluate your impression of me.”

He ignored my words and continued talking and he explained why it is the case.

“I mean it literally. In just a few days, I might die.

I got a disease that is slowly stopping the functions of my nervous system until the very core stops.

You know… sometimes, it gets a bit difficult just waking up. I can hardly get up, and recently, I don’t have the ability to run anymore.

I’m hopeless, aren’t I?”

“You said, you ‘might’ die. The chances are…?”

“75%

I need an operation as soon as possible. But it’s quite difficult to find a doctor that can do the surgery. I don’t think that there’s even a doctor that can perform microsurgery in this country. The technology in this country just sprouted.”

“A microsurgery. Hmm…”

“Cash isn’t really a problem. We’ve been ready for this for some time now.”

“I’m neither weak nor strong. But let me tell something about my story.

I was the minor who was hit by a truck in Queen Street. I was never found in any of the hospitals in the country because the ambulance that took me was just a disguise.

I was secretly taken by some people and they helped me in my recovery. Remember the time when I was still wearing bandages in my right arm. It was because of that.

At that day, August 27; almost every bone in my body was shattered. I was sure that I was going to die. But a part of me still didn’t want to.

When I was being patched up with first aid, they said that I was awake but I can’t really remember that time.

You should value your life more and stop making that face. Don’t be like that king who threw his life just because he was a fake.

Strengthen your will to live. Before the operation begins, imagine every people you love. Those who gave you strength shall not fade in your memories.”

“Eiji… Why…

Why are you saying such things with certainty?”

“Ha. You really are a hopeless brat. I said those because I’m trying to save your life, you idiot!

I know someone that can perform the microsurgery.”

“What?!”

“It was an old acquaintance, but I know he’ll help you because he wanted to redeem himself.

You might also get a discount with my referral. Ah, no. I don't think you'd ever shed a bill.”

“What and who could you be talking about…?”

“Isn’t it obvious? The man that will help you is…

Rishou Kagetora.”

“H-Him?!”

“I know that he can save you.

But you won’t be saved if you ever bore any hatred from your heart. Accept him, accept his apology.

And like I said, you can probably be free of charge like what happened on my check-up yesterday. I was also treated with dinner.”

“B-But… I don’t even know where he is.”

“That makes you more of a hopeless, snotty brat! Just go into the Capital and you’ll find him in Maris Hospital. If you still didn’t get everything, I’ll just beat it in your head.

It might stop the functions of your brain, though.”

“Pfft… Hahahahahaha!

Really… Now you’re nagging me. I never thought that you could be like this after last seeing you in the lab. What the heck is this reunion…

…

But thanks for that. You just gave me a lot of encouragement.”

“You can talk to the principal too if you still need more encouragement. His office is open, just knock.”

“Oh, shoot! I didn’t think it was this late! I better get going now, Eiji.”

Eiji… I never get tired of hearing that.

Gin means silver, Ag is the chemical symbol of silver that sounded as Eiji. I never realized that since before I became a first year…

“See you around.”

“Until we meet again!”

“You will live!”

And the door of the school rooftop closed.

▪ ▪ ▪

After that, he took the leave from school starting from the day after we met again.

The last exam for this semester is scheduled from the 27th up to the 28th. Sadly, he can’t take the exams.

After the exams, I invited the five of them to hang out in my house and I used that opportunity to tell them about my past, how I ended up ending a life, telling that I am now an Exile and about 086 is in the name of Ken Ichikawa.

He continued to message me every day to give me an update. He never missed a small detail of everything he does and he told me his story about meeting the doctor that gave the hundred children a pain in the back. It seems that Doc may just be relieved of his issues soon.

After the end of November, I never heard anything about the operation.

▪ ▪ ▪

It is currently December 5, Tuesday.

We are currently taking a leave of absence from school.

“Rin~! Are you ready now?”

“I am! I’m going down now.”

“Man, I never thought of wearing a coat like this. It’s so formal that I don’t think I can live like this for a day.”

“Ahaha… It’s also hard to move on my side.”

“Since we’re both ready now…

Let’s go to Ken’s funeral.”