Chapter 9: Mission Accomplish

I am still waiting for the news regarding the missing students and try to spy on Rhyden to get some news about this mission. And currently, the box has yet to be open still that makes me worry because how long is Rhyden not gonna open the box? It is the most crucial item in this mission and he hasnt open it yet. Prolonging of opening it for confirmation whether it is an actual legit clue or a trap, that is not the problem I am worrying but a problem if he knows how to solve it or not, which is worse since time is running and figuring out how to open it is going to take lot of time and I don't know if they are taking actions.

The lastest news I have gathered about the case is them still not opening the box. I don't know if it's by choice or they really can't open the box, however, the searching for the missing students finally got a strong lead, all thanks to Rhyden.

Talent Thrones has multiple outcomes of each missions they have and those outcomes would shape the future progress of the story in the game and very little details sometimes would have a huge effect towards the outcome of the mission which is very tricky and sometimes risky to take a step on situations that you do not know what kind of path you're threading into. I've played the game multiple times out lack of games to play and I am quite familiar with the choices to have a specific outcome and so far Rhyden is taking the steps for the great mission ending. I just hope he doesn't fuck it up which is why I am so worried about the box.

Right now, at lunchbreak and always during lunchbreak do Rhyden go to the student council to discuss about the missing students case. Though I should have been present to their meeting today (spying), unfortunately, I have to change my plan to my trip to the student council room and detour to a different room where the box is being kept inside. I'm planning to give a hint and leave it nearby so they could at least find out how to solve it.

Even if my character is a villain, a minor villain, I still wish for a good ending. The only ending where Carlos got not too painful death which is the one and only ending I want.

I made my way up to the floor where the box is hidden, trying to act normal as possible and walk towards the door like it is just some normal doors before I went on full vigilant. I scanned the area around and found it full of hunks. Filled with other items that the room looked more like a storage room because of how many variety of items are stored inside. Most of them are the ones that are used for decoration for a certain theme and few items that are broken but seems too precious to throw away.

I walked quietly around the room, trying to find a specific spot where they could have placed the box but every corner of the room are only junks can be seen. Not a box can be found. I expected it to be separated from all of these junks somewhere in this room instead so why can't I find it?

"Did I got the room wrong instead?" I muttered to myself, crouching down to see what's below the table that I found, unfortunately, still no box.

For more information about the box. The box I am mentioning is very pretty. It has delicate features yet not so delicate if were to operate the puzzle on it. It is purposely built as a puzzle and not as a trap. With the right combination of the box's solvation, it will open. It's a union design of a rubix cube -like design, buttons, puzzle pieces that you could take out a piece of it and place it to a different side of the box, and other things to solve in that cube though nothing more complicated than that anymore. It is only tricky because of how many combinations each of the side it has. You have to work on all of the sides at the same time.

While searching, I heard footsteps from the outside and felt it closer to the door. My instincts came in and kicked my ass to go and hide.

Two people entered the room and both of them are students. I hid behind a huge cardboard in a cut out shapes for a decoration and remained quiet there. I dare not to move an inch and need to keep calm so that my breathing would be stable and they wouldn't be able to hear me and I maintained my posture so to not move or jerk involuntarily. Though a few curiosity seeped through the cracks of my action that I couldn't help and try to take a peek from the side to see who entered.

The room is a little dim and it was hard for me to determine who the two were but soon it was revealed to me that it is the President of the student council together with the Escort. Again.

Ever since the day I stalked them, it ended in a way I did not expect and what's more is that the President saw me catching them making out in secret after the Secretary left. Until that, I never saw any sightings of the President ever again and only do I see the Escort roam around the school premises for his own enjoyment. Sometimes I though of the reason why the President didn't show up much anymore is that he could be hiding just in case I were to reveal what he and the Escort were kissing behind the school building, or he is not hiding and just happens to be in a different places where I won't be able to meet him or he simply became too busy.

"Rhyden is doing great. Good thing we have him in our side." The Escort, James, joyfully said. He stretches his arms in the arm and gave out a big sigh. With the President, Jericho, crept up behind James stretching his arms and slithered his own arms to James's side then hugged him from behind.

"Why wouldn't he? We are doing what's right after all." Jericho said before breaking away from James then walked around the room as if he is looking for something.

"But still! I didn't think he is actually qualified for this, I mean! A second year? Who would have thought!" James expressed his amazement towards Rhyden while talking to Jericho.

Jericho didn't respond but rolled his eyes with a smile before returning to searching for something. James remained in the middle of the room with little movement to where he is and just picking up random things on the ground and see what it is. Jericho eventually got close to where I am hiding and I immediately hold my breath.

"Please don't see me, please don't see me, please don't see me!" I screamed in my mind, praying and hoping for him not to spot me. The cardboard might be big enough to hide though I still need to be cautious.

"Hey, are there really no experts can solve the box? It's been too long now... Time's ticking and we don't even know if those students are still alive. At this point, is there even a purpose of finding them if they're already dead?" James blurted out out of his own boredom.

"Do not say that. Those missing students deserves to be found either dead or alive. Hopefully alive and their parents deserves to know what happened to their children, even if their ends were cruel. And also! They are not dead yet, I'm sure of it."

"And how can you be so sure?"

"Because the abductor or plural, havent got what they want yet. Killing those students would mean of closing the deal off by themselves."

"What is it do they want anyway?"

During their conversation as I listen to every word that I hear from them, I can feel a little anger to James because of how insensitive and inconsiderate his words are. His straightforwardness and speaking of what's on his mind so easily without any filters whenever he wishes to say something puts me off. Maybe it is because of the topic they are having that he cannot help and have some thoughts, however, it is still insensitive to speak such possibility.

Those who's abducted the missing students really didn't want anything. They are previous workers in the school who thought the owner of the school is playing with them and being unfair with their salaries so they quit and months later, they formed a group and planned to kidnap students to rile up the school and make a bad reputation of the school for having poor security which should always be prioritized. They don't really plan to kill those students and as for them still not being caught, it is because someone, in this school, has the capability to play the cards and cause troubles in this school for their own excitement and enjoyments to have with their time here. One of the ending of this mission, had the students killed because it was too late.

This is just the first work of the main villain in the story. If Rhyden doesnt get to open the box for the major clue, the mission ending would be just that.

"Ah, here it is." Jericho held out a certain item, although, it doesn't seem to be related to do anything to the box. James cheered for him.

"I got what I need. Let's go!" Jericho said then reached for James' hand. James didn't turn that hold away but he said something.

"You go ahead. Some of the things here might be useful to my project, I will just continue searching." He said. Jericho hesitated to leave first and I was worried that he might stay longer together with James and make it harder for me to leave now knowing that the box isn't here but somewhere near Rhyden. Thankfully, Jericho left first. Leaving James behind, and me unknowingly. All I just need to do is to wait for James to leave so all the threat level around me would clear. With Jericho away, that threat level went down for a significant amount of percentage.

The door opens then closed, signaling that Jericho is finally gone. James went around the room. He picks up different items that piques his interest then put them back down if he thinks it appears "too simple", "too tacky", "too big" or "too small", or simply "Not my style". Waiting for him to finish his session of choosing an item felt like forever and just wouldn't make up his mind still. I am simply growing too tired and stiff from where I am standing.

Wait, what the, where is he? Wasn't he supposed to be just in the middle?

"I knew it."

Suddenly, a voice crept up behind my ear followed by the hands slithering from my waist to my stomach.

"Wha--!" His long slender hand quickly covered my mouth when I was startled by him. He then slips his whole arm around my waist then brought me out of the huge cardboard . He did so fast I couldn't make out a reaction nor movement.

"Now, what are you doing here, hm?~ Hiding nonetheless, almost as if you are trying to do something suspicious." He changed position and got behind me. His head close to mine and his lips are few centimeters away from my ear, almost touching me and his hot breath tickled my ear and neck that made me jerk from feeling his warm breath.

"N-nothing!" I yelled though it raised more suspicion to James. When it comes to Carlos, he is always up to something. I might be up to something too but it is not anything bad, I swear!

"Really? Nothing?" He repeated my word then changed his position again and faced me forward. His tall lean body hovers above me, pushing me backwards with every steps to get closer to me. There is nowhere else to go when I felt the same big cut out cardboard behind my back.

Urgh! What the hell is happening now!? Isnt he supposed to look for an item for HIS project? Or was that an act to lead me thinking that he doesnt know that I am here? But I was very quiet, he couldnt have known!

"Even if I am up to something, it's not like you'll know anything about it anyways so you have nothing to use against me." I said. Returning the same grin he had on his face even though my heart is pounding from a fast arising nervousness. Using a reverse psychology or whatever this could be to make him back down by engaging on what he is engaging, though my choice right now is very poor and the result of me challenging him is not what I liked.

"Oh really? So you ARE up to something. I can easily find out what you're here for and if I were to find that out, trust me, fate won't be nice to you." He threatened with a mixed of sweetness in his tone. I could feel the vibration of his voice down to my spine but I cannot back down, well-- at least my posture.

"You know..." James stepped even closer to me. Leaves me almost no personal space for myself. "You're actually cute up close." He whispered in my ear. He grabs my chin and tilts my head to face him. He is still wearing the same grin he have when he caught me.

"What?" I subconsciously said though the question lies more on 'what is happening' and due to the unexplainable action he is having towards me I could not make out the whole question and simply 'what' is all I could only say. We locked our eyes together and his eyes appeared glowing in the dark, however, not the good type of thing glowing in the dark kind of sense.

"You always appeared... A person with few loose screws in the head because of your blue hair but, up close, you look very different." James insulted then said something otherwise though it may not be a compliment to me and there's a coo sound like by the end of his sentence. He raises his hand then brushes his fingers to my left cheek which I immediately pulled my head away from his touch.

"Just where the fuck are you touching and where are you getting at?" Never been the one keen with skinship, I retracted myself away from him further as I can despite being cornered. Fortunately for me, he hasn't locked me completely in one place with his arms still on his side.

"Hey, come on now." He leaned closer to me and have his face placed just right behind my ear. I just had enough of him very quickly so I had to step away from him however, he quickly grabs me by my waist again and scoops me back to where I was effortlessly that I was flabbergasted to react at that moment. "Don't leave so quickly right after I just caught you. You know, a mouse doesn't get to escape the cat so easily."

"Me? A mouse? Well then, I guess this mouse would be an exception." I gritted my teeth with annoyance. I still have something to do and I am being held back because of this stupid character! If I knew trying to help the case they're dealing with would get me into this annoying situation, I shouldn't have tried to give a hand to them in the first place. I only want the story to progress faster because maybe if this story were to finish, I might have some chance to go back.

I then tried to get away from him again and this time with force. I slapped his creeping hands away to prevent him touching me again.

"Seems like you're not getting the message. I caught you here acting suspicious, especially hiding behind this cardboard and surely with that you are up to something which is why you are hiding earlier." He then grabs my wrist and pulled me back. Strong enough to force my body turn to him. His grip is threateningly tight as I can feel the blood flow in my veins that are located on my wrist is being cut off, slowly going numb.

"Oh please! You don't even know why I am here in the first place! What's makes you so sure about me?" Getting even more annoyed, I took a step closer to James. Closing our distance that is already almost nonexistent after his pull. He may have the upper hand for being able to stand higher than I am, though I will make sure that I can look down on him as if I am the one who stood higher than him. Despite all this and my annoyance, I am still nervous and probably anxious. This act I am putting is for Carlos' appearance as a character and it is also slowly becoming a defense mechanism for myself since I have no one here in this world but myself only so I need to act tough as much as I can.

"As long as it is you, bad things are bound to happen." He said then both of his hands held my wrists and raised them up in the air. I tried to pull my hands back but found it futile and let him do what he wants. I can feel my left wrist is beyond the definition of being okay and my right wrist is about to become one too.

"Heh, are you flirting with me? Are you only saying that so you could spend time with me? Not letting me go because you wanted more of me since I don't usually approach the likes of you?" I shamelessly blurted out. James being the one who always puts his face in front of me, I did the same to him. How great it felt when he pulled himself back away from me. Freeing me from his grasp immediately. He looked at me with shocked eyes and asked what do I mean by "the likes of you" and I knew what I just need to say to him. That really hit the nail to him.

In this world, most people are already familiar with other people having different sexual orientation and already acknowledged their existence, however, there are inevitable times when some people just cannot accept the diverse group of people having different set of ideology because of what they are and are easily casted out since they are not "normal" like the majority of people here. This school is already open and accepting students who are different since no one in this world are the same for a reason thats why we are all unique in our own way, though it cannot be avoided for other students to act so hostile towards some group of people.

Carlos, the real one, is not the type of person who accepts those kinds of people.

"Oh please, I know you. You and the president. What a sweet session you both had behind the school building." I sweetened my voice at the end of my sentence and heightened the pitch of my voice for a little. I stepped forward to him and he backed away. Now, I am no longer cornered. I havent cornered James yet to turn our table but, I wont be needing that just by looking at his baffled face, making it seem like he is already cornered. I could see the concern in his eyes.

"Let's make a deal. You keep quiet about finding me here and I will keep quiet about you and Jericho. Wait, actually, I want more than that. You! Will keep a blind eye on everything I will do in exchange of me keeping your secret." I placed my point finger on his chin and gently traced his jawline. His shoulders tensed and his chest is puff out from breathing heavily due to the nervousness he is feeling. And he nodded within just a few seconds after hearing the deal I made for the two of us. Driven by fear could be the reason why he agreed and that is the least of my worry. Fear is what I need at some point in this story or else I would turn into a punching bag to every relevant character here.

Given the chance to leave the room, I turned away from James and made my way to the door and swiftly exited the room without other students noticing anything wrong with me leaving that room. I played it off and walked away as if just another student leaving a room then go onto their other room for a class period type of thing.

As I walk with no sense of direction nor destination in head, my thoughts are ripping my mind.

GGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!! JUST WHAT THE HELL WAS I SAYING BACK INSIDE!!!??? That was so CRIIINGGGEEE!!! I could literally die from what I said to him. That would be a core memory, a memory that I can never erase and would forever haunt me in every interaction I will have with James in the future or worse, that memory might haunt me while interacting with other people as well!! Ooohh ggoooodddd! What was I thinking???

Okay! Change of plan. I need to go to the student council office directly. Although it is easier said than done, if I need to help Rhyden to get the mission ending I want, Im going to sacrifice a lot. By means, more than a enough. But for now, Im gonna need to head back to my classroom. The lunchbreak is gonna end soon.

I returned to my classroom and noticed at the other end of the hall, Rhyden is approaching. He looks very occupied with some thoughts in his mind and I could tell by looking at his expression and his body language. He often, scratch the back of his head or caress his nape everytime he is troubled by something. His uniform looked a little bit ragged than usual with a visible food stain on his white button up shirt but not so visible unless you are to look at him closely.

All thanks to Carlos' clear eyesight, I can see properly from afar without the need of glasses to aid for my vision.

We both got close to the entrance of the classroom and seeing how tired he appeared to me, I thought Id do him some honor to let him through, however, he stopped walking then looked at me for an unknown reason. I looked at him and he returned with an awkward gaze towards me. Wondering why, though I remained quiet, I looked at him still and raised my eyebrow then looked at the door then back to him.

"You can go first." He said then forced a smile out of his lips. Unnecessary though he probably did that only to be not so hostile. I know how he cares so much about his appearance and in dire need of appearing kind and caring towards people because he used to be called stoic faced when he was a kid and hated the idea of looking like an unapproachable person. He didn't need to be like that to me though.

"Idiot. I was trying to let you go first but since you did my small offer so wrongly, I will be taking back the kindness I considerately taken from my heart for my offer." Embarrassed of trying to do good for him, I said some things that are not really important to be spoken out loud. I entered the room then closed the door on him, making him open the door again for himself.

Gah. I really hate it everytime I try to do good to some people and it would turn out fail or then not needing my kindness. It makes me feel so embarrassed. This is why I hate being kind all the time but I can't help it. My professor once said that a human person often seeks goodness in all things. I didn't want to be the actual embodiment of that phrase.

I returned to my seat and pulled out a piece of paper then write the combination of the puzzle. Using this piece of paper, if I could sneak this inside the student council office near to the puzzle box itself, the answer will be presented right in front of them like a star appeared in a darkest night! However, I'm gonna need to be extra extra extra more careful with this one because the things that I'm writing, it is the actual answer on how to solve the box itself and if they knew I was the one who gave the answer to them, I might raise their suspicion on me and mistaken me being an accomplice. I know how it feels to be blamed for something you didnt do and I don't want it to happen again but for this, Im willing to risk it.

I had to wait for the end of the class to sneak in to the student council. I sneakily went to the office and surprisingly, there are no people inside. It's almost as if everyone has gone home already. A little bit weird though there could be a possibility for that or they're still here and doing something somewhere else. I took this advantage and swiftly search for the box.

"Seriously! Where is that box!" I yelled though more of a whisper to remain quiet. I am getting more and more frustrated. I dont see the box anywhere. It should be here and the only second place to be in, the first is the room I visited earlier. Or... have they returned it there now? Man! Now Im gonna need to take a trip to there again!

I begrudgingly walked back to the storage room I was in earlier and carefully yet carelessly opened the door due to my impatience. Finding the room is clear aside from its junks stored inside, I walked in and looked for the same item I am looking for. Though by the end of it, I sighed. My effort to help has been obsolete, useless by the end of it all. Leaving a hole inside my heart.

I pulled out the piece of paper where the answers are written inside my pocket. It is neatly folded twice and was kept in good condition till now as I crumpled it in one piece, I did it so gently despite the growing grieve inside my chest and let it fall onto the floor. I left the room altogether with my intention of trying to give a hand to the protagonist, to Rhyden.

I left the school feeling so empty and so down I didnt even bothered to reply to Julien's questions.

---

Back at the school, Rhyden is walking back to the storage room with the box in his hand contained in a small glass container, perfectly shaped for the puzzle box. He turned left and saw Carlos walking with his back on Rhyden. His shoulders are slumped and walked melancholy down the hall. Rhyden, unknown to him that Carlos was just inside the storage room, didnt think too much about him and entered the room while keeping the box out of the way from the swinging door.

He entered then placed the box to where it should be. Seeing everything is all in place, he turned around to leave and saw a piece of crumpled paper on the ground. Knowing the place might be full of junks but this particular thin piece of paper appeared more of a garbage to him so he picked it up and decided to throw it away to the trash can or that was the plan when he saw this crumpled piece of paper is folded before it was crumpled. Having a small sense of curiosity, he slowly smoothen the crumpled part then unfolded the paper, revealing a slight messy handwriting which he somehow found it a little bit elegant.

The handwriting appeared to him very carefree and the way how one letter flows to the next letter to connect is like an intricate brushstrokes on a painting than a cursive letters. Overall, he is able to understand each letters with few comprehending attempts because he keeps getting lost on tracing the strokes of the pen how it was written.

"Puzzle combination of the box" When he read that sentence on the letter, he knew it is something more than just a piece of paper left behind. He quickly get the box out of its glass container and tried the combination written down. He didnt question any of the steps instructed and obeyed it. He followed each steps and it took him quite some time to fully understand everything while twist and turning the box parts that he didnt knew would fit inside a medium sized item. After all that, within the very first try, without fail, the box has finally been solved.

Inside the box, revealed another piece of paper and few polarized pictures showing the students, places, items that were used, and finally, a location. The piece of paper is a letter, written inside is this:

"Had less to earn

to take them

in order to gain more"

A poorly written short poem like letter is what the paper contains.

After seeing all of this, Rhyden knew he had to act fast and give it to the school officials.

With all that, fast forward, after Rhyden gave the evidence that the box contained, the school officials acted quickly and sent out another search team but this time, bigger and more, to save the missing students and detain the kidnappers as soon as possible. They later found out the perpetrators behind the kidnapping and was surprised to see familiar faces, which are teachers who used to work there. Disgusted by their action, they had to give them a severe punishment and also reassess few of their managing to their workers and teachers to maintain everything in good condition to prevent another of this incident to happen.

Rhyden, being the one who solved the puzzle, gained a reward and another title which is the "Savior of the abducted children". Although it is a bit of off putting name because of the cheesy line, it is still a high honor. Knowing Rhyden couldnt have opened the puzzle on his own without the help of the paper, he felt a little guilty to be the only to be recognized. He knows to himself someone left that answer purposely to help them (or him only).

He kept the paper with him and stored it somewhere safe. Determined to try and see who left that clue in the storage room by trying to search for someone with the same handwriting style.

A week has passed and everything has been peaceful. Rhyden still going with his day as a protagonist and Carlos relaxing himself before the next chapter of the story. Taking all the calm days just in case if worse case scenario were to happen.

Carlos entered the school campus as usual. The air is blowing colder than usual, a sign of a new dawn of the school, meaning, an event is coming up. Students can be seen are busily walking around with containers in their hands and inside of them are overflowing items for decoration. Others are carrying objects that are too big and need to be displayed. At first, Carlos thought they might be preparing too early but knowing how big the school, preparing for an event needs to be started early. He walk passed them and carefully looking onto his side to avoid items falling onto him and swiftly dodging the crowds, successfully reaching his classroom.

He set his bag down on the side of the table and sat down. Looked around the room and noticed how few of the students are despite many students are already at school. Perhaps they might be busy at something else. He didnt think too much of it. He pulled out his notebook and pencil and started sketching some random things to pass some time while waiting for the teacher but the longer he waited, the longer the teacher takes their time to get to their classroom. The numbers of the students had grew eventually and Rhyden has finally showed himself up. He looked at Carlos who seemed too occupied on his paper so Rhyden thought he might as well busy himself with some things too.

Outside, growing whispers are slowly becoming audible from afar. Their murmuring words to another cant help but sound like a buzzing bees including everyone around. Their heads turned but their mouths are specifically pointed to the one theyre talking too. Their eyes glued on certain someone.

"So its actually true? Shes going to study here now?"

"I think so."

"Hey! I just saw her! She is coming up here!"

So many words were spoken as they are expecting someone. They are all half excitement, half curious, the person who seemed so distant is now able to be reached by others, enough for them to set their eyes on this particular person.

She walked down the hall with her long hair swaying side by side. Her once spiraled hair is now in its normal state, lengthy and wavy. The curl of her hair in front of her face curls so cutely on her cheeks. Just like the sun, her eyes resembled its brightness, a familiar sweet voice as she giggles while listening to everyone's whispers regarding about her. Though some of their words might mention her background of why she cannot be crowned, yet, she just smiles because at least everyone knows her, it would be easy for her with the introduction, thinking optimistically.

She reached her classroom and peeked inside then back onto the plated name of the classroom's section, making sure she got the right place. Being correct, she happily entered the room and everyone's face are all awe and shocked. Their eyes beaming at her.

She tried to choose a seat but unable to figure out where to sit because she doesnt know which is not occupied and which is already taken by her other classmates. The students there helped her find the unoccupied seats so she didnt hold back her grateful kindness towards them. Saying thank you and other kind words to them everytime they do something for her.

The teacher is late in Carlos' room and some of the students are now just lounging around when they couldnt help but get curious where was the noise coming from. Half of the students inside the class went outside to check it out while Carlos remains in his seat, still drawing. Rhyden, at his seat, pen in his side, heard a commotion outside. He tried to ignore it till he cant anymore so he went outside too.

The teacher from the other classroom came in and was happy to see her new student. She was eager to introduce her to everyone. She called for her to the front and the new student's long violet hair anticipated in every wind, giving her a graceful appearance.

"Greetings everyone! It seems like everyone here already knows me but Im gonna introduce myself anyways! Im Catherine Fiona Beaumonte. Its nice to meet you all!" her sweet voice filled the room. Everyone is captivated by her voice and so is to her beauty. The other students from the next classroom are noticeably peaking from the side. She could see from the corner of her eyes and couldnt help but smile. Eager to be with everyone and feels already comfortable knowing many of the people here accept her. A change of atmosphere from her kingdom.

"Princess Catherine, is it true that your talent is singing?!" one of the girls excitedly asked. Her hand pressed against her chest when she asked Catherine a question to gather her courage.

Catherine's bright eyes shined even brighter from the girl's question. She eagerly nodded. "Yes! Certainly! Would everyone like to hear me sing?" She returned the same excitement to the girl and to everyone. With her question, everyone cheered by agreeing with her offer. Even the students outside cheered and hit each other to keep quiet though they all admit they cant contain their desire to see Catherine.

"Hehe! Very well then!" With the permission of the teacher for her to sing, she tilted her head and smiled beautifully wide to everyone before taking a deep breath. She closed her eyes, hands clasped together, she then let a breath out along with a soothing melody, a tune for everyone to here. A lyrics for them to understand. A song for them to hear.

"How alike would you be and I~

When once our love to each~

Be revealed under the moonlight~"

***My works are often not proofread because I am too busy. I would mostly publish first after finishing the chapter before I proofread it for the next/new reader to read. I am very sorry***