"That's my bestfriend! This is just the beginning, there are still more heartbreaking trials that will come to us in this quest. But we shouldn't let them get through to us. I can see the Authority and the Black Clan Empire are tearing us apart. We need to trust each other and be strong more than ever. We won't let anyone break us apart," Team said as he put his hand on his bestfriend shoulder and squeezed.
"Speaking of, what should we do now? I don't really know where to start with the investigation now that we're doing this independently, without access to the authority resources or even reinforcements. We're on our own now," Ash said as his worry started to creep in.
"Don't get too worked up over that, Ash. We started collecting the clues and took photographs of the crime scene. Even though the authority won't support us, they're still letting us get the evidence ourselves. Seth and I recovered some debris and weapons from the crime scene. We
After they had their breakfast, the group took up their respective places around the dining room as they got busy decoding on their laptops as they went through their investigation. Seth was inputting all the information to the laptop while Simon was caught up with the paperwork of the results they'd gathered from the dead bodies.Rose and Team were contacting some connections to gain access to sensitive information and resources that they could use to aid their investigation, now that the authority wouldn't give them access to these resources.Ash, on the other hand, was staring on the note the Black Clan Empire left in the crime scene as he tried to dissect every word and decipher it."Having a problem there, Beautiful?" Ash was startled by Alexander voice as he joined him on the table, taking the seat beside him."Ah, yes. There are some things that I still don't get.""Is that so? Well, let
"Actually, I don't think that the note pertains to a certain place in USA that associates with the earth's revolution. I think the note pertains to a definite direction." Alexander raised his eyebrows, his eyes were looking at him questioningly and in that instant Ash knew that he'd piqued his curiosity and interest on the matter. Ash met Alexander eyes, the room filled with silence as they stared at each other. Ash could feel the thick tension of mystery and danger around the room. He always felt that whenever he was in the middle of solving a mystery case. Of course, he'd gotten used to the eerie feeling around him, but this time Ash couldn't ignore it as he was about to explain the mystery note to Alexander, who not only was a civilian, but also a stranger. At least for now.'But I feel so safe with him, I feel that he can be trusted. And he's been helping us without question. Even though the authority treated him like trash. And I could never accuse him of somet
"As for what I said a while ago, I have a feeling that the note pertains to a certain direction in the USA. It says the revolution of the earth has finally moved. The gears have started rolling. It means that the movement of the revolution has already started. And according to the Cartesian coordinate plane, where do you think the revolution started?" Ash lifted his head as he gazed at Alexander whose eyebrows were meeting in the center of his forehead."Wait, Cartesian coordinate plane? What the hell is that?" Now it was Ash time to frown in confusion as he was trying to figure out why Alexander didn't know about the Cartesian coordinate plane. Surely, everyone knew about the Cartesian coordinate plane? It was the coordinate system everyone used in Math. Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Speed, Velocity and Physics, among other great discoveries, all used the coordinate plane. Hell, it was even taught during their high
Follow its direction and you will be guided in the right path."Following the coordinate plane that we formed, the right path pertains to a right angle, or specifically, the 90 degrees angle. So if we start the coordinate plane's rotation from the first quadrant, where the zero degrees lies, up to 90 degrees, we get-" Alexander and Ash gazed on as the first one pointed the perpendicular line they draw upward from the origin, where the 90 degrees lies."The place in this note pertains to the two locations! The South and North Dakota states!" Alexander said in victory as finally, they had narrowed down the places written in the mystery note. But much to Alexander surprise, Ash was not responding to him in the same way."Ash? What's the problem? Aren't you happy we've finally managed to narrow down the locations?""No, I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm happy that somehow we're following the whole riddle. But I
Ash and Alexander rushed through the living room while holding the map, the ruler, the compass as well as the note with them. Ash was smiling from ear to ear as he sensed the thrill and excitement of cracking the code. It was a time like this where Ash was having the most fun in his life as a warrior. There would be no words to describe how incredible and satisfying he was feeling. The feeling of shedding the light and making path from the cruel darkness they were engulfed with. He was so excited with his discovery that he suddenly screamed with "I've cracked the code!" that made everyone startled and looked at him in surprise. Ash grin widened as he took in the appearance of his friends. They were all looking at him as if he just sprouted some seeds on his head."God Ash, We take it you're excited that you've cracked the code already. And we're really glad by that. We're finally moving to the next phase. But you don't have to be so overreacting and surprise us from
Thankfully his friends got his silent plea and decided to get serious. They also knew they've just tortured Ash enough, both the good and bad ones. They also wanted to make it up on Ash for what happened in the hall of authority and as their leader, they would follow him."Yes. All the data we've gathered is here." Seth said as he went back to his seat and got his laptop. He gave a meaningful stare at Alexander which he nodded in return. Alexander released Ash and gave way for Seth to be on Ash side. He went on the nearest couch that was not far away from the table and sat comfortably with his one leg tucked on his other knee. Together they stared at each images as they ran through from the evidence they gathered from the crime scene."We believed that the rescue and retrieval operation happened around 3 to 4 am. If my memory was right, we reported the incident to the authority around 2 am and arrived at the City 30 minutes later. The on
Ash, on the other hand just nodded in affirmation as his theory was seconded by Seth. He knew as of this moment only Seth was on him calm mind to think things over."That's good. At least we've narrowed down our search. If only we can have some access to the surveillance cameras under the City, we can determine the criminals. But sadly, that information is accessible to the Head department." Ash sighed sadly as he looked at his teammates."But I think Mell can help us! I mean he's really kind and being the authority Head's secretary, I bet he can consider sharing the resources to us. Team, have you tried calling Mell?" Seth tilted his head towards Team as he asked him."Uh. Sadly, we weren't. His line was busy. Maybe because he too was investigating the crime scene at the City.""Wait- Did, did you just say Mell? " Alexander decided to interrupt that moment as he heard a name that sounds familiar to
Everyone stared at him in disbelief as Seth scolded him."What? We need every bit of help we can take and now, we need Alexander' connection to solve this case and stop the Black Clan from whatever sick game they had in mind. So, are you up to, Alexander?""I would love to help you guys. But I don't know, I mean it's been years since we last saw each other. Things changed. And he may not recognize me anymore. I didn't mean that I will not do my best to convince him. But I also wanted you guys to prepare for the worst." Alexander replied as he stared at them with pleading eyes. Trying to relay the message of understanding incase Mell wouldn't grant his favor. Luckily everyone nodded in understanding as Ash went closer to him and patted his shoulders."We just want you to know we really appreciated all of your efforts to help us Alexander. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't be able to move forward. Even if it's not your re
The four of them stood frozen as their eyes shifted back and forth between Ash and Seth. The room was filled with silence as they digested the information about what was going on."The Queen of the Shadow Clan? What the hell is going on, Ash?" Ash released a heavy sigh as he shared a knowing look with Seth. Seth nodded as he went into his room and grabbed his laptop."Okay, before we begin this, shall we all take a seat while Seth is gathering up his things?"The four of them stared at Ash in confusion before they nodded reluctantly and went to find an available seat. After a few minutes a pair of small, quick steps rushed downstairs. Seth came in as he sat on the chair near the table and set up his laptop. After sorting out the information he gathered he turned his laptop to the audience. Four sets of eyes stared at his laptop and widened their eyes as they recognized the symbol.The f
Five hours have passed since Ash let Rose and the group roam around the city. He walked to the kitchen room of the apartment they rented and poured himself a cup of black coffee to make his system more alert. He just woke up from his sleep. The moment Alexander left, he immediately went to the nearest bedroom. The breeze of hot, humid air was making him weak. At first he thought he would enjoy the cold air around Wausau, since the city is covered with hemi boreal forests, not to mention their location is near the great Wausau River. But then he was wrong, he forgot to check that the temperature around the city during May is rising fast to higher temperatures. And because the heat was weakening his body, combined with the exhaustion he feels on his mental and emotional state, he allowed himself to finally have some sleep.But he didn't regret it at all. It was the best five hour sleep he had in his life, considering the tough situation they're in. And now
"Afraid I might change my mind?" Ash said before he heard the door slam shut. Ash was about to stand and turn around to head for the bed when the door slightly opened once again and there revealed the figure of Alexander."Are you sure you aren't coming, darling? It's boring to be here all alone, you know. I assure you, you will enjoy touring around Wausau.""Thank you for being thoughtful, Alexander. But really, I am fine. I seriously just want to sleep today. I am tired and exhausted. Maybe some other time, if we will have one. I promise then I won't be a killjoy anymore and join the fun. It's just that right now—"Ash statement was interrupted when he suddenly felt a pair of warm arms wrap around him."I know. I know you're too stressed today, Ash. But please don't push yourself. You can share this burden with us, you know. We're all in this together. And your sister is right, you need to loosen up. This case takes a to
The next morning, everyone was busy as bees as they unpacked their things, setting up the tools and the information they gathered for their investigation."Ah! God I am dead tired! You know, we all deserve to have some break. We will not start commencing an operation until tonight. Why don't we gift ourselves with roaming around the place and enjoy it during the mean time? It would be a waste if we don't get to enjoy the beauty of Wausau." Rose whined as she sat on the sofa and let out a heavy sigh."No can do, Rose. I am sorry that your first case is nothing but a shitty one like this. But as soon as possible we need to stop the Balck Clan. By tonight, I want us to be fully prepared in case something will happen.""Ash I know how serious and critical our mission is. But can't we have some breath of fresh air? I think anytime soon I'll combust from suffocating on everything that's hanging around my head right now." Rose h
Thankfully, their seats were not too far from each other, they only need to turn around or tap on their colleague in the front row. The seating arrangement inside the train is composed of two columns, with an aisle of the center. 3 people can occupy per row on the right column while two people can occupy per row on the left. Since majority of them are already in a relationship, they chose the 2 person per row."Well, I doubt you both are still single. But for technicality purposes, let's say we get a 3 seat row because obviously, we already have couples in the group. Either of you wouldn't want to become a third wheel for the lovebirds, right?" Rose teased as she threw them a wicked smile when they were reserving their seats on the internet.Ash couldn't help but groan when of course, he is paired with Alexander in the seating arrangement, seeing as they're the only ones who are still "single"."Hey, how lo
Ash couldn't help but groan at the thought. He dropped his head in defeat when he suddenly felt a sharp pain on his forehead."Ouch!" Ash yelped as he massaged his forehead as it bumped into the front seat."Why so glum, plum?" Ash eyes widened as he heard the beautiful melody of Alexander silky voice. He lifted his head again and took in the exotic beauty of Alexander. He was wearing a white thin shirt with its three first buttons hanging open. It was so thin that Ash swore he could make out his lean torso. He wore black spiky pants that matched his spiky hair that was covered in silver glitter. All in all, Alexander was just as breathtaking as ever."Nothing. I guess I am just too stressed up nowadays." He said flustered as he could hear Alexander footsteps coming towards him. Not a minute later he was embraced with a warm pair of arms and a blush stained his cheeks when he felt a light damp around his forehead, signali
Ash certainly forgot about Alexander as well as their confrontation until he appeared on Thursday morning with five big suitcases with him. They were momentarily speechless because of the amount of baggage Alexander had to bring to go to Wisconsin. It's as if he's going for a trip around the world, not for an investigation."Ah, Alexander, just so you know, we are not going on a vacation trip. We are going for an investigation and mission. It's not that we will stay there for weeks, or months. We might even just stay there for a day or two, depending on the results of the mission. So I don't think you really need to bring so much stuff." Ash said as he raised his eyebrow nervously, he was a bit hesitant to voice out his concern to Alexander, afraid that he would be the object of his wrath. It happened to him once when he interrogated Rose about bringing way too many clothes on their 3-day field trip and Rose gave him a very col
He sighed in defeat and let his shoulders down as he apologized to his siblings."I—I am really sorry. You guys don't need to suffer from this kind of cruel situation. You don't have to do it, you know. I can handle it. Plus, technically you're not adult warrior yet so you don't need to feel obliged to join me. I—""Cut the shit, Ash!" Ash gulped as he took in the deathly glare he received from both Rose and Simon."We already told you, didn't we? We're all in this together, Ash. Don't let that bastard falter your perception of yourself and our group. And no matter what you do, you can't change our decision. We are friends, goddamn it, you are my brothers Ash, and I, no, we will not leave you no matter what!"Simon screeched as he gave his brother a murderous look. The last thing he wanted is to be angry with Ash. He knew about Ash inferiority complex an
The past week had been such a wreck that Ash even managed to let the confrontation slip from his mind. They've been looking through the internet for transportation and accommodation options to be able to travel and stay in Wausau, Wisconsin where they can save the most money. Aside from that, they also had to bring some gadgets, maps and other tools they needed for investigation. Not to mention they needed to prepare for their basic needs, like food, personal expenses and weapons for fighting, and some extra medical supplies in case they got injured during the middle of the mission.Fortunately, Seth managed to convince their parents to give them some money to support their mission. It was never a problem reaching out to their parents for support as they loved their children more than the authority. But the hardest part was to give some support to them, without the Authority knowing. It was hard when all of their personal savings, accounts, assets and pr