"A DATE?!"
"Who's the hot guy on the motorcycle?!"
"Xia! Give us the damn TEA!"
I glanced at the triplets and smirked. "I'll tell you guys later. Silas is waiting for me."
"Silas. Ohhhhhh, are you taking my advice?" Minso wrapped her arms around me to give a half hug.
I groaned. "No."
"What advice?" Minsu asked, coming over to hug me from the other side.
"I told her to get a harem of her own!" Minso declared. Minsu gasped dramatically.
"Is that Minju? Are you possessed?" Minsu asked Minso who laughed.
"Xia said the same thing."
"That is something I'd say," Minju added, smiling at her sisters who finished hugging me.
"We have a mission, so we're going to get ready. Text us when you can, Xia." Minsu announced.
"Minju, we'll see you later. Have fun on your date, Xia." Minso winked, hooking her arm in Minsu's. They both walked away, arm in arm as they laughed and talked, leaving me behind with Minju in the hallway.
I noticed the small smile on Minju's lips, but what made me frown was the sadness that reflected in her pink jeweled orbs that were looking down the hall where her sisters had gone.
"Minju?"
She blinked and turned to face me. "What's up, Xia? You better go. Don't want to make your new boyfriend wait." She smirked, trying to act like her usual self, but I could see through the lie.
"Minju, what's going on with you? Are you nervous about something? Or are you worried about the assignment in a few days?" I didn't know what questions to ask. Bombarding her looked like the better option to get some type of reply that would help control my worry.
"Nothing is going on." She shrugged.
"You're lying."
"I'm not."
"Minju La. I've known you forever. What's going on that you're not telling me?" My serious expression must have gotten through because she sighed and took a step forward until we were face to face. Her arms reached out, and she pulled me into a tight hug.
"Minju?"
"My gut tells me those guys will help you remain free, Xia," she whispered.
"Huh? You mean Xander and them? What does that have to do with you?"
"Everything. It makes me happy."
"Still avoiding my question," I muttered.
"Maybe."
She pulled back to look me in the eyes. "Xia. There will come a time where you have to decide what to protect. Or I should say, who you should protect. Listen to your gut. Even if it means you may get hurt in the process."
"Um...okay?" I replied, not understanding the trigger of her words. "Have you been tarot reading or something?"
"A little bit." She winked. "I'm heading to Master's room. He said I should pass by."
I stopped her, holding her hand in mine when she tried to walk away.
"Minju. Can we hang out after the next assignment? I'll talk with Master when it's done and insist we hang out. I just kind of feel like you're distancing yourself from us. Your sisters are getting worried."
Minju blinked, looking a little confused by my words but a small smile formed on her soft lips as her eyes glittered with joy. "That would be awesome. I've been a bit lonely lately."
"I'm sorry. I've been busy with this new change and your sisters are being sent out for missions and stuff. We don't want you to feel lonely."
"I know," she replied. "I'll be fine. We'll have a nice day off together, and then we'll celebrate your birthday! It's coming up in a few weeks. We can celebrate it a tad earlier."
I giggled, nodding my head in agreement. "Spa day, followed by amazing food, cake, and fireworks?"
"Deal! Then I'm getting you wasted and throwing you to the guys to have a fivesome." She winked, making me blush.
"I'm not having a fivesome! I swear that's not a word!" I snarled, trying to keep my voice low.
"It sure is. Check the urban dictionary." Minju laughed.
"Hmph. Anyways, we'll talk about plans for the mission tomorrow, right? It seems pretty simple."
"Easy stuff. The group was searching for ways to exchange a certain drug. It contains some special magic. I think the leader wants to inject it inside himself to give him immortality or some shit," Minju explained.
She leaned in closer to continue. "I overheard Master explain the injection will heighten your magic and will not only make you invincible because of the extremely fast healing properties, but you'd also be able to heighten other people’s magic, especially if you’re intimate."
I grimaced, already thinking about what Master was aiming to do with it. "Let me guess. He's going to inject himself with it, so he can be immortal and strengthen his Reapers, or aka, US, by having sex and heightening our powers? Has this been tested?" I asked, feeling disgusted at the thought.
"It was on lab rats from what Master discussed through the phone. Doesn't know about humans, but I think he said something about a trial being done at a lab on the Pacific Ocean. They tried it on a guy or something. He was homeless or like unknown. The perfect person to experiment on since no one knows him or can identify him. They never said the results of it though." Minju frowned before she bit her lip.
That didn't sit well with my gut. "We have to get rid of it," I insisted.
"And be killed by Master? Hell no. Maybe it's a prototype and won't work, killing Master in the process. Then we'll be free," Minju whispered.
"Either way, we get the injection, put a protective spell on it so that it doesn't get destroyed in the crossfire, and figure out a way to make it not work? Or replace it. We'll think of something. I think we may need your chameleon magic."
"You mean my doppelganger magic," she corrected.
"Same thing. We may need it so make sure you're ready. I know it's a little draining."
"Got it! I'll be fine. I want it to be you and me inside. Minso and Minsu can be in the opposite building as our eyes and ears," Minju suggested. I nodded in agreement.
"That's fine with me. Minso can gather intel and direct us while Minsu keeps an eye on us. They can both help with communication and help us find an escape route if we need it."
"Perfect." Minju nodded. I let go of her and she gave me a reassuring smile.
"I really am fine, Xia. I know I've been quiet and a little busy with Master, but I'm super close to getting 1000. I guess I'm just anxious about it all and just want to be done so I can enjoy a bit of freedom like you are."
"You will, Minju. We'll enjoy freedom together, and when you do get to 1000, we'll party all night long and get wasted," I reassured her.
"That's gonna be fun. Then throw you to the wolves." She winked and nodded her head to where Silas was waiting outside. I noticed he was texting on his phone and a second later my phone began to vibrate.
"Ah! I made him wait too long. I'll be on my way. Don't stress. I know you're going to reach 1000 Lies by the next mission. I can feel it!" I declared.
She gave me a confident grin. "You know it! Have fun! Love you!"
"Love you too!" I called out, running to the doors and slipping through. I registered what she'd said earlier and quickly opened the door wide enough to poke my head through the space. "And no throwing me to the wolves, you enabler!" I snarled, making a point.
She laughed, shaking her head with a guilty grin on her face which only told me she'd definitely get me drunk and offer me as a sacrifice to the guys. I didn't mind the idea of enjoying four guys in bed but didn't need to be drunk to do it.
I gave Minju a final wave and she waved back. I turned around and went through the second doors of the shrine. I made my way down the five wooden steps and ran to Silas who lifted his gaze from his phone.
"There you are." He wasn't wearing his glasses today which gave him a different look entirely.
His hair was up in a bun, the red highlights which had been hints of red at the edge of his hair last time now took up the majority of the man bun. His roots were still blond and only shifted to red when it got to the edge of the tied bob of strands. His hair changes color?
"Sorry for making you wait. I had to discuss a few things with my best friend." I apologized and picked up the red helmet that rested on the back of the motorcycle.
"No worries. I just texted to make sure you were okay," he said with a wide smile. "You look nice." His gaze traveled up and down my body as he studied me.
I wore black leather tights with multiple red metallic zippers that ran down the front side of my pants. My top was a simple white V-neck shirt that showed a glimpse of my dark red bra thanks to the thin cotton material. I wore a leather jacket on top, seeing as it was a bit chilly today and the sun was setting.
My hair was in a ponytail and I left a few strands on the sides of my face. I finished the look with black combat boots with red laces.
"You look rather attractive yourself." I smirked, not hesitating to check him out. He wore a similar outfit to me, sporting black jeans, a white shirt, black leather jacket and red sneakers.
"Great minds think alike." He smiled brightly, and I grinned.
Once I was settled and had my helmet on, I wrapped my arms around Silas' waist and pressed tightly against him. "Where are we going?"
"We're meeting the others for a group play date."
"Play date?" I asked.
"Yup. Just wait and see. It's going to be fun." He pressed one of his hands on mine that was securely on his waist. Excitement bubbled inside of me, thinking about what we'd do.
I took one last look at the shrine, wondering if Minju would be okay. She'll be fine.
"SURPRISE!"
I stood there speechless at the wonderful scene that I didn't believe was real. I stood in the clearing of the little forest that was on our property. Silas had said we needed to get Xander and Dante who were training in a section of the forest.
I never expected to walk into the decorated space. Large lantern-lights were strung along the entire circular clearing, lighting up the place.
There were balloons and streamers that added to the colorful appearance, as well as a large table that held a bunch of food and even presents. I noticed the section of alcohol that was on the other side of the table, and my gaze slowly moved to Xander and Dante who were in semi-casual wear.
"MEOW!"
I looked down to see Ruby run towards me. A little red bow adorned one of her ears, and she sported a new red collar with her name on it in a gold heart.
I crouched down to pick her up, and she began to purr in my hold as I took in everything once more. Silas walked past me to the others, and Xander made his way towards me.
When he stood before me, I didn't know what to say, my words stuck in my throat.
"Did we freak you out?" Xander asked, reaching out to press his hands on the side of my arms and rubbed comfortably up and down, snapping me out of my initial shock.
"What is this for? It's not my birthday or anything." My voice was low, and even I could sense the disbelief in my hushed tone.
"It's kind of a 'Welcome Home Freedom Party?'...uh well it was kind of our joint idea. We couldn’t really think of a proper name for it since you're celebrating more than one thing," Xander explained with a pondering look on his handsome face.
"This is for me? I...didn't do anything. Why would you have a party?"
"You don't have to do anything to get a party, Xia," Xander whispered, placing his hands on my cheeks.
"People get welcome home parties when they move to a new place?" I asked, feeling baffled. Aside from my birthday, which it was rare that I got it off to even drink a shot, celebrating wasn't Master's favorite thing. We were just lucky to be alive, and that was what we celebrated with a mental thanks before bed.
"Yes. You deserve to celebrate getting the chance to live outside of the shrine or, essentially, live a life as a normal person and Reaper. I wish you didn't have to go back to being one, but we decided to do a little something for you and your achievement of gaining half your freedom," Xander explained.
He looked at the other two who were getting something from beneath the table. I returned my attention to Xander.
"I don't know...how to react," I admitted. I didn't want him being offended by my somewhat monotone reaction, but I'm so used to years of guarding my feelings that now I didn't know if I should be happy or sad.
I placed Ruby down on the grass so she could run around, and Xander took the opportunity to wrap his arms around my waist and pull me into a hug.
"Are you happy?"
"Very happy. I don't know how to feel. I'm overjoyed. Grateful...sad?" I whispered the last part. I looked up to his silver eyes that softened at my admission. "I'm not sad about having my own celebration...I think I'm just sad that I missed out on life. I lived such a secluded life and did horrible things, and now with a glimpse of freedom, I feel out of place? Like I don't belong and don't know how to fit in socially. Does that make me weird?" I asked, hoping to get an earnest answer.
"That doesn't make you weird. It's not your fault you were born into the Reaper lifestyle. Same way as it's not my fault for being born in a rich preppy community. You have to work with the circumstance you were placed in and, to be honest, I like you just the way you are." He leaned in to give me a tender kiss, pulling back slightly to meet my gaze.
"Your past is what has made you strong enough to survive your present. Right now, you’re here, alive and breathing. As long as you fight to survive, you can enjoy all the things you missed and more. I'm hoping you'll allow us to be in your life to help you achieve those things," Xander said softly.
I heard footsteps, and we both turned to see them holding a red velvet cake with candles. I gawked at them and lowered my gaze to the cake that said "WELCOME HOME, XIA & RUBY."
Ruby clawed at my feet, and a giggle escaped me as I leaned down to pick her up so she could see the cake as well. I think she was more mesmerized at the candles, her little paws trying to reach out and hit them.
A tear rolled down my cheek, and I lifted my gaze to the three of them, Xander moving back to stand to next to Silas, who was holding the cake. Dante smiled, his blue eyes looking even more beautiful thanks to the candlelight.
"We may not know everything that happens in the Reaper world, but we want you to enjoy every chance you get outside of those walls."
Silas nodded, his mismatched eyes twinkling in delight. "Life is precious. We all know that. A Reaper's life is even more valuable because you constantly put your life on the line. To some, they think Reapers are bad, but there have been times Reapers interfered with deals and events that could have done more damage to not just our city or country, but to the world. Whether directly or indirectly, Reapers like yourself have helped in some way and been selfless with your own needs to achieve that."
I was shocked at his words and the way he viewed Reapers. I had never pictured my role in that mindset.
I assumed as a Reaper I was nothing. A tool used for missions that stopped individuals who would bring harm to our Master. I never once thought about our missions being something that helped other people. That saved other people.
Master was indeed a bad person. He did bad things to Reapers, regardless of us striving to meet his standards. Yet, what if he wanted to be the one to take the blame? The one to remove us from this world instead of allowing someone else the privilege of killing, abusing, or using us for their own needs?
Did he kill us to end our misery quickly, versus being killed or even kidnapped on someone else's agenda?
Silas’ declaration had me pondering the possibilities and made me question what I thought to be true. Which side are we on? The good or bad?
"Your sisters told the twins you liked red velvet, so we thought it would be a good cake for you to try." Dante winked.
"How...they told you, didn't they?" I mumbled.
He grinned and the other two nodded. "Hey, half-sister triplets who are badass? I think it's pretty cool to me," Dante praised.
"I bet if you told everyone you were half-sisters with them, they would lose their shit." Silas winked.
A wide smile formed on my face. "Ya. I can see that. I think they would rather say we're lying than admit my friends could be my half-sisters. Who knows?" I shrugged. "We still haven't confirmed it though."
"Don't have to. Sometimes love is thicker than blood," Xander confirmed.
I took another glance at everything before I looked down at the cake. "Thank you...for accepting me."
Their expressions were filled with happiness, and Silas nodded. "Make a wish and blow out the candles."
I nodded, looking at the cake and closed my eyes. I wish to one day gain my freedom and spend it with my family, friends, and loved ones. Oh...and Ruby. Even if she's borrowed.
With that solid wish, I took a deep breath and blew the candles out.
"I think she's falling asleep."
I felt a nudge on my shoulder, but it wasn't strong enough to pull me out of my half-asleep daze. My mind figured out I was leaning against someone with my head on their shoulder, but I couldn't tell exactly who.
Xander's image popped into my mind like my magic was trying to answer my question for me, and as I listened back into the conversation, I realized it was right; Xander's voice the closest to me.
"She must be exhausted. Minsu and Minso said she's a deep sleeper."
"You can take her back home with Ruby. We can clean up," Dante suggested.
"Can't we get her out of there?" Silas asked.
There was a long silence that followed his words and he continued. "Why can't we interfere? You guys sense it. Our magic is connected to her in some way. Even if it's just a little. What if she's supposed to be...you know, our soulmate or whatever the books call it."
"Even if there's a possibility she is, she can only choose one of us, and right now Xander’s got the strongest connection," Dante pointed out, his voice showing a hint of sadness.
"Why does she have to choose?" Xander whispered.
"Because that's life? You always have to choose," Silas replied.
"That, my friend, is false," Dante replied. "If she wants to date all of us, she certainly can."
"Would she want to? She's a Reaper. Wouldn't she be afraid we'd just cheat on her? Think of the environment she's grown up in. Her Master has all these Reapers who do whatever he wants to them which includes you know what. I'm sure all of us dating her would trigger some type of concerns."
"Are you worried she'll get mad if we're not exclusive?" Xander asked.
"Yes, that," Silas replied.
"Why would she?" Dante asked, sounding clueless.
"Trust. I don't know Xia enough, but...my mother said that to a Reaper, trust was huge." Silas confessed, his voice no higher than a slight whisper.
His Mom?
"Then we'll be exclusive. Just for her. I mean, I don't mind. It's up to you guys if you're interested in her, and if she does decide she's interested in us at a romantic level, then we'll take it at her pace."
"That sounds fine with me," Silas announced. I was zoning in and out after that, my consciousness returning in the middle of Dante's speech.
"You know I'm not really into girls, but I do feel that connection and I find her intriguing. I can see the positive difference the last few days have had on her. We'll work to see if there's a loophole somewhere and maybe we can free her, and she'll live the life she deserves."
"Meow."
"I guess we'll have to, seeing as Ruby loves her. Can't bring cats to the shrine," Silas pointed out.
"So, we're in agreement. If Xia wants to try being with all of us, we'll be exclusive?"
"Agreed," Dante replied.
"I'm in," Silas replied.
"Meow meow meow."
Xander chuckled. "Yes, Ruby. You can stick with Xia."
"What about Ace?" Dante asked.
"He'll be back in a few days. I think they'll get along...maybe." Xander commented.
"Make sure I'm home to watch that. I'll videotape it." Silas laughed.
"You have to get every expression Ace makes. I can totally see Xia throwing him off his cold shoulder game." Dante chuckled.
"Let's go home," Xander announced. The silence that followed was comforting and my mind finally went back to sleep.
Yes...home.