In a world filled with disparity and ever growing conflict, it is given that those with mutual vision band together as one group. 

Among many names, Rapture stands top as the most notorious criminal group, originally founded for the purpose of 'reclaiming Defiled's lost glory', consisting of zealots Defiled and Tellusen who seek violence. Keeper has many small syndicates under their watchful eyes, but Rapture takes the cake most of the time, consistenyl climbing the top ranks of Keeper's Red List, making them the first and foremost enemy of Keeper.

"I did." The last location of The Vanishing happened at an abandoned storage house in Loegria. According to publicized information, the victims were mostly children, teenagers, and some adults. Several Rapture agents were discovered patrolling nearby the crime scene, and surprisingly enough, they deliberately admitted to be the main culprit of it.

Hence the verdict. The case is mostly closed for the time being, but the severity and lingering grief on the wake of it will continue to haunt those involved with it. 

"I heard the new museum is going to have its opening celebration tomorrow." In an attempt to brush away a heavy start for the day, I choose the worst topic possible to lighten the mood.

"Correct. The Executive Chamber, including myself and the Master were even invited to the Main Hall party." 

Huh, so he somehow managed to land on the most desired agenda. I never expected my uncle to be the first in our Clan to see Ariel the Prima Donna up close, but here we are.

"Each person receives a pair of tickets." I let him continue, fully aware of where this is leading to. "If you'd like one, you're free to come with me tomorrow. Just in case you're wondering, the Basileus of Loegria and Cathures will be present tomorrow."

I choked on my drink. 

I thought my only issue was him attending the celebration, but the head of state as well!? That gives me all the more reason to skip the event!

"About that... I... uh..."

Years worth of pent up frustration and absence makes my attitude when talking with him. Bluntly rejecting him should have been easy, but I find myself stuttering in the end. 

"I understand your disinterest to join, but allow me to make this statement. I… I have been reflecting, and I wanted to fix the broken parts we made ourselves."

Am I hearing it correctly? Did he say we?

"Are you sure you're not mistaking your claims?"

His eyes widened, taken aback. "Hm, I suppose you're right. That was a poor attempt at evading the root cause, which was mine to begin with." His admittance is followed by a look of sorrow. "I’m a terrible uncle, guardian, and perhaps a second father from a certain point of view. A child shouldn’t have to fear for their own life in their own home. I’ve failed to create and sustain a place for you to be yourself. Of course, with my unmistakable disdain against your father as well, neither of my actions can be excused."

It was unmistakable indeed. As far as I'm concerned, my uncle detest my father the most. I knew it for years and have long grown accustomed to that pain, but to hear it from his mouth directly is more excruciating than I thought, like an old stab wound festering once more.

"However, I want to believe that change is never too late, even without using the upcoming event as my opportunity. Now, what do you think?" 

I think I want to run from this, but my limbs are anchored. No, not because of my uncle's wish, but something else entirely. It's irritating how the first thing that came to my mind was the content from Aide's fortune cookie. 

Old and new connections, huh. I wonder if that whole sentence coincidentally refers to me and my uncle. He has been my source of bitterness for the past years. His sudden request for reconciliation is a little too much for me to consider, especially knowing all those years lost due to neglect.

"..."

And yet at the same time, I can't find the courage to say no to him. Master is right, yet again. Connecting is important, and the more you grow older, the more desperate you cling to it. Ever since the death of my parents, I’ve lost sight of what a happy family should be. Observing other families makes me bitter sometimes. Maybe deep down, despite all that bubbling anger, I’ve been seeking something from my last remaining blood-related family all this time; a proper connection.

"As the daughter of your deeply hated brother-in-law, I can’t just ignore and let everything pass, don’t you think?” He closed his eyes as if silently agreeing. I wish I was a bit rougher, because that’d mean my words etched inside his mind forever, eternally crushing him in guilt.

“You knew well how they slandered me, easily saying things in front of me because I was still a child, believing that I might not understand a thing of what they’re saying. Unfortunately, I still remember their words. You’re supposed to stand for me, but you didn’t, and I still remember how that pain felt for the first time! I can’t forgive you for that. But, I’m tired of having to run around, with you somehow managing to catch up. Maybe I could move to the other side of the world and I will still find you sitting across the road.” 

I take a deep breath. "I'll join you in the celebration." He lets out a sharp gasp. "Under one condition, though. I don't want to accept your repentance without at least compromising with myself."

"I'll see to it whether I can fulfill your request or not." He sounds so awfully calm, but I'm sure deep down he's trembling for dear life.

"Let me do things at my own pace, which means I still have the freedom to ignore you on my whim. Forgiveness isn't something that can be resolved within a day, and I need time to process my emotions."

For once, I’m anticipating what the world has to offer for the both of us.