Entering the House of Mikasa from the main gate, Kao hates it every time. Each time she reach her own house, that massive compound.. that vibe of traditionally over preserved zen garden.. and that old looking mansion with shoin-zukuri architectures from edo period. No.. she didn't hate the peacefulness which entwined in her daily morning breath. It's beyond vintage. It's like a piece of land from old Japan had been teleported here through time.She loves everything here, it's arts.
But not that restricted rules and established dominions she has to oblige everyday, every single fucking day. It sucks! Super sucks.. She wish to yell, shout... for the world to know. The only being that shows compassion and feelings toward her is Obabachan. Her eccentric cool grandma. Her only source of everything. Without her, she probably already end up being a sad ningyō (Japanese Doll) that shows no emotions and only live for the sole purpose of decoration.
Kao lazily nods and passes on her handbag into Midori waiting hands, Midori is her appointed "loyal" maid by her mom or more like a living surveillance camera. At home she got no right of opinion over anything. Every single thing is decided. She enters her room, shutting the door, dismissing all the maid from entering, the only privacy she got.
Kao baring di lantai.. Berkalih dua tiga round. Ahh... Bosannya.. I should have stayed at Kay's. But then again, bila ingat pasal breakfast tadi rasa annoyed pulak. Sorry friend. I need to quarantine myself from you for a while. I don't know what's wrong with me.. and I don't want anybody gets hurt when I'm being bitchy about everything. Kay's probably is tired too, with all the drama happened at the party.
Kao's eyes running around her rooms, examining every nook and crook before it's stumble upon her game station yang lengkap dengan semua jenis console, games and what not. She release a long deep sight. I grew tired of playing games. Not when I've just lost my gamer friend. Arghh.. Roderick.. I hate thinking about us. This can't do.. I need to relax.
Maid: Excuse me Hime-sama. May I enter? -dari luar
O great, when I just about to have a break from the world. What now? Getting up from her bed and tidying things around her. Betul-betul kan rambut.
Kao: Proceed.. -cepat-cepat duduk elok-elok
If it's anything, manner is the one thing that has been taught in this household. Know your place Kao. Midori opens the door, not looking.. not even a glance from her. Those maids after being in this house for more than a decade, Kao is pretty sure that all the maids here have never actually remember her face properly, only the presence of her distantly growing up remained linger in back of their memories.. The house rule.. no maid to make any long eyes contact with the master. Bullshit...
Kao: What is it? -stares Midori with no feelings.
Maid: It's time for your tea workshop Hime-sama..
Kao: But please Midori, it's Monday .. I don't have workshop today.. -muka protest. Moody.
Maid tertunduk takut. Kao mengeluh. Stop doing that. I'm not going to punish you or anything. Just stop that. Look at me as a person will you? Why you guys are so afraid of me? You are older than me.. I hate it when older people treat me as a superior. We are both human. Equal.
Kao: Never mind. Is the master there? -giving up the thought.
That maid still tertunduk takut. Argh.. This household and it's ridiculous rank system. Kao bangun, melangkah ke belakang bamboo partition, bukak zip baju. Is this place even deserves to be called home? More like a prison to me. A bird in a cage. That's how Kao would describe herself.
Kao: You may leave. I'll be there in 15.. -sarung inner.
But yet, why the sudden tea workshop?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She walks past the zen garden, the heart of the house, stepping in small paces heading north toward the tea hall accompanied by the sounds of her
Geta (kimono sandal) clanking as it collides with the pavement carved through of the garden.
Kao enters an empty tea ceremony room stepping on the
tatami floor, in her deep blue
Yukata (Japanese traditional casual Garment) with roses printed, her hair tied up into the pony looking clean and proper, but blank, her usual stone expression.. No expression.
She looks around. Nobody's here. Not even the master. Don't tell me I am being tricked. Hahahaha.. Playing trick? How odd. It's not the master... Trickster is definitely not the master. Only one person who always loves pulling pranks on me..
"Ka-O-Chan, come here.. By the garden" -whispering voice
An old familiar voice is calling her from outside of the room. Of that blank expression, she grins happily, her face brighten up as she thought of that precious somebody. Obabachan! She's here! She's home! Oh.. Obabachan! I miss you soo much.. Kao melangkah laju kehadapan pintu kayu di hujung ruang. She's brewing some tea! I can smell it.
Kao: Bachan!
Opening the
shoji, that paper sliding screen door, revealing an old women who's being peacefully seeping tea in a jade kiln tea bowl (
tenmoku chawan). Kelihatan Obabachan yang sedang duduk menjuntaikan ke dua kaki menghadap keluar di kaki lima kayu rumah.
Gyokuru tea aroma fillings up the space and Obabachan perlahan menoleh kearah Kao, tersenyum manis. It has been ages since Obabachan's last visit.
Obabachan: Ahh, here comes my favorite grand daughter.. Kao-hime.. Come, have an evening with this old grandma of yours. -tepuk lantai disebelah, inviting her to sit there.
Smiling.. Kao skipped in her tight Yukata, sitting beside Obabachan who has proceed on watching the Carp fishes swimming gracefully through the crystal water of a pond spread in front. Obabachan reach out for Kao's curling hand upon her laps, patting on it showing her ultimate compassion toward Kao. I miss this warmth, Obabachan has always initiate this kind of greeting gesture. Kao called it the healing touch. Obabachan is like her own sanctuary.
Obabachan: Kao dear.. how is your day? -senyum lembut.
Kao: Bachan... -she smiles, but her face can't hide anything from Obabachan.-it's just fine, like any other day.
Kao baring di riba Obabachan, sembunyikan muka. Tahan emosi dari bergolak. One way or another, Obabachan always knew without her telling much.
Obabachan: What is it dear? I won't punish you for skipping school.. -unstoppable sarcasm strike.
Kao chuckles on that while turning her head up, looking at Obabachan who is looking down at her with that sharp-witted grins on her face waiting for her to spill the rest of it. She slowly strokes on Kao's black hair. Tersenyum lagi.
Obabachan: You know, you can tell me everything... thou I already knew most of it. Knowing from listening is different, and I prefer my granddaughter side of the story. -cuit tip of Kao's nose.
Well it must be mom. Stalking on her again. Whatever, like I have ever did something horrible. Kao calculating and rearranging things in her head. How to put this thought into words? That's always a problems of hers. Getting up from Obabachan's lap, she combs her front bob into places with her finger as Obabachan reaching for her second bowl of tea.
Staring at the tea bowl in Obabachan's grip strikes her with a sudden mental note. Tea ceremony!! in two days.. on my 16th birthday. How can I forget that! Shutting her eyes tight, she slowly knock on right side of her forehead, punishing herself for forgetting her own birth date. Clutter brain. Thanks.
Kao: You came here for my 16th birthday.. -chuckles endlessly- I forgot my own birth date. -sheepishly grinning
Obabachan: I see, changing subject.. that's fine. You will tell me someday. -tuang tea dalam another bowl.
Kao: No no no.. I am not changing subject, I just got this sudden reminder.. How can I forget that, Mom would throw fits if she knows this.
Obabachan: Ohhh... forget that vexatious Medusa! I am here to share with you of my memory, my first official tea ceremony adventure. You might hate this Mikasa bloodline all you want, but... Ooohhh you just can't hate this great traditional peaceful ceremony. -scattering some fish food into pond.
Kao: I am not hating my bloodline grams. I hate being constrain too much... that's all.
Obabachan: Any teenager would.. You will past this stage.... Or.. You could probably runaway. -angkat kening.
Here we go. Obabachan suggesting that runaway from home plan again. Oh my.. how can you be so cool grams. Smiling at the joke.. If in the original past, I would considered doing that, yet again.. knowing my future where it is not a total misery.. I will pass.
Kao: Bachan! Why is that? Why you always suggesting that? I am not that depressed. Am I? -kembungkan pipi.
Obabachan: Hahaha.. It's yours, you are having that thought once in a while.. am I right?
Kao: Ehehe... Well, I am a teenager, remember?
I have to admit. It's childish and stupid. But, yet in my defense with all that kind of pressures, anyone would have that kind of thought. Back then I was a real 16 y.o Kao, it was understandable for me to be childish, but.. now.. I am 24, but the depression level feels the same proving me that I was not being childish, this household is a real piece of work.
Obabachan: Let me tell you a secret, your mom did run from home that one time and well.. no one went out looking for her, it must be her pride.. She came back home in a week, and I acted like nothing happened. She must hated me since then. -chuckles with small cough.
Kao: Really? Hahaha.. -she knew that secret already, just playing along.
Obabachan: Let's not talk about your sad mom, How's Valerie and Karyn? -Obabachan Siamese cat, Tabby
come snuggles on her lap, cat napping.
Kao: They are... okay, I guess. We finished that theatre competition and some club activities. There... I came to know few favourite seniors of mine.. and we...-continue to talk actively.
Kao starts telling her Obabachan various stories, spilling everything out, stories from events of her days at school, her friendship issues, bullies she duelled and even her silly hobby in toilet, but nothing from home.. Without her realizing it, she's actually avoiding the issue. Pressing all the depression on her back of her mind. Obabachan eyes' show concerns but she hold it in.. didn't ask anything. She understands me like no other did.
Kao: Those precious little adorbs... Hahaha.. They always make my day. Karyn and her daily clunky episodes. Valerie with her silly perverts jokes. -laughing
Obabachan: -oddly chuckles- Well then.. let me tell you this dear, your friendship... treasure it! No matter what happened. I mean it! No matter what... -hold both of Koa's hand tight.
Kao: I will Oba-sama.. trust me. I wouldn't trade it for world -senyum and nods.
With that advice, all her silly-dilly thought about Kay from this morning subdued into nothingness. Forgotten. We are better than this, she said to herself.
Obabachan: My Kao-hime.. have you ever heard of the wisdom of tree? it better known as ki no rikai (木の理解) in the old saying.
Kao: -kerut kening berfikir, mengeleng laju
Obabachan: Oh boy.. I guess the time had really long past ... Kids this day didn't even bother to reads history any more. -shaking her head- Well... Trees are the oldest existence on this planet. It makes the tree the wisdom of earthly matter, you might as well use it to symbolize everything.. it is strong, kind and patient. It gives without asking back. It is art itself, I always having this thought of your friendship with Karyn and Valerie as tree.
Kao always love this part of her conversation with grams, when Obabachan starts lecturing with her endless nags of advise and knowledge spoon feeding session. She remembered Kay had always tailing her grams for more untold wisdom of earth. She even argued on things with grams. That kid and her endless thirst for knowledge.
Kao: Why the tree dear oba-sama? -bertambah pelik
Obabachan: One day you will come to realize who is what, Jimen the Land (地面), Kongen the Roots (根源) and Ki the Tree (木)... that day will make your friendship grown even stronger. Try understanding the tree dear, there is a lot to learn from them. -picking up tetsubin (hot water pot), pouring it onto dried tea leaves in her tea bowl.
Kao: Nice.. I will.. -angguk.
Obabachan: Now.. Are you mentally ready for that tea ceremony of yours?
Kao: Oba-sama. I have learnt that since I was 7 y.o. I am all prepared for that. -making snotty remarks,
Obabachan: I ask, mentally.. are you prepared? Don't be surprised... technically, Oba-chan thinks you are not even close to perfect Kao-chan -shrugs cutely.
Kao: -ketap bibir, nenek aku cari gaduh ni- Is it? Teach me then Oba-sama... please..-bangun dari lantai, helping Obabachan bangun.
Obabachan: Of course I will.. and why do you think I come here two days early? Go prepare your chadōgu (茶道具 = tea tools), I will be with you it 5 min.. gotta fed Tabby first. -bangun slowly kendong Tabby keluar dari tea room.
Grams and her cat. Yeah.. pretty obvious of a cat lady, is she. Kao walk into the room again, heads on to Chadansu (茶箪笥 = Tea chest) where all the tea making tools are stored. She love to learn tea arts from Obabachan, it's more personal like that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Karyn Lee Faraday P.O.V}
Kay is having her daily light reading, crossing her legs, sitting leisurely on the floor in between book shelves. She is now in a massive building of Lennox Archiveto or better called as the library. The outcast-ed building, no one bothered enough to use this massive library with huge numbers of great books. Lennox royals' students are never serious about their study. Beside.. why fussing over it when they have their own private tutor and library at home. With all the scheduled daily classes at home, most of them are too tired for more books.
Contrary for Kay, this place is a holy grail of space. Her absolute sanctuary. A very silent place... she called it wishful planet. Whenever she's having that headache gnawing her brain, she always come running into the library. No one would bother her here. Immediate paracetamol. Ade lah dalam 20 orang max at time. With this huge building, the probability of crossing each other is almost zero.
Today is a bore, lagi-lagi Valerie and Kao both skipped school again for today. Nak lepak tree house, without them would be meehhhh.. Semalam dah tak datang dah.. truant parade, sekali dengan KillJoy kot. Hahaha... and hari nie entahnye kenapa. Not a word from both of them. But, guess what.. I know exactly why.. Valerie must have been grounded sebab langar her parents order to not go out and Kao.. maybe she's sick. I don't know. Semalam nampak macam nak meletup 24/7. Or maybe she has been avoiding Roderick again.
Kay's skipping pages of book entitled encyclopedia of time by Samuel L.Macey. Sunlight peeking from side glass wall that is facing the forest. The light be falls on the pages making it more serene than ever and it helps with her reading. Kay keeps indulging in her tranquil moment with the book and seems to forget everything.
As for book, even though she's not the one controlling the time, she is now technically a time traveller and this time being.. it grows on her. She starts to have deep interest on time matter. She wish to dig more into the theory of this metaphysics chaos. She never thought of anything in this world as impossible. It is too vast, infinite matter and with human limited knowledge, no one can ever say anything as impossible.
Contemplating in her head.. weighting the decision to rewrite Jason death, whether it is the right things to do or not. She knows in some sense.. it is ridiculous and absurd, but then.. she can't help digging and trying.. She can't let this chance go. Building up reasoning to pursued her rescue mission of some sort. To discard her ethic and pride.
Putting down encyclopaedia of time, she reaches down to another book stacked by her side, this time the River of Time by Igor D. Novikov, fascinating title! she thought to herself, she reads the summary written on back of the book attentively.
The nature of time has long fascinated physicists and the general public. As an irresistible flow into which all events are embedded, time cannot be slowed or accelerated, nor can it be undone or turned back. In The River of Time , Igor Novikov describes how the thinkers throughout history have defined time and how these discoveries demonstrate that humans may influence time's flow. He describes how time flows in specific regions of the Universe, how it stops in black holes and splashes over the brim in white holes, and how time may convert into space and vice versa. Exploring time's genesis at the Big Bang, Novikov details how recent discoveries indicate that time machine travel might be possible.
Smirking over the remarks from that old man Igor "
time cannot be slowed or accelerated, nor can it be undone or turned back". She laugh at it.. if it can't be done in such way, then what is happening to her and Kao here? Hell ya.. I wish you know that nothing is impossible ajusshi! But then.. she got caught in the last sentence of the summary.. "
time machine travel might be possible". And now we are talking Igor! She opens the book, continuing her reading about time travel.
Kay puts the River of Time down in satisfaction with new facts digested. It's a good book indeed Igor. Now, where else can I find another similar book. This is fascinating. I can't stop. Adrenaline pumping in smoothly, fertilizing her mind, creating spaces for more facts and info.
Kay gets up from the floor, tidying her skirt while her eyes wildly looking up, left, down and right, scanning through the shelf in front. She starts to walk through towers of books, running her finger along the book index. "Time travel..Time travel..Time travel.." She mumbles as she pulls out books after books marked with bar codes and reference number. This section of shelves filled up with books regarding metaphysics and unknown to world doctrines.
In her engrossment looking for more books to be dissected, her ear caught up to the sound of smooching, tingling her eardrum. From the shelf in front, through the gap of books, a sudden discovery!
In front of her, a couple is kissing so passionately and at the exact moment, just up front, on the ladder against the bookshelf she is facing, there stood Jayden, smirking in disgust, watching the same exact couple. Ignoring the couple in swift, Kay is excited over the sudden crossed encounter with Jayden. She grins as her hands frantically waving to draw in Jayden's attention.
Noticing Kay, Jayden smiles down to her as she is giving out signal 'Meet you back there!'. He nods in agreement, slowly climbing down the ladder. As he reach the floor, his shoe heel unintentionally making a thud distracting the love birds. The couple turn their head to Jayden, blushing.
Jayden: Carry on... - spiking sarcasm with a stone-cold face, walking pass the couple.. leaving them both, petrified.
Kay can no longer contains in her amusement, coughing a merry chuckles as she follows up Jayden along from behind. That's cool senior! Just like how imagine Jayden Xu would do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kay is sitting on this mahogany ladder-back chair of the library table facing this huge broad clear mirror with gold carved frame, smiling at Jayden as he puts down his stacks of books upon the table smiling back. He pulls out that front chair intended to sit facing Kay who's being fussy about previous kissing couple. Jayden only nods and grins, entertained by Kay's adorable nags.
He loosen up his dark blue prefect tie at the same time blowing his front strands of hairs. There is a glisten of perspiration across his forehead, instead of looking all dirty and oily he appeared to be captivatingly charming, more than ever. Kay is observing every bit of Jayden in front of her.. putting her book aside, resting her chin onto her left knuckles, elbow on table verge. She can't help herself from grinning lightheartedly. Dunno why, she just loves his overall presence.. It reminds her of Jason. That same black hair, that same sweet smile.. and that almost similar scent. Perfectly personify Jason every features.
Kay: Senior, it's good to see you here... Alone? -glowing in joy
Jayden: Yep, I'm not always with Jason Hyung you know.. -mocking grins, teasing Kay.
Kay ignores the teasing part, pretending to be unaware of Jayden remark with hidden intended mockery there. Nope.. I'm not mad at all. Biarlah orang semua tau, memang aku obses pun dengan Senior Jason. I am not ashamed of it. Hehe.
Jayden slowly turns his head around, looking for another figure. His eyes expecting someone else to be around. She's not here senior.. looking a tad frustrated he fixes his eyes upon Kay in front of him who is being all lively with that gleaming pair of eyes, frantically reading. Serius! budak perempuan ni macam puppy.. Muka dia... How do I even begin to explain this innocent petite little girl.
Kay: Looking for Kao? She's absent.. I'm a lone ranger for today.. -peeking from behind of her book. A hint of sarcasm there, but sounds a bit sad at the same time.
Jayden chortled, I see, her turn to return the mockery play, ey? Pandai kau budak kecik. He rearranges all books he has collected from his books hunt, previously. Stacking those books properly at his right side of the table while peeking at Kay's choices of books. Ooo.. you got an interesting taste for books, kiddo.
Jayden: Time travel.. So you like that kind of books huh Kay.. -reaching to the front, knocking on Kay's book hardbound.
Kay: Just random knowledge for a random nerd like me.. -peeking again,smiley eyes.
Jayden: I have a novel.. No.. Not a novel.. More like a fictional encyclopaedia about time travel.. Would you like to read it? -tilting right eyebrow.
Kay: -giggles adorably- How can an encyclopaedia be a fiction at the same time.. What are you mumbling about Senior.. Still hangover are you? -holding back from laughing out loud.
Yeah Senior.. Only the two of us know about that bloody Mary incident. Jayden end up smirking hard, muffled in all his laugh as he remember that night again. They can't laugh properly here, and it is a pain in the ass. They laugh at it through their eyes, only letting out few silent laughter. It happens as when you laugh so hard no sound actually comes out. It’s like the laugh gets confused and forgets to come from the back of your throat.
Jayden: -slowly subdued from laughing- It's not something that you can find in the ordinary section.. -trying to hook in Kay's interest.
Kay: I'm pretty sure I can find a novel a.k.a fictional encyclopaedia of that sort somewhere in the library.. -grins at her own witted remark.
Jayden: Have you read a book with the title Encyclopaedia of A Time Reaper by Leofric Carlyle..?- menacing smile
Kay perplexed as she heard that mouthful unique name along with that particularly distinctive book title. Intrigued, she stares at Jayden face in awe as he wins her attention over this. I've never heard of the author before. Hmm..
Kay: Leofric?? As in Lady Godiva's husband? Come on Senior.. Surely.. You don't think I would believe that an author with such name would write a non-existent book, do you? -scoffing-
Jayden mums idly. Still putting up that menacing look on his face. Can't you be more playful than this Jayden? No wonder Kao is all head-to-toe with you. That bewitching teasing trait is definitely not Jason's.. that what makes him his individual. Distinct Jayden from Jason.
Kay: Leofric Carlyle.. Really? -showing interest, squinting, putting down her book, focusing on Jayden.
Jackpot! Jayden felt a weird sense of victory there. Kay's exactly not the type who easily get attracted to anything bunk. But hey.. I assured you kid, this is not bunk materials at all. He moves in closer to Kay, trying to whisper into her ear as she unconsciously drawn in, giving full attention.
Jayden: Restricted section, shelf 3A-G2.1 -pull back out, resting his back to chair's back rest, crossing arms in content.
Kay's eyes widen up as she heard Jayden.. Restricted Section?... 3A Section pulak tu! That is forbidden section for the relic, the only copy in existence.. No student, or even teachers are allowed to set foot in that section, not without the highest authority permission. No way.. No fucking way!! Her heart starts to race madly, beating like crazy.. Oh.. I.. Need.. To.. Read.. That..Damn.. Book!! That usual adrenaline rush kicks in again.
Jayden: A relic.. How about that? And I happen to have one, the exact photostat copy of that 'non-existent' book... -twirling his back hair, teasing Kay..giggling like a child.
Kay: Senior... -stand up from her chair, abruptly move in closer to Jayden face- I'll do anything.. Just give me the copy.. -that same gleam shine again.
Hah! Bingo.. Jayden smirks as he slowly arise from his chair, picking up his bundles of books, walks toward check out counters. Kay rushed, swiftly picking up few books in a hurry and immediately sprints off, to match Jayden pace. I must read that book, no matter what!
Kay: Wait for me senior... -hissing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kay shut the beautifully bounded copy of "Encyclopaedia of A Time Reaper" by Leofric Carlyle.. She puts it down on her lap, exhaling in content. It leaves her happy and trilled. Jayden is on his back lying on the fading green grass, passing time reading his peculiar choice of book "The Untimely Death of a Killer Clan" as he accompanies Kay. Noticing Kay who has finished her reading and is tilting her head looking up at the sky in peace, Jayden marks his book with a dry maple leaf as he gets up, turning to Kay.
Kay: It's a good book.. A great book.. -eyes are still fixated on the sky- If I could cry, I would have.. Oh god.. This is a really good fictional encyclopaedia.. -deeply affected
He grins upon hearing Kay's sincere confession about that amazing book. I knew it. This book is too brilliant to let it slips without being acknowledged. And who better to appreciate such brilliant literature than this four-eyes-charming-kid beside him? At least now he has somebody else to rant about it, and he is glad that someone is Kay. Without him noticing it, he slowly starts to have that same Jason's affection toward this kid. That brotherly feeling. Sitting up beside Kay, reaching to the book in Kay's grip.
Jayden: I told you.. It's nothing like you've read before.. -skipping pages of books.
Kay kept in silent, gathering her thought that have scattered around in the puzzles of imagination, side effects from reading the book. Jayden is still waiting for more of her responds while he scrolls through the exquisite words written by the brilliant Leofric Carlyle. Peeking to his side, Kay is still in her trance, staring at the baby blue sky. One thing is different though. Trailing of tears washed down her rosy cheeks. Jayden goes rigid, confounded.. he starts to panic. What now? What should I do? Erk? I'm new to this thing.
Jayden: You're ok, Kay? -playing with pun.
Kay bursts into this little fake laugh, wiping off her tears, avoiding Jayden's eyes. She jumbles around her, picking up scattered books on the grass, shoving it all into her beg. Getting up from her seat, half way up.. Jayden in worry, hurriedly reaching up for Kay's wrist pulling her back to sit.
Jayden: Are you Okay? -asks in concern, in a softer tone
If Jason is here, I am practically a dead meat. Jayden is panicking. Kay turns to Jayden as she is forced to sit back down by him. Letting out a long sigh, she starts the conversation by reciting the words written in the book. Jayden immediately in cognizant of the verse as he has memorized the book by heart. He smiles.. so.. this is all about the book. I am panicking for nothing, haih..
Kay: A time reaper is a the Master of a Grand Clock in which contained the very strand of human destiny. -Kay turns to Jayden, facing him- If only there is a time reaper in this world..
Kay smiles to her own thought over the book. A time reaper.. A grand clock.. I know nothing of such.. But I know I am travelling through time, and if this book is speaking of a true event, a time reaper exists somewhere in this equation. Would he be.. Sebastian then? He has that pocket watch... A very old looking pocket watch.
Jayden: Only people with regret would want to change the way of time.. Do you have regret, Kay? What? Is it your childhood dream left unfulfilled? -starts his teasing play again.
Kay shakes her head slowly, accompanied by that thin bitter looking smile. No.. it is not that. She does has regrets, and well.. she is literally living in repeated events leading to her biggest regret. But it's not just that. It is something else. Something left unfold and it grows heavier each passing day.. A year from now, she will lose Jason. It scares her more than anything.
Kay: If you have the power to control the destiny, would you let your love ones die? Ever?-questioning Jayden
Jayden rest his arm to the grass, leaning his body backward in comfort.. He watch Kay from behind trying to sense something deeper, hidden in her words. Treading carefully..
Jayden: Life and death must always exist in a balance. When one dies, another will exist. It's the order of all there is in this world. It says so in the book. To have the power to control time, to decide who get to live and who get to die in stead.. Why would you want to be that monster?.. -calmly answering to Kay.
Kay: So, you rather choose to see you love ones die and you alone rot in time, waiting for your last breath.. alone.. -Kay snuggling in her knees.
Jayden: I would try to protect them, with my own god given ability, not by dwelling on a wishful thinking.. A time reaper? I call a myth buster on that one.. -trying to lighten up the mood.
Kay: I wish I am strong enough to protect the people I love. But here I am.. Just flesh and bone.. -pinching her own thin arms and wrists.
Jayden chuckles as he listens to this kid ridiculous concerns. Apa la budak kecik ni boleh pikir seserius ni. You're just a kid, kid. Kenapa gloomy sangat otak tu. Jayden suddenly gets up looking down to Kay who is still snuggling in her own knees, curling in like a cute hedgehog. Smiling to encourage her.. he gives out his left hands to Kay, prompting her to get up. Kay lazily reach his hand and slowly getting up as she gets pulled by Jayden. Tadi paksa aku duduk, nie kena paksa bangun pulak. Haha.. Sapu-sapu skirt yang lekat daun kering.
Jayden: Let me show you something a little less unreal..well in comparison to a time reaper. Come.. -Jayden drags Kay by her hand, brings her close to the edge of the water.
It's the lake where she almost drown.. It's where she first met Jason, the first and the second of firsts.. Kay is side eyeing Jayden from behind of her front bob, peeking through the gaps of her straight shoulder length hair. Disturbed, she pulls her side hairs to back, tucking in the back of her ears. Now... what is it?
Jayden: You just have to listen to my instruction. Now take in a deep breath.. Calm your mind.. Look beyond the water.. -He starts the inhaling first
Kay: -chortle- What is this, senior? Yoga practice of some sort? -teasingly joking.
Jayden gigit bibir buat muka marah. Hahak.. comel ada la. Kay angguk-angguk. Emm.. Emm.. Ok.. I'll try.. She starts by calming herself down. Looking beyond the water. Trying hard to focus, or.. not that hard, she never has trouble with focus. She's all about focus.
Jayden: Breathe... slowly.. listen to the sound of the wind, the rustling of the leaves, the ripple of water.. Breathe... - tutup mata rapat, tenang.
Kay is slowly closing shut her eyes.. Trying to get into the suggested tranquil scenery.. as she steps into her mind, tipping the focus point.. Jayden's voice slowly fades away.. Only left with whispers.. Calming whisper.. and the sounds of wind rustles in between the branches. Calm...
Jayden: Taste the smell of the fresh leaves, the subtle fragrance of the earth.. Listen.. to the sound of your heart beating... -kept going with the persuasion, slowly pulling Kay into her deep trance.
Dup dap..dup dap..dup dap. She seriously able to hear that. Her very own beating heart. Wow.. this it definitely an amazing trance transition. You are not trying to hypnotize me right, senior? Makes me believe that I am a chicken or of some sorts.
Jayden: Your blood rushing.. Listen to your hair dancing in the wind.. -kept going
It was indescribable.. Every strand of her hair.. She could feel them as if they were one of their own existence, as if her blood rushing is part of something else and she is just there, existing in the center of an intricate dance of her own form. The warm breath flowing out of her body. The peculiar sensation as she is nothing but conscious of everything that happen within her personal space..
Jayden: Kay..Find the window.. Can you see it? Look beyond.. look past it.. not outside, not inside. Farther away than what your eyes can reach.. Look into that infinite space..
Somewhere in the darkness of her own mind.. She is floating into the nothingness. No more sound of her breathing, her blood rushing through her veins, not the sound of earth.. Silence.. She stood in a complete darkness. But she knows exactly where she is.. In her mind.. In her very own sacred part of mind. The place where... the forgotten dwell.
No light.. but strangely the darkness comforts her. There is warmth in the nothingness.. She could see.. A type of image.. It is a memory.. No..What? The image of no sound, like looking through a foggy binoculars. I am walking with Jayden.. paper cut..In the pocket.. Wait.. What is.. The image of her and Jayden is fading.. She fell into another different darkness.. Hot air burst in, slapping her face.. It's fire.. as if blade skinning her.. Kay felt a sudden load.. It's sinking into her heart.. It is roasting her.. Another sudden burst of images, flaming.. in red, in flames... in crimson.
" Ga In!!!!"
That sudden scream, stupefied her.. she crumble, slopping down to the floor, both of her legs are drained out off strength. She shuts both of her ears.. frighten. It was a whisper as loud as a scream. Comes the constant chattering. Who is it? No stop it..Kay trembled in dread fear, her eyes are wide open, flooded with tears. She is all helpless.. The fire.. It's burning.. It burns..
Kay cuba nak menjerit tapi suara tak mampu nak keluar. Jayden yang terpinga cepat-cepat grab Kay by her arm. Kay has a sudden shift of reality, this is not good.. oh no, this is definitely not good. She starts to has difficulty in breathing. Jayden could hear Kay wheezing. Gasping for air. Holding on the very last oxygen possible to inhale. She looks all suffocated. Sweaty face.. Sudden paleness. Jayden placed his hands on Kay's face, embrace it softly in his palms.
Jayden: Kay.. Listen.. It's me.. It's me.. You are safe.. -desperately trying to calm the trembling Kay.
Kay: She is burning.. -gasp- Someone is burning.. -gasp- Help her.. -trembling, screaming in pain- Help her!!
Jayden: Kay.. Look around you.. You are here, I am here.. Kay, stop it!! Get out from there.. you have to get out from there!! -goncang-goncang badan Kay
Splash!!
Cold water touches Kay's face. Spreading wet on her hairs, dripping down to her uniform. Jayden and Kay streaked, dumb founded. Beside them stood there, Marcus with his normal puzzled stone face. A shoe in his right hand, soaking wet.. Kay stumbled on her feet before falling back and Jayden fast reflected by assisting Kay from dropping hard.
Wait, did Marcus just throw off water from his shoe on to my face?!
Oh no you didn't!! Touching her faces, smelling it.. Luckily, it is not smelly. She stand up quickly. What exactly happened?
Jayden: Kay! What happened in there? Are you ok? -all worried, hari nie dah berape kali bimbang dah nie.
Kay: What? Has something happen? Why I am all wet! Senior Marcus.. care to explain this?
Marcus: -shrugging in bewilderment- You lot.. screaming. It's loud.. water helps. Always.. -dah start cakap macam alien.
Jayden: Are you sure Kay? Can't you remember anything? -puzzled in weirdness.
Kay: We'll talk about this later, Senior -eyeing Marcus who's looking around in anxiety
Jayden: -pausing, deep in thought- Ok then.. later
Kay: Thank you.. - squeezing her hair.
Jayden keep in silent, not to let Kay be worried more about that. This can only means one thing Karyn. You have something dark concealed inside, kid. Jayden stares into Kay deepest eyes, looking for something hidden. But what is it?
Marcus: Kay, Why are you.. not in class? -lipat kaki seluar sebelah yang tak pakai kasut. Cabut lagi sebelah kasut
Kay: I stayed at the library after recess, tee hee - buat muka tak bersalah, dah la ponteng class.
Jayden: I am not going to explained my absence, Marc. -tepuk bahu Marcus, resting it there.
Marcus: I didn't ask about you Jade.. but, Jason is looking for you. -nudging down Jayden hand.
Someone comes running from a far. Jason. Oh shit... and I am all wet. Semua salah pak cik Marcus nie. Patut just bitch slapped je muka aku tadi sampai sedar. Aku tak kesah.. Tak perlu simbah kot.. argh, cam ne nie.. tak nak!! Kay didn't want Jason to see her in a mess like this. Hmm.. Soggy limping hairs, drenched uniform, comot. Berape banyak air leh kasut tu contain? macam sebaldi je nie.
Jason: Jade, hold that fella!!
Jason jerit dari jauh. Marcus tersengih kat Jason, pandang Jayden, pandang Kay.
Marcus: Gotta go!!
Marcus runs off with his shoes in his hand. As if Jason is playing with him. What the hell is wrong with the picture? Where's Luke? Jason soon enough reached the two of them, trying to catch his breath.
Jayden: Why are you chasing Marc? Were you looking for me? -kelek buku di pinggang
Jason: What? -tercungap-cungap- No.. -tercungap- That kid.. -pausing, catching his breath- Hahh... -Jason gives up
Jason start lari lagi, duk kejar Marcus dengan gigihnya. Kay pandang Jayden, terpinga. Ni pelik ni..
" And you! Stay away from trouble! Club! 4.00pm!!"
Jason shouts from afar.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Kao Mikasa P.O.V}
Kao keep stirring
matcha, fine powdered green tea of high grade gracefully, mixing it well in a golden rose kiln bowl, whisked into a thin perfect green paste. She is in the middle of her
chado (tea ceremony) rehearsal. Perfecting her
otemae per guided by Obabachan. Her mom made her skip another day of school for this. Helps come in and out of
chashitsu (tea room) preparing for tomorrow. Kao's 16th birthday. Some courier arrives delivering supplies of
chadogu (tea ceremony tools) for the ceremony.
The whisked bowl of
matcha is then offered to the first acting guest and bows are exchanged before the guest shows the admiration upon the bowl, rotates it, and then sips. The guest wipes the bowl and presents it to the next acting guest who will repeats the same movements. Once the final acting guest has sipped the tea, the bowl is then returned to the host who will rinse and clean the tea whisk and scoop again. That is practically the flow.
Aoi Mikasa as the final acting guest, seated in grace.. sipping from the bowl before passing it back to the host, Kao. She glances up front in satisfaction, observing Kao's every moves, her daughter.
Obabachan: That's it my girl.. I believe you have perfected your
temae.. -patting light on Kao's shoulder from behind.
Kao: Arigatougozaimasu Oba-sama -turns, bowing in respect, happy smile.
Aoi: Kao dear.. I think that is enough for today.. -slowly getting up, giving housemaids instructions.
Yes, that's just it.. not even a skit of encouragement, not going to at least pretends in flattering her with normal mom and daughter fillips session.. and not a single word of acknowledgement for her hard work neither. That is her mother, cold blooded
onna-bugeisha (wanita pedang). That recent bright smile on Kao face slowly faded as she is getting up from her seat, tidying the crumples on her kimono. Never mind, I am used to this.
Akhirnya.. It's settled, the rehearsal... and I am famished. I need food! Kao is on her way up to her room when her cellphone vibrates tickling her skins.. someone missed me? Kao swiftly glances upon the screen. It is an SMS from Kay.. she smiles, that kid.. must be super bored, sorang-sorang kat sekolah hari ni, since Valerie pon absent same.
Early this morning, she got the expected phone call from Valerie.. as usual, venting her wrath by nauseating all of her never ending disappointment over how her parents never try to understand her and what not. Valerie usual routine of anger management, she just needs someone to listen, that is all. Kao paham sangat, Valerie loves her parents just like she did.. but, well.. typical teenagers issues, always the parents. Flipping open her phone.
Movie time. You know the drill already. BTW, Senior Jade is showing of his sexy collar bone. Aum.. Tee Hee -Kay
Ah, is it that time already? Just look how fast time fly.. sometimes that future of hers felt like it's fading into parts of her dreams. Wait! What collar bone.. who's sexy? Jayden!? Wait wait.. is it me or Kay is actually showing unexpected hint of admiration toward Jayden? It's not Jason right? Ke salah tulis Jade instead of Jason? What had happened between those two.. tiba-tiba berkawan rapat, senyap-senyap and Kay never bother to at least tell her... instead dropping bomb like this. She felt that familiar jolt again... jealousy, feeling a bit betrayed. Biting on her lips corner, contemplating on the reply.
Movie time? Noted! and Oh my, Jayden? Are sure it's Jade and not Jason? Hahahahaha.. Oh I wish to ogle that collar bone too. Wait? Are we infected with Valerie's perverted virus? Oh nooo, and you! Hands off my Jayden :( -Kao
Hinting Kay that she is indeed jealous. That will simply put things to rest. Not going to entertained that stupid feeling. She is joking you stupid hormone. Flipping close, she throws the phone on her bed before undoing her top hair bun, changing her outfit. Kimono is stifling, never get used to this, she favours light yukata over thick heavy Kimono.
Through the window, she spots a dark metallic blue courier pickup car. It belongs to that Xu group, the main
chadogu supplier for Mikasa. Well.. Jayden is a Xu, I wonder if he is the heir of this Xu empire? Tskk.. Despite of all her stalking, she knows nothing of him. I wish I am brave enough to ask him directly, to know him better. It looks like Obabachan is sending off a handsome in his fifties Chinese man wearing a maroon suit. Who's that? He doesn't seem like a normal servant/delivery man.
A sudden epiphany strike her there and then. Why didn't I ask grams about the Xu, she knows everything Chinese Korean Japan intricate royals relations related. You bet, I am sure she knows something about the Xu. What an idiot, Kao! How come this never crossed you before? Maybe I didn't really determined to know back then. But this time she wants to know about that boy really bad. Kao hurriedly puts things together before stomping off her room to look after her grams. Yey.. finally! But.. I need to eat first.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a proper dinner of the day, she can't wait any longer. It's now or never. Leaving the the dining room in a haste, she runs, looking for Obabachan. Tons of questions spiral-crossed in her mind and it is messy. Everything is Jayden related. She can no longer contains the excitement. Midori said grams were in her suite.
Kao: Bachan.. Bachan.. Bachan.. -come running through the hallway into her grams suite.
Obabachan: Oh oh.. What is it dear? -perplexed, putting down origami paper.
Kao: -panting, she runs like a bullet out of excitement- Hehe hee he.. I have something important to ask you Obabachan. I believe you know this one.
Obabachan: Ok, now now I am all yours, but maybe you can first have a... seat ? this old grams of yours also eager to answer all your questions. Come sit.
Kao grins sheepishly as she lands seated on the quilt zabuton (floor cusion) in front of her grams at her zataku (low table). Grams suite is one her favorite place in this house, the air always wrapped in mild scented orchid scent. Obabachan's distinctive staple scent.
Kao: Ok.. I have my seat, now. -smile excitedly
Obabachan: By that look on your face, now I am all curious too. Spill it...
Kao: Okay.. -taking a deep breath- I am about to ask something related to Chinese lineage of Xu family. Do you know any Xu grams? -intensely staring at her grams.
As the name of Xu got mentions, obabachan calm face turned a bit distorted with shock. Oh.. she didn't expects me to ask this one? This is a bit rummy. Grams always knew... why not this time?
Obabachan: Well... they obviously are Chinese, aren't they? -avoiding eye contact with Kao.
Kao: Oh.. I know that Obachan.. but not that one. I mean historically... Now don't tell me they are just mere matcha trader. There's more to it.I did some digging yet nothing surfaced. It is like they have never existed before. No history, none. Nada. -pouting in frustration.
Obabachan: Hmm.. -pausing, falls in though- Then.. doesn't it comes to you that maybe they didn't want to be known? -still avoiding eye contact.
This is weird, Obabachan have never look this disturbed before. She is the calmest person Kao have ever known. Something obviously bothering her, is my question of matter makes her nervous. Kao clearly can see that in her eyes. Obabachan continues to play with her origami paper. By her side, there is a transparent jar filled with colourful folded crane papers. Origami is her favorite past time too. She reaches for a square sheet of black origami paper and start the folding..
Koa: Well... -mulling- did I just query about something which is not supposed to be asked?
Obabachan: No dear... it is just that.. the history of the Xu is dreadfully sad.. and miserable. -finally the eye contact, but it fills with sadness.
Kao: -pulling back, straighten her posture- But.. grams, I know someone from Xu and this someone is important to me. I need to know more about him. -desperate face.
Obabachan: Him huh? ..and I believe this someone refused to tell his life story? -smile- Well I can absolutely understand that. -chuckle, continue her folding too.
Kao: -side eyeing her gram- and what is that supposed to mean? -squinting.
Obabachan: Oh forget that... So, what is it that you want to know about this Xu? -pausing from folding, focusing on Kao.
Kao: Everything...
Obabachan: There there Kao, I am afraid I might not have all the answers to your question dear.
Kao: Then... anything. Anything you know about them..-eager face
Yes, anything better than nothing. She definitely can feel that strong surge of need in unravelling this.. It's like if she doesn't, she will lose something big... again. That unsettled feeling keeps her going, trying hard to know more about Jayden. It feels like, if she comes to know of him... she will able to help him sort of thing.
Obabachan: You might have already aware of this one.. that our family is very closed in relation to the Xu empire right? And from the surface... everything looks business to others. But then again... there is more to that, dear. The relationship that bond us with the Xu is not merely a business... -serious big time.
Kao: -eyes widen- Really? Wow.. is there something I don't know about this family of ours? Are we some kind of yakuza grams? and the Xu is Chinese triad? -wildly imagining
Obabachan: Don't be silly kid, we are the noble blood, even though I hate to be called noble. -sigh- Definitely not yakuza. But they do work for us in trade of the swords fighting knowledge. Mikasa clan as you already know dear,are the samurai warrior. Many years ago, we served under kings and lords and we are the best in our land. And.. the Xu is our counterpart in the mainland. We share admiration towards each other.. -tersenyum nipis
Kao: Hah? Are we relatives with the Chinese? -blur
Obabachan: No... can you let me finish my word first, kid? -jentik dahi Kao- It is about the history of war, swords dyed in red blood of humans. Sometime we are forced to kill the innocent, back then politic is really messy -looking all sad and guilty.
Kao: Oh.. Not any better then these days. -snort in disgust- Now.. I am scared and confuse..
Obabachan: Nothing to be afraid, really.. not now, we have changed so much... Our clan was important in the court. By the grace of Emperor Go Yozei, we release our affiliation with the palace. Living as ronin. Only to return to aid the emperor in time of need..
Kao: But then again how is that related to the Xu? -still confused
Obabachan: Welll.. if Japan has the Mikasa Clan then China has the Xu Warriors. They were way older than our family. Our respectable enemy during the war period. You will find them mentioned countless time in our family scroll. And why I am explaining this? Have you not finish your reading about the family, Kao? -jeling tengok Kao yang dah tersipu-sipu, kantoi- Well.. we use another name for them in the scroll.. The Xu were chased away after the fall of their king. They were banished from the country for good.
Kao: Why? Have they commit to treason? -focusing.
Obabachan: Some says they play their hand in killing the king. But that remain buried with the fallen king. They were chased out of the country none-the-less, never to return again. They have become the unwanted. They have become warriors without a king to follow. They can never reclaim that. -looking all sad again- they are the cursed bloodline.. Enough of this folk-tale Kao..
Kao: What is it grams... I can handle this.. tell me.
Obabachan: Kao.. There are reasons why your friend didn't want to share his family secret with you.. Just leave it there..
Kao: Please Obachan.. I need to know.. -merayu
Obabachan: -mengeluh- Very well. But it's up to you to believe it or not. They said that the Xu tried to return to serve the new King, about a century after they were banished from their homeland. They have perfected their art of war, swore to serve the true King of China of that time. When they returned, punishment awaits. By black magic or some sorts of it, I don't know the detail, it is a lost knowledge, scorched from every Chinese history scroll..The Xu were cursed with a disease that turned them to no less than a killing monster... -eyes glisten, watery..
Kao: -shocked big time- are they not human? Mutated? -gawking
Obabachan: No no no dear.. they are all human to every bits -chuckles at Kao's wild imagination- it is just.. once they see blood spilled, they can't stop themselves from killing. In the scroll we call them the Blood Luster. Every first born son of Xu is cursed with this horrendous disease. Even the smell of the blood could awaken the beast inside. The intention was to keep the family from spilling blood of the innocent or else the the whole family could be wiped out by their cursed sons. The truth is, dear.. We all have that lust for blood. Since we are the assassins.. it's in our nature. Cursed trait.
Kao: Then... Are we the same? But.. -looking worried
Obabachan: For that.. you got your ancestors to thank dear, they somehow have develop a way to contain our blood thirst. Your daily morning routine of meditation is not a mere yoga, Kao. It is what keeping us Mikasa, from the curse of a warmonger. But for the Xu.. With all their old past heritage of killing along with the king's punishment..It is not something that can be contained..
Kao: -nodding slowly, drowning in sudden thoughts and information- I see...
Obabachan: So.. satisfied dear?
Kao: Digesting every bits.. -still nodding
Obabachan: -laughing- I know it is a lot to digest, but... can you keep it to yourself for now, no Xu would like to talk about their past. You might want to be careful with your friend.. -gosok lengan kanan- Maybe he will someday opens up and tell you the rest of his personal history... not his clan's.
That is why Jason is keeping Jayden away from any fight, he can't see blood... and what about that forbidden garden? why he had the key? what he was doing alone in there? and the fight in the forest, was he restraining himself from fighting, from using his jutsu, he was afraid of himself. That was why he got all beaten up?
All questions just lead to another. Everything jumbles up and down in her mind. Pening.. pening.. Hmmm.. Kao release a deep long sigh. But.. at least I know a bit of him today. That is enough for now. Kao started to wonder what kind of life has this boy been through. Must be painful... living in that kind of fear. Losing control of his own mind.
Kao: Bachan, who's that man just now? the one you sent off at the gate.
She suddenly remembers that handsome old man she saw back in her room, through her window. They look very happy.. talking to each other like that. Looking all sweet.. Hmm.. Did I miss something?
Obabachan: Oh.. that one would be my old scandal. -chuckle
Kao: -baffles- Whatt?! Hooooo.... Spill it grams! -excited.
Obabachan: Oh dear Kao... it's nothing, really.. save it for later, how about that? -winking naughty
Kao: -grins and squint- Alrite.. promise?
Obabachan: When the times comes...yes. -nods
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Karyn Lee Faraday POV}
Kay tekan-tekan keypad phone sambil kadang-kadang jeling ke halaman Lennox Clubhouse. Permandangan petang-petang macam ni biasanya Luke dengan Marcus main kejar-kejar. Hari ni Marcus still main kejar-kejar even though Luke absent. Hari ni Jason yang kejar Marcus. Which is super weird! Jason bukan jenis yang suka lari. dia jenis yang tenang and composed. Memang Marcus ada buat silap besar la sampai Jason yang punya la tenang macam angel boleh mengamuk siap berkejar-kejaran lagi. Sometimes I wonder, is it us who tarnish the
ikemen image of these remarkable boys?
Not sure the reason behind Jason's sudden outburst on Marcus. I only caught few words when Jason let out a full length rant on Marcus just now during our super brief club meeting, which was attended by only four people (Jason, Jayden, Marcus and Kay). Jason was shouting (half voice half air as usual) about "fat cat" "destruction" "responsibility" "compensation" "groveling apology" and I think I heard "disco" somewhere when Marcus suddenly run away from the club house and Jason just got up chasing Marcus all over the school ground, again. Really, I neither have the explanation about Killjoy and their way of sharing their feeling with one another, nor that I have enough energy to spend on trying to figure it out.
Jayden: You're gonna catch a cold staying by the window like that..
Emm? Kay turns around to find Jayden standing across her. Oh ya.. Ada lagi Killjoy yang normal kat sini. Nah, normal is too far-fetch for this guy. Jayden tengah unbutton kemeja putih. Alamak Kao.. Ko terlepas tengok keseksian crush ko sorang ni. Look at that collar bone. Nak pitam jap aku dibuatnya. Ehehehe, nasiblah Jason is my one and only angel. No no Jayden, stay away from my heart. Tee hee!
Kay tergelak sorang-sorang. Jayden yang tak paham apa-apa just boleh kerutkan dahi. Maybe dia pikir, tah apa la alien kecik ni melalok dalam kepala tu. Kay lompat dari birai tingkap. Tekan send. Text to Kao:
Movie time. You know the drill already. BTW, Senior Jade is showing of his sexy collar bone. Aum.. Tee Hee - Kay
Paham la tu kot. I mean, surely Kao knows this. We were requested to produce a 30 mins movie for the school 100th jubilee festival next year. I forgot how it went before the time travelling thingy. Did we finish the project? I don't remember. Ah well.. Buat jela movie tu. It can't be that hard right? Right? (Yeah right.. Pfft!)
Kay dongak tenung muka Jayden. Senior, you owe me an explanation about our spiritual endeavour by the lake just now. Jayden sengih macam faham je muka Kay yang mintak penjelasan. Jayden ambil blazer, tie dan beg yang tersadai di sofa, gerak ke pintu. Kay stil terpaku. Eyh.. Is that it?
Jayden: Don't just stand there. Come, I'll walk you to the main gate. It's getting late.. -toleh
Kay: Er.. But Senior Jason.. -jeling ke luar tingkap, nampak Jason and Marcus dah lari-lari lagi jauh
Jayden: You'll meet him again tomorrow. Don't tell me you miss him already.. -mengusik
Kay cebik. Tah pape la Senior aku sorang ni.. Kay kutip buku-buku yang dah berikat cantik atas meja, cepat-cepat kejar Jayden yang dah sampai kat tangga.. Hello, senior, tahu la awak tu kaki panjang boleh langkah jauh-jauh. Tolong la simpati sikit dekat katik macam saya ni.. Jayden tergelak kecik tengok Kay yang bersungguh-sungguh kejar. Biasanya dalam cliche' cerita romantic comedy ni mesti watak perempuan tu nak tersungkur and watak hero mesti dengan majesticnya sambut dalam pelukan. Ewah tiba-tiba terbayang scene dalam anime pulak ye.
Kay gelak lagi sorang-sorang. Tah apa-apa la imaginasi aku ni. Finally catching up with Jayden, they walk out of the building, heading into the labyrinth, a short cut. Kay jalan di belakang, macam yang biasa dia buat time jalan dengan Jason. Now looking at it again, Jayden really resembles Jason. Even the way he walks. Ugh.. apa hal dengan kau ni Kay.. Ni Kao punya crush tau tak.. Stop doing this..
Jayden: What are you doing back there? Admiring the back of my head? -gelak
Cheh.. Ni confirm tak sama cam Jason. Kay langkah panjang ke depan, jalan selari dengan Jayden. Suddenly Kay noticed something. I did this before.. But umm.. No..Deja vu? Surely not.. Jayden gosok rambut, cuba buang daun kering yang terbang melekat di rambut depan. Eyh.. I've seen this before. What ever la Kay. Stop imagining things. Kay geleng-geleng kepala cuba buang imej dari kepala.
Jayden: Let me carry those book for you.
Jayden capai buku dari tangan Kay, tiba-tiba. As the books slips from her hand, a sharp piece of paper cuts through her finger. Kay shriek in shock rather than pain. Jayden toleh cepat-cepat.
The air went stale. Kay still engrossed watching blood dripping from her finger. Blood.. Wait.. Senior Jayden. Kay cepat-cepat dongak. Jayden berdiri menghadap Kay, with his bangs shielding his eyes. Kay could sense danger from his breath. Jayden genggam tangan Kay.
Kay: Senior, you're hurting me..
Kay tried to loose the grip. Jayden throws his blazer and bag to the ground. He let go of Kay's arm. Kay gosok-gosok pergelangan tangan. Berbekas merah.What is wrong with Senior Jayden? Kay juih bibir. It's not funny you know. Kay dongak pandang Jayden, nak start marah when suddenly she caught a glimpse of fast coming punch, aiming for her face. Quickly she dodge it. Automatically Kay turns to her defensive stance with her fists rolled up, close to her chest and face, guarding her head from attack.
Kay: Senior!! That's dangerous!
Kay lower down her defensive mode only to find Jayden comes plunging with another punch which she dodge. Kay takes a few step back. She start to find something odd. That guy standing in front of her. That's not really Jayden!That smile is tattered with blood lust. Blood.. Is it because of this? Kay snuck away her bloodied finger.
Jayden: Be glad.. I'm going to paint you in red..
Jayden let out a hair raising laugh as he plunges himself to Kay aiming to land a punch. Kay quickly stopped the punch with the back of her arm. Lucky for her she manage to stepped away or else bones would have shattered. The weight of the punch. I never fight a guy before. Not a serious fight. But this means life and death. The look on Jayden face says it all.I have to hit him. I'm sorry senior. I'm just gonna knock you out. But is it possible?
Jayden keep on throwing random punch at Kay. It's not calculative but Kay knows, if any of them land on her, it's over. She can't take that kind of beating. Kay keeps dodging as fast as she could but the punches are getting closer to her flesh. Kay pulled her body downwards, focussing her muscle to throw a punch. That's it Kay. Just one punch. Remember, center of weight and speed.Kay aim for the neck. This is the same style she used on Marcus. Aim Kay. And punch!
The punch landed on Jayden's chin as he tilted his head away.That is super fast! Jayden terdorong ke belakang. Kay fence up her defence mode, breathing heavily behind her stance. Jayden stands a few step in front of her. Is it over?
Blood dripping from his mouth. He smiled.. Grinning in satisfaction as he lick his lips.
Jayden: Your blood must be sweeter. I will make it slow and painful for you wench..
Jayden sprint towards Kay. He manages to grab Kay's collar as she tried to dodge his jab from the right. Jayden lifts Kay of her feet. Kay struggles. Jayden laughed at Kay desperate attempts to get away. Jayden throws Kay to the ground. Kay landed on her left wrist. She heard creaking of her bones. Jayden reappeared on top Kay, pinning her to the ground. He grabbed Kay's injured wrist, tightening his hand around. Kay screams in agony. She throw her right punch towards the rib. Jayden quickly pushed away the punch, so very easily. Kay is defenceless. This is it. I'm going to die.
Jayden moves in closer to Kay, whispering to her ear.
Jayden: Do you know how we can get more juice from an orange? - tersengih, hembus nafas ke telinga Kay- We roll it, put some pressure on it, breaking it's internal structure which hold the juice inside..
Jayden squeezing Kay's hand. Kay scream her heart out. He is breaking my wrist.
Jayden: I'm going to roll you really nicely before drowning you in your own blood.
Jayden getting ready to pin his knees on Kay's shoulders.His hand are clasped around Kay neck, squeezing it tightly. Kay is petrified. Somebody save me.. Senior Jason.. Senior Marcus.. Kao..Valerie.. Anyone.. With what left in her right hand, Kay tried to reach for her pocket. Don't know why she just has to reach for her pocket. Weakly, she felt something at the tip of her finger. Plastic wrappers. Hurry Kay.. What is it? Kay is suffocated.. Her vision getting blurry, her head is thumping like crazy.. Something in my pocket. from lunch. What is it? Without thinking much, Kay use her last ounce of energy to force the unknown candy from her pocket into Jayden wide grinning mouth.An then she fall into the darkness..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the darkness, the heat is growing closer. It's dark but she felt fire biting her skin. From a far comes a kid. A small kid. She couldn't see the face. She comes running, hugging Kay, forcing Kay to face her. Her lips grow closer to Kay's.
"Save me.."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kay felt warm air pumped into her lungs. Slowly she open her eyes only to see Jayden on top of her like before but closer. Way closer! Is he kissing me? Mata Kay membulat, cepat-cepat tolak badan Jayden.
Jayden: Oh, thank god you're ok... -beaming happily
What the hell?! Kay terbangun only to fall flopping down on Jayden's feet. Light headed.. Dizzy.. Maybe because she is strangled just now! Jayden cepat-cepat sambut Kay, wrapping her in his embrace. His face grow closer to Kay, his lips pouted.
Kay: What do you think you are doing!? -pushing Jayden back
Jayden tergelak. He tucks Kay's bang behind her ear, softly running his fingers on Kay's soft cheek.
Jayden: What's wrong? I just gave you the kiss of life. Come, let me kiss you more.. -datang dekat
What? That perverted mode again. What is it? Kay keluarkan lagi satu candy dari poket. White chocolate coated almond! But how?I don't eat white chocolate, or dairy chocolate. I only partake dark choc. What is this? I'm confused. Kay cuba tolak Jayden yang makin dekat. That's when she realised the sharp pain in her left wrist. Kay jerit sakit. Jayden cepat-cepat tarik tangan Kay, softly.
Jayden: Let me kiss it better..
I can't stand this. Buk! satu penumbuk hinggap di pipi Jayden.
Jayden: What a horrible way to repay your savior.
Kay: What savior? You just broke my wrist!
Jayden tersengih. Jayden meluru arah Kay, lifting her with one hand, placing her on his shoulder. Kay meronta-ronta tapi tak mampu. Tolonglah.. Somebody help me. Ni dah macam telepas mulut buaya masuk mulut pakcik gatal. Oh nooo!!! Jayden galas Kay ke satu lorong labyrinth toward a door. he opens the door and stepped inside. Kay yang dari tadi duk meronta-ronta terdiam tengok interior tempat tu. Did we just travel through a magic door because this is definitely not in the labyrinth. Is it though?
Jayden put Kay down on the sofa facing the a dojo like space. Jayden reached for the first aid kit from inside the drawer next to the sofa while his eyes still fixated on Kay. it send chills down my spine. Please la jangan macam-macam senior. What should I do? What?
Jayden tarik tangan Kay.. Softly spreading some ointment. Jayden urut pergelangan tangan Kay yang dah terkulai, merah..
Jayden: This might be a bit painful..-pandang Kay, senyum
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kay gosok-gosok leher yang berbirat merah kesan tangan Jayden. Her left wrist is wrapped in bandages. Jayden pass a cup of tea which she reluctantly accept.
Jayden: I am sorry about your wrist. I can't help it when I lost my mind.. -tunduk, sipping his tea
Kay: About that, senior.. What is it with you and blood? It's not a normal hemophobia is it now?
Jayden: If you let me kiss you maybe I'll spill the detail -taunting
Kay hissed in annoyance. God.. Lama lagi ke Jayden ni nak buat perangai pervert ni? But then again, he's like an open book when he's acting all pervert and stuff. Kay rest her back on the sofa. Jayden repeat the same gesture, smiling at Kay. Kay kerutkan dahi. Is he for real? I mean, I don't mind kissing him. It's just a kiss. I'm a grown up woman. A kiss is like a peck.But he's Kao's special someone and he's young.. He's way too young to be oblivious about things like this. It must be something about the chocolate.
Kay: Ok then.. A kiss.. But you have to tell me everything..
Jayden beaming happily, putting his cup on the coffee table in front of them, coming closer to Kay. Kay push him back.
Kay: Uh uh.. Tell me everything I need to know first. -stern
Jayden: Ok... -kecewa- What do you want to know?
Kay: Blood.. It takes control of you, I assume?
Jayden: Yes.. The sight of blood make me a different person. It makes me want to kill.. -tunduk
Kay: So then, what makes you into this person? This pervert version of you?
Jayden: What makes you think this is not my true self? Is it wrong to like being close to people? -merajuk
Kay: Senior.. You are being all grabbing and kissing. This is not you. My question is why? Why the blood reaction and this behaviour?
Jayden reach for his cup, take another sip. Put the cup down.
Jayden: This blood lust of mine, it can't be tamed by anything except death. I can't escape it. It's in me. My family said it's a curse passed down from a generation to another. When I came to age where I have the strength to kill someone, my family stop me from joining the martial art lesson. If I knew it earlier, I would never have learn martial art. At all..
Jayden tunduk. Picit belakang leher.
Jayden: Bare me no ill will Kay. I didn't mean to hurt you. I can't control the monster in me..
Kay: I figure that back then..
Jayden: It was back in Korea when I first met Jason hyung and Minwoo Hyung..
Eh, ni nak tukar topik ke apa ni?
Jayden: Minwoo Hyung, Jason's cousin, is a bit adventurous one might say and very brilliant. He knew my curse. He tried to cure it. So he took me to a doctor or a healer to be exact. Specialise in hypnotism.. I can't cure my lust for blood when the curse strike but I can subdue the persona in me with another persona.
Kay: You create another personality in you to subdue your other persona? That is multiple personality disorder. A mental disorder, and you create one for you? Senior, that is insane!
Jayden: -chuckled- Tell that to Minwoo Hyung and his peculiar doctor. Never the less, the persona needs a trigger. A signal of some sort. For me, it's white chocolate. So whenever I consume white chocolate, I became this person..
Kay: For how long?
Jayden: The blood lust would last 2 hours at most. And this.. -pointing at himself- about the same..
Kay jeling jam di dinding.. 7.00 pm. About 15 minutes more..
Jayden: Now my reward..
Jayden grabbed Kay's waist, pulling her close. Kay terpinga. Oh right.. I forgot about this part. Kay try to calm down. Relax.. He's just a kid. Surely you can outwit him.
Kay: Wait.. Why are you so eager about this? - pushing his chest away
Jayden: 15 minutes left.. Do you think I wouldn't know?
Kay: Come on.. I have one more question.. Ok? - buat muka comel
Jayden loosen his hold. Kay bangun, gerak ke peti ais kecik di hujung ruang legar.
Kay: You haven't told me about kimchi..
Jayden: Kimchi? What about it?
Kay: I remember Senior Jason fed you some kimchi the other night when you were acting all weird..
Jayden chuckled, get up and walk towards Kay who is rummaging through the fridge.
Jayden: Why do you need to know? Do you want me to go away? -grabbing Kay's waist again
Kay: What does it do? -tenang
Jayden contemplating to answer but as Kay suspected.. He can't stop himself from spilling everything when he is this persona. Another hypothesis proven true. Kay smirks.
Jayden: It stops me from being who I am..
Kay: Good..
Kay suap something dalam mulut Jayden. A piece of kaktugi she found in the fridge. Thank goodness.. But will it work? Kay look upon Jayden's face. He is still hugging her waist so tightly. He stands still.
Kay: Senior?
Jayden tunduk. Pandang Kay. Jayden rapatkan muka. Oh no.. It doesn't work..
Jayden: Kay.. Why are you hugging me?
Kay: Senior, you're back..
