AN: The original story is on Spanish and is calld "Historia de una vida", I am translating this has a request for Mello San, I do apologize, this is not Beta-ish and there could be mistakes. English is not my language. This fickie is AU – OOC. MKR is not mine. I leave you guys with the story. Enjoy it!
It was our free time in the prison, some girls were walking, others were chatting, others like me were just sitting in the shade, watching our surroundings… it's has been already five years.
I was seventeen when I arrived at this women's prison in Bangkok.
Hikaru, Fuu and I were planning this trip together but at the end of the day Fuu couldn't join us, we wanted to cancel the trip and do it when she was able to come but she insisted for us to come without her so in the end we decided to make the trip and buy as many gifts as we could for Fuu. For the first days of our vacation we had fun, we bought stuff and visited lots of places, it was on our four day of vacation that Hikaru met this guy ... it all started with that.
I still remember now that back then I even try an attempt to escape because it broke my heart to see my dear friend suffering in prison, but we were busted in our attempt, we were desperate so we bribe the guards and we manage to pass all the locks but the last door was closed and the guards got us, we were locked in a solitary cell, it was dark and damp. That was the last time I saw her.
A week after our failed attempt of scape we were presented to the Crown/the King so he could judge us, it was our last chance of freedom, the sentence was for us to purge thirty years on prison for a crime we didn't commit, Hikaru was devastated has I was, still on the very last moment I decided to blame myself for all, even if we didn't do anything but she was so heartbroken, so I begged for my friend to be released in exchange of me doing her and mine sentence… my request came true. The pardon was granted to her and now I'm here doing our time, that's sixty years, I have done five.
Sighing, I let my eyes drink the view of the courtyard, my mind is crowded with so many thoughts, today is the birthday of Hikaru, I wonder what is she thinking right now? What is she doing? Hikaru promised to help me once she were back home but since that time I have had no word from her, I only know vague things from her through comments that Fuu occasionally lets out when coming to visit on her own vacation.
Fuu… Fuu my dear friend, she is studying law just to help me, well I she was undecided on what career to take, but this whole situation encourage her to take the direction of law and is in her hands where my future lies now... what future I ask to myself? I don't know anymore, I lost the hope to get out of here instead I am just happily letting the time pass by, my heart is resigned but with honor I keep on my word to do both sentences.
Leaving my sad thoughts for a moment I let my mind remember the time when I was researching for universities, at first I wanted to go to medical school I wanted to be a great surgeon after that I was thinking on study administration so in time, eventually I could be able to take the place of my father - sigh – now I just don't want to do anything, I have no dreams anymore.
Life in prison is monotonous, I have really no friends here, but there are some girls who are good company and kind to me, I have not gotten in trouble ... I'm just ... here fulfilling my obligations, washing dishes one day, cook the other, mowing the grass with our hands, do laundry, clean the floors ... and so, day after day times goes.
My parents ... I am so ashamed for cause this big disgrace to them, they died knowing me guilty as charged, I never had the chance to explain to them, to tell the truth ... now it does not matter ... my uncles took over all the business of my father and now I am officially disinherited, "a drug dealer has no place in the great Ryuuzaki family" those were their words.
At the end perhaps I really was guilty, my failure to see how that guy was using Hikaru, she let herself get carried away by the beautiful words of this man and I did nothing and when I did it was too later ... all this led us to that fateful day, the customs guards checked our baggage only to find drugs in the luggage of Hikaru, we were just the distraction so other people could pass by surely with more drugs on them. We were so naïve.
"Why do not you rest? You're pushing yourself to too hard for this exam" ... Sato San said to me.
"I know, I'm sorry ... it's just ..."
"Now, now, it's late and you will be of no use to your friend if you are exhausted, she will not go anywhere and you will only make her worry about you"
"Thank Sato San, you are right" without that I close my books and prepare to leave the library...
My dear Umi... I cannot help but wonder what you are doing right now. Certainly life has not been good to her in recent years, I feel worried, the last time I saw her and the times I've talked to her over the phone calls she seems odd I feel like I she is slipping through my fingers ...
It has not been easy, Hikaru did not want to cooperate, all she said after returning was that Umi had been arrested and sent to prison for drugs and that because she was with Umi, she ended up in prison too, but that Umi admitted her faults and then Hikaru was released ... The poor thing was traumatized by the experience, she was much thinner and his red curls had been shaved, leaving a thin layer of new hair on his head ... if that was her condition, I couldn't imagine the condition of Umi.
Clearly this was an impact to all our friends and family and no one doubted her words ... after all Umi was always the rebel one and although Hikaru is my friend and I love her, so is Umi and I couldn't help but doubt of the vague explanation given by Hikaru to us. That as why I flew to Bangkok to see Umi... she had lost weight as Hikaru, and prison clothes did nothing but accentuate her thinness, her beautiful hair was gone, it was truly a depressing sign but after listening Umi's version I knew immediately that she was not guilty and that both were manipulated by a man, especially Hikaru, if she doesn't admit her mistake Umi will stay in prison forever.
Regarding Umi's parents ... just when I wanted to share my doubts they had a car accident and died shortly afterwards in hospital only weeks apart. With all the pain in my heart, I was the one who gave her the bad news... but the most awful for me was seeing her mourn and be just there, unable to comfort her, the bars kept us apart ... her greatest regret was that her parents died believing her guilty ..
It's been five years since that, five years from different realities, different lives ... Hikaru surprisingly has managed to erase the memory of Umi, she has continued her life and is now dating a foreign guy called Eagle, about me ... there is a guy who has been around me, I know he wants to go out with me but –sigh- is so frustrating sometimes still he has a good heart, my sister has told me so.
He is willing to help! I remember once I was pretty sad about the whole situation and he came just in time when I needed someone, so I told him the story and to my surprise he understood my situation what was more he offered to contact me with his sister, according to him, her husband is a great lawyer and he was sure he would be willing to help, at first I thought he was doing it just to try to win my affection for him, but a week after that day he arranged a meeting, he invited me to go to a coffee place, her sister and his brother in law were already there. Emeraude and Zagato, I was so happy that they were willing to help me and Umi, just after they said their goodbyes I broke in tears, mixed feelings of sorrow and happiness, it was simply too much, Ferio just hugged me allowing me to vent all my emotions.
It's been a couple of months after that meeting and with the help of Zagato's brother, Lantis, we could contact the attorney who handled the case in the beginning, it was obvious that he was bribed to prevent they were released. Lantis has traveled on two previous occasions to investigate and obtain information but has not yet contacted Umi. Zagato wants to interview her personally before continuing.
This weekend they will both travel to Bangkok to finally visit Umi so she can know everything that is happening and although I cannot go because I have to submit my final project in college, I already wrote to her in advance telling her all that has happened in these recent months.
After nearly six hours of flight we arrived at Bangkok, it's late so we'll visit tomorrow morning our client, my brother has retired for the night and I've decided to stay a little longer in the hotel bar.
These last few weeks I have been thinking about what my brother Zagato told me, when he first said, "Ryuuzaki" I thought at the time on the accident of famed entrepreneur, but afterwards I was able to connect it with the daughter of this man, which had been detained for transporting drugs. I did not give much interest to it, children from wealthy families generally are into these kind of messes and I saw no need to lift a finger for her, but after Zagato explained what had really happened I was surprised, I could not believe it, but when he order me to investigate the case I found all the errors, bribes and begs for forgiveness for her friend… I was out of words.
The corruption of justice is simply unbelievable but the total lack of interest and worry of the supposed friend whom she helped, makes me think that the betrayal of a friend is more horrible than the misapplication of the law.
How can friend betray the other like that? Especially if the other one exchanges their freedom in favor of that supposed friend? It just doesn't fit in my mind, that person is simply not worth for the title of friend.
Taking a sip of my cold drink I let the burn of alcohol pass my throat, as I think about what might happen tomorrow, we have enough evidence to prove her innocence, we know who is the person who got them into this mess and we know now how he operates, we have the real name of the guy and his different alias and there is a witness who was at the airport on the same flight, it would be difficult to make her speak as she was one of the people involved.
We have contacted the Japanese government representatives here in Bangkok and we will soon show evidence of her innocence to them that will allow the government of Bangkok to drop the charges. Sounds simple, but it will take some time, unfortunately bureaucracy is very slow.
Finishing my drink I retreat to my room to sleep tomorrow will be an interesting day.
Hot! this morning is so hot just like every morning ... thanks to Fuu I know a lawyer will come to meet with me, but I don't know when this will be, Fuu said this person is very efficient and even if he is a bit serious he is kindhearted, she met him through a boy named Ferio which now is her boyfriend ... I'm happy for her.
Sighing I continue my work, today I'm cleaning the floor of a corridor with another girl, we are so deep in our thoughts that there is no need of conversation. Lately I have been feeling very tired, every activity I do I can hardly end just the last weekend I spent it in the makeshift prison hospital, I pass out in the yard, the heat has been high in recent days and sunstroke was the explanation to my situation, I spent two glorious days on a small cot only for me before being returned to the cell that I share with as many women can sleeping on the floor.
Ryuuzaki" I hear my name being said. I stop my movements and turn in the direction of the voice.
"You have visit" by now I fully understand the native language so I don't have any problem understanding the words of the guard, leaving the cleaning accessories aside I got up and follow her, perhaps is the lawyer which Fuu was speaking about.
The women's prison in Bangkok is a large beige building, surrounded by a large green grass area outside, with only one high wire mesh as divisor. The interior is pretty much nothing, the building is old but is well kept and clean. Following the guard she led us to a room divided in two by a grille mesh that runs from the floor to the ceiling and is divided by a small open space like window in the middle with a metal base, possibly to deliver documents so the prisoners can sign them. On the other side of the room there's only a small wooden bench. Certainly the place is contrasting with us, dressed in immaculate beige linen suits as the heat and humidity are too high, wearing dark colors doesn't work in here.
Zagato looks straight ahead, waiting for our client to show up on the other side of the room while I take note of the environment of the place.
Just on that moment we hear the gate open and a woman appears on the other side, she said something to the guard who brought her and then she walks towards us ... she is surprisingly high for a Japanese normal girl, she is quite thin and her hair is short and blue, her face looks tired, dark circles under her eyes shows the lack of sleep her extremely pale skin contrast with her uniform of plain navy blue fabric. It is obvious with just one single look that she was underweight and her looks scream sickness still she looks beautiful, at least to my eyes.
I got back to reality by her voice, I don't know in what moment I let myself be enchanted by her mere presence but apparently it was not obvious to my brother or her, Zagato made the introductions and proceeded to explain the situation and the evidence that we got so far.
Her face was firm and serious without betraying her thoughts, her voice was full of confidence showing a strong personality, her questions were clear and focused and my brother replied smoothly to all of them, she didn't showed fear. At the very end of the short meeting, just when we were leaving she asked us something...
"Why are you helping me if you think I'm guilty?"
"It is not our place to judge whether you are guilty or not, I have always tried to listen to both sides of the story and what I've learned in recent months about you and your case plus the evidence, shows to me that you are innocent. " Zagato replied.
That definitely touched something inside of her ... with a trembling hand she covered her face while crying quietly, at the same time the guard who brought her previously here decided to make an appearance calling for her, our time was over, suddenly she stood up and offered us a wonderful smile with her teary face.
"Thank you, this is the first time someone really believes in my innocence besides Fuu"
The guard called her again...
"No need to thank, you'll soon be out of this place, that I promise"
The words came out of my mouth without even being able to think about them, but just seeing the joy in their eyes that someone believed in her innocence, touched me more than I could have imagined.
After she left the room I could feel Zagato's eyes on me, he didn't say anything but I knew I had done wrong to promise her an early exit but I could not help it. Out of prison my brother could not resist anymore...
"You shouldn't have made such a promise"
"I don't care, I want her out of there ... you didn't see? Visibly she is sick and this place is just killing her, I will do whatever it takes to get her out of here."
"Are you sure that's just why you want her out of prison," asked my brother...
Walking back to where I was washing the floor, I can't stop thinking about what happened a few moments ago, let alone erase this smile on my face, the simple fact that they believe in my innocence makes me feel like a free person already, no matter if I am here right now. No matter how much time passes, I know Lantis and his brother Zagato will fulfill their word, I'm a patient person and I can wait, after all, time is what I have left in this place and I can wait as long as they need.
It's been three days since we arrived in Bangkok, Lantis will fly to Shanghai today, apparently the man who tricked them is living there, or at least that's the last clue he found, I will wait here, I have personally spoken privately with the Governor, after investigate the case of Umi we discovered a drug distribution network on a small scale that was protected by different people located in different offices of government and justice, the most surprising thing is that the person in charge of drug issues was involved too so I had to address personally with the Governor for that fact.
We have implemented a plan to make the arrest of these people and if Lantis actually manages to find the person who tricked her friend and Umi will be a big step up to her freedom, yet it worries me the words of the Governor...
"It really is a shame what has happened, but you must understand that she pleaded guilty by her own will, I doubt that the Crown let free a guilty person."
"But she pleaded guilty for the circumstances of the moment ..."
"I doubt that the Crown wants to see this case again, you should not get your hopes too high on this girl, we appreciate the help you have given to locate this distribution network but we can't do more"
The Crown ... although there is democracy in Bangkok and may townspeople elect its ruling, the administration of justice is still under the care of the Crown ... the King, and it was before him that Umi before pleaded guilty. The only thing I can think of is to request a hearing with the Crown to restate the case of Umi and hope for the best...
…And there is also Lantis and his strange fixation with this woman...
I can't but feel disappointed with myself... we could not locate the subject ... Zagato has flown back to Japan, and I am right now going on my way to the prison to visit Umi.
Once there I quickly requested the audience with her ... soon they lead me to the same room where I first saw her ... I don't know what to say, I don't know why I came but I felt a great need to see her before returning to work and continue to research, it is vital to find the subject because without him Umi may not be released ... The Crown would hear no reason unless we have this guy.
"You look tired ..."
"I? Sorry, I did not realize you had already arrived, I didn't hear you enter ..."
"Don't worry, you looked thoughtful and didn't want to interrupt ..."
I look carefully into her eyes, they are a beautiful sky blue like color ... I approach the fence and lie my right hand over the mesh wanting to reach her... I don't know what to say...
"I guess you dint do very well in your quest ..." she tells while approaching to the fence where I am...
"Hn ..."
"Don't worry ... I know there will not be results so fast, I understand all that has to happen before you have a chance to get me out of here ... in the meantime I will keep waiting – she said to me while smiling sweetly - I will not move from this place "
"I'll be flying from one place to another and I will be unable to come and visit you ..."
"Listen... It's nice of you to want to come and visit, but don't really have to... you don't have that obligation..."
The guard call for her to return...
"It is not an obligation ... I want to come ..."
"Lantis San ..."
The guard calls her again...
"I'll be back soon... take care of yourself... you don't look well."
"Eh? ... Thanks ..."
Without waiting for her reply I leave, knowing that she is still standing on the other side of the fence...
The mail has just arrived while I check it I hear Ferio babbling about football while he is cooking our breakfast ... it's been almost a year since Zagato and his brother began with the case of Umi.
Lantis ... Zagato's brother constantly visit Umi and from Umi's letters I know that he is interested in her, but she doesn't feel in the mood to admit anything, but I know Lantis visits always make her happy ... and Ferio tells that nor Emeraude nor Zagato have seen Lantis like this with anyone else, I've met with him several times and he is a quiet and reserved person, very professional in everything he does, but when I compare that to what I read about him thought Umi, is so contrasting... it only reaffirms my belief that these two are madly in love...
…I interrupt my thoughts when I see a letter addressed to me from the General Director of the prison where Umi is, since her family decided to abandon her I became her next kin contact on the list for whatever is need it...
Hououji Fuu Ms.
Present
We inform you that the prisoner 45890003 with the name of Umi Ryuuzaki has been interned in the General Hospital of Bangkok. The prisoner was found unconscious in one of the prison yards, after failing to achieve positive results in the hospital of this institution we decided to move her to the General Hospital.
The Hospital will contact you for further information.
"Ferio ..." I call him showing the brief letter from the prison while search for the letter from the Hospital …
Hououji Fuu Ms.
Present
We inform you that the patient Umi Ryuuzaki was admitted yesterday with AIHA (autoimmune haemolytic anemia) chronic (more than six months) treatment has started but it is too early to give any result. Since the patient is the responsibility of the state all fees run by the same.
I leave my contact details in case you have any doubts.
General Hospital of Bangkok
I let myself fall down on the couch while I feel tears running down my face, just I can't believe this is happening, Ferio approaches and takes the letter from my hands, moments later I hear him on the phone for his words I knew he was informing the situation to Zagato and Emeraude.
"Come on ..." - Ferio tells me - "you have to make a small suitcase, we'll fly to Bangkok, Zagato had to go anyway he had an appointment with Lantis, apparently they have finally arrested the guy they were looking for ..."
Wordlessly I feel my body move in automatic, Ferio closes the house and soon we are at the airport waiting for our plane to leave. Zagato and Emeraude join us soon after.
The six hour flight passed quickly and soon we were in a cap going straight to the hospital, Zagato and Ferio arranged everything and finally I am at the door to the room in which my dear friend is, entering I note the room is small with three beds in it of which the middle one is unoccupied, Umi is in bed at the end of the room, right next to the window, I directed my steps towards her but each one just brings me closer to a reality that breaks my heart... she looks so fragile... she is asleep, connected to her arms are various tubes and an oxygen mask is covering her face but that doesn't stop me to see that her face looks haggard ... If I had visited more often I would have noticed something, hasn't anyone noticed anything? How is it possible that Lantis didn't notice her deterioration? I can't help but feel suddenly angry at myself for letting the care of my dear friend to this man and now I see what my decision have bring to my friend ...
Breathing deeply I try to get rid of this sudden feeling of anger, Umi needs me now and my anger doesn't help her in any way… I take a metal chair that was on one side and sat right at the edge of her bed taking her hand in mine…she feels cold and looks bluish, concern came to me again...
The sound of a curtain closing distracts me from my contemplation of Umi's condition. Ferio pulled a curtain that I have failed to see, to divide the bed from the other ones and give the patient some privacy ... No words were said he just grabbed other chair and sat beside me.
Ferio spoke to me quietly after a moment of silence "Zagato and my sister are talking to the doctor right now they want to see if it's possible to change Umi to a private room, then Zagato will meet with Lantis and they will go to the court and afterwards to the Crown to see if it is possible to release Umi. "
"Hn ..."
A while later Emeraude enters and sits in a chair a little further away from the bed ... we just simply keep quiet, waiting for Zagato to return with news or for Umi to wake up, whichever comes first.
It's almost 3 am, it has already passed a whole day since Zagato arrived, and finally everything was over. With the imprisonment of the principal suspect, we could prove the innocence of Umi and she has been released and has been granted pardon by the Government and the Palace of Justice/the Crown.
Sitting in the back of the cap, my only wish right now is to go as soon as possible to the hospital. I knew she was getting worse, which is why I exposed my concern to my brother and Emeraude. Knowing the gravity of the situation, we redouble our efforts to get her out as soon as possible. Since the state prison spends very little in the health of the prisoners, we were sure that she was not receiving the proper medical care and even if she was moved from the prison hospital to the general one it would not change the lack of medical attention towards her. That is why it was urgent, now she was hospitalized, everything needed to be solved and that way will be able to transfer her to a private hospital so she could get a 100% personalized attention.
Totally exhausted after working more than twenty four hours without a break I direct my steps along with my brother to the entrance of the Private Hospital. We managed to get a permit before the official promulgation of her innocence and thanks to that she was transfer here a few hours ago.
The last time I saw her was about a month ago...
"Emeraude has explained to Fuu that we already knew Umi's situation, she was mad at you because you didn't notice anything, but we explained that Umi didn't want to worry her and therefore we never made any comment ...'
"I haven't really thought on the reaction of her friend ..."
"I know that is why we decided to anticipate this situation so you could avoid her wrath..."
"Hn ..." just in that moment we enter the area of the waiting room, Emeraude and her brother Ferio were sitting in a corner drinking something which I assume is coffee and talking quietly, noticing our presence they stopped to greet us ...
"I will come back in a moment ..." said Ferio getting up and walking toward the rooms.
"Both of you look very tired, here… drink some coffee is not so bad..." offers kindly Emeraude, my brother sits by her side while I remain standing ... "the doctor says it will take time but she will have a full recover, for now she can't leave the country until the doctor discharge her, she is still too weak to withstand the trip back home ... maybe a month, depending on her progress, she has woke up few times but never has never fully aware, the doctor said this is due to the lack of energy in her body, but that she will soon be better, much sleep will help in her recovery ... " explained Emeraude.
"Lantis ..." I hear Ferio that comes with a sleepy Fuu at his side ... "her room is the 483"
Thanking with a nod I turn to the mentioned room. The room is slightly dark, lit only by the faint white light at the top of Umi's bed ... she is sleeping with an oxygen mask to help her breathe, from the previous messages we got from Emeraude early she looks much better when they first saw her... Yet it is notorious her thinness and pale skin, her sunken eyes only serve to highlight their illness and fatigue despite being asleep...
Quietly I approach her I bent down and gently kissed her forehead and then take her hand in mine I sit in the chair that probably used Fuu previously... after a moment of contemplation I hear a slight knock at the door, Zagato shows up and tells me that they will return to the hotel to rest spend the rest they will return tomorrow at noon. Nodding my answer I return my attention back to my delicate flower.
I slowly start to feel my surroundings ... I feel tired, yet relaxed ... does that make sense? I feel a soft bed under me, the warmth of the blankets is delicious, is one of the best dreams I've had and I do not want to wake up ... to meet the reality of the cold cell and palm mat/bed which does little to avoid the hard floor...
... But the light is penetrating and bothers my eyes ... I try to move my arms but they feel heavy ... slowly I start to hear a constant sound ... and I feel something in my face ... I try to move my arms but again they fail to move I am forced now to open my eyes and get out of my dream ... despite the heaviness of my eyelids I open my eyes very slowly, I don't want to hurt them with the light.
Letting my eyes get used to the light... I feel a bit disoriented... I do not recognize the room this is not my cell, that is for sure, then everything starts to fall into place ... I'm in a hospital ... I try to move my body again without success but I do manage to feel someone holding my hand I try to move my fingers apparently they did work because I feel the other hand responding to my movement after that the gorgeous but tired face of Lantis fills my vision he totally has a bed face with the hair an all, he looks so adorable I can't help but smile, he ask something but I didn't catch his question, his presence is enough for me to feel better.
Feeling a little bit better I manage to move my hand to remove the thing that is bothering my face
"Here, let me help you…" he said while removing the oxygen mask.
"You look awful…"I said to him.
I look awful she said "You must look at yourself before speaking" I reply her, she just smile more to me "I missed you" she said voiceless while fighting to be awake.
"I know, I have missed you too, it's over now, have some rest I will not move from your side" I just finished my last sentence and she was already sleep.
I smile at my own words, everything has ended and now we can finally be together, we can finally return home.
It has been two months now since the first time I was interned at the hospital, I don't remember anything of that time, according to the report I passed out on the prison yard and I didn't woke up until three days later, on that time I manage to woke up but I wasn't fully conscious so I can't remember anything.
We have arrived to Japan a few hours, Lantis stayed by my side all this time. Fuu, Ferio, Emeraude and Zagato returned a few days later after I woke up they have to return to their respective works, so they said their goodbyes wishing me a quick recovery so I could be soon back at Japan, back at home.
And now I am here, at Japan, back at home I simply couldn't believe myself, we landed an hour ago at Narita and now Lantis is driving us to Tokyo.
At the beginning I felt so insecure I still feel nervous I really didn't have a place to stay, the house of my parents wasn't there for me anymore, so I had really no were to go and I really didn't want to bother Fuu and Ferio or Fuu's family much less Emeraude and Zagato, but Lantis just keep saying that I worried for nothing and that wasn't good for my recovery.
"Besides" he said "you will be staying with me, I have an apartment at Roppongi Hills, I live by myself and I want you to live with me" he was so sure about this, about us despite all that I just keep falling in love with him more and more. So in the end I accepted his offer, is for the best.
Still I feel anxious I feel totally out of place, Lantis said that this feeling will go away once I am settle down I really hope so.
I don't know anything of Hikaru and even if I don't want to see her again I wish no ill for her. Fuu and Ferio are engaged and the next weekend will be Zagato's and Emeraude wedding they were so kind to me in every moment, they even postponed their wedding to help me and so I could be there too, in Emeraude words "the wedding would have been incomplete without me".
For the first time after a little more of 6 years I feel my heart full with hope towards a better future, full of happiness at the side of the ones whom I love.
TBC
