ᴛʜɪʀᴅ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴ'ꜱ ᴘᴏɪɴᴛ ᴏꜰ ᴠɪᴇᴡ
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘎𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧

𝙽𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚢𝚊, 𝙹𝚊𝚙𝚊𝚗
𝟷𝟸:𝟻𝟼 𝙰𝙼

In the midst of the bitter night, when the moon hid in the ominous clouds and the stars became hazy in their eyes, there were two men quarreling in the courtyard.

One of them was Nichigo and the other was Taki. They are friends—no, brothers, rather.

But that evening, instead of admiration and trust, Taki's heart was full of agony and malice towards Nichigo.

Simmering with anger and regret, it seems as though the blood once spilled in the name of brotherhood has irreversibly transformed into water and oil. The unity that was forged through their solemn oath now stands fractured with its own internal divisions.

"Why?!" Taki shouted while clutching the collar of Nichigo's shirt. His eyes were illuminating in fury but the humor in his tone wasn't misery but regret.

"Did you realize what you've done?! To me? To her? To us?!" he pursued and suddenly pushed Nichigo away, resulting in him to tumble backward for a few strides.

Taki never meant for his friend to get hurt like that. It's happened before during their missions. He's always been so determined to keep Nichigo safe but this time he just couldn't move. Even though it was tough to see his friend in pain, Taki knew he had to let him feel what he was going through.

Nichigo was also in agony. They were in pain. He did not regret his choice. Even though he was aware that what he had done could not be justified.

"Kuso! Koaete!!" Taki shouted at the top of his lungs, yet he felt that his throat reached its bar. (Damn it! Answer me!!)

Taki barrelled into Nichigo, driving him to the ground.

Anger.

Regret.

Sorrow.

All those sentiments were conspicuous in their eyes.

Every time he looks at Nichigo, all those memories of the hurt his friend caused come flooding back. It's like his love and respect for Nichigo have been completely overshadowed by those negative feelings. Taki is usually not aggressive at all but he's in so much pain that even the gentlest person could turn into a completely different beast.

Taki was totally stressing out not about what he found out earlier but about not being able to do right by his lover. It took ages to win her over and finally embrace her. Despite knowing it was wrong, he still took the plunge and loved her. But Taki screwed up his big chance by being careless, and now they're both dealing with the consequences.

"Taki..." Nichigo called his friend. He didn't know what the proper word should he say.

Nichigo knows how much love exists between the King and the Emperor of AOZORA. The Emperor, who is their leader, is not just any member but the scion of the Darkside. Taki, as the subleader, shouldn't be so bold towards her. Nichigo had to make sure they didn't end up like all those who committed the same sin before them and perished.

The Darkside or the shadow of the moon as they sometimes call it, is where all the action is at. It's the underbelly of the world where secret agents carry out sneaky stuff to take down the outlaws who slipped through legal cracks. The secret base of the Japanese government's main intelligence agency that is full of members who aren't your usual spies. They're split into different units, each with their own approach to things—some lean towards giving you a break, while others are all about total elimination.

Directing the Darkside is their Master, who is universally recognized as such since there are no mentions of him by name from anyone else. Those with insight consistently abstain from disclosing details about him. He holds authority over the entirety of the Darkside. And his teachings are unquestionably followed.

Members are shielded from distractions. They step up as judges for those who choose to stay quiet and ignore all the bad stuff in their society that's holding back any chances of a better future.

However on that particular night, they were not acting as judges. Rather, they found themselves as the convicted being judged based on their sins.

Nichigo made an effort to calm and comfort him. And they tumbled over each other on the grass.

"We are your friends!" Taki shouted after they stopped rolling over and punched Nichigo.

"Yep, I see you as a friend! That's why I did what I thought was best for you guys!" Nichigo reasoned and shoved away Taki.

"Friend? Did you claim yourself a—"

"I mean, Taki, that was totally her call! She went with the choice I offered. Taki, she decided to do this for you. No regrets on my end. I know you're going through a tough time and I understand. But—" Nichigo interrupted Taki before he could finish his remark and made a point. Yet he was hit in the jaw by another blow before he could finish his speech.

"Will she return to us after leaving? Only time will tell! There's a possibility she may not come back. Have you considered that?!" Taki blamed Nichigo.

Nichigo and Taki were both conscious of the root of their unease even though they did not express it verbally. Their anxiety did not stem from a wish to make sure their Emperor stays nearby but rather from the worry about what information she may gather during her absence.

The secrecy surrounding the lost Seigan, the hidden truths maintained in the name of brotherhood, and everything they are withholding from her could potentially endanger the strength of their friendship.

Nichigo whispered loud enough for Taki to hear, "It's better this way."

Taki turned down the idea. And Nichigo's actions earlier that night were still a big mystery to him. With them knowing that their leader could figure it all out if she distances herself from them, how did Nichigo even suggest that idea to the council?

"Please, Taki, I'm worried that you might be wasting your time here instead of spending it with her. You really should go see her," Nichigo tried to clear Taki's mind.

His mind was filled with a strong sense of conviction mixed with feelings of misery and guilt. He felt the weight of the suffering and anguish that his two friends experienced as a result of his actions even though ultimately they all benefited from it.

"Hey look, it doesn't matter if it was you or her. The outcome would have been the same. I'm sorry I pushed Misaki into this situation but for now, it's the best option we have. We all know the truth—she needs to go..."

"Misaki is asking for an explanation. Maybe this is the right move... You know what I'm talking about," Nichigo spoke passionately, making sure each word was heard by Taki as he gazed directly into his eyes.

Taki closed his eyes in a moment of freezing stillness, recognizing that those were not the words he wished to hear. His heart is pierced and bleeds from the weight of his actions.

The truth.

He's worried because he's always kept some things hidden from Misaki and now she's dead set on finding out the truth. He's afraid it might cause some problems in their relationship when she comes back.

Nichigo spoke in an even tone, "Let's not lose both of you. The worst thing about loving someone is facing the risk of losing them. No matter who is to blame, both of you will face consequences. Even if you survive the punishment, it can still take a toll on you. But in Misaki's case, it's different because she is the scion. No one will let her die no matter how severe the punishment may be."

"Imawa nanimo shirimasen," Taki's tone sounded rough. Struggling to contain his emotions, he raised his gaze to the starless sky. (I know nothing now.)

Even with all that had gone down before, Taki was sure that nothing could shake his love for Misaki. He kept on going despite knowing that his feelings for her were off limits. He thought that they could overcome any obstacles because of their contrasting backgrounds. But unfortunately, his persistence ended up causing a lot of pain for the one he cared for.

Since he has finally won over the woman he has been admiring on, he is determined to keep her interested. He is ready to fight off anyone or anything that tries to mess with their love. But the tricky part is dealing with the huge gap in their social statuses—him being a servant and her coming from a noble background.

Even tonight, Taki sensed a clear difference between himself and Misaki, almost feeling as though the moon were sharing in his sadness.

The noble ground was enveloped in a solemn quietude with no one prepared to vocalize any thought. Nichigo lay back on the ground and gazed contemplatively at the celestial bodies above. Quietly seated next to him, Taki was not aware of Misaki watching them with a troubled look on her face.

Despite not being able to hear their words, Misaki was able to decipher what they were saying by reading their lips even in the dim light of the night. It was shocking to her how harsh Taki was towards Nichigo. One might expect Misaki to be the most upset of them all but she found herself exhausted from everything.

"I really like how you lie, Taki. Let's embrace the pain because maybe it's what we both deserve," she murmured into the air.

She didn't mind all the lies people were telling her. She's no stranger to bending the truth herself. Misaki is just as much of a sinner as the rest of those under the shadow of the moon. She is familiar with the presence of lies and deceit in her life.

As long as those lies aren't hurting anyone, Misaki won't stop loving everyone. Right now, she's just keeping things under wraps about the punishment she got. It's as if she's keeping a lid on the real story behind it.

Scenes suddenly passed before her eyes.

° ° °

𝙽𝚊𝚐𝚘𝚢𝚊, 𝙹𝚊𝚙𝚊𝚗
𝙵𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜 𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚛

"I believe you," Master hissed softly, "We appreciate your candor. I subsequently declared the verdict to be a punishment. You charmed your brother, a fellow comrade. As you are aware, that is prohibited. We vowed to uphold equality for all. The pledge in our blood. Recall that you even created those regulations. But you... You yourself defied it. Faith, it was your own words that were sinning."

'Equality for all. A promise in our blood. It was all, but a bullshit,' Misaki considered what the Master had just spoken with scornful contemplation.

Ayuzawa Misaki bowed to the Master. She did what the Master wanted her to do but not because she thought what she and Taki had was immoral.

'Bullshit as it may be, Master. I shall yield to you. Instructing our Master to take this action, Nichigo has done nothing wrong. Falling in love with my King brings me no guilt or remorse. I am content knowing that Taki does not have to die, and it fills me with happiness,' Misaki sighed, putting an end to her concerns.

Misaki has been chosen as the scion of the Darkside and is expected to take on the position once the current master steps down. But in an unexpected development, Misaki has recently faced a punishment for the first time. This is a unique situation since Emperors, being crucial to each unit, are usually exempt from most forms of punishment. As both the leader of the unit and a symbol of their organization's future, this has been a major source of embarrassment for their followers.

"Every type of suffering serves a purpose, dictated by principles of justice and compassion. As the Master of the Darkside, I hereby command you, Faith, The Emperor of AOZORA, to sever your ties with our organization and depart to a distant location, far removed from us and your King. Communication with us is prohibited, and the Darkside is inaccessible to you. You are to abide by my directives and refrain from utilizing your Eirias or any powers while undergoing punishment. Failure to comply with my commands will result in termination, and you will not be allowed to return until your sentence is revoked. Henceforth, Faith shall exist under a different identity..."

° ° °

Once on the dimmed terrace of the chaotic manor, Misaki was faced with the man she longed for—the one she wanted to be there for her and make her feel better after hearing the verdict.

Except it wasn't. She's been really caught up in trying to figure out her own feelings and dealing with all that inner turmoil. Even her feelings for Taki weren't enough to shake off that sense of isolation she's been carrying around.

Stepping out from the shadows with a swirling head, she aimed to comfort Taki and Nichigo by ensuring that everything would go smoothly. But upon noticing the presence of another person, she found herself being led astray.

Next to the terrace at the entrance to a hallway, there was a man with crimson eyeliner on his lower lids. Misaki decided to approach him after leaving the terrace.

The subdued silhouette of hers emerged from the moon's shadow, gracefully moving a few feet towards the unwanted man as it glided along the grass. Once Misaki reached him, he bestowed upon her something she had yet to discover. A gift that would forever change the course of her life.

That envelope held every piece of information she would need to live her other life.

Upon the Master's announcement of her sentence, Misaki should leave right away. Embracing a graceful departure similar to the subtle disappearance of the moon at sunrise.

'Really, Master? Are you seriously not willing to give me a chance, not even a farewell? It's just so disappointing,' Misaki stared at the envelope in silence, laughing bitterly in the back of her mind.

She was just wondering why love is considered wrong and wanted some clarity on that. Even though she wasn't sure about where she was and where she'd be living next, she was still curious. But Misaki decided to stay quiet, showing how well she gets the Noble Order.

To never ask why.

Everything that the Master presented to you is considered to be correct and appropriate.

With her eyes closed, Misaki felt her hand rise to meet it. The twilight settled in her hand. She was renunciating her yakuza identity that evening. She won't be able to return until the Master lifts her punishment.

"Did we used to feel anxious about being normal?" Misaki spoke to nobody. The mysterious man just shrugged and started walking. And then he made fun of what she said.

"Being mediocre is a flaw. And those who are under the shadow of the moon shouldn't be helpless," the man spoke those words effortlessly. But Misaki knew he was pointing out her as the flaw in their organization.

Expressing such sentiments to the young heir was clearly disrespectful. But Misaki just decided to let it slide because she wasn't really feeling up to dealing with his arrogance at the moment.

Her plan was to leave without anyone noticing. But that didn't quite work out because the unwanted man accidentally tripped over a tiny piece of wood and broke it.

The sound of a sharp crunch broke through the silence, causing the two men to startle out of the harmony of the crickets and the devastation of wind.

"Kisama, bureina—!" Misaki scowled nearly to the point of annoyance. The man gave her a snide look and walked away. (You, insolent—!)

She knew that was not accidental. That arrogant man wanted Nichigo and Taki to know that Misaki was heading out. For her benefit?

No, of course not.

Entertaining himself was his sole intent which she had no qualms about. His previous disrespectful behavior was evident through his offhand remark.

In spite of being the heir of the Darkside, she has garnered numerous adversaries and competitors due to her bold nature. Misaki was aware that while some may look up to her as the salvation, others saw her as the opposite—the damnation.

"You heard that?" the instantly recognizable voice that Taki had not even nearly heard caused his head to jolt. He stood up from the grass and started looking around but couldn't find what he was searching for.

"Misaki, matte!" when Taki spotted his sweetheart, he let out a cry. They were so far away from her that he could hardly have noticed her at all. (Misaki, wait!)

Nichigo stood up to his full height. He saw the anguish evident on Misaki's face as she looked back.

Each of them made the right choices for where they're at. They just needed some space from each other to feel better and move past what was holding them back.

Their passion is like a double-edged sword where pain and love are all mixed up together. If you couldn't feel pain, you wouldn't really understand how amazing love can feel.

Should Saiko have been present as well, this farewell would have been even more bittersweet for Misaki.

The esteemed secret intelligence unit of Japan, AOZORA, is comprised of distinguished agents such as Hanabusa Nichigo, Ayuzawa Misaki, Kazehaya Takihiro and Kuronuma Saiko. Despite their unique personalities, their unwavering bond of true friendship remains steadfast, allowing them to conquer any obstacles that cross their path. But a significant challenge has emerged posing a formidable test to the strength of their connection.

Upon seeing her walking down the hallway with confidence and heading towards the gate, the two men audibly expressed their bewilderment. That caused her to pause. She felt hesitant to meet the gaze of her King, fearing how he might react to her leaving. They all shared a sense of distress during that short evening.

Amidst a whirlwind of emotions, Misaki found herself grappling to articulate her thoughts. Her words remaining confined solely within the recesses of her mind.

'I know I usually go along with your deceit but this time I need the real deal. I won't relax until those responsible for her death get what they deserve. Our love can take a back seat but she can't. I've promised to return to you so hold on for me until I've dealt with them,' she thought.

Knowing they both cared for each other, Misaki was set on reuniting with Taki later on. Their love could wait while she looked for answers for herself.

So she quickly glanced at the unwanted man on the other side and had to hurry to make sure Taki didn't hold her up.

After thinking about it, Misaki finally understood why she died. She figured out that she wasn't looking for forgiveness but was actually just wanting to be accepted.

'Then you're just being foolish. Darkside doesn't need acceptance. It already has a sense of belonging. You probably wanted too much and in the end, you were betrayed and killed,' Misaki couldn't help but smirk to herself, 'I got you covered though. Once I finish drinking up their blood, your assailant will be out of luck.'

She saw a path ahead that seemed far enough to follow. She realized she hadn't had time to think things through on her own for a while. So she just decided to take a break from all the responsibilities she'd been dealing with.

Nichigo's suggestion to Master gave her a chance to seek revenge and helped Misaki dig into the secrets of her past. She could also figure out the truth behind her death this way and how everything played out.

"Time to go," she went past the gate and said to the man. The cunning man bowed. A black, opulent van that would take her to the airport was parked behind them.

Instead of owning up to her inappropriate love, Misaki chose to take the punishment on her own. She also wanted to show everyone that having passion can be a good thing. She thought that love could shield the one you care about instead of causing their downfall. To prove that love isn't always bad, she decided to take the blame as the heir.

She wasn't going anywhere to break things off. She was just taking some time for Taki and herself to figure things out. After all sins are still sins, even when it comes to love.

"Onegai, kore o watashi ni shinaide!" even though Misaki heard Taki's cries, she didn't turn around or respond. Her eyes closed as the ache in her heart grew more intense. (Please, don't do this to me!)

"Kiwotsukete, Taki," Misaki muttered something into thin air. Wishing that the message would find its way to him through it. But Misaki was wise enough to avoid falling prey to illusion. (Take care, Taki.)

"It could take you anywhere! Anywhere far from me..." his tone became monotonous. Taki had already come to the conclusion that he couldn't do anything to stop her.

Once Misaki made a decision, there was nothing more they could do. She was after all, an independent, feisty and hot-tempered woman. Nobody, not even Taki, could ever make her change her mind.

Nichigo didn't even try to stop Taki from walking over to her because he thought it wasn't needed. It would have been nice for Nichigo to say goodbye to Misaki but he had already forgotten about it. So he just let Taki take care of that moment.

"Are you really doing this?" Taki searched frantically. Misaki felt too far away from him even though it would only take him twelve more steps to meet her.

It was evident in Taki's voice that he was both deeply relieved that Misaki was alright and terrified that she would abandon him at any moment that evening. That just made her more determined. Misaki had to get going quickly.

She wanted to turn around to share her regret with Taki, show her appreciation to Nichigo for his deeds, and console Saiko and the rest to remain hopeful as she believed things would improve. She needed to clarify to Taki that her actions were for their own good and emphasize that he should not pursue her. But the moment for her to flee was quickly diminishing so she sprang forward and called out to the man over her shoulder.

Upon seeing Taki hastening towards her in her peripheral vision, it was evident that he might not have fully accepted her decision to take that action. A lump formed in her throat, hindering her speech.

"I care for you, Taki. Aishiteru," Misaki whispered.

She would.

She would forever.

She would adore him endlessly.

It seems that her heart had already been captured by Taki so there was no need for concern as there was nothing remaining to be given to or shared with someone else.

The moon bore witness to their sorrow and the cries of their lost hopes. It caught a glimpse of their ultimate fate, a secret to be held between the moon and the stars.

Faith shall be brought down.

She will pause portraying a member of a notorious Japanese secret intelligence unit but will instead embody the character of Ayuzawa Misaki, a typical college student in a specific nation on Earth.

The King and the Emperor of AOZORA might just end up back together. The world might have tried to divide them that evening. But they could still follow the same path in their souls like how destiny ties people together with a scarlet thread.

Taki was like a little island all to himself. Shut off from everything except his own misery. It had been hours since Misaki left but he was still out in the backyard struggling to either drift off to sleep or stay awake.

He said no to Nichigo when he asked to stay with him. Taki didn't feel angry at his friend anymore. He just wanted to deal with his pain on his own and be by himself to figure out his feelings.

He had failed her. He failed once again.

How could it be?

Time has flown by and so has Misaki. Taki has no idea where she is. He's feeling more lost and down than ever before.

Taki was outside for so long that he was almost freezing. Just when he was about to call it a night, he remembered something really important and then kicked himself for forgetting it.

"Nothing will ever come between us. For you are dedicated to me and I belong to you..." part of their Seigan was gently recited by Taki with each word seemingly etched into the very essence of his being.

Will they be able to uphold this important promise despite the challenges fate may present? Time is slipping away, putting their commitment to the test.

Taki got up quickly and headed to the manor. He walked through the door with a strong feeling, trusting his emotions to lead him to her. He was pretty sure that there was something important ahead and had a gut feeling that danger was lurking nearby.

The only path forward was clear for Taki. His deep affection for Misaki overwhelmed him. Causing him to doubt his ability to even step through the doorway. Clutching his arms tightly he hastened into the entranceway, heedless of the distant sounds reverberating through the corridors. Faint murmurs and whispers coupled with the rustling wind seemed to be advising him to give up his pursuit.

He didn't care at all. Taki didn't even think about them.

Only her.

He emerged from the cacophony with a heavy sigh.

"Peita..."

Numerous voices echoed throughout the vicinity. Their owners trying to approach and talk with him, addressing him by his eirias as Taki persisted in delving further and deeper into the manor.

Of course, they knew. Rumors spread fast.

Would he find her?

Without question.

Would he wait for her?

Always.

≺•≼۵≽ ≁ ≼۵≽ ⊷≔ ≾ ❣ ≳ ≕⊶ ≼۵≽ ≁ ≼۵≽•≻

Updates will be on every second and fourth Sunday of the month.

ＮＯＶＥＬ ＪＡＲＧＯＮＳ

•DARKSIDE • Isang secret intelligence organization ng Japan. Ang mga myembro nito ang mga secret agent ng Japanese government. Sila ang pumupugsa sa mga kriminal at mga personalidad na lumalabag sa batas na hindi kayang sugpuin ng mga pulis ng gobyerno.
•EMPEROR • Ang ranggo na ito ay ibinibigay sa pinuno ng bawat secret intelligence unit anuman ang kasarian nito.
•KING • Ito ang pangalawang pinakamataas na ranggo na ibinibigay sa sub-leader ng bawat secret intelligence unit anuman ang kasarian nito.
•EIRIAS • Isang bansag para sa bawat miyembro ng kani-kanilang secret intelligence unit ng Darkside.
•NOBLE ORDER • Naglalaman ng sampung mga batas na kailangang isapuso at sundin ng sinumang nasa ilalim ng organisasyon.
•MASTER • Ang pinakamataas na awtoridad na ibinibigay sa pinakamakapangyarihang salinlahi ng founding clans. Ang tungkulin ng Master ay pangasiwaan ang lahat ng grupo ng yakuza sa Darkside.
•YAKUZA • Ang mga kabilang sa Darkside at residente ng Japan.
•SHADOW OF THE MOON • Taguri ng mga kabilang sa Darkside sa kanilang sarili.
•SEIGAN • Ang mga pangako ay sineseryoso ng Darkside. Dahil ito ay kumakatawan na utang na kailangan nilang bayaran. Ang Seigan ay isang ceremony upang maging sacred ang isang pangako. Ang lahat na sumumpa sa seremonyang ito ay kailangan pangatawanan ang naipangako. Sa oras na suwayin at baliin nila ito, ang kanilang buhay ang magiging kabayaran.

Ang kuwentong ito ay hindi pulido at maaaring makakita ng wrong spelling of words, wrong grammar in a sentence at typographical errors. Maaari akong itama sa bawat pagkakamaling makikita ninyo, salamat sa pag-unawa.

Para sa mas detalyadong impormasyon at para mas maintindihan ang kuwento, maaari lamang pumunta sa Pandora I chapter. Malawak ang konsepto ng kuwento at upang hindi malunod sa impormasyon ang mambabasa ay minabuti ng manunulat na ilagay sa iisang kabanata ang buong ideya nito.

彡Exrineance

╽ＴＥＭＰＴΛＴＩＯＮ ＯＦ ＦΛＩＴＨ ╿
ᴴᵒʷ ᶜᵃⁿ ˡᵒᵛᵉ ᵇᵉ ᵇᵒᵗʰ ʰᵉᵃᵛᵉⁿ ᵃⁿᵈ ʰᵉˡˡ?