Outside, less panicking, but there are still guards trying to capture the Anarchists.

  Nuri: Why are you just sitting there? Do something?!

  He said to Rin. Rin ignores him.

  Nuri: Rin!!

  Nuri fights the guards.

  Guard: Do you know this guy?

  Rin looks at Nuri.

  Rin: I have never seen this man.

  Nuri: WHAT!

  Guard: Don't worry sir, we got this!

  More guards attacks Nuri.

  Nuri: Wait what!!

  Rin looks with Nuri with childish evil smile.

  Nuri: You....

  Nuri said mad, but not really mad, brother mad.

  Nuri: Wait, stop! He runs from guards.

  Nuri: I don't want to hurt you!!

  Guard: Then how could you hurt the tree?

  Kaya: We didn't...

  Nuri: We didn't have any reason for that.

  Guard: Even if you didn’t do it you are still wanted criminals.

  They keep fighting each other, well Anarchists are defending themselves and looking out for others.

  Maya: All of you, stop!!!

  Rikka: We didn't do it...

  No one stops. Rikka screams.

  Rikka: WE DIDN'T DO IT!

  They look at her (guards, and people, all of them)

  Rikka: Is every one of you that stupid or what?!

  Rin: Oh boy...

  Guard: Watch the language kid!

  Rikka: No, I won't. Not when you are accusing the same people who actually tried to help you protect your precious tree, and suddenly you are on the enemies side? We didn't want to see that happen, we don't even have a use from that, but guess who does?

  Everyone actually listened.

  Rikka: Fine, if you are all that stupid...

  Rin: Rikka...

  Rikka: I will give you the proof.

  Kaya and Nuri looked confused, even a Rin was too.

  What proof? Someone yelled.

  Rho and Amelia

  Amelia was down, looking bad from fight.

  Amelia: This... this can't be happening, you can't be this strong, it is impossible!

  Rho: And why do you say that?

  She said cold and she stabbed her with her magic sword, that can’t kill her but it brings her pain, there is no blood from stab you only feel pain.

  She screams.

  Rho: There are some things you can't turn to ash, no matter how hard you try.

  Rho moves away. Amelia raises a hand but she has no strength.

  Amelia: I should be stronger... my power is stronger... they didn't even give you a rank!

  Rho: Rank? As a level of danger that power represents, not the strength.

  Amelia looks at her.

  Rho: Now, I have a question for you, why did you do it?

  Amelia: What are you talking about? I've done a lot.

  She said rude, and tired.

  Rho: Tree of hope.

  Amelia: It was in the way.

  She breaths heavily, and she is angry but tired.

  Rho: Do you even know what have you done? You destroyed people's hope.

  Amelia rolls her eyes and stands up.

  Amelia: So what? I don't care about them, I only had a job to do. So yeah, I destroyed that tree and I enjoyed it! And the best part of all that is putting blame on you! All of you.

  Rho listened calmly.

  Rho: Don’t you have any regret of what you did? Do you even know what you did?

  Amelia: Regret? She started to laugh.

  Amelia: I would have a regret if I didn’t do it, and guess what, I would do it again!

  Rho: I see.

  Derek’s powers fading, the wall breaking. They look around. Derek on his knees, Nigel’s eye returned to normal, Derek’s one eye tearing but angry. Other one no tears.

  Derek: What, what was that?

  Nigel: Your demons my friend.

  They are now seen by everyone.

  Amelia: You are so going down for all this.

  Amelia was on the floor, playing the victim.

  Rho: If that is so, you are coming with me.

  Amelia looks confused.

  Sara: Did you hear that?!

  People: Yes

  Rikka holds c6 in her arm just like Rho was in last few minutes. Amelia looks at everyone.

  Moments before they started the fight, when they were walking from Maya’s hotel.

  Rho: Rikka.

  Rikka looked at her. The two of them were isolated a bit from other.

  Rho: I have a task for you.

  Rikka: If you expect me to fight with you guys, there is no way…

  Rho: No. I need you to do something else and it is important.

  Rikka: Okay… what did you have in mind?

  Rho: I need you to make a scene and to get everyone attention but in a right timing, do you think you could do that?

  Rikka looks confused.

  Rikka: I am listening...

  Rho: Good, so this is what are you going to do…

  Right now.

  People are looking at Amelia and Rho, guards stopped to fight them.

  Amelia: What is going on...?

  Rho: They heard you, your every word.

  Amelia: That is impossible... we were inside Derek's wall.

  Rho: Yeah, that didn't stop us.

  She throws c6 and catches it again in front of her.

  People: Lock her up!

  They started to yell.

  Ameila: Wait you don't understand!

  Rho smiles, one of the rare moments, but she was actually happy to look Amelia while she is getting what she deserved. Nigel looked at Rho. He noticed that her usual transformation 1 is a bit darker than usual and a different sword.

  Nigel: You never fail to surprise. He said to himself.

  Rho transf. 1 faded away. Rho looked at Nigel, and kept her smile. Nigel smiled too. Amelia argue with guards. They are taking her and Derek. Derek looks calm, Amelia pissed.

  Rho realize they all are close to the tree of hope, and she starts walking, people making space for her, no one is doing anything. People whispering. As she walked, people followed.

  Rho comes in front of the rotten tree and she sits down and puts her hands on that tree.

  Nuri: Is she... I mean, can she even do it?

  Kaya: We will find out.

  Everyone looks at Rho, as she tries to heal the tree. The ground started to glow, the light was in golden color. The tree was starting to heal, it looked like magic. It was taking a lot of her energy but she managed to heal it at 60%. Not all the way, not fully healed but still mostly healed.

  Kaya smiles.

  Kaya: She is really doing it.

  Ace looking from a far, standing on another tree, hidden. Rho couldn’t do it anymore, it took a lot of energy. Kaya ran to her and Maya to help her stand up. People looking happy, some of them are hugging each other, some of them are crying. Happy tears of course.

  Guard: What will we do now?

  Guard that Rin saved, commander of this task. (Adrian)

  Adrian: I am not sure...

  Guard: Should we report the Ice guy too?

  Adrian: Why him? He helped.

  Guard: We got a notification about that guy, saying that if we see him with them again, we need to report. He is on the waiting list.

  Adrian thinks.

  Adrian: But he didn't break any rule. You won't mention him, at all. Understand?

  Guard: Yes sir, but what about them?

  Adrian looks at them, and Rin looks at him.

  Adrian: We tried and they escaped. It is not anything new.

  He smiles a bit and starts walking away.

  Guard: But sir...

  Adrian: We found the guilty ones, we won. Fight is over.

  Guard nods, and signals to others to start walking away. People thanking them, especially to Rho.

  Maya: You did something amazing today.

  She looks at Rho and then at the tree.

  Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

  Maya: Thank you for bringing our hope back again. This tree means a lot to everyone who lives here. It saved us so many times. This tree represents and gives us hope and peace. So thank you. Thank all of you.

  People started to thank them.

  Rho: There is no need for that...

  Rikka: Do you people really don't care that they are Anarchists?

  Rho: You mean “we are”.

  Rikka: Yes... we... she even smiled a bit.

  NPC 1: Not at all

  NPC 2: You saved us.

  Sara: That's right... we don't care that you are criminals, well we did at first but... that changed. Because of that we even own you an apology well at least I do.

  Kaya: Oh don't sweat about that. We are pretty much used to all that.

  Nuri: Yeah, we don't take that one personal.

  Sara: Still, we shouldn't have pointed fingers at you.

  Rin: Apology accepted.

  NPC 3: Who are you again?

  Nuri: Oh that's right, ?mister who doesn't know us“ what was that all about??!

  Kaya: Wait, did you managed to get away with the poster? Again?

  Nuri: What? But how!!?

  They argue.

  Maya: What is going on?

  Rho: Rin is actually one of us he just managed to get away with getting bounty, twice. And Nuri hates that.

  Maya: I see... I guess...

  Nuri: I need to see it, hey you!!

  He points to someone in the crowd.

  Nuri: Find us those posters!

  That guy bit scared of Nuri: Sure thing!!

  Nuri: Now we will find out.

  Rin: I am telling you, I got away.

  That guy brings the posters.

  Nuri takes it, and looks at first one. Reads out loud.

  Nuri: Kaya 450 000 units.

  Kaya: Sounds good to me.

  Nuri read: Rikka 200 000, wow, not bad for a first bounty.

  Rho: If she wasn't the child, her bounty would be a lot higher.

  Rikka: I am not a kid!

  Rho: I am just stating a fact, that is the law. And the law is different for those under 18. So for that they always have to reduce the sentence, punishment or whatever. Even though your bounty could be a bit higher since you are 16, there is a special category for those of age between 16 and 18, but your bounty still sounds reasonable.

  Rikka: So you are telling me that if I didn't have fi…she stuttered, 16. I would get even bigger bounty?

  Rho: Yes, system is milder towards the kids.

  Rikka: Awesome!

  Rho: And that's why I hate kids...

  Nigel: There there.

  Rho: It' just... she is frustrated

  Rho: I even can't...

  Nigel taps her shoulder.

  Nigel: I know...

  Supports her in teasing way. Nuri looks at all bounties but he didn’t see Rin’s.

  Nuri: How is this possible? Rho, you said Rin will get his bounty!

  Rho: No, I said and I quote ?It is possible“ end of the quote.

  Rikka: Do you always have to be this serious?

  Rho: Do you always have to be the opposite?

  Rikka rolls her eyes.

  Nigel: Let it go man, just let it go, and keep reading those for god's sake.

  Nuri: Oh right. Let’s see. Nigel: 550 100. Wait only 100 unites more?

  Rho: Well he did pass out on a Jack's boat which didn't make him a threat.

  Nigel: I don't want to be seen as a threat so, good.

  Nuri: So you don’t mind that mine bounty is higher than yours?

  Nigel looks annoyed.

  Nuri: 560 000 unites, and... pay up!

  Nigel: Well, if you are proud with that, than I don't want this money...

  Nuri tries to take it.

  Nuri: Then why can't you let go...?

  Nigel: Because…it is not fair I should have won this one!

  They argue. Rikka took the papers from Nuri without Nuri even noticing.

  Rikka: Rhodri Rivers. 1 000 000 unites. (wanted DEAD or ALIVE)

  They are all shocked.

  Rho doesn’t even a blink. She is cold. Calm.

  Rho: That sounds reasonable.

  Everyone confused.

  Nuri: What? And wait... When did you take those from me?

  He looks at Rikka.

  Rikka: That doesn't matter right now.

  Kaya: You really don't care that you reached 1 000 000?

  Rho: No. Bounty system can tell you a lot of how they think about you, by the number they choose. This way I can tell what they think of us, and me, And I like how it is going.

  Rin: What do you mean?

  Ace in the shadows listening to them, hiding.

  Kaya: I heard that there is a difference when you reach 1 000 000 or above, from those who have less bounty on them, is that true?

  Rho: Yes, you see, when you hit 1 000 000 units you are starting a more dangerous game from those who hit less units. Everything before 1 000 000 is the point where you still have a chance to surrender the war, and get a chance for your old life, but not the new. Which means, no one who goes in that category, under 1 000 000, will get a death sentence for what they did... but everything above from that... represents nothing but a war. And that you are starting to be their priority.

  She talked calm, cold like a robot. They all looked at her, some of them confused, Rho sighs.

  Rho: In other words, if you have your bounty under 1 000 000 you are still good, but above that you can consider yourself as a dead man, well for government at least.

  Nuri: What!! I didn't know that!! Why did I have to have this huge bounty!!

  Kaya: What are you talking about, you are still good.

  Nuri: Still good? But for how long?!

  Kaya: Just keep it under the 1 000 000 and you'll be fine.

  Nuri: Yeah how did I not think of that… sarcastic.

  Kaya: What?

  Nuri: Rho? How do I stay under 1 000 000?

  Rho looks at him.

  Rho: Do everything Kaya just said.

  Nuri: Yeah that is helpful... he said sarcastic And how I am supposed to do that!?

  Rho: I am sorry I didn't mean to upset you.

  She spoke calm and cold.

  Nuri: Well you could tell us sooner you know.

  Rho: I just did.

  Nuri: Well more sooner! But I guess this is soon enough.

  Nigel: And you are okay with that? 1 000 000?

  Rho: Of course I am.

  Nuri: You never disappoint to scare me...

  Rin looks at Rho, thinking about what she told them.

  Rikka: Okay, if you know so much about bounties, what hers tells us?

  She shows bounty of Ace? Ace still in the shadow.

  ACACIA MORGAN: 999 999

  They were all in shock and worried too. Rho smirks.

  Rho: It tells me that she really pissed of Jack and that he wished to make her bounty even higher but he wasn't allowed to do it.

  Kaya: How can you tell?

  Rho wanted to answer but Rin interrupts.

  Rin: Wait, where is Ace?

  Everyone looks around.

  Nuri: How long she is not with us and why did I think she was here this whole time?

  Rho: It is one of her best moves. She disappears without noticing, just at right time, and stays like that as long as she wants.

  Nigel: Well, she is good, I could have sworn that she was here this whole time.

  Kaya: Should I call her?

  Rho: She will find us when she wants to, trust me.

  Rikka: And what now?

  Maya: Well all this time you argued about something, I talked with everyone and we want to show you that we are thankful for everything you did for us, so you have all the free food you want, drinks, rooms, you name it.

  Nuri: Well I could eat.

  Kaya: Same...

  Maya: Great, then we can make a little party for you guys.

  Rho: There is no need for that...

  Sara: Just let us...

  She smiles. Rho nods.

  Rho: We should have some rest first.

  Maya: Of course, you know the way.

  Rho smiles: Thank you.

  Anarchists head to their rooms, still outside.

  Kaya: Crazy day...

  Rikka: How often does these things happen to you guys?

  Kaya: You’ll get used to it.

  As they walk, Ace quickly took a chance and pulled the Nigel out of the way, hiding him behind tree, and covering his mouth. He didn’t react, he looked at her confused. He raised eyebrow, calm. She lets go of him, and gives him a piece of documents. Nigel takes it and starts to read this.

  Ace: Not here...

  She took the paper, and starts to lead him away.

  Others got to their rooms.

  Nuri: Well I am exhausted, good night.

  He goes to his room.

  Kaya and Rikka enter their room.

  Kaya: Night!

  Rho starts to enter too.

  Rin: Hey.

  He said in a low calm voice.

  Rho: Yes?

  Rin: I was wondering could I take a bit more of your time?

  Rho: Why?

  Rin: I want to hear more about bounty system.

  Rho: Oh? No problem.

  Rin: And after that everything else.

  Rho looks at him confused.

  Rin: I noticed you know a lot about law, but not only that. You know some things that not everyone has access to, and I won't ask how, I don't care. I want you to teach me.

  Rho: Teach you?

  Rin: Yes, everything you know that I don't.

  Rho thinks.

  Rho: Then we have a lot to talk about.

  Rin: I don't mind.

  Rho: When do you want to start?

  Rin: As soon as possible.

  She looks at him.

  Rho: Not here.

  She starts to walk he follows her.

  Ace and Nigel.

  Nigel: You know others might notice that we are gone.

  Ace: They won't.

  Nigel: How do you know?

  Ace: I know how to kidnap someone. Trust me, they won’t even notice for a while and we have plenty of time to talk.

  She said serious.

  Nigel: I don't know should I be impressed or scared...

  Ace: Both.

  She sights.

  Ace: I mean... what are those!?

  He looks at documents.

  Ace: See? For some reason you and I are protected. Look their bounties and look ours.

  Only for two of us stands ?not under your jurisdiction“, which if you read more you’ll see that even if they catch us, they need to transfer two member to a different unit. And guess what? Those two? They are us! You and me! And why?

  Nigel: Simple, we are curse users, I thought you accepted that by now.

  Ace surprised.

  Ace: Don't speak to me in that way...

  She said threatening.

  Ace: I accepted that okay? No problem, I am one... but why does everyone know except me!?

  Nigel looks at the paper again.

  Ace: Don't you see. I need to accept that someone put me in certain category, someone decided my whole future, and I didn't even know about it? I mean, I didn't know, until now. For everyone I am already a curse user, I didn't even know that. I didn't even use it... I am scared for life…

  She starts to breathe a bit faster.

  Nigel. I know how you feel...

  Ace: No you don't.

  Nigel: And what about that you told me before? You said I was a victim too.

  Ace: You choose to enter the mountain, I didn't even had that choice.

  Nigel looks down, his face darkness.

  Nigel: I know, but trust me, I never choose that too...

  She looks at him.

  Nigel: I wanted to protect her, my baby sister... I refused to go to the mountain, I refused to live a life that Orobas wanted for me and her... I refused to give him what he wanted, and she paid for it.

  Her eyes softened as she looked at him.

  Nigel: She died because of that... And don't you dare to think that I choose that... I never wanted that.

  Ace: Sorry man... I guess I am just so pissed off.

  Nigel: I get it... that fact changes everything... believe me I know... but you know what? At least you have someone who can walk you through that.

  Ace: What do you mean?

  Nigel: Well since I know a lot about that, I am here to guide you, you don't have to walk alone anymore.

  Ace: You would do that?

  Nigel: Of course, I'll make sure that you never activate your curse.

  They both serious.

  Ace: Can you promise me that? And before you do, think carefully, because promise is everything to me, and I don't give or take a lot of promises, but when I do... there is no taking them back. You have to do what you promised. End of promise, end of friendship.

  Nigel is serious.

  Nigel: I promise you, you will never have to go through what I had too... I won't let that happen.

  Ace looks at him serious.

  Ace: I hope you know that I am putting my trust in you, and that is not easy for me to do.

  Nigel: I won't disappoint you.

  Ace: I hope so.

  Nigel: Believe me, I won't. I already lost someone I cared about because of that, I won't let that happen again. You are my friend, I care about you more than you know, so trust me when I say this, you wont go trough that.

  She believes him. He looks down. After few moments she made a cut on her hand and she wanted a handshake, like to make a deal with a promise, contract with blood. He does the same and shakes her hand, Promise was sealed.

  Rho and Rin.

  They are outside, far from the hotel.

  Rin: Where are we going?

  She stops.

  Rho: Well this should be fine.

  She takes out a small object and throws it at the ground.

  Rho: You will want to move away a bit.

  Rin: Why?

  She makes that object to grow back into what it was, and it was big and something like an office, a smaller apartment.

  Rin: How did you...?

  Rho transforms into transf2 pistol. She shoots something and she controlled the object moving him up in air and making him small and big, small and big.

  Rho: You forgot that I can do that?

  Rin remembers the time she made their boat small. And then normal.

  Rin: Oh right...

  Rin: If you managed to put this into that bag, I am afraid to ask what else do you have in there.

  Rho: You don't want to ask that, trust me. Now, let me show you something.

  She enters inside and he follows. Inside are desk, chair, couch, and a lot of papers and documents.

  Rin: Wow...

  Rho: If you want to know more I guess this could be a good start.

  Rin: Start?

  Rho: Yes, start.

  She sits down.

  Rho: I suggest you to sit, it will be a long night.

  Rin: I am good.

  Rho: Well if you say so. With what could I start…?

  Rin: How about with the bounty system?

  Rho takes out there old and new bounties and puts them around the table.

  Rin: What are you doing?

  Rho: I am going to talk and you will listen. Now I am going to tell you everything I know based only of the chosen bounty price.

  Rho: Here you have old ones, I ordered them from lowest to highest, just like I did with others.

  It goes: Kaya, Nuri, Ace, Nigel and me.

  Kaya Arias: 340,000 units

  Nuri Everston: 360,000 units

  Acacia Morgan: 490,000 units

  Nigel Eliro: 550,000 units

  Rhodri Rivers: 700,000 units

  Rho: Second one, the new one goes: Rikka, Kaya, Nigel, Nuri, Ace and then me.

  Rikka: 200 000

  Kaya: 450 000

  Nigel: 550 100

  Nuri: 560 000

  Ace: 999 999

  Rho: 1 000 000

  Rho: Now we got first bounties because...

  Rin: You stole.

  Rho: Pretty much yes, I got the biggest one because I represented the highest threat. Nuri got this amount because he put their ship on fire, for a starter bounty a lot but at point. Kaya got hers because of stealing even before us so that stands. Now Nigel... to be honest he doesn't quite fit yet.

  Rin: What do you mean?

  Rho: I mean I don't have enough of information yet.

  Pause

  Rho: Look at new bounties what they tell you?

  Rin looks.

  Rin: It shows that Rikka’s bounty is reasonable since she is a kid and all, you explained that one already... Kaya's bounty is bigger but not unusual because of circumstances, She helped the fugitive, so her bounty is... reasonable. Nuri yet... I don't see why his bounty needs to be that higher?

  Rho: You are right there, it doesn’t, it looks like he just annoyed Jack a lot.

  Rin: You said something similar with Ace, how do you know that?

  Rho: Look, Ace's bounty got higher, much higher, but she also attacked commander, almost killed him, I mean she really pissed him off.

  Rin: Then why her bounty isn't 1 000 000, or over? If she pissed him that much?

  Rho: That means he didn't have authority to do that... which really pissed him off and he proved it with amount of bounty she has now. For some reason, he wasn't allowed to give her bigger amount even though... he could...

  Rin: Why he didn't have authority over her?

  Rho thinks serious.

  Rho: I am not sure...

  Rin: Didn't you say something similar about Nigel too?

  Rho: I can't say for sure if his bounty was his first or not... I assumed he already had one, and that bounty was added on that amount he has now. Yet his new bounty... It was added so little. I thought the reason for that was because he passed out but now... something doesn't add up.

  She thinks.

  Rin: With him, or Ace?

  Rho: Both.

  Rin: Can we find out what?

  Rho thinks: Jack didn't have authority, but he is in the council, and if he didn't have authority that means... only one man could have...

  Rho’s eyes widen as she realized… Rho stands up.

  Rho: I think this is enough for a first lesson.

  Rin: We just started. What is going on? You know something... I want to know what.

  Rho looks at him.

  Rho: You asked me to teach you, right?

  Rin nods.

  Rho: And I said I will teach you everything I know, but I can't teach you about something I don't know yet. So don't worry, everything I know for sure, you will be first to know. Can I rely on you?

  Rin thinks and then nods. Rho nods too and walks away. They put trust into each other.

  Ace and Nigel

  Walking back.

  Ace stops.

  Nigel: What is it?

  Ace: How dangerous am I?

  He looks at her.

  Ace: If I activated my power… would I be like you? The other day we fought?

  Nigel: I don’t know, it depends… but listen, don’t think about it, like I said you wont go trough that.

  She was silent for a bit.

  Ace: I have to tell you something... and this stays between us. Got it?

  Nigel: Of course.

  She sighs, holds her own arm, looking away.

  Ace: If I ever... use it and turn into someone that I am not... if I ever turn into something evil...

  Nigel: You won't.

  Ace: Please, let me finish. If it happens... please... first try to save me, all of you, and if that doesn't work... if I still keep being the monster... kill me.

  Nigel eyes widen.

  Nigel: To be honest I didn’t see “saving” part coming.

  Ace crosses her arms.

  Ace: Well sue me for wanting to live…

  Nigel laughs a bit.

  Nigel: Ace, that is never going to happen. And besides, you never need to ask any one of us for that, we always got your back, I got your back.

  Ace: I am scared Nigel... I didn't feel this way for a very very long time... I didn't have anything to lose... but I do have now...

  Nigel: It is normal that you are scared, you just don't want to hurt anyone.

  Ace: I don't... I don't want to hurt anyone I love, but I also don't want to hurt myself too...

  Nigel: You are afraid of death?

  Ace nods.

  Nigel: It's okay... just don't focus too much on that, okay? Like I said. That is never going to happen. We did a gentleman’s agreement.

  He shows his hand. And hers is bloody too.

  Nigel: And I am not breaking that. Are you?

  Ace: No...

  Nigel: Good.

  Nigel: Let’s go back now.

  Ace nods they start walking, but Rho stands in front of them, few feet away.

  Ace: Rho!!

  Nigel: How long have you been standing there?

  Rho: We need to talk.

  She said serious.

  Ace: You probably wonder what was all that about... we just...

  Rho: You two are curse users aren't you?

  She asked calm but serious.

  Ace: How did you...

  Rho: At first it was just a hunch, but only for Nigel. For you I wasn't sure, in fact that never once crossed my mind.

  She tells that Ace.

  Rho: But after those new bounties... You also caught my eye. And the rest I heard just a minute ago, only proves it.

  Nigel: Yes, that is true, but only for me, not for her.

  Ace: It's okay Nigel...

  Nigel: No, It's not. You are not a curse user, you never even used it once, so no, she is not one.

  Rho: I know that. She said calm.

  Ace: You do? Rho: Ace, I know you longer than a day, remember? Beside everything you said earlier shows me that you do not belong in that category.

  Ace: Thank you...

  Rho: But... they did put you in one...

  Ace: I am aware.

  Nigel: And what now? Are you planning to involve others in this?

  Rho: Others? Are you crazy?

  Nigel: And here I thought you always have to do what protocol says?

  Rho: I do, but the difference is, I listen to my protocol, and no one else’s.

  Ace: And what is your protocol saying now?

  Rho: We'll keep this as secret for now, because I don't think others would understand quite yet... but, I want from you full honesty from now on, deal?

  Nigel: You said that others wouldn't understand, I am curious, how much do you understand?

  Ace looks at Rho.

  Rho: 67% that is how much I understand about C.U. (curse users)

  Rho: So as long as you want it to be a secret it will be. That's on you, but I do need to understand more about it, so in return I ask no secrets about that with me. Do we have a deal?

  Ace: Well you are not the only one who is trying to realize all of this... so welcome to the club.

  Rho nods.

  Ace: But I am curious... how did you find out?

  Nigel looks at Rho.

  Rho: That is not important right now, but I assure you, you don't have to worry about that.

  She said calm, serious, Nigel is suspicious, Ace hesitate.

  They return to their rooms. Rho and Ace in there’s and Nigel in there’s. Nigel lies on the bed and rests his eyes. Rin isn't in the room. Rho went on balcony of theirs and Rin was sitting on the fence.

  Rho: You like to learn that much?

  Rin: I do.

  Rho: And I thought I was the nerd.

  Rin: Oh you couldn't be worse nerd then me... when I was in school, I was that one guy who never stopped asking questions and answering them in the same time. I even demanded more homework, but more challenging one.

  Rho: Oh I did that too actually... I was the only one who listened and followed every rule. And the reason was that I wanted to learn more... and kids hate that... I can tell that much.

  Rin laughs.

  Rin: Well, I am glad I did those things, most of the times... I mean I was learning because I liked to learn, but definitely not about everything.

  Rho: I know right?

  Rin: Yeah... and now... I want to learn more from you.

  Rin: You are knowing way too much than you show, and no, I don't want to know that so I can use it against you or something, no, I want to learn it because I know it is useful, and you need someone who can help you make better goals.

  Rho looks at him.

  Rin: I can see it in your eyes. You have a plan, you have a lot of plans... and even if I don't know any of them, I know they are good plans, and I have followed every one by now. I believe you are good leader, And I want to learn from one.

  Rho: You think I am a good leader?

  Rin: Yes, I do. You got it in you, you are born to lead... I want to see where.

  Rho: Loyalty is one of the 3 things I respect the most.

  Rin: What are other two?

  Rho: Honesty and bravery. And you have every one of them.

  Rho looks at him and turns to him

  Rho: How much can I trust you?

  Rin: 99%

  Rho: Why is that?

  Rin: Because only an honest person would tell you that.

  Rho smiles.

  Rho: You know, I never knew there will be someone who understands my communication.

  Rho: 99%, I can give you the same.

  They shook hands.

  Rho went to her room, lay on the bed. It is dark, she closes her eyes.

  Ace lays down, opening her dark blue eyes. She heard everything but remained silent.