The Black Swan Behind (Beauty of Fire)

145 Dual Identity

A tote bag with a picture of a swan lay on the wooden floor in front of a locker. It had been left behind when Emma had rushed home so as not to run into Rachel. Stupidly, she ended up having to go back to that class again.

After picking up the tote bag that was left behind, Emma walked out of the empty classroom while busy checking the contents of the bag. She just wanted to make sure that nothing else was left behind, especially the notebook she was going to use for her coursework tonight.

“Emma,”

A bit heavy girl’s voice made Emma jump in surprise when she had just exited the classroom door that hadn’t even closed back. “Ra.. Rachel?” She stuttered.

Emma thought she had let go of her fear of meeting the girl with the two bright blue eyes. But what he didn’t expect was that Rachel was still not home, and somehow suddenly appeared like a ghost.

The women ended up sitting across from each other in the empty ballet room. Rachel looked at Emma who had been holding her breath ever since as if the whole weight of the world had been placed on her shoulders.

“So you kept it a secret from your friends too?” Rachel was the first to start the conversation.

Emma closed her eyes tightly until her brows furrowed. After taking a deep breath, she finally lifted her face and looked into Rachel’s eyes, “I am. It’s because I have dual identities.”

Rachel just nodded slowly, “That’s interesting. So, your second identity is a man in a helmet fighting criminal? Honestly, I think you have the guts.”

.....

For now, Emma didn’t care about Rachel’s opinion or compliment. There was only one important thing she had to confirm as soon as possible to prevent her from having sleep trouble tonight, “Are you going to tell anyone else?”

Emma’s question made Rachel frown, “Why would I do that, Emma? I don’t know a lot of people here. I even don’t have any friends to tell about this.”

“Oh..” Emma muttered with a sorry face. She seemed to have forced Rachel to admit that unpleasant thing. “I’m so sorry. But I’m really scared if anyone finds out about this.”

Rachel smiled faintly, “You don’t have to be afraid that I’d tell anyone, Emma. You’ve helped me and my grandpa. I should have thanked you instead. That’s why I’ve been waiting for you here. I knew you would come back to take your bag.”

“You knew?” Emma’s eyebrows shot up high.

Rachel nodded guiltily, “I’m sorry that I left it be without telling you. I knew you didn’t want your friends to hear about that day’s incident. I really want to thank you for it. This is the only chance for me to talk to you alone.”

“Gosh.. it doesn’t matter, Rachel. Thank you for understanding, even before I explained it.” Emma said with relief, “I feel bad for you for making you think that way.” she continued guiltily. What if Emma had decided not to take her tote bag? Surely Rachel would be waiting in vain here.

“Don’t mind it,” Rachel answered.

Emma nodded lightly before clearing her throat and continuing her intention, “So.. you promised not to tell anyone, right?” she chuckled awkwardly by rubbing her neck.

Rachel laughed and nodded, “I promise.” she answered and giving out her hand.

With a light, Emma immediately shook the hand, “By the way.. May I know why at that time you and your grandfather could be beaten by the thugs? I’m really curious,” she asked.

Rachel nodded, “Since I already know one of your secrets, maybe I should tell you mine too so we can break even.” she answered, then continued,

“My grandpa was trapped in debt to a gangster group. The thugs at that time were gangster members to collect debts from my grandpa. I don’t understand why a very small amount of debt can grow up to ten times in just a month. After I searched about it, it turned out that those people are deliberately trapping the elderly by giving loans that actually have an unreasonable interest. They know that many old people don’t really understand about document matters, so they use that chance to run their business.” Rachel explained.

“I can’t believe this. It’s not a business, it’s a scam!” Emma growled.

Rachel couldn’t help but sigh, “I was just trying to make it sound less nasty to your ears, but it looks like I failed.”

“Then, how are things now?” Emma asked quickly.

“My grandpa was forced to take extra work, even on holidays. I also helped him by taking a higher paying side job. I think I’d sell one of my dad’s bikes to pay off the debt right away before the interest gets bigger. So far, the money we’ve collected isn’t even enough to just pay the interest.” Rachel answered.

“Rachel.. those bikes are the legacy of your father,” Emma looked at her sadly.

“I know. But, who is still alive right now is more important, right? I can’t let my grandpa work so hard like this at his old age. I also can’t let my studies be cut off because I can’t afford to pay for it.” Rachel said.

“This can’t go on, Rachel. If this continues, there will be more victims just like your grandfather. I can’t just stand by and watch you sell your father’s treasure to pay off that stupid debt. I have to act,” Emma said, couldn’t accept it.

Rachel couldn’t help but smile slightly, “Looks like we really can’t do anything, Emma. Their group is too big. I know you are strong. But, you are alone and there are so many of them.”

“Rachel, you really don’t know what I can do,” Emma replied with a crooked smile. Even so, she did not deny what Rachel had said. But that didn’t mean she would give up before trying. Every problem had a solution, “It just takes strategies, Rachel. Do you know the name of the group that scammed your grandpa?”

Rachel nodded, “If I’m not mistaken, my grandpa once said that there is a group that runs the place where he works. The name is Creeper.”

“Creeper?!” Emma repeated.

Emma’s scream nearly made Rachel jump. She didn’t expect Emma Hilland to scream like that. Rachel awkwardly nodded again, “I think that’s its name. Have you heard of it?”

“Damn! This is insane.. What is this coincidence?” Emma mumbled as she leaned back, too surprised at the circumstances that seemed to connect her to various events. “I have, Rachel. I know them all too well. So that bastard group runs that kind of business too, huh? They need to be wiped off of this earth.”

“Do you have a problem with them?” Rachel guessed with her natural flat intonation.

“I can say, that’s not really my problem. It’s a very long story. But the point is that I’m already fed up with every crime they’ve committed. And after you told me about this, I became even more convinced that I have to step in to stop those scumbags.” Emma explained. Then, she rested her hand on Rachel’s shoulder, “Don’t worry Rachel. You don’t have to sell your dad’s bike or think of dropping out of college. You don’t have to worry about the debt that should have been paid off. I’ll destroy that loan shark named Creeper right away.”

“If I come along, would I burden you?”

Rachel’s question made Emma’s eyes widen, “W-what?” she asked with a slight stutter. Her face looked confused.

“Can I.. maybe.. help you defeat them? This is my problem too, right? I can’t let other people work hard and face danger to help me while I’m just sitting around.” Rachel explained.

Emma didn’t answer. She was even silent because she was still trying to process what Rachel said. She never imagined that she would fight together with someone. What’s more, that person was her girl friend. Actually, Emma wouldn’t mind if Rachel would help her. But what they would face was very dangerous. Emma didn’t know if Rachel was strong enough to carry out this mission.

“I can fight. Do you remember?” Rachel said again. She could see the doubt in Emma’s eyes.

Emma looked straight at Rachel again. Ah.. That’s right. When rescuing Rachel and her grandfather in an alley at that time, Emma was not fighting alone. She knew that Rachel was helping her too. However, she could not see too clearly because the fogs from the sewers were thick at that time.

‘It could even be that the problem that just happened was the answer to the previous problem that still doesn’t have a solution.’

The words that Levi Wargos once said to Emma came back to life. Was this what Levi meant? Was Rachel, whom she previously thought was a big problem, now become a way out of the problem that had hindered Emma’s goal from the start to live a peaceful life as a ballerina?

If that was true, Emma would be so happy because she could share the burden. And, her side would also get stronger.

“How about it, Emma?” Rachel asked again. She was sure Emma would doubt her. But in truth, Rachel had been waiting for the right moment to show her fangs. She believed herself to be a strong woman.

“Okay. But it’s going to be tough and dangerous, Rachel. I want you to know that. And also.. just like me, I hope you’ll cover up your identity too, because I came to Handway City to have a peaceful life and study ballet. I don’t want it all to fall apart. The reason is, if the gangsters find out that we are the ones behind the men in black who always messing up their business, we and the people around us will be in danger.” Emma explained.

Rachel nodded, “I see, Emma. So what should we do first?” she asked directly.

Emma smiled widely, “I like your spirit,”

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