The dusty wind breezed right through as I walked along the sidewalk. Strangely, my monochromatic dream-world is changing. From black and white, it's starting to get color, though the hues are quite faint. "The hell did you do to this place … Shaco …" I muttered to myself as I stopped in our usual meeting place, which was the cemetery that I made in my mind. Instead of a cemetery, a park appeared before me. Well, this is odd. When did this location change? I don't remember changing the cemetery into this park. Casting my thoughts aside, I entered the park. In the middle was a large cherry tree with an unusual mound on the bottom. I made way towards the tree while I kept an eye out for my apparition. What's happening? Usually, I would find him as soon I enter my dream world. As I arrived at the foot of the tree, I noticed a rock plaque, which had some leaves partially covering it. After brushing the leaves aside, I quickly recognized the name that was in the plaque.
Here lies Nohiru, Toshiro.
The famed Thanatos of the underground society.
So this is … a grave of sorts? "Nice spot for a grave, don't you think?" A familiar voice from behind me asked. I slowly turned around and saw Shaco, a few feet away from me. Odd. His figure is rather translucent. Maybe it's just my eyes playing tricks with me. "You buried yourself here?" I asked him as I approached him, casting the end of my reddish scarf behind my shoulder. "Hm? What are you talking about? We wanted to buried underneath a cherry tree, remember?" Shaco replied with a faint grin on his face as he kept his hands inside his pockets. "That was … a random thought. That idea suddenly popped out when we were doing our contracts back then." I said as I stood beside him, staring onto the vast cityscape. The entire sky was sort-of brownish grey. Is it the apocalypse, or what? "We wanted to be remembered, so a good burial spot would be a solution to that, right?" He asked with a chuckle. "Hm. It could work. Kids who would play in this park would notice that plaque underneath the tree. They could leave some flowers for us or something." I replied with a shallow sigh. "Pft. Who would visit this gloomy place I wonder." He remarked as we began laughing at his sudden remark.
After our laughing fits dies down, I noticed that Shaco shifted his gaze onto the cherry tree. His eyes is somewhat … peaceful. "You look different. Not the edgy apparition that I used to see." I commented as he kept his gaze locked on the tree. "I can't always be that dark, landlord. I'm quite done being a pessimist. To be honest, I feel great right now. I'm at peace …," Shaco stated with a grin on his face. "Anyway, how is it? To finally accept your emotions and feelings?" He asked as he shifted his attention towards me. "It's rather … weird. I'm not really used to these warm emotions, but … it feels … oddly satisfying. It feels-" "Good, right? To be loved and to love." He said as he gave a pat on my shoulder. "W-Wait. I'm not that quite far yet. I'm not even sure if I love Yuno ... or something. I only accepted that … I'm fond of her and she was the spark for these warm emotions inside of me." I frantically exclaimed as I felt my cheeks getting red. "Pft. What? Are you a tsundere?" He asked as he began laughing at me.
"N-No. It's just that … I'm no-" "Stop denying it, landlord. I could see it in your actions and in your words," Shaco remarked as he sat down on the grass beneath us. "Fond is different than love. Tell me, how can you say if you're fond of a certain person?" Shaco asked. "Uh … you feel … warm inside when you're with them? Whenever you make physical contact with them … your heart begins to race or something? You want the best for them?" I replied as I sat down a few inches away from him. "Pft. Are you even listening to yourself right now? I, Dr. Nohiru, has concluded that you have a severe case of love sickness, my dear patient." He stated as he began laughing once more. "W-What?" I asked with a puzzled expression on my face. "I recommend you to accept your emotions fully and love her. Denying one's emotion is bad for the heart, you see." He said as he began writing on an imaginary piece of paper and gave it to me. "Someone's taking this thing too seriously." I said with a sigh. "Pft. Anyway, about that gravestone …," Shaco said as his laughing fit dies down. "What do you think about it?" He asked. "Are you trying to say that I should bury my past now?" I replied. "Could be. Hm. Toshiro, do you … still feel the thrill of the hunt? Like with your last battle with the detective?" He asked once more as he stood up. "Come to think of it … I felt the thrill when I was killing the SAT members, but when Yuno was down cold and Kurusu was about to attack us … I felt a chill in my spine. I felt like … I wasn't fighting for the thrill anymore." I replied.
"Heh. I see. Things are progressing very differently in your case," Shaco said as the wind breezed through us once more. "In my case … I was fighting to achieve the thrill of death. I wasn't fighting for Yuno, or for myself. I was simply, fixated with death so much that I mercilessly killed everyone who stood against me, to the very end. Well, Yuno was an exemption." He stated as he placed his hands inside his pockets once more. Now that I could get a good look on him, Shaco's figure is really translucent. I could faintly see the cityscape through his figure. "You're … pretty chatty today." I said as I brushed off my thoughts aside. "Pft. Toshiro, can you do me a favour?" He asked. I simply nodded and looked at him curiously.
How about you leave the bloody route to me and make your own ending?
Toshii? Toshii!
CLAP!
A sudden clap in front of my face brought me back to my senses. I quickly shook my head and rubbed my eyes with my fingertips. As my vision clears out, I noticed my female companion in front of me, who had this puzzled look on her face. "H-Huh? Yuno?" I muttered as I sluggishly looked around. I found ourselves by the living area in front of the television. "Geez. Was the movie that boring that you fell asleep?" Yuno asked with an annoyed pout. Wait. Oh yeah. We were watching a romantic flick that she recommended earlier. If I could remember correctly, I fell asleep during the midway point of the movie. "A-Ah, sorry. Romantic movies isn't really my thing." I said as I let out a yawn and began fixing my messy hair. Yuno simply sighs and sat down beside me. "It's alright. You tried! I just have to pick a better movie next time." She said as she rests her head onto my shoulder.
6 days has passed ever since the Sakurami General Hospital incident. Slowly, my wounds began to heal at a steady pace. My gunshot wounds were all stitched up and sealed properly. Yuno, who's taking my personal nurse role seriously, changes the stiches every after two days. My fractures from Fourth's assault were slowly healing too. I can't move my body that extensive, so I have to rest from my workout routines. "Things are rather peaceful, huh?" I asked Yuno as she began surfing the channels in the television. "Yeah. At least we could have some alone time again, right, Toshii?" Yuno asked as she gave me a sweet smile. "Y-Yeah. Nee-sama is working right now with aniki and Nishijima. From what I've heard, they're trying to uncover the identities of the remaining diary users." I replied as I opened the cabinet beside me and took out the diaries that I took from my opponents. I have the remains of Third's diary, Twelfth's voice recorder, Sixth's scroll, Fifth's colouring book, Tenth's diary which was given by Hinata as a token of apology, and Fourth's diary. That leaves us with my Death Diary, Yuno's Toshiro Diary, Minene's Escape Diary, the Seventh's, the Eight's and Eleventh's diary that are still active in the game. Three more to go, and I have to deal with that bombastic terrorist. Then, I'll have to kill … Yuno …
As the thought of killing Yuno entered my mind, I felt a sudden chill on my spine. After all of this grand battle royal, I have to kill her, right? But … I don't have any intentions of being God. I asked Yuno before what a god could do. She told me like her, she could go back in time and change something in the past. In my case, I don't want to change anything. I'm quite satisfied with how things turned out. Though I'm not in the best scenario, well, I ended up with her, so I'm not complaining or something. Hm. Maybe … I can leave Minene alive so that she could win this survival game? To be honest, I find that quite ironic. A woman like her, who hates God, will become a god? I think … that's a good thing to be honest. At least she knows what to do when she becomes a god. Well, that's an option that I could take.
"Hm. Yuno. Do you remember who- Wait. Yuno? Where are you?" I said as I noticed Yuno was missing. Hm? I heard something rumbling inside our bedroom. Ah, she must've stood up and went there while I was lost in my thoughts. I didn't even notice her standing up. "It's time for your medicine, Toshii!" Yuno happily said as she went out of the room, donning a rather familiar nurse outfit. "O-Oy. What is that? Where did you get that?" I asked her as she slowly made her way towards me. "This outfit? I bought it from Ninth when they passed by earlier. Hm? You like it, Toshii?" Yuno bashfully asked as she positions herself on top of me. "A-Ah … are you into roleplay?" I asked her as I felt my cheeks getting redder. "Maybe …" She whispered as she unbuttons her blouse in front of me. Argh. To hell with this. I might as well play along. "So … uh. What kind of medicine are you planning to give me, Ms. Nurse?" I asked her as she places her arms behind my neck. "Well, the doctors told me to give you lots and lots of love medicine earlier … will that do, Mr. Patient?" She asked as she brings her soft lips closer to me. "I'd love that …" I replied as I pressed my lips onto her. Our tongues and feelings for one another intertwined as time slowly passed by.
The café was buzzing with customers as the busy afternoon passes on. As I took a sip from my coffee, I noticed the silver-haired boy in front of me was observing me with his rose-coloured eyes. "You do love your coffee mild, don't you, Toshiro-kun?" Akise commented with a grin as he began eating the slice of chocolate cake he ordered. "Stop staring. It's creepy," I said I ignored his eyes and continued drinking my coffee. After waking up earlier, I remembered that this silver-haired boy said something rather, interesting, when Tenth tried to kill us. Since we're going to have a dinner with aniki and Minene later at our place, I probably need to buy some groceries later. My only free time was during the afternoon, so I took the opportunity and called him out. Surprisingly, in a matter of minutes after arriving here, Akise showed up with a rather carefree aura. "So? Care to answer my questions?" I asked him as I placed my cup aside. "Hm? Question? Are you asking for your reviewers, Toshiro-kun? You and Gasai-san missed some days in school after all." Akise replied as he gave me a carefree smirk. Tch. He's doing this intentionally. Is he planning to tick me off? "Ha-ha. Very funny. I'm in a good mood, so I'll let it slide. I'm asking you to answer me, dear classmate. What do you want? Do you need payment?" I asked him as I gave him a sharp look and took out my wallet. "Pft. Are you seriously trying to bribe me, Toshiro-kun? You sure do things quite differently." He remarked as he lets out a chuckle. "Differently?" I muttered. "You see, I've met him before. You know, that voice inside your head. He was … way more hot-headed compared to you." He remarked as he gave me a grin.
"Y-You … how the hell did yo-" "Like I said before, Toshiro-kun, I am an observer. My task is simply to observe and record events for the Akashi Records, the vault of records of the god of space and time. I'm not a participant of the game, but I am related to Deus Ex Machina," Akise said as he takes another bite of his cake. "I won't go in too much detail, but I've met him, the first Toshiro. Quite a savage individual if you ask me. You're quite more, mellow than him." He commented as I kept observing his actions. I don't sense any hostility coming from him, but I can't drop my guard. If he met Shaco before, doesn't that mean that he was killed too? Shaco was sure that he killed everyone who stood against him. "Did you die in the first world?" I asked him as I took another sip of my coffee. "My body, yes, but due to fact that I'm a being that was created by Deus himself to watch over the events of this survival game, my memories from the previous timeline somehow merged with my current one. It's like changing bodies if you ask me." He replied with a smile. Hearing his words, it made me realize something. Even though he's an artificial being, there's no way that he could transfer his memories. If Yuno became god, that means Deus already forfeited his title, and no one could transfer Akise's memories due to the fact that Yuno was so fixated in going back in time. Does that mean that there's another person that was involved? Did that third party transferred Akise's memory and Shaco's sub-consciousness into this world? Things are getting too serious now. Why does it feel like that I'm caught up in a bigger problem?
"Do you have any memories of anyone transferring your memories? Like before you died or something?" I asked him as I took a quick glance on my watch. I still have a few minutes before the sale in the grocery, so I might as well gather all the information I could get from him. "Nothing that I could remember. My, my. I didn't know that you're that interested, Toshiro-kun. Taking a break from the killing?" Akise replied with a sly smirk on his face. Tch. This guy is seriously ticking me off. Suddenly, my phone began vibrating. As I quickly opened it, I noticed a message from Yuno. She told me to hurry up and stop chatting with Akise so casually. Pft. Someone's getting jealous. "Drop the smartass attitude, will ya? Hm. Did you do anything to Yuno? That girl really dislikes you, you know." I asked once again. As Akise was about to answer my question, I noticed a familiar face in the corner of my eye. I quickly shifted my attention towards the glass window near us. There was a sudden movement in the crowd outside, and I lost track on the familiar face that I noticed. Come to think of it, I felt that I was being watched while I was talking to Akise earlier. Since Akise had his rose-coloured eyes fixated at me, I thought he was the only one watching my movements. "Hm? Is something the matter, Toshiro-kun?" Akise curiously asked as he noticed that I was staring outside of the café. "N-No. Nothing. I thought I saw someone familiar," I replied as I took another quick glance on my wrist watch. A few minutes before 5 in the afternoon. I might as well wrap things up. I have a hutch feeling that this guy knows something, but seems like I can't get it out from him without forcing him to spill the beans. Tch. What a drag. Gathering information isn't really my thing. "Last que-" Before you even ask anything else, Toshiro-kun. I want you to know that it's better to find out the truth from a person that you trust. From the looks of things, you don't trust me at all, so I won't bother telling it to you. You're not 'him' after all, so you get no special treatment from me." Akise stated with another sly smirk on his face. "Him? What the hell are you talking about?" I muttered with a puzzled expression on my face. "My beloved. Hmph. You got a sale to catch, right? Go on. The coffee is on me." He said as he gave me a smile.
As usual, the grocery was loaded with people as the sale rages on. The isles were loaded with housewives who're trying to get ahead of each other, while I was busy looking around at the meat section. Hm. Since Yuno is going to cook some yakiniku later, I might as well get good beef strips. As I looked around the racks of packaged meat at the freezer, my mind was lost in my thoughts. I was trying to decipher what Akise was talking about earlier. Who the hell was he talking about? His beloved? That person is a guy, right? Wait. He swings that way? Tch. Forget that. He said that he's an observer, that he was an artificial being created by Deus himself. Well, he can back it up due to the fact he knows the difference between me and my first world counterpart. The big question now is, who transferred his memories and Shaco's sub-consciences? Deus is a no go since he's probably gone at that point while Yuno was fixated in going back in time. Wait a minute. Is it possible that MurMur stayed when Deus died? Does she even have the power to do those things? She's just like an assistant of sorts to the god of space and time, right? What is … the meaning of all of this? Am I a part of a bigger picture that's being hidden away by this survival game? Tch. Hey, Shaco. You there? After a few seconds, there wasn't any reply from my first-world persona. He must be resting or something. Suddenly, I remembered something that Yuno muttered. It was something she said during that night where Tenth tried to kill us. She muttered 'Yukki', right? Does this 'Yukki' be connected to this survival game too? Is that name even relevant? Maybe I'm thinking too much. Perhaps Yuno muttered my nickname wrongly and I'm overthinking. Enough of this. I have to g-
Once again, I caught a glimpse of a familiar face in the corner of my eye. This time around, I saw a hooded person at a nearby isle. As he noticed that I caught a glimpse of him, he began walking away, trying to get away from my sight. Damn it. Who the hell is that person and why is he so familiar looking? I quickly got three packages of meat and threw into my basket as I began to follow that shady looking person. For a few minutes, I followed him around, like a predator stalking his prey. As I followed him, I could faintly recognized his figure but I can't name this person in front of me. Where did I meet this person again? Wait. Is he … is it possible? I suddenly felt uneasy and increased my pace. I have to get a good look on his face. It can't be. Aniki made sure he deleted every record that I have during my contract-taking days and the cases that could be linked to me recently. Aniki made sure that he left no trace that our former associates can never track us down! There's no fucking way. He was an arm's length away from me when suddenly, a group of housewives slipped in between us. "H-Hey! Stop!" I shouted as the man began sprinting away. In a matter of seconds, he was gone, completely blended in with the crowd by the exit. "Fuck. I lost him." I muttered to myself as I tried to calm my nerves. Shaco, I really need your input right now. Did you encountered him in your world too? Hm, Shaco? Again, only silence came from him. Tch. What the hell. I … have to tell aniki. I have to make precautions now. Of all the people that could actually kill me, I don't want to die by his prideful hands. I rather die by fighting cops than dying in his hands.
Brushing off my uneasiness, I continued buying our needed groceries. After a few minutes, I was done with my groceries and was at the counter. As the lady began tallying the prices of the grocery into the cash register, I can't help but to feel a bit tense. Damn it. If I knew he'd betray me during my last contract, I would've killed him before then. Does a title in the underground society means so much for him? How … pathetic.
RING! RING! RING! RING!
The sudden ringtone that came from my phone startled me and the cashier lady. "A-Ah, excuse me." I said as I took out my phone. Hm? Yuno's calling me? Ah. She might've forgotten to remind me to buy something else. She was hungry for an ice cream earlier, so I bought one tub. I'm not sure what flavour though, so I might as well clarify. "Hello? Hey, I bought a strawbe-"
You don't deserve the title of Thanatos.
The current reaper has to die.
My eyes and mouth were left wide open as I heard an unfamiliar voice from the other side of the call. I could feel my entire body shaking as the call ended. Without hesitating, I sprinted towards the exit, leaving the groceries behind. I kept on cursing myself as I ran back home. I have to make it. I can't let Yuno get dragged into my mess! After a few minutes, I reached the Condominiums. I quickly went towards the parking area and saw a trail of blood that was leading towards the elevator. I could feel my heart pounding as it was filled with a very familiar emotion that I tried so hard to forget, to bury, before. After a few seconds, an elevator arrived and I rode it towards our floor. There, the blood trail continued. The trail ended in front of an open door, the door of our unit. I was breathing erratically and my eyes were frantically looking everywhere as I carefully entered the unit. As I reached the kitchen, a messy scene welcomed me. The stove was left open, the pan was on the floor, there were bloody footprints on the floor that were leading towards the foyer, and lastly, Yuno was nowhere to be found. "Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!" I muttered as I went towards my room, which was ransacked. My wardrobe was left open, and my gun and my trench knife were missing. "Those fuckers! Shit. Fuck! How the hell did they manage to track me down?!" I furiously shouted as I pounded my fist onto the wall. Fucking shit, I have to find her. I have to save her from those assholes! I know how they operate. I have to save her before they could corrupt her!
Huh? What the hell is this mess?!
Hearing a familiar voice, I quickly went back to the kitchen. I saw aniki and Minene, who had the same surprised expression on their faces, by the foyer. "Aniki! T-They … they got her!" I frantically shouted. "W-What?! They got who? Who's they? Whe-" "For Pete's sake! Yuno was kidnapped! They … are using her to get me!" I frantically shouted once more as I kept walking around in circles, with a distressed expression on my face. "What the hell are you talking about?" Minene asked with a puzzled tone. "W-What? They managed to track us down?! What the hell?! That can't be!" Mist remarked as he finally understood my current scenario. "No. I know how they work. He was my partner before after all. I have to track them down before something bad happens to Yuno!" I stated as I approached the two. "We're dealing with our loose ends, Minene. I can't believe this is happening. I made sure, damn it!" Mist said as he kicked the pan in frustration then leaned his back against the wall. "Loose ends? So we're dealing with the yakuza here?" Minene asked. "No. They are … a group of assassins or guns for hire. We know their leader. I worked with him in the past. He … betrayed me during my last contract since I 'stole' his title." I replied as I went back to my wardrobe and got out anything that I could use during this scenario. My hidden blades are still here, so I could use them. I have no time to lose. I ha-
Why are you so tense? She's part of the survival game, right? Let her die then.
The atmosphere inside the unit was tense. After hearing aniki's words, a sudden anger flared up inside of me. I quickly marched back to the kitchen, with my fist closed. I know he's a logical thinker, but I won't let him say that again. Suddenly, a strong hook landed on Aniki's cheek. The impact from my punch made him sat down onto the floor. He was quite a shocked from my sudden action, in the other hand, Minene simply let out a sigh and stepped in between us. "W-What the hell was that for, Toshiro?!" Mist angrily shouted as he quickly stood up. "You don't get it, don't you?" I coldly asked him. "Seriously, stop it. The both of you. Don't was-" "What? You're pissed since I said that, huh? That you should leave Yuno-chan to die? Well, that's the only best option for you, Toshiro! You're too attached to her! She's the biggest threat to you in this survival game! This is an opportunity to you, don't you see?!" Mist angrily said as Minene kept him at bay. "This isn't about winning or surviving this survival game. You don't get it. That girl … yeah, she's a handful, but she did so much for me. I wouldn't even bother try to deny everything she has done for me," I said as I turned my back then picked up my vambraces that I placed on top of the kitchen table. "She made me accept these emotions inside of me. She helped me become more human. She … is valuable to me and I won't let anyone touch her! If she's going to die, she will die by my hands!" I furiously shouted as I pounded my open hand onto the table.
After a few seconds, aniki lets out a sigh and shakes his head. "Give me a break, will you? Who knew that you'd be so attached to that obsessive girlfriend of yours?" Mist commented as he rubs his cheek while Minene closed the unit's door. "I'm going. Even with-" "You're going? You do know that information-gathering and tracking down your targets were never your best skill, right?" Mist said as he blocked me from going to the foyer. "Listen to your brother, Toshiro. Also, calm down. Take a deep breath, and calm yourself. You can't save Gasai at your current state." Minene remarked as she approached me and gave me a flick on my forehead. "You're no longer alone, Toshiro. You have me and Minene to count on to." Mist stated as he went towards his briefcase. As he sat down on the sofa, he opened his briefcase and took out his black laptop. "A-Aniki … I-I don't need your help. I can't drag you even furth-" "They are our loose ends, right? Who knew it would take a broken girl like Yuno-chan to fix a broken guy like you? Were you that caring before, Toshiro?" Mist remarked with a chuckle as he opened his laptop. "If I and your brother didn't had an agreement, I wouldn't be helping you right now. I mean, this scenario could easily take the two of you out. At least now, you're going to owe me one, you brat." Minene said as she gave me a strong pat on the back.
I'm … no longer alone now, huh? Aniki has a point. Ever since I was betrayed in my final contract, I never asked anyone for help. I chose to do things on my own, even if I already have my big brother to depend on to. Did I … take these people who are actually trying to help me for granted? By helping me, do they get anything in return? Gratitude, a peace of mind, or maybe, they're helping me since they actually care for me? Pft. Whatever. I can't dally with these things at the moment. "I … leave the data gathering to you, aniki. You know how they work. Please. We have to find them before the time runs out." I said as I bowed in front of aniki, who was busy jotting down on his laptop. "W-What? Stop that. Stop being so formal with me. I'm your brother, geez. Anyway, prepare yourself. Actually, look at the bottom drawer in your wardrobe. I hid something there." Mist said as he gave me a smile. As the two began tracking down Yuno's kidnappers, I went inside my room. As instructed, I checked the last drawer of my wardrobe. At the far end of my drawer, was an old, blue mp3-player. Heh. He actually kept it, huh? I used to listen to something to help me prepare myself for a contract. It feels … nostalgic. I sat down on the edge of my bed and placed the earphones into my ears. As I pressed the play button, a familiar classical piece played. Ah, Mozart's Requiem? A fitting piece for tonight. I slowly closed my eyes and took a deep breath. In the darkness of my mind, was a faint light. Inside of that said light, was the image of a certain pink-haired girl that I love the most. I will save her. No matter what happens.
I felt the cold, night breeze passing through as me and Minene went out of the black sedan. As expected, aniki managed to track down Yuno's kidnappers with the plate number of the van that they used to carry out the kidnapping. As skillful as he is, he managed to use his connections and track down the van with the street cameras around the city. In the end, we arrived here in a rather familiar abandoned factory, a few kilometres away from the outskirts of Sakurami City. "I don't have any suppressors, so once you get spotted, you have to locate Yuno-chan as fast as you can, alright?" Mist said as he also went out of the sedan. "Got it. Though we have time, I won't take any chances. Within 24 hours, they'll sell Yuno to human trafficking if I don't show up." I said as I fix the straps on my vambraces. "Tch. Anyway, any dead-end flags?" Minene asked as she brought out a green duffle bag from the trunk. Now that she mentioned it, there were some static earlier from my phone when aniki finished tracking them down. As much as I hate to take a peek on how I die, I have to take this seriously.
June 21 – 21:50pm [Abandoned Factory]
Nohiru, Toshiro
-He was killed when a spray of bullets caught him by surprise
-His body was crushed when an explosion occurred and a debris fell on top of him
DEAD END
Oh? Just me? No entry for Minene, aniki or Yuno? Well, there's a lot of names here in my diary and I'm pretty sure those are the names of my targets. Still, his name is not here. "Just mine." I muttered as I placed my diary back inside my pocket. "He sure know how to invite you back to this place, eh, Toshiro?" Mist commented as he approached me. "I … can do it. I don't need to be sentimental about this place. Yeah, this is where the final contract played out. This is where he betrayed me and left me to die. This time around, I'll make sure this place will be his grave." I said as I stared at the abandoned factory. "Alright, let's run through the plan again," Mist said as he took out a piece of map and placed it on top of the car's hood. He then opened his smartphone and used the light coming from its screen to illuminate the map. "First objective. Locate Yuno-chan's whereabouts. Second, establish an escape route to be used once Toshiro saves her. Third, get the hell out of dodge if possible. Killing them all is the last option that we have since we don't that much resources." Mist stated as I and Minene listened to him attentively. "So, I'll be the one in charge of the escape route?" Minene asked as she checked her equipment. She's armed with some leftover C2 bombs from the Sakurami General Hospital incident, and her trusty pistol. "You betcha. Toshiro. Once you have Yuno-chan, immediately contact Minene and the three of you meet up. Escape the facility as fast as possible." Mist replied as he looked towards me. I simply gave him a nod and turned my back. "Alright. Let's do this." Mist stated as I and Minene began walking towards the abandoned factory.
We chose a nearby ruined wall as our entry point. As we entered the factory's premises, we carefully sneaked around through the shadows. After a while, we finally encountered some armed men by the main building's entrance. At their side was the black van that they used to transport Yuno here. "4 of them." I muttered as we hid behind a concrete cover. Our clothing, which were mostly black, gave us an advantage as we stayed in the shadows. "What should we do? I don't have a suppressor." Minene asked as she placed her duffle bag down. "I'll deal those two by the entrance. Wait for the other two to move and take them out. After that, start establishing our escape route." I replied as I picked up a small stone and threw it towards the nearby courtyard. The stone managed to catch the attention of two men. As Minene's targets went towards the courtyard, I quickly snuck behind my targets, who were left by the entrance. As the other two reached the courtyard, I quickly disposed of the two men by the entrance. With two precise slashes, two bodies lifelessly fell down onto the concrete pavement. Without wasting any second, I quickly grabbed a knife from one of my targets and passed it towards Minene. Unluckily, the other two somehow caught glimpse of my actions. As they were about to open fire on me, Minene quickly ran out from her cover. Armed with a knife, she took out her targets with ease. Seeing that the coast was clear, I gave her a nod and proceeded with our plan.
Slowly, I made my way into the hallways of the abandoned factory. I had some encounters earlier, but I made sure no soul will live to tell the tale. I can't alert that fucker. If I do, he'll blast Yuno's brains out to make sure he'll foil my plans. If his plan was to lure me back here and finish me off with his own hands, he's already half-way finished. After a while, I received a message from Minene saying that she's already finished with laying her bombs. Heh, she's pretty fast. Placing my phone back in my pocket, I noticed a room that was dimly lit. I pushed my back against the wall and slowly made my way towards the room. A sense of relief quickly filled my mind as I saw Yuno inside the room. She was bounded by her wrists and legs, and she was tied onto a broken and rusty radiator. Wait a minute. This must be a trap. He knows that I'm here for Yuno, so I'm pretty sure he'll use her to lure me into a place where he could kill me. Tch. I'm taking that risk. I quickly ran towards Yuno. She was blindfolded and I noticed the bruise on her face. I gently took off her blindfold and brushed off the dust from her face.
"H-Huh?" Yuno muttered as her eyes were slowly adjusting to the dim lightning of the room. "Tch. Who did this to your pretty face? I'll be sure to slit his throat open." I remarked as I placed my hands onto her cheeks. "T-Toshii … you came to save me …" She said as I noticed the tears forming in her eyes. "Of course I would. There's no way I'll abandon you. Did they do anything to you? Are you okay? Where's your diary?" I asked her as I brought out one of my blade. "I woke up tied up here and don't worry, my diary is in my pocket. Nothing happened, Toshii. I promise. One of them punched my face though, but other than that …" Yuno muttered as I cut off the rope that was binding her legs. I suddenly noticed the frantic and nervous expression on Yuno's face. "I am … a bait, Toshii! You hav-" "I know. It's okay. I actually wanted this to happen." I said with a reassuring smile on my face as I heard footsteps behind my back. Knowing fully what will happen next, I retract my blade. I can't let him see my only advantage.
I slowly turned around. Behind me were two men. One of them had a pipe in his hands while the other had his hands inside his pockets. The familiar looking guy was wearing a black leather jacket, brown chinos, and I see that he changed his hairstyle. His hair is now long enough that he can style it into a topknot. In the other hand, his lackey looked like a typical thug out from the streets. He was wearing a white tank top, camo pants and combat boots. "Been a while, eh, 'Thanatos'?" The familiar looking man asked as his lackey kept on playing with the pipe. "Still salty about me taking your title?" I asked him as I shrugged my arms. "And I see that you still have that snarky attitude that you developed." He remarked as he looked unfazed. "Seriously though. Who's this chump? Though it's almost two years since you betrayed me and left me to die, you still don't have the balls to kill me with your own hands, huh?" I asked as I noticed the same nervous expression on Yuno's face. "Pft. As much as I want to, I don't want to stoop down into your pathetic level, you indecisive shit. Don't worry. I'm pretty sure this 'lackey' of mine is enough to put you down for good." He said as he turned around, and gave a tap on his lackey's shoulder.
"Heh. Pleased to meet you, sempai." The lackey said as he took a step forward. "Sempai? What the fuck. You look older than me." I commented as I carefully observed him. "Well, he did mentor you before, right? That makes you my sempai. Don't worry. I won't hold back. I'll be sure to crack that skull of yours open." He said with a smile as he readied his stance. As he slowly made his way towards me, I noticed his mentor walking towards the ruined door. "I'll be back. Once you kill him, you can do whatever you want to that girl of his." He coldly said as he exited the room. Suddenly, I felt a flame of anger inside me. He's so high and mighty now, huh? I'll be sure to drag you back down to hell once I get you. "Tsh. Fuck you, Arashi. I'll fucking rip your insides out once I'm done with this fucker!" I angrily shouted. Sensing that I was distracted from Arashi's words, the lackey went in with both of his hands holding the metal pipe. As he quickly closed the gap between us, my eyes were wide open as I noticed his stance. Shit. He wasn't kidding. I can see my own stance in his.
With one quick duck, I dodged a swing from the lackey. Before I could even move, a sudden right elbow landed on the bridge of my nose. I tumbled backwards but quickly got back up and readied my stance. Again, he went for the attack, but this time around, he was only holding the pipe with his left. Is he southpaw, or an orthodox? Tsh. Again, he swung towards me, and I dodged once again. Knowing that he'll quickly follow-up his missed attack, as I ducked below his pipe I quickly threw out a right straight which was aimed to his throat. As he saw my attack, he leaned his body back and my fist landed on his chin. Before I could pull my arm back, he gave me a strong kick in the gut which I managed to endure without flinching. I quickly grabbed onto his left arm and tried to disarm him, but his strength managed to push me back. He swung once again, but this time around, an overhead swing was going towards me. I blocked it with my left vambrace and readied my right fist once again. As my left arm absorbed the impact from the metal pipe, I went in and landed a solid right hook on his jaw. However, as my hook landed on his jaw, he quickly cocked back his left arm once again. I couldn't believe it. This fucker is actually faster than me. Though I tried to block it with my left arm, which was still quite numb, and my left leg, the pipe somehow managed to slip-by my defence. The sound impact echoed throughout the room as I clearly felt the metal pipe landing a dent onto my right ribs.
After some exchanges, some of my limbs are starting to feel numb from his strikes. I could feel the pain throughout my body surging through my very veins. I made a wrong decision of underestimating him. Though he clearly looks like some street punk that was taken out of the streets, I could clearly see that Arashi took his time in molding this man into his lackey. "Quite a feat, to make me feel pain like this." I remarked as I cracked my knuckles to stop the numbing of my hands. "Toshii!" Yuno frantically shouted as she tries her best to free her wrists from the rope. I have to end this now. I'm making her worry too much. Yeah, I'm getting some excitement out of this, but I know this isn't the time for me to seek my own death. If Yuno's life and well-being isn't a factor here, I would've charged in guns blazing earlier. Before I could bring out my blades, a sudden action of his caught me surprised.
Little that I know that in that instant, I would lose something in exchange of saving the girl that I love.
In Yuno's perspective …
I'm nervous. I'm extremely worried about Toshii. I could clearly see that his wounds and injuries from the Hospital incident are dragging him down. His reflexes are a bit slow than usual, his punches and kicks somehow lacks power, and to top that, he just keeps getting hit by that pipe all throughout his body. I … have to find a way to get this rope loose! I can't just sit here while Toshii is fighting for his life!
Once again, both of them took a step back from one another. "Toshii!" I shouted as Toshii remarked on how this lackey continuously managed to pressure him in their fight. As Toshii readies his stance, I noticed his two pinky fingers twitching. He's finally going to bring out his blades! He's done playing around! As the lackey noticed the expression of hope on my face, he gave me a chilling smirk that sent shivers down to my spine.
BZZZZZZZZZZZT!
Static came from our diaries as the lackey suddenly threw the pipe towards my direction. "W-What?! Yuno!" Toshii shouted as he quickly stepped in and blocked the pipe with his right leg. The sound of the pipe smacking squarely on his shin made my whole body tremble. I can't help but to get more teary-eyed as a painful expression appeared on Toshii's face. He let out a groan and tried not to apply too much weight on his right leg. "T-Toshii …" I mumbled as he gave me a rather calm and reassuring smile. In that moment, I saw a quick movement behind him. "Toshii! Behind you!" I frantically shouted. "Tch! Shit!" Toshii shouted as he clenched his teeth and cocked his right arm back. As he turned around, I caught glimpse of a sharp object just below his chin. Toshii quickly stopped his movement and tried to pull his head back, but he was a second late.
The sharp object passed through the left portion of Toshii's face vertically. "T-Toshii …" I mumbled as the sound of blood dripping entered my ears. Toshii lets out a groan and his body slowly falls onto his knees. "Pft. You are a mere shadow of your former self. Here I thought you'd actually put up a fight." The lackey said as held the sharp object by its black handle. It was … a knife. "Y-Yuno …" Toshii muttered as he slowly turned around to face me. My mouth was left wide open and my tears freely trickled down as I saw a vertical slash wound on the left portion of Toshii's face. It starts on his left cheek and ends somewhat after his left eyebrow. It was deep enough to blind his left eye entirely. I could only gasp for air as the sheer fear of losing him entered my mind. He's going to die … he's going to die … Toshii's going to die! "T-Toshii! Your eye! D-Do some-" "I … have to … free y …" He muttered as suddenly, he felt flat onto the concrete floor. His voice … was filled with urgency, with fear.
I can't believe what I'm seeing right now. This never happened before. I kept on shouting, calling out his name, but he wasn't responding. His body … wasn't even moving any longer. "Pft. What a waste. You disappoint me, 'Thanatos'" The lackey shouted as he gave Toshii's body a swift kick on the side of his stomach. "S-Stop! Stop that! Get away from him!" I tearfully cried out. "Oh? Come on, missy. He's just a corpse by now. Now, he's gone … I'll be sure to take my time on you …" He said as he gave me another cold glare with his eyes. I kept on trying to set my wrists free, but it was no use, I can't free myself and help Toshii. I frantically tried to move back as the lackey began to walk towards me, but the rope was keeping me tied down to this rusty radiator. As his shadow loomed over me, I could only close my eyes in fear. I … won't let him defile me! I just have to ... bite my tounge ... Toshii … I'll see you in the afte-
TWITCH.
Come on. Don't just lie there. This is my final push, alright? You're practically a big boy now, right? Pft. Show him. Show him the real reason why we are feared in the underground society.
I let out a loud groan as I gasped for air. I could feel my whole body shaking in pain as my blood trickled down from this fatal wound. I … I can't see with my left eye. That slash managed to slice my iris earlier. Fuck … fuck it hurts. I could feel the numbing pain surging towards my brain. This isn't the time to lie down and die on this cold concrete floor. I still have to save a damsel in distress. As another dose of adrenaline kicks in, I pushed my aching and numb body upwards. "Oh? He's still alive? Well, looks like I have to properly kill you first before I'll have fun with this cute girl." The lackey said as he stopped in his tracks and looked towards my direction. "T-Toshii … Toshii!" Yuno frantically shouted. Ugh. I need to somehow adapt to this situation of mine. My left eye's beyond saving now. Pft. Within a few seconds, I have to get my body be used to this halved eyesight of mine. "Stop chasing skirts and finish the job, you fucker. I'll be sure to chop that dick of yours off and stick it up in your ass." I said as I sluggishly stood up. "Hoho. Di-"
"The next thing you'll say is, die with that snarky attitude of yours, right?" I said. My words caught the lackey by surprised. "You never knew the real reason why I was called as Thanatos, right? How about I give you a brief explanation," I said as I brought out my blades. "I was called as the grim reaper all thanks to my tenacity. No matter what kind of pain or torture I went through, I made sure … that I fulfil my side of the contract. If your name pops out in my contract, I'll be sure … that I will forever haunt you till I take that life of yours." I stated. "So? Is that supposed to make me fear you?" He asked. "Pft. Props to you. You actually managed to give me a more painful experience than my uncle," I said as I began walking towards him. "You took my left eye, hm? Looks like I have to repay your 'kindness', right?!" I menacingly stated as a sudden jolt of excitement and pleasure entered my mind.
As our blades clashed, my sense of pain numbed down. I could hardly feel the pain coming from my eye as I completely got him on the defensive. "W-What the hell?! Where the hell did this speed and strength came from?!" The lackey shouted in surprise as I managed to land a couple of slashes throughout his body. "Did you know? If you wound a reaper, you have to be sure that you could drag yourself out of hell alive!" I gleefully shouted as I pushed him against the wall with my blades. I pushed my left elbow against his throat, and was about to go for the killing blow. To my surprise, he used his left arm to shield his vital spot from my blade. He then kicks me away and tries to create a space between us. "Oh? What happened to your flair? Come on. Try to kill me! I dare you!" I shouted I went on the offensive once again.
In a dire attempt to kill me, he punched me on my left eye wound. As the sudden sharp pain made me take a step backwards, he tries to slash my throat with that knife of his. To his surprise, I caught the knife by my hand. As the blade cuts through the flesh of my left palm, I quickly stabbed him through the wrist with one of my blades. He painfully shouted as the blade penetrated completely his wrist. His blood splattered across the floor as I quickly disarmed him from his weapon. In that moment, our dance macabre has ended. With one swift slash, his throat was sliced open and blood gushed out. He could only groan and desperately gasp for air as I place my blade in front of his left eye. "An eye for an eye, am I right?" I menacingly said as I stabbed him through his left eye. I forcefully pry out his eye and kicked his body aside. "Never fuck with me …" I muttered as I noticed my strength disappearing from my very core.
As I threw his eyeball aside and retract my blades, I fell on my knees. "T-Toshii … Are you okay?! Get me out of here so that I could tend to your wound!" Yuno frantically cried out as the numbing pain came back. I could feel my hands shaking as I tried my best to muster enough strength to drag my body towards Yuno. "Give me … a break, will you? I can't even move anymore … here," I said as I took out one of my blade and slid it towards Yuno. "I … I am sorry, Toshii! Because of me … you lost your left eye … because of m-" "Shut it. Let's leave … the drama for later." I said as I slid my diary towards her. I could barely keep my eye open anymore. I lost too much blood. I … I might actually lose consciousnesses any second now. "C-Contact Nee-sama … and tell her to pick us up," I painfully said as my breathing caught Yuno's attention. "Let's not … do this again, alright, Yuno? I'm not … a big fan of saving … damsels in distress …" I muttered as I gave her a weary smile. "Toshii …" Yuno muttered with tears falling down from her eyes.
BZZZZZZZZZZZZT!
Again, another static came from our diaries. The look of relief in Yuno's eyes was suddenly replaced with fear and urgency. "T-Toshii! Get out of there!" Yuno frantically shouted. With every last once of strength, I turned around. I saw something strapped on the concrete column near the entrance. Wait. That's a … C3 explosive! A-Arashi! He-
BOOOOOOOOM!
I felt the shock wave passing through me from the nearby explosion. Odd. Everything went slow. I could see the ceiling cracking as the smoke and flames slowly went towards me. I can't … get out of this one. This is probably … the end of the line for me. I can't even move my legs anymore. As I felt the heat of the flames sinking into my skin, a sudden set of memories flashed in my mind. My childhood, my days in the orphanage, my life as a young assassin, and lastly, my memories in the past two years. Heh. This is it for me. Everything's flashing before my eye. I got too complacent. I am really rusty, after all. I lost my edge. I wanted to go out with a bang, right? I think this is enough for me …
Toshii!
Hearing Yuno's voice filled with despair made me flinch. That's right … I need to fulfill my contract with her. At this position though, I can't … kill her. Heh. What am I saying? I can't kill that girl who taught me how to love once more. I can't kill the girl who taught me how to cherish the little things in our lives. Those little moments where we spend the entire day at peace, where we could stare at the blue sky for a long, long time while I rest my head on top of her lap. Those were … I … I suddenly felt like crying as I realized something. I never said I love you to her. Heh … heh. I … I don't want …
I don't want to die yet …
I reached out for her. I'm not sure if she'll hear this, but this is all I could do now. As time slowly went back to normal, I could hear the concrete ceiling crashing down behind me as I tried to say the words that I want to properly convey to her. Before I could even mutter those words, the cold darkness embraced me.