The Root of Suffering Is Attachment
Call
The room is dimly lit, illuminated only by the glow of Wannia's phone screen.
Wannia sits on her bed, the phone clutched in her hand.
The room is tidy, and full of posters of historical figures adorning the walls.
Wannia
So, how was history class?
Wannia
Did Mr. Smith finally explains why the French Revolution happened?
The phone screen shows Kai.
Kai
Ugh, same old Mr. Smith. Blah blah blah, King Louis, blah blah blah, guillotines.
Kai
You wouldn't believe the homework he assigned. I'm drowning in dates and names!
Wannia
Don't worry, you'll survive.
Wannia
You're a history whiz, remember?
Wannia and Kai are twins and the only heirs of an underground organization, the only ones with the bloodline that dictates their destiny. Their lives are constantly threatened. So their Grandpa made a heartbreaking decision: he separated the twins, placing them in different foster homes for safety.
Kai
Yeah, but next month, things get really serious.
Wannia
We're practically adults!
Kai
Yeah, well, apparently, it's a big deal for us.
Wannia
Why is sixteen so important?
Kai hesitates, his expression turning serious.
Kai
Grandpa... Grandpa called yesterday.
FLASHBACK conversation of Kai and grandpa
Grandpa
This isn't life, Kai.
Grandpa
It's a shield, a protection.
Grandpa
But the time has come for you to step into your legacy.
Kai flinches, his expression pained.
Kai
But Grandpa, I'm happy here.
Kai
I have friends, a life.
Grandpa
It's just a protection Kai
Kai runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident.
He closes his eyes, the weight of the words settling upon him.
Kai
(is it really my time to return to the Crimson Claw, do I really have to take my place, to become what my family has always been: assassins.)
Kai
(The weight of that legacy… it crushes me. Leaving this life, this small town, means leaving the only normalcy I've ever known.)
He looks out the window, a conflicted expression on his face.
Kai
grandpa, can you give me some time to think?
Grandpa
Think as long as you want, but your responsibility will always be waiting
He hangs up the phone, the silence amplifying the turmoil within him.
He clenches his fist, a determined look hardening his features.
Kai
He wants us to... to come back.
Wannia
And what do you mean, 'it's time'?
Kai
I... I don't know, Wannia.
Kai
He just said it's time for us to come back.
Kai
But he didn't say where.
Wannia
Back to... back to the mansion?
Wannia
But we haven't been back there since we were kids.
Kai
He didn't say much more.
Kai
Just that it's time for us to come back.
A shadow of unease crosses Wannia's face.
Kai
It's just... it's just that I'm starting to feel a bit... restless.
Wannia
Well, maybe it's just because it's almost our birthday.
Wannia
Maybe it's just that we're growing up.
Kai
But I have a bad feeling about this.
Wannia
Well, whatever it is, we'll face it together.
The phone call ends. Wannia stares at the screen, a growing sense of unease settling over her. She runs a hand through her hair, worry etched on her face.
Protection
Later that night, both of them continued their own routine and went to school.
While Wannia was walking to the bus station from school.
A sleek black car pulled up in front of Wannia.
Wannia
(Fuck, that scared the shit out of me)*shocked*
The passenger window lowers, revealing Grandpa, his face etched with lines of wisdom.
Wannia gets into his car.
while on the car grandpa and wannia chatted about the RETURN mentioned by Kai
Grandpa
You and Kai need to return to the blackwood manor
Wannia's eyes widened in surprise.
Wannia
Kai called. About the responsibilities and that we need to return on our sixteen.
Grandpa
I'll explain once you return to the manor everything
Wannia
Grandpa, we haven't been back to the mansion since we were kids.
Grandpa
It's time, Wannia.
Grandpa
You're turning sixteen.
Grandpa
Time to return to the Crimson Claw.
Wannia looks confused and scared.
Wannia
Grandpa, I don't even know what that means.
Wannia
I thought we were just... normal kids.
Grandpa sighs, his gaze softening.
Grandpa
We were, my dear.
Grandpa
But you have a destiny, a legacy you can't ignore.
Grandpa
The Crimson Claw is in your blood, your soul. It's time to embrace it, to learn what you were born to be.
Wannia is visibly shaken.
Wannia
But... I'm happy here.
Wannia
I have friends, a life.
Grandpa
You two are really twins, even the answer is the same, however It's not real life, Wannia
Grandpa
Time to embrace your destiny, to return to where you belong.
Wannia
Bu..But this is where I belong
Wannia tries to protest, but the words catch in her throat.
Grandpa
I know it's hard.
Grandpa
But you're not alone.
Grandpa
We can do this, together, we'll face any challenges
Wannia looks at him, fear mixed with anger
Wannia
Why do you have to do this then?
Wannia
Why do you need to give me and Kai away to different foster parents if, we can face any challenges together?
Wannia
Why do you need to separate me and my twin?
Wannia anger consumed her, all the questions she wants to ask to his grandpa all this time were spoken
Grandpa
Wannia, it's for protection
Wannia
Didn't you even think that we were more protected if we've been staying with you?
Wannia
You have a guard assigned to surround your mansion, but you can't afford to get a guard for your grandchildren
Wannia
you rather give us to a random family then take us back when you need us
Wannia
Your dragging an innocent family for your so called protection
Grandpa
I Know you're angry with me but I did for you and Kai
Wannia
I have enough of this
Wannia
I said stop the car*shouted*
The driver slammed the brake and Wannia got out of the car
Wannia
Shit, shit, shit *regretting her decision*
Wannia
(why did I do that?)
Wannia
(Why did I get out of the car)
Wannia
(how am I going to get home?)
Wannia
(I'm stuck in the middle of the highway)
Wannia
(this is what you get for disrespecting elder wannia) *regret*
Kai
( wait, is that Wannia? )
Kai
Uncle, could stop the car in front of that girl.
Wannia
Brother, you're my savior
Wannia
Can you give me a ride home?
Kai
Hey what happened to you?
Wannia
Well grandpa was supposed to drive me home, but I got mad at him and got out of his car *speaking really fast*
Wannia
But it didn't go well
Kai
Okay, if you don't want to share It now , it's fine
Kai
but get ready because I'll be asking you about it later
Kai
If you're not going to tell me what happened , I'll ask grandpa myself.
Wannia
Fine I'll explain later
The car stops in front of a cozy cottage.
Wannia
Bye bye , be careful *waving*
FOSTER PARENTS (part 1)
Aunt Amelia
Honey, your back *embracing wannia*
Uncle Thomas
You look tired today, honey.
AUNT AMELIA and UNCLE THOMAS are Wannia's loving foster parents.
Wannia
Not only tired uncle
Aunt Amelia
then let's head to the table for dinner
Uncle Thomas
Yah, you're right, so that Wannia can have a good rest afterward
They all headed to the dining table
Aunt Amelia
How was school, dear?
Wannia wants to tell them about grandpa and everything that happened, but can't
Wannia
It was a normal day.*Strained*
Uncle Thomas
by the way, have you met your grandpa today?
Uncle Thomas
He called me early in the morning to say that his going to meet you today
Wannia
No, I didn't meet him today
Aunt Amelia gives Wannia a knowing look.
Aunt Amelia
Wannia, you don't have to lie.
Because they knew about the Crimson Claw, her destiny.
Wannia
*Choked* I'm sorry.
Wannia
I didn't know how to tell you.*sobbing*
Aunt Amelia
It's okay, honey.*Tears in her eyes*
Aunt Amelia
We understand. We've always known.
Wannia
I'm really, really sorry
They embrace her, their love and comfort amidst the turmoil.
Wannia realizes she's not alone.
Her foster family has always been there for her.
Kai
(why isn't she answering my calls?)
Wannia missed Kai's calls that night.
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