Chapter 198 - Sacrifices

*UNEDITED*

Back then, everything was so painful. No matter what she did to conceal, to ease the pain. It hurt a lot. Setsura always felt bad whenever she thought that way.  The reason why she feels so bad is because she understands how much effort that person put for her. Lost memories or not, those strong emotions he evoked inside of her have not disappeared. Things like she does not want to hurt him or become a burden he will end up resenting. Out of all the people involved in her life, he was the one who cares about her the most. Her memories even now are a haze, but Setsura understood one thing. Those people who refer to themselves as her family are the ones who will abandon her without a second thought. 

Right before that incidence happened. Setsura recalled that she had put some distance between them. She did not go see him at his home, nor did she call him. Her responses to his messages were slow, she would wait a few days. Though she opened up the messages almost instantly like a reflex action. She didn't reply, the dates - she brushed them of.

However, he.. came to her.

'Since I couldn't reach you, I decided I'd fly to your side instead!'

To see her, he did the most ridiculous thing which ended up with her brother calling the cops. Even when the police took him away, he wore that foolish grin on his face. The next day she decided to meet him, to bail him out. He acted like nothing had happened and she remembers it all too well. His scent, and his words when he held her.

It's exactly like him, to have everything figured out - and to not blame her either. Any normal person would get angry, but that person didn't get mad even once.

She doesn't want him to worry about her.

That person always wore a foolish grin on his face. However, behind that was a mask of sadness. He has enough to deal with, that's why she hid many things from him. It would be better to tell him when he's settled his own sadness. Setsura made that vow. So many years went by and yet nothing.

Even now she is hiding away, if Akito knew she was starting to recall things in this much detail. Would he get angry? Setsura already knew the answer. Like that person, he would smile like a fool. He may even congratulate her. That's how much of an idiot he is. Akito, would he stay by her side and accept everything despite knowing the truth? 

She is too afraid to tell him. No matter how stable their relationship is now. It's easy for things to go wrong. The thing with the servant girl does bother her greatly. Setsura didn't realize how insecure she was about another person interfering before. With that person she never had that problem before. He only had her, he didn't speak much with other girls either. Girls she didn't know anyway. However, Akito is different. Even if he wasn't in a relationship with that woman. It's still another person. 

'To think she is such a petty person.' How can she solve crimes with such a petty mind set?

"Is that what you really want Setsura-chan?" Victor suddenly broke the silence between them.

Setsura tilted her head, and nodded her words. "I suppose so, since I'm practically walking to my own death. Despite knowing before hand. I'm playing the role of Opheila in Hamlet. It is indeed a tragedy. But in the end, the ending will be like the Tempest. After all I am Caliban?".

"Caliban?"

"A supporting character from a book called the Tempest. The name of a hideous creature that originally came from the Island. Where the sorcerer Prospero was expelled to. Caliban was glad to have learnt words and knowledge from Prospero. Soon the island that was once his, was taken over by Prospero and he was enslaved. Caliban was enraged by his treatment and swore revenge. But he didn't manage to carry it out and went through a terrible experience. Eventually Prospero fulfilled his own wish, became happy and left the Island. In the end Caliban got his Island back, even though he couldn't take revenge on the despised Prospero he found happiness."

"Setsura-chan, are you trying to.." Victor swallowed his words and Setsura saw it. His confused and distressed expression turned to wondering.

Her gaze softens, at his words. Does Victor understand? He probably won't, he isn't the same type as Akito. But, even then, " I am the same. Even if we are slightly unusual individuals with powers and more knowledge than the rest. In the end, we are still no better than slaves. Seeking revenge is futile. It'll be a happy end if we end up accepting these turn of events."

"Your saying all that isn't a tragedy?"

"Yes. If we make some sacrifices, everyone will definitely have a happy end," Setsura nodded. She never expected things to end up well for her anyway. From the moment Setsura recalled her involvement with the police in the future. She knew exactly what role she had to play here. A role that would not

"Hamlet' is a tale where everything was lost due to unreasonable desires. That one is a tragedy."

He clenched his fist, " And those two?"

"Akito will not complain if it makes sense. He's the same as me. As long as he sees the evidence in front of him, he won't question it."

"Then, what about the person you left behind?"

"You knew I had somebody, and yet you encouraged my relationship with Akito?" Setsura questioned.

"Well, you didn't remember.. Your not bound to a relationship if you have no memory of it. Things get reset."

Indeed, that's how things are. People would say the same thing as Victor. But, there are those who would argue against it too. Those who would say she is a terrible woman. She turned to Victor, "Is that what you truly think?"

"What do you mean by that Setsura-chan?"

"Sometimes, it feels like you say things you don't actually mean."

An awkward look appeared on Victor's face. It was a moment of distress, but it quickly changed again. "That sounds frightening."

It seems like he isn't willing to admit it yet huh? But, she supposes that's only natural. The two of them don't know one another that well yet. Why would anybody share their deep and dark secrets, with a person they barely know? Then again, when she first met Akito. Didn't she practically tell him everything? How naive of her. With the current circ.u.mstances though, she couldn't avoid it. Back when she first came here, she was so vulnerable. So weak and pathetic, that's why even somebody as cold as Akito couldn't turn her away.

"Tell me something Setsura-chan, do you plan to marry Akito? That's some huge diamond."

Setsura recalled the ring on her finger and sighed. "I understand that as his friend you have your concerns. But, there is a limit to how much you can interfere in our matters."

"That's why I'm asking you," Victor murmured. "Because Akito is very important to me, Chauncey and Natasha."

"Just you three?"