"Can we keep him?"
There was a loud sigh, "He's a child. You can't just keep him."
"But why not! I found him and he likes me!"
This had been going on for 30 minutes now. Marcus was ready to tear his hair out. Kae was his best friend and he loved him, he really did, but the pink-haired man was incredibly annoying. Kae knew for a fact that he couldn't just kidnap a child and whisk him away. This was just him trying to get on Marcus's nerves. Again.
"Kae, you know it doesn't work like that. Besides we're on a job! We can't just take him!"
Kae pouted, "Why not? It's obvious that these people aren't related to him. Or that they cared for him." He gestured around the little room they were in.
Honestly, it couldn't be considered a room. It was more like a closet. A dirty, moldy, rancid closet, but a closet all the same. In the corner there was a pile of a few threadbare blanks and a flat pillow. The corner opposite to the bed held a bucket and judging by the smell coming from it, it held bodily wastes. The walls held obviously child drawn pictures. Most of them were animals. Besides that the closet was empty.
Kae continued, "And we're almost done with the job anyways. Just have to grab the jewel we came for and we can get outta here. Not to mention the people who had him are all dead anyway so…" He trailed off with an expectant look in his powder blue eyes.
Marcus sighed again. He knew this was a losing argument. Instead of responding the taller man leaned down till he was face to face with the small child in his best friends arms. Marcus's mauveine eyes met india green. The boy had high cheek bones and many Japanese characteristics. However, his eyes were an almond shape and his lips were a bit fuller. Originally it was the child's eye color that tipped him off that he wasn't fully asian. There was a chance one of the men here was his father, but it was unlikely. They all had distinctly Russian features. The kid was leaning more toward European or even American. The mostly likely cause was that this child was taken from his home by them. The question was why would they take this child?
A gentle smile fell over Marcus's face, "Hello, my name is Marcus. The man holding you is Kae. Is it alright if I ask you a few questions?"
The child nodded.
"Do you know your name?"
There was a frown and the smallest shake of his head.
"That's alright. Do you live here? Do you know these people or why you are here?"
"Are they dead?" It was almost too quite for Marcus to catch. But Marcus wasn't too surprised. The child was obviously abused and seemed a lot more mature than others his age. So Marcus answered him.
"Yes they are. Did they take you from somewhere? Hurt you?"
There was relief in the child's green eyes, "Did you kill them?"
Kae spoke up, "Yes. We both did."
The kid tilted his head, "Why?"
Kae gave a wide smile, "Well, you see, these mean old men had something of ours. We were here to get it back. It's purple jewel, about the size of your hand. Have you seen it?"
"Yes. It's a necklace. I touched it once. They didn't like that." A frown marred his features.
Marcus clenched his fist in rage. He may kill people for a living, but he would never, ever hurt a child. He was glad that these men were dead.
The child changed the subject, "What are you going to do with me?
"We'll take you with us of course!"
Marcus face palmed. Kae really should think before he spoke.
The child looked toward him for confirmation, Marcus smiled and nodded.
A few minutes later (after a short argument with the kid about seeing the mess they made of his captors), Kae, Marcus and the child walked out of the closet. They quickly made there way to the office, were Kae got to work on the safe and Marcus looked for any important documents. None of them except one looked promising. It just so happened that the one he had held information on the kid. He told himself he would look through it later and stuffed it in his bag. They had been here too long already. Behind him there was a satisfied cry. Kae had gotten the safe open. Two minutes later, with the kid in tow, they high-tailed it out of there.
:_:
It had been two months since the job in Russia. It was now April 5th and the day he and Kae officially adopted the child.
From the documents Marcus found, he now knew that the kid's real name was Kurai. There was no last name. The file was small and only contained Kurai's name, his birthday (which was actually today), and how old he was when they took him (which was two). It was strange. Why have a document like this without any really information on it? Whatever, it made his life easier anyhow.
The child was now four and had done a complete 180 from when they first met him. From questions he and Kae asked, however, it seemed that he really didn't remember much about what happened to him. Marcus figured he was repressing his memories. It wasn't healthy, but he was scared to push Kurai too hard. He didn't want him to have a relapse.
The adoption papers were already sighed by Kae (since he and Kae weren't married Marcus couldn't sign them and Kurai seemed to like Kae bit more). They were just waiting on Kurai to sign them.
"Can I change my name?" Kurai's voice was still soft as if he was too scared to speak any louder.
"Sure thing kid!" Kae exclaimed. He then started listing off names. Each one getting shot down.
Marcus spoke, "What about Asher? It means happy and blessed."
Kurai tilted his head and thought about it before nodding. He quite liked the sound of it. And he knew he was blessed to be found by Kae and Marcus. He was a lot happier too.
The newly dubbed Asher quickly signed his new name (after Marcus helped him learn how to write it). A smile graced his features. He now had a family.
:_:
A few days later found Asher waiting to meet the rest of his new family. Apparently Kae had a sister and Marcus had a friend that was "like a brother" to him. He was nervous. What if they didn't like him and made Kae and Marcus realize what a waste of space he was? What if they hurt him like the mean Russian man did? His breath was speeding up. Marcus noticed and wrapped an arm around him. Asher fought away a flinch. He was still getting used to being touched gently. It was strange. He only remembered bits and pieces of before, but he still acted like a baby. He was four! He could handle himself.
"It's alright Asher. Mel is exactly like Kae. Funny, annoying, idiotic-"
"Hey!" Kae cut him off, "I can hear you!" He was in the kitchen cooking.
Marcus laughed and snarked back, "That was the point, loser!"
Asher smiled. At first their teasing had scared him, but now it was amusing and made him feel better.
"Wil is, well, he's a bit intimidating, but he's a big softy underneath. Don't let him scare you."
A knock came from the door before it was slammed open. A women with a pink buzz cut strolled into the living room. Behind her was a man with dark brown hair and blue-green eyes. He was rolling his eyes and muttering under his breath. Marcus sighed.
"Mel, how many times do I have to ask you too not kick the door open?" The man had a smooth, trance like voice.
The women, Mel, pouted, "Oh lay off, Wil. Why you gotta be such a buzz kill?"
She was quickly distracted by Asher. There was a squeal.
"OH! Is this him! He's so cute!" She grabbed Asher and twirled him around a few times before putting him down. "My name is Melody but you can call me Aunt Mel!"
"Mel." The man warned.
"Sorry. I just got a bit too excited."
Marcus smiled patiently at her, "Why don't you go help Kae out in the kitchen? I'm sure he could use the help."
Kae yelped, "Don't you send that she-devil in here! She's going to destroy my kitchen," there was a pause, "and the food!"
Mel growled and stalked off to the kitchen, "I will not, you ass!" There was a bit more yelling.
The smooth voice spoke again, "Hello, My name is Wilson Greene."
Asher's eyes widened. Now that Mel wasn't here to distract him, Asher could clearly see why Marcus had called Wil intimidating. The man towered over Asher at the height of 6'1. Marcus was taller then him by 3 inches, but Wilson seemed even scarier than he was. Asher was sure it was because of the way he was looking at him. Teal eyes looked over him critically judging him. They were cold and they were challenging him. They reminded him of the Russian mans eyes when he was toying with him. But unlike with the Russian man, Asher knew he shouldn't look down and submit. He felt as if he had to challenge him back. So he jutted out his chin and kept staring the older man in the eye.
Wilson seemed surprised at first, but quickly got over it. His eyes thawed out and there was a small amused smile on his face, "You may call me Uncle Wil."
Asher knew he had just passed some sort of test.
The rest of the day was calm (or as calm as it could be with both Redell siblings in the same room together) and relaxing. Each of the adults told Asher stories about work (PG versions). By the time Wil and Mel left Asher was crying with laughter and exhausted. That night he went to sleep with a smile on his face.
:_:
2 years later
Asher drummed his pencil on his desk and tried to pay attention to the teacher. He just kept getting distracted and couldn't seem to focus. It was frustrating. Green eyes stared out of the window. Maybe he should just draw. It seemed to be the only thing he could concentrate on anymore. Before he could get his sketch book out the teacher called him out. Again.
"Mr. Redell if you do not stop tapping that infernal pencil of yours and quit daydreaming, I will be forced to send you up to the office! this is the fifth time today I've had to address this! Do you just not care or are you an idiot?"
Asher chunked his pencil at her face.
—
"Asher, please tell me why you threw your pencil at your teacher." The principle sat calmly behind his desk.
Asher rubbed at his face, angry, "I don't know! I just go so mad. And all day I tried to pay attention in class and I just couldn't! I tried telling her, but she just kept saying that I wasn't listening to her on purpose! I was trying really, really, hard! And-and then she called me an idiot!" Asher had tears falling down his face. He hated not being able to control his actions. It seemed like everyday it was getting worse.
The principle frowned and turned to Kae, who had been called in, "Mr. Redell, has Asher always been showing this behavior?"
Kae shrugged, "He does get distracted easily and he is very quick to temper. We just figured it was him being a child."
"It's quite possible that Asher may have some type of learning disorder. Because of this his punishment will be lighter. I strongly advise going to go see a specialist."
—
They were now in the car on the way back to the apartment. Or at least trying too. New York traffic was horrid.
"That principle of yours thinks he's all knowing, doesn't he Asher?"
Asher hummed, but didn't answer. He ignored all attempts at conversation. By the time they got home. The whole car was filled with a heavy silence. Asher jumped out and walked over to the elevators.
When Asher walked through the front door Marcus was already there waiting for him.
"Asher? Are you alright? I heard what happened." Marcus went to place his hand on Asher's shoulder.
Asher flinched away from him and almost fell to the ground. He was so scared. What if they hated him now? He was a problem child. They didn't need him around to cause more troubles for them. Their jobs already did that.
Before Marcus or Kae could speak, Asher did, "Are you going to get rid of me now? I know I'm a bad kid. I can't pay attention, I lose my temper to easily, I start fights, and-and," His voice was starting to shake. "I know you probably want a better child than me. I'm a freak. A burden. I only cause problems. And I'm sorry. Marcus, Kae. That i can't be what you want. I'm so, so sorry. I'm-"
Marcus and Kae wrapped him in their arms around him. Marcus started stroking his hair and whispering into his ear. "Oh, no, darling. You're so, so wrong. Me and Kae love you so much. You're our son and we couldn't ask for a better child."
Kae jumped in, "Yeah and you are none of those things you just called yourself. Do you understand me? You are so smart. I mean, what other six year olds can speak English, Russian, and Japanese. Not to mention that you are the best in your class and you know all these cool facts I would've never known if you hadn't of told me."
Marcus nodded, "You are everything we want Asher. If we hadn't of wanted you we would've left you when we found you. But we didn't because the first time we saw you we fell in love. And so what if you have a few problems? Everyone does. Kae wouldn't be able to survive if I wasn't here to take care of him. Your Aunt has some bad anger issues and your Uncle doesn't know how to have fun. And I worry way too much. It's alright to be different, Asher. It's what makes you, you."
At this point Asher was sobbing in Kae and Marcus's-no his fathers's arms. He felt so overwhelmed with love, affection, and how they were so proud of him. Him, a little boy who had nothing, who was nothing, who still believes he is nothing. But slowly, and surely, he knew that he was going to get better. He was going to prove that he was worthy of their love.
He wiped his tears away and looked at Marcus and then Kae, "Thank you for loving me, Papa, Dad."
Marcus and Kae laughed happily, their own tears rushing down their face. Asher was squished back in between them. He wasn't complaining. This his family, his home, and he would fight anyone who tried to separate them.
:_:
3 more years later (Asher is 9)
Asher was panting as laid against the gym mat. His Aunt could be brutal when they were training. He winced and rubbed at the bruise he could feel developing under his skin.
Aunt Mel ran a martial arts gym. Right now she was teaching him jujitsu. His Aunt knew about 32 different fighting techniques. And those were just the ones she used to kick his ass.
Currently he was on break. Mel was dealing with some men with an annoyed expression on her face. He could here them from here.
"Why the hell are you all here? I'm hanging out with my cute, little nephew!" Asher rolled his eyes at this. "Boss knows that I'm busy!"
Boss was his Uncle Wil. While it was true Wilson was a lawyer and a damn good one at that, he was also the head of a gang. And his Aunt Mel was his second-in-command.
"Well, ma'am. Boss said they found him. He wants you there for the judgment."
Her face lit up with maniacal glee, "Oh! We caught him? That is very, very good news. We'll be there in 20 minutes."
The man paled, "Ma'am, Boss said not to bring the kid."
She waved him off, "I promised my brother I would watch him while he was off on a job. It'll be fine."
"But-but ma'am..." he was sweating now.
Melody ignored him, "Asher, darling! We're going to go visit your uncle!"
Asher sighed and stood up. He wasn't a moron. He knew they caught a traitor and this 'judgment' was likely to be bloody. Ebony hair swung around Asher's face as he tried to get the sweat out of the locks. Soon he would have to start wearing it up like his dad did.
"Asher! Hurry up!"
He grumbled.
The place they pulled up to was quite nice for a gangs hq. It was an unnoticeable building in one of the worse sides of town. It did look worn out and a little trashed, but the windows and the door were still there which was a plus. On the steps sat two burly men. One had one a red bandanna and other a snapback. They were the guards.
Asher stepped out of the car and walked up the steps with his Aunt. The guards nodded and let them pass. They knew who they both were.
The inside was completely different from the outside. It was elegant and covered in fancy furnishings.
They walked to the biggest room in the house. It was packed with gang members and at the front of the room stood Uncle Wil. And in front of him was a blubbering man.
"Please! They were going to kill me-"
Wilson turned his attention from the pathetic excuse for a man to his second and his nephew. He sighed.
"I thought I told you not to bring him."
Melody laughed and skipped toward him, kicking the man in the process. Asher trailed after her silently, his small frame looking even smaller next to all of the men.
"I told Kae I would watch him. I couldn't just leave him to fend for himself with all the mean, old men in my gym." She pouted.
Wilson crossed his arms over his chest, not impressed, "You know perfectly well he can take care of himself. You are the one who taught him to fight. Besides you know if Marcus hears that his son was here for this he'd be quite upset."
"He, uh, doesn't have to know?" She offered a bit pale.
Asher spoke up, "Papa always finds out when you do things like this." He turned away from his Aunt to his uncle, "Hello Uncle Wil."
A hand was placed on Asher's head, "Hello nephew. Will you be staying?"
Asher nodded.
Wilson dropped his hand and turned back to the crying man on the floor.
"Your betrayal caused us quite a bit Hogens." He spat out the name, "Now I think you should pay us back."
Wilson nodded to the men in the corner and the mans sobs and pleas became louder. Punches and screams followed the silent order. Wilson, Melody, and Asher watched impassively as the man was brutally beaten to do death. Each man had a turn at him.
Anger filled Asher's whole being. How dare this trash betray his Uncle? His Uncle was amazing. He was his family. The gang was family. Uncle took care of both of them, but he just screwed him over without a second thought! To Asher family was everything. His family took him in, they saved him, fed him, clothed him, taught him, loved him. He owed everything to Uncle and the rest of them.
Without realizing it, Asher had begun to walk over to where they were beating the trash. His Aunt and Uncle didn't try to stop him.
"Stop." Green eyes glared at the broken pile of flesh. The men around him froze before backing away.
"P-please. I ha-had too. I didn't-" He was cut off when Asher slammed his foot into his face.
"How dare you? He took you in as family. You don't deserve to be in his presence much less have his forgiveness, his mercy. You don't betray family. No matter what. If you have to die then die!" He was screaming by the end of it. Everyone was silent except for the quite sniffles from the ground.
"You are nothing!" Asher raised his foot again, "You. Don't. Deserve. To. Live." Each word signaled his foot coming down in the mans face. Asher kept going even after the man was dead. His Uncle had to drag him away from the scum.
"Asher." Wilson's voice was soft and soothing, "It's alright now, he's dead. You killed him."
Breathing in deeply, Asher relaxed. The man wouldn't hurt his family anymore. A furrow appeared on his brow. He lost control again. Wilson saw his frown.
"It's okay. You did what you needed to do." He smiled. "I'm proud of you."
All doubt of thinking what he did was wrong was wiped from his mind. Asher knew he did a good thing. He had to of. Uncle was proud of him.
:_:
3 more years later: Asher's 12
The breeze felt amazing on Asher's sweaty skin. He had just gotten done training with his Aunt and was now in a park sitting in a tree. He was trying to draw. Key word there-trying. There were baby squirrels in a nest above his making a bunch of noise. The mother had just ran off. Likely to go get food. He sighed and redid the same line again.
The next few hours Asher continued to draw. Even when it looked like a storm was coming through. The rain never bothered him. It actually helped calm him when he lost control which was happening more and more often. The kids at school avoided him after he broke some dicks nose and his hand. The people at his Aunts gym and his Uncles gang didn't talk to him much. While they were a bit scared of him they also held a lot of respect. But Asher was still lonely. His family was great and he loved him, but he just wished he had a friend. He didn't try to be scary. He just couldn't control it.
Rain started pouring down. Asher was glad he put his sketch book back in his bag. He sat there for another hour. The wind gradually blew faster and harder. He almost fell out of the tree. The baby squirrels, however, weren't so lucky. They all flew past Asher and slammed into the ground.
Green eyes widened. Asher swung himself from his branch and flipped to the ground. He quickly pulled his hoodie over his head and gathered the squirrels into the fabric. He then took off toward a small animal clinic where one of the few people who talked to him worked. Thankfully they were still opened.
One of the babies died on impact and the other two were fine for the most part. The worst injury was a broken leg. It was almost midnight when Asher left the clinic with the two baby squirrels. He just hoped that his dad's wouldn't mind the new additions to the family.
1 year later
"You fucking pathetic, piece of shit-"
Asher was angry. He tried to calm down, the results of his anger would be bad, but he just couldn't. No matter what he did, once something set him off he didn't stop. It didn't matter who tried to calm him down either. His family learned to ride through it because if they did try they would end up hurt too. And Asher already felt horrible about losing control, they knew if he realized he hurt his family through his rampage he wouldn't be able to forgive himself. That's why, currently, instead of his Uncle stopping him from beating the shit out of some random thugs, he let it happen.
As Asher went to go in and punch the man he was holding again, a small chittering noise came from his pocket. Two furry heads peaked out from his jacket pocket as his fist hit the side of the mans face. He ignored them. A red haze had settled over his mind and it wouldn't lift until the men in front of him were unconscious or worse, dead. Asher's fist pulled back and hit the man again. His two other friends were already knocked out, likely in need of a hospital.
If these stupid morons hadn't of tried to attack him and his uncle -protectprotectprotect- he wouldn't of lost control. No one hurt his family. If they did most of them never lived to tell the tale. Killing was wrong -doesntmatterprotectthem-. He knew this, but whenever they were in danger it was as if someone else was controlling him. Nothing could stop him until he felt they had suffered enough.
A few more punches in and Asher was starting to feel the anger recede. It didn't go away completely, it never did, instead it curled up in the back of his mind waiting for the next moment to strike. With one finale hit, he let the unconscious man fall to the ground. He stared at his bloody hands numbly. Asher didn't regret what he did. He'd do it again if it meant his family was safe. He just wished that he would stop losing control. Sighing he turned to his uncle who was already calling some guys to deal with the men Asher had nearly beaten to death. Chittering from his pocket continued. A very small smile graced his features.
He fished the two squirrels from his pocket and held both in his hands. A year had certainly changed the two rodents. Klepto and Teon had grown quite a bit and would keep growing. Despite getting immediate care, Klepto had a slight limp from when his leg had broken. Not that it hindered him from stealing whatever he wanted, hence the name. Teon, in contrast to his brother, was calmer and easier to keep track of. The both of them were always seen with Asher.
Teon scampered up Asher's arm with Klepto right behind him. As they always did when he lost control, they nuzzled into his neck and burrowed themselves into his hoodie on either side of his head. He reached up and scratched them lightly behind their ears. Everyday he was glad he had saved them. They were his only friends.
His uncle walked over to him and draped an arm around his shoulders, careful of the two squirrels sitting there. Asher leaned and took comfort from the side hug. His uncle wasn't a very affectionate man so Asher treasured every touch he was given.
Wilson kept his arm around his nephew until the car he sent for picked them up. In the car he pulled Asher to curl up into his chest. He knew that Asher had a hard time controlling himself and did the best he could to help him with it. Melody taught Asher an outlet for his anger, and Wilson taught him politics and the like. Things to help distract him and keep him himself. Wilson knew he wasn't the best uncle. Despite knowing Asher had severe anger issues, he still let him go to meetings and deal with the rest of the gang. He knew these things encouraged the violence, but he also knew he would be taking away Asher's sense of purpose if he forced him to stop. And once someones purpose was taken away from them it was like they were dead. Wilson loved his nephew too much to let that happen to him again. So he let Asher fight, let him defend him. One thing he knew for certain was that Asher's fathers were not going to be happy with him for allowing Asher to get into, yet another, situation like this.
—
Over 2 year later
Asher sighed in relief as he opened the front door to his apartment. He had made it with five minutes to spare. His Papa was really strict about making it to family dinners on time. He dropped his book bag by the door and made his way to the kitchen where his Dad was cooking dinner. Asher raised his eyebrow at a burnt pile of something in the trash.
"You kicked Aunt Mel out again didn't you?" Asher quipped as he rolled up his sleeves and washed his hands.
"That woman does not belong in the kitchen. If I had a dime every time she has came in here and burnt something, I'd be a millionaire!" Kae spit out.
There was a fond smile on his face as he said this. While Mel could not cook (seriously inedible), Kae loved the woman.
"Marcus! I need you to run to the store! There's a few things I'm missing!" Kae shouted.
Marcus came grinning into the room as he practically flew to his best friend's side.
"Of course I will go to the store for you. I just live to be your slave. " Marcus said sarcastically as he took the list from Kae's hand.
While they did their flirting ("Flirting? We're just friends!" "Sure Papa."), Asher began cutting the onions sitting on the counter.
By the time he was done with onions (and crying cause those things could fuck you up), Marcus had already come back from the store. Asher looked over the ingredients his Dad had assembled. It was apparently taco night. He'd have to make sure that Aunt Mel didn't eat them all. His Dad called everyone to the table where they all immediately started to eat.
Asher smiled as he took in the scene of his family together. His Dad was cracking jokes, while Aunt Mel was shaking her head, smiling in amusement. Uncle Wil had his nose up at their behavior, but his eyes gave away his fondness for his family. Asher glanced at his Papa and saw him looking at him. He raised his brow.
"What?" Asher asked.
His Papa shook his head, "You have a weird look on your face."
Asher raised one shoulder, "I was just thinking about how glad I am to have all of you. This is where I belong."
What Asher didn't know was that his entire life was going to change.
:-:
Light humming filled the ally way along with a periodically shake of a can. A figure was spray painting what looked like a tree on to the side of a building. The tree was a mix of different blues, allowing it to be shaded of highlighted. In the tree you could see silhouettes of animals in the branches, the roots of the tree and in the leaves.
Asher stepped away from the wall and propped his hands on his hips. He looked over the painting for any mistakes even though he knew that there would be none. The green eyed boy had been drawing the symbol for most of his life. It was the only thing from his past that he really remembered. After analyzing the tree for a few moments, Asher nodded his head in satisfaction and moved to put his signature on it. There was a shout from the front of the ally.
Asher's head snapped up towards the shout and saw a police officer rushing towards him. He quickly threw the half empty can in his bag and left the empty ones on the ground. Usually he would pick them up and throw them away, but he didn't have the time. Asher turned in the opposite direction of the cop and took off. If he got caught his Papa would not be happy.
'Shit. Fuck. Dammit.' Where Asher's only thoughts as he turned down the sixth ally way. The police officer was still chasing him and even got two more to go after him. Asher was getting slightly winded. He need a way to shake them off his tail. He glanced behind him as he fled the ally and didn't see the passing officer in front of him until he slammed into him. 'Fuck'.
:-:
Asher was currently sulking in a chair at the station. He ignored the anger he felt simmering beneath the surface. If that detective hadn't been in his way then he wouldn't even be here right now. It had turned out the man that had finally caught him (accidentally) was actually a foreign detective from Japan here to follow a lead on some black market deals. Asher hadn't even known he was Japanese until Asher had tried to pull the whole 'i-cant-understand-you-cause-im-asian' and spoke Japanese to one of the other officers. The stupid fucker.
Asher had been left to sit there until they had someone to talk to him. Apparently there was some kind of accident and most of the force had to leave. A voice cleared in front of him. It was the detective.
"Care to tell me why those officers were chasing you?" The man questioned.
Asher sunk down in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest, "I was spray painting."
The detective nodded and sat beside the teen. He opened his mouth to speak and said something that was definitely not what Asher expected.
"When I was younger I got in my fair share of trouble for spray painting." He stopped and leaned back into his chair before closing his eyes. "I used to spray all kinds of things. My favorite was painting mythical creatures. What were you spraying?"
Asher was still in mild shock. He wasn't used to people of authority trying to relate and start conversations with him. Most of the cops would have immediately started berating him and telling him how he shouldn't be defacing public property. Instead this guy actually wanted to talk paint. Asher felt a small stirring of respect for the man.
"Its a tree, a uh blue tree..." He trailed off, "It would probably be easier to show you."
The small teen was getting excited, as much as he loved his family none of them had really expressed an interest in his spray painting. His fathers thought was a great way to test and refine his ability to sneak around and not get caught (which he had failed pretty bad at this time) and his Uncle Wil liked to use his skill to warn other gangs from his territory, but that was about it. They all also thought it was a great way to distract himself from his anger. Asher slipped his sketch pad from his bag and flipped to the right page.
Holding it up so the other man could take a look, Asher tried to hide his nervousness. The detective was the first person besides his family to see his drawings. He hoped the man wouldn't make fun of him. He shot a glance at the mans face. The mans brow was furrowed in confusion and his mouth kept opening and closing as if he wanted to say something.
Finally he spoke, "Did you make this up on your own or did you see this somewhere?"
Asher frowned,"It's just something that I saw a long time ago, why?"
"This symbol belongs to a very prominent family that was wiped out a few years ago. I thought everyone had forgotten it. Do you remember where you saw it? Or when you saw it?"
Why was this man asking so many questions? If it was such a prominent family its possible that just I saw it somewhere. Asher thought. Instead of asking questions he decided to answer the man.
"I don't really remember anything from back then. Just that symbol. I'm adopted and it was a closed one so my parents don't know anything from back then either."
He lied about the adoption thing. That was the cover story his Fathers had given him to tell anyone who asked.
The detective hummed and looked Asher over closely. Something seemed to click in his brain and the man eyes widened. At the same time the man accidentally hit the sketchbook in Asher's hand, causing the teen to get a paper cut.
Asher flinch -stupidmanwatchwhatyou'redoing- and brought his finger to his lips to suck on the wound, but before he could the older man caught his hand in his grip -dont'touchmedon'ttouchme- and dabbed it with a handkerchief. Asher tried yanking his hand away, saying it was just a paper cut, but the man kept apologizing and cleaning the cut. Finally he stopped and stood up.
The detective cleared his throat, "Once again I'm sorry about the cut," he stopped and made a show of looking at his watch, "but it seems I need to get going. It was nice meeting you." Spinning around the man dashed off, taking the handkerchief with him.
Asher stared after him in confusion and anger -howdarehetouchmewhodoeshethinkheis-. That was definitely one of his weirder encounters. Any thoughts flew out of his mind as he caught sight of his Papa stalking towards him.
Oh shit.
:—:
Asher was ready to bang his head on the table. After getting scolded by his Papa, they had to sit at the station for hours. The cops had talked to his parents, gave them paper work to fill out, and a fine to pay. His parents had done all of this and yet they still couldn't leave. The officer dealing with them kept saying that something came up and that they needed to stay. Asher's Papa was getting irritated.
"Excuse me," Marcus started, "But when in the hell can we leave? We have been stuck at this station," he took a glance at his watch, "for four hours. I demand to know why we cannot go."
The police officer tried to stutter out a reply, "S-sir, please. C-can you p-please sit down. You'll k-know so-," he was cut off.
A man raced through the door of the station. After a moment Asher realized that it was the Japanese detective from earlier. The detective paused and swept his gaze across the room. As soon as he saw Asher he made his way over. In the corner of the the teens eye he saw the cop visibly slump in his seat and sigh in relief. The Japanese man stopped in front of Asher and his fathers.
The detective bowed to Marcus and Kae, "Hello, my name is Detective Yuki. I'm sorry I had to keep you here, but I had to make sure that my assumption was right," the man paused as if he had trouble of thinking what to say next, "Do you mind if we take this somewhere else? I'd rather have this conversation in privet."
Kae looked at Detective Yuki and nodded. He had an inkling of what was going on here. Marcus was having similar thoughts and wondered if this had to do with Asher's unknown past. Why else would a strange Japanese man want to talk to them?
The three males followed the detective to a side room. There they all sat, with Yuki behind the desk and Marcus and Kae on either side of their son. They were all quite for a few minutes as the Japanese man got his thoughts together.
"This going to sound strange and like I am messing with you, but I swear what I am saying is the truth." Yuki started, "My full name is Akria Yuki. I used to work as a bodyguard for a wealthy family named Madoka. Ten years ago I failed my duties and the entire family was wiped out. At least, that's what we thought."
He paused and ran his hands through his hair. The mans face was contorted in sadness. He kept repeating the same motion over and over as he tried to not get lost in memories.
After a few seconds he continued, "I came to America on business and instead found the heir to the Madoka family." The detective looked straight at Asher, "As I was talking to you earlier, something kept nagging me in the back of mind. You looked so familiar and I couldn't figure out why. Well, until you showed your drawings." Yuki leaned forward and put his hands under his chin, "You see, ah..." He trailed off.
"Asher. My name is Asher." The teen said helpfully.
"Yes. You see Asher. The symbol that you kept drawing was the crest of the Madoka family. Since they've died out there was no way that you could have just seen it in passing. Especially in America, because they rarely did business over here. What I'm trying to say is that I believe that you are Kurai Madoka, lost heir to the Madoka fortune."
There was a silent pause, then Asher exploded in shock, denial, and anger.
"There is no fucking way that I'm this Kurai Madoka person! My name is Asher Redell. I may be adopted, but I am not some lost heir or whatever shit you're spewing."
Asher turned to his parents who were strangely silent. They sat there contemplating this new information. It was unlikely especially since it seemed like the detective was going on looks and a drawing, but knowing Asher and his luck, it could be true.
"Dad? Papa? You're both not seriously thinking that he's telling the truth, right? I mean it's crazy! He doesn't even have any real evidence!"
Detective Yuki coughed, "Actually I do. You see I may have uh... Well you know how you cut yourself? I took the handkerchief and used the blood on it to run DNA tests. I apologize, but I had to know. And I'm glad I did."
He stopped and took out some papers from his inner suit pocket. Yuki unfolded them and slid it over to Marcus. Marcus looked over them with a critical eye. He then sighed and passed them to his best friend. There was no way those papers where fake. He was used to seeing forged documents with his line of work. Marcus glanced over to Kae and saw that he had came to the same conclusion as him. Now that they new the truth, the purple-eyed man wondered what the detective wanted.
Kae spoke up, suddenly serious for once, "What do you expect us to do with this information? What are you going to do with it?"
Asher could not believe what was happening. He couldn't be this Kurai Madoka person! He didn't want to be! He was fine not knowing about his past; all he needed was his adopted family. Not some dead legacy. However, he knew the look that his Dad and Papa shared. It meant that all this was true and not some sick joke being played on him. Hopefully he wouldn't have to go to-.
"I want Kur-Asher," he stumbled over the name, "to come to Japan with me."
"Alright." Kae agreed.
"Dad! What the hell?! You're not serious are you?! You can't just let me go with some creep," Yuki deadpanned, "all the way to Japan! Are you crazy?" Asher spun around in his seat and pointed at the detective. "And you! Why in the hell do I have to go to Japan with you?!"
Kae ran his hand over his face, "Stór*, please as if i would send you off with some unknown man. As soon as he introduced himself, I got Wilson to run his name. Everything he said was true."
Detective Yuki seemed shocked before he cleared his throat, "The reason I need you to come to Japan with me is because you need to be there for the reading of your late parents will."
Asher groaned and slammed his head on to the desk. This was going to be fun.
:—:
Asher grumbled as he slid down further in the plane chair. He couldn't believe that his Fathers just sent him off to Japan with a stranger -abandonedyouleftyougonegonegone-. The said man was casually reading, as if he couldn't feel Asher's death glare. The teens phone had died and he didn't have anything to entertain himself with. They had went straight to the airport after the big reveal.
Absentmindedly, Asher began playing with his dog tags. They weren't real ones like they got in the military, but they had his name and basic stuff on it like you would have on an ID. All his family members wore them. His Dad always told him that you never know what's going to happen so its best to have your info on you. It saved his Papa and Dad many times when they were on a job.
He wondered if Aunt Mel knew yet. Asher snickered as he thought of what she'd do when she got ahold of his Fathers. They deserve it, after all, making him go all the way to Japan.
The teen was starting to get over the whole situation -liesangerangeranger-. There really wasn't anything he could do about it know. No point in being pissy about it. His thoughts were interrupted by a voice over the intercom, "We have reached our destination. Please put on your seatbelts and prepare for landing."
Fucking finally.
:—:
The bank they walked into was huge. It was made up of warm browns and golds. Asher was so busy taking in the sight, that he almost didn't hear Yuki tell him to go sit on the benches while he dealt with getting everything together.
Asher flopped down on the wooden bench. He knew that this was going to take forever. The teen looked around to see if they had any magazines he could read. There were none. This is a fancy ass bank of course they don't have magazines, he scolded himself. What felt like hours past. It didn't help that some girls thought it would be fun to come and try to talk to him -don'tbothermeleavemealone-.
"Asher-sama, they are ready to see us now." The taller man butted in.
Asher blushed. Did that man really have to call him Asher-sama?! He was just Asher god dammit!
Shaking out of one of the girls hold, he stood up before addressing them, "It was nice meeting you. Maybe I'll see you around?" He left without a response.
Once he and Yuki were a safe distance away, Asher slapped the man on the shoulder, "Did you really just call me Asher-sama?! I'm younger than you for gods sake!"
"I worked for your family, Asher. You are above me and deserve the proper title. Especially if I'm going to be working for you again."
"What do mean 'working for me again'? Aren't you a Detective? You already have a job!" Asher exclaimed.
"I'm a privet Detective so it won't be a problem. Besides, I made a promise to myself years ago, that if we found you then I would protect you and stay by your side for the rest of my life. I'm the one who failed that night." Yuki turned to look Asher in the eye, "Please let me do this. I couldn't protect you all those years ago. Let me protect you now."
Asher was speechless. What in the hell was he supposed to say to that!? And the man had looked so sad. He was caving under the hopefully puppy dog expression. He sighed. The teen could never say no to people. It didn't help that Asher knew how Yuki felt.
"If you want to work for me go ahead, but I don't know how my Fathers are going to take it. And I don't even really know what's going on!" Asher ran his hands through his bangs, "We can talk about this after we read the will."
Yuki nodded seriously, "Of course Asher-sama."
Asher facepalmed. He was going to have to do something about that honorific.
"Its just Asher."
"Sorry Asher-sama."
Jesus fuck.
:-:
"You've got be fucking kidding me."
"Sir, I assure you that we are no-."
Asher put up his hand to stop him, "So what you're telling me is that nothing was changed in the last ten years. Everything just stopped? No one took over as proxy? What the hell!? Jesus fucking Christ. Do you know how much time its going to take to sort through all that fucking paper work!? Shit and to go through the properties! Dammit!"
Asher was not in a good mood. He was frustrated. Scratch that. He was fucking annoyed and angry as hell. After reading the will (where he got everything and became new head of the Madoka family/business. He was fifteen, how in the hell was he supposed to do this?), he was given a folder that only he was able to look through. And then he was told that all of the businesses his family owned where shut down as soon as his real parents died. They were the ones who put that down in the will! He wanted to cry and wished that he didn't have to deal with all this shit.
The poor man across the desk looked ready faint any second. Yuki noticed this and placed a calming hand on Asher's shoulder -don'ttouchdon'ttouchdon'ttouch-.
"It'll be alright, Asher-sama. I will help you and we will hire more workers to help too. After all I doubt the properties were taken care of either."
Asher whimpered and then looked at the banker, "I need you to get all the paper work sorted out and brought to where ever," he waved his hand in Yuki's direction, "he says to take them. Make sure I have a list of properties, businesses, and whatever else I need to look at. Detective Yuki, if you don't mind I would like to go."
The teen stood up and waited for his bodyguard ( he had no idea what the man was to him right now) to give the man an address to send everything to. When Yuki was done, Asher practically skipped out of the bank and into the car.
"I'm glad that is done for now," Asher turned to Yuki, "So like, what are you to me? My bodyguard or something?"
"I am whatever you need me to be, Asher-sama. I have sworn myself to you. That means I will do anything you ask of me." Yuki answered.
Asher made a face, "You make it sound like you're my slave..." he trailed off when Yuki nodded, "Dude! You're not my slave! You're like a super butler or something, alright? Don't answer that. Can I call you Sebastian?"
"No."
It was quite in the car until Asher broke the silence, "With all this crap going on, does that mean I have to live in Japan?"
Yuki shrugged his shoulders, "Most likely. You're the head of the Madoka family and the last living member. The other higher class are going to find out, causing a uproar. It'll only be worse if you went back to America. They'll expect you to stay and become the man you were supposed to be."
"Fuck."
"You'll have to go to school too."
There was a thump as Asher's head hit the dashboard.
:-:
Two weeks later Asher was sitting at a desk doing paper work. He was looking at a marriage contract. It wasn't completed, but it was scary to think that his biological parents were going to marry him off. The teen shivered. He'd be getting married on his own terms, thank you.
Green eyes flicked over the piles of paper that were on and surrounded his desk. They stopped on a yellow folder. Asher had completely forgot about the stupid thing as soon as the paper work started showing up. He got up and made his way around the desk, tiptoeing so he didn't knock over a pile. Snatching up the offensively colored folder (did it really have to be so bright?), Asher flipped it open.
The folder contained a letter and other important looking documents in it. Asher decided to start with the letter first. His biological father had written it.
Dear Kurai,
If you are reading this, it means that your Mother and I are dead.
Asher snorted, "No shit Sherlock."
This also means that we probably did not get to tell you about our family secret. Unless, of course, your Uncle Hidan raised you. If he did there is no reason to read this letter. However, if he did not and you have no idea who he is, keep reading.
Madoka do not only deal with animals. We also run a Mafia.
"Holy shit."
The papers contain more information. But since we are dead the Ryoken** may have disappeared or they are under new leadership. Your Uncle Hidan was going to take over when I died, but if you are not with him than he might be dead too. If they are still together and if they are still the men and women I know, they will let you lead them, after you have proved yourself.
If your Uncle Hidan is dead you may be with Akira. If not then look for him. His full name is Yuki Akira. He will take care of you. Trust him.
With love,
Madoka Yuji
Asher was shocked. Now he had more shit to deal with! He needed to talk with Akira ("what do I call you?" "Whatever you wish. You are my master now." "Would stop that shit!") And figure out what the hell he was supposed to do. He looked at the clock. Maybe after a nap.
:-:
Thump Thump Thump
"Please, Asher-sama. You're going to hurt yourself."
Thump Thump Thump
"Asher-sama its not that bad. It can easily be fixed up. "
Thump Thump Thump
Akira sighed. His Master had been acting like since they started looking at all the properties. Most of them were old and falling apart, but Asher-sama was being over dramatic. It wouldn't take to long to fix up them up.
Asher stopped hitting his head against the porch of the house. He supposed the damage could be worse. It would only take about a month to get the inside livable and only three weeks for the outside. The teen spun away from the house and stalked to the car. If only his Fathers were here, but they were off on their jobs and wouldn't be back until his birthday. He let silent anime tears run down his face. Asher was so done with all this adult bullshit.
"Akira, get started on fixing up the main estate. We can worry about everything else later. I only have about a month before the school year starts and I want to be living in my own home by then." Asher ordered.
Akira bowed, "Yes Asher-sama."
:-:
Kae was vibrating with excitement. Five weeks of not seeing his son had been taking a toll on him. He was glad that he and Marcus were finally free to go see Asher. They were going to throw a surprise party for Asher's birthday. It was going to be so much fun!
Marcus smiled in amusement at Kae's movements. He was glad his friend was so happy to see their son. Staring a little longer, Marcus realized how much he liked to see Kae happy. He loved the way it lit up the older mans eyes and how it enhanced the laugh lines around his face. Oh, Kae was so handsome and-.
Marcus jerked his head towards the window. He couldn't believe that he had been ogling his best friend! What if he had noticed!? Marcus's face turned beat red. Purple eyes took a peak at his friend. It didn't look like Kae had noticed anything. Thank god the man was oblivious to everything around him.
Shaking his head to get rid of his unwanted thoughts, Marcus noticed that they had stopped in front of a large mansion. The outside of the house was currently being worked on and so was the yard surrounding it, but you could tell that the house was going to be beautiful when it was finished. Men were all over doing their jobs. One man was coming towards the car.
As the man got closer, Marcus recognized him as Akira, the one who had started all this. He nudged Kae to get his attention and slipped out of the car. Behind him Marcus heard the door opening, a thump, and muffled cursing. He snickered.
Akira was glad that his Master's fathers were here. Hopefully the presence of the two would help calm the teen down. He smiled and bowed as he came to a stop in front of taller men. Kae, if he remembered correctly, was grumbling and rubbing his head and Marcus was laughing into his hand. It was going to be a lot more interesting around here, that was for sure.
"Redell-sama, McDove-sama, if you wouldn't mind following me, I will take you to the study to discuss more of what we talked about on the phone." Akira beckoned the two men and started walking back towards the house. They both followed.
"Just call us by our first names dude. And don't use any of that honorific shit either. I ain't that important." Kae told the man.
Akira nodded, "As you wish."
Kae spoke up again, "Where's the little brat? He ain't here, is he? Cause that would ruin the plan."
"No, the young Master is not here. He's at my home still, working on paper work. I told him that I was checking on the house to see if the inside was done. We should have three hours before I have to fetch him."
Kae and Marcus traded looks. 'Young Master?' Kae mouthed. Marcus shrugged his shoulders. They walked in silence until they got to the study.
Sitting down Marcus began, "So do you have the blue prints on you? We need to figure out which room we are using for the party so we can start setting up decorations."
:-:
Asher hummed, satisfied with the interior of the house. All of his stuff had been flown in from New York and was set up neatly in the master bedroom. His parents would still be living in New York. It was easier to conduct business over there than in Japan. The other rooms were done up with tasteful creams and browns. It was quite nice.
He only had the ball room (yes, his house was that fancy) to check on and then he could chill for the rest of the day. Well, that's what would have happened if he hadn't been scared shitless by his family.
"SUPRISE! HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY ASHER!"
Asher squeaked in fright, "Jesus Christ guys! You didn't have to scare me to death."
His Dad laughed and pulled him in to a hug, "Its nice to see you, Stór."
"Its nice to see you too, Dad. Why didn't you tell me that all of you were coming?"
Kae handed his son off to his sister, "We wanted it to be a surprise."
Aunt Mel pulled Asher into a crushing hug, "Why can't you stay in New York? I don't like having you all the way over here." She wined.
"Because I can't , Aunt Mel. I have too much work to do."
"But-," she was cut off.
"Leave the boy alone, Melody. Let the rest of say hello before you start on the poor kid." His Uncle Wil butted in.
Asher spun and jumped on his Uncle Wil, "Uncle Wil! Its nice to see you. Japan is so boring. The only person I can have an intellectual conversation with is Akira, but he mostly agrees with me and its frustrating."
Uncle Wil chuckled, "I would imagine so. Not a lot of people can match my intelligence."
Behind them Aunt Mel huffed. Why couldn't she be Asher's favorite?!
Asher laughed, but quickly turned serious, "Can I talk to you later? In privet? There's something I need to ask you." The older man nodded.
Marcus pulled Asher away from Wilson and handed Asher a small black bag. Opening it Asher grinned and laughed. Inside was Klepto and Teon. They both raced up his arms and sat in their usual spots on his shoulders chittering away. He was glad to have both of them with him again.
The rest of the party went off with out a hitch and lasted well into the night. As everyone went off to their respective rooms, Asher pulled his Uncle Wil off to the side.
"Do you know any Japanese mafia?" Asher asked.
"I know a few... Why are you asking about Japanese mafias?"
Asher ran his hand through his bangs, "Apparently the Madoka's had been in charge of a gang called the Ryoken. My biological father wrote a letter saying that I was supposed to be raised by this Hidan dude if they died, but obviously that didn't happen. Hidan was supposed to take over the Ryoken after my father died. But I can't find anything on him or the gang. I was wondering if you knew anything, cause you have your own Mafia."
"I remember hearing about the Ryoken. They still exist. All I know is that around six years ago their boss was killed in a fight over leadership and ever since the gang has been very violent and unstable. When I get back home I'll look into it more."
Asher groaned. Just his luck. Now he was going to have to deal with some douche bag, "Thanks Uncle Wil," he yawned, "I'm go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
"Goodnight, Asher."
:-:
Loud beeping filled the dark room. A hand snapped out from the covers and slammed on top of the machine causing the noise. A groaning figure sat up and slid their legs over the side of the bed. Two small rodents jumped away and started running around the room. It made its way towards the bathroom. Flicking on the light, Asher looked at his reflection. His hair was tangled and he had drool on the side of his mouth. The teen grumbled and went to turn the shower on. As it was heating up he gave himself a pep talk.
"You're going to be fine. Its only the first day of school. In a foreign country. With a bunch of rich brats. And you have to wear a uniform. But, I mean, it could be worse. At least this is real life and not some crazy shoujo anime. It'll be fine." Klepto and Teon chittered in what seemed to be agreement.
He took his shower and stood in front of the uniform. Asher sneered at the piece of clothing. Why couldn't he wear his own clothes? Stupid rich people... He put the clothes on, brushed his teeth and fixed his hair. Green eyes looked down at his hair clips. They weren't against the dress code, right? Oh well, if he got in trouble he'd deal with it.
The teen snatched his bag off the bed (after letting his two furry friends inside) and made his way down stairs. He nodded at each of his staff that Akira had hired. Asher didn't have a clue who most of them were. Akira had full reign over hiring people; Asher hadn't wanted to deal with it. Asher walked the kitchen and grabbed a blueberry poptart. It was his favorite breakfast food. He didn't understand why Japan didn't have them. They were freaking amazing. It sucked he had to order them from home.
Several minutes later, found him in the car on the way to his new school. He was very nervous. What if he made a fool out of himself? Asher shook his head. He would do fine, and if he did embarrass himself, everyone could fuck off and suck it. He ignored the little voice in his head waring him of his anger.
The car pulled up to a huge pink building. Asher guessed it was the school and stepped out. His lips curled in disgust as he noticed the female uniform. They were an ugly, bright yellow. The girls all looked like giant puff balls and most of them couldn't pull off the color. He was glad he was a dude. Just as he turned his head he noticed someone wearing a brown sweater, make their way into the school. Did that mean they didn't have to wear the uniform?! He'd have to ask someone, but first he'd have to make it through the school day.
Didn't Japanese schools make you stay in your class rooms as the teachers switched?
Fuck.
:—.
Here's the rewrite! It's trash, but at least it's not like it was before! Some things are the same and some aren't. I'm just glad I have an actual plot to follow now lol. Anyways I hope y'all enjoy it and don't forget to comment and tell me what you thought! It helps to know how y'all like it. It also gets my muse going.
