Chapter 277 - Nothing

When people treat you like nothing, you start to feel like nothing.

That's why Setsura vowed to become strong, stronger than ever. So she doesn't cave into the emotions that she has been hiding ever since that day. That person ran away due to having a huge debt and left her and her mother all alone. He abandoned them both. That person will always be on the run and never live their life peacefully; they'll always be running away and never get a chance to stop and face the problem.

After he left, she and mother suffered so much. Peoples whispers, their voices. ' You couldn't do anything.' Although they were living, they were treated as an existence that was just there. She didn't want to live that sort of life. She wanted to find a place no matter where it was — a place where she could carry on looking forward.

When father finally returned, he had married into the rich. Of course, Setsura didn't realize this. Her father's sudden appearance that day, the tearful embrace her parents shared. All Setsura knew was that once again, her family would become whole. It was stupid; she knew that better than anybody. There was something unusual about the entire thing.

The view from the top, it's a place she's always wanted to reach. Even though she never once lost a fight and considered the top in her hometown. Setsura had felt as though it wasn't enough. That there was still something, she was missing. That's why when she heard about that person, she felt a slight relief wash over her.

She remembered it even now. The feeling of an empty stomach, the coldness, and the sound of the small TV. A young mother. Although she didn't beat her, she rarely came home for days except for occasionally coming back and giving her something to eat. Her approach was like she didn't exist, and yet she didn't disregard her completely. Whenever she was engrossed in watching TV, that woman would often make conversation with her. But, now that Setsura thought about it carefully, the content of their conversations were bizarre.

'Do you know? This type of animal, if they get too lonely, they could die.'

'If it's a person, I wonder what would happen.'

Back then, Setsura did find it a bit peculiar. Their every conversation always involved life and death somehow. But, the content of the conversation didn't matter; she remembered thinking that it had been a long time since she last saw her mother smile. She wanted to convince herself that her mother still liked her. She doesn't remember those days well, the days after that person stopped showing up and she was completely lifeless.

When her father returned, for a long time, Setsura convinced herself that things were okay. However, weren't the signs all there? The signs she tried to ignore and dismiss.

Setsura quickly finished up and scanned her surroundings. There isn't anybody else, is there? This person must be one of Touma's men. She found it puzzling, though. Why did they randomly attack her? Surely they know a random attack like this won't do anything to her? Still, for them to do something like this despite that. Setsura's thoughts broke up when she felt someone wrap their cloak around her.

"Akito."

"Good work," Akito nodded.

'Good work?' Setsura raised her eyebrows. He really doesn't seem surprised. Then again, it seemed like he knew everything from the start. Setsura knew he investigated her beforehand. Before he even confirmed with Izu who she was. Did she want him to be surprised? Setsura felt very conflicted.

"Since those two are focused on fighting, it seems they haven't noticed yet," Akito brought up.

"Noticed?"

"Look up."

For the first time, since she stepped out. Setsura looked at her surroundings properly. She glanced over at the direction Akito point and saw somebody standing on top of a building rooftop. Despite the darkness of the night, Setsura could immediately tell who it was.

She blinked, surprised, "Chauncey Long? What is he doing here?"

Chauncey Long and Akito still have an odd relationship. So, she doubts he came here to visit Akito. Somebody must have tipped Chauncey Long of. Somebody must have told him that Yang was here. Setsura felt her entire body freeze; her face color gradually lost color.

If Chauncey Long is here, he's here for Yang. Yang is a wanted fugitive - so they clearly didn't come here to have a pleasant chat. 'They want to capture him.' The entire time, Yang hid away. Even when he visited town, nobody could get to him. He was very good at hiding.

But now he stepped out without making any preparations. Then again, she decided randomly that she would visit Akito. Yang didn't have time to prepare. Still, Yang didn't have to come with her. Setsura closed her eyes, 'There's so many of them, and they all have a strong blood l.u.s.t.' Even if it's Yang, this situation is terrible for him.

Akito sighed and confirmed her suspicions. "His men have surrounded the place," he trailed off and awkwardly said. "...after Yang."

"Tell him to stop," Setsura said, alarmed. This was one of the reasons why she did not want Yang to come with her. A wanted man with a high bounty on his head walking around freely? Like that will happen, so many people are keeping watch of him daily. He knew that very well, but the idiot had to insist. "There is no need for them to fight."

Setsura knew her words sounded very stupid right now. No need for them to fight? Of course, there is unlike the battle between Touma and Yang right now. The one between Yang and Chauncey would make more sense. She briefly glanced over at Akito and saw him shaking his head. She immediately understood that he wouldn't be able to help her. Then, it seems like she will have to take matters into her own hands here.

She turned on her heel and ran in the direction of the building. From a distance, she could hear Akito calling for her. But, he didn't chase after her.

___________

In all his life, nobody has surprised him as much as the current situation. People would always question whether he had emotions due to the blank look on his face. If those people saw his current expression, they would hardly believe it's him.

When Chauncey heard that Yang was here, he didn't intend to go after him. However, hearing that Touma would show up too. He appeared, just to 'appease the boss.' The grudge between Yang and him run deep, and Chauncey wasn't particularly happy with the man either.

But, with the current situation, he didn't want to cause any more problems. There is already so many things to do. A petty conflict between leaders is not necessary right now. Still, he had to admit. Part of the reason why he came here was because he wanted to know if the rumors were true. The rumors about this girl on top of him, 'A tackle.' Right before he gave the signal, Setsura came flying out of nowhere and tackled him onto the ground.

If she didn't surprise him before, then she certainly surprised him now. What is with this girl?