I Do Not Own My Bride Is a Mermaid
Chapter Eleven: When a Soul Grows Cold
The disappointment on her father's face was apparent the moment Mawari stepped into the door. She avoided direct eye contact as she tried to make it to her room but Kaito gestured for her to head toward the kitchen. He took his seat at the head of the table with folded hands and a stern look in his eye. Mawari sat across from her father with a bowed head waiting for him to begin.
"Sarutobi met with me tonight. No more lies, no more hiding behind your friends, tell me what's going on. What did he mean ask you about your physical education teacher?" Kaito demanded in a harsh tone. Mawari's hands bunched up the hem of her skirt as she thought of how to address this. She couldn't tell her father the truth. He'd never believe that she was a wife of a shark but she couldn't say she was in love with Sora Fujishiro either. She was cornered and alone. She thought of what mother would say or how Sora would react but couldn't think of anything. All the while her father's eyes dug deep holes into her. In the end Mawari knew she couldn't hide it anymore and exclaimed in a voice that didn't feel like her own.
"We've been dating for a while now, papa. He's been a gentleman and nothing but kind to me." Kaito's lips were quivering and the color drained from his face. For a long while he said nothing until he found his voice again.
"I thought I raised you better than this, what happened! Why did you betray my trust like this?" Mawari lowered her head hearing those words stung like hornets. She never wanted to hear that from her papa. She had always been a good girl growing up but now... Now she had to lie to protect both Shark and herself.
"I confessed to him at the start of the new semester and he tried to stay away but in time we started hanging out." Mawari continued in low broken voice each word like a stone. Kaito began to rhythmically tap his fingers. Mawari had only seen her father angry once in her life and he was definitely angry. She could tell from how he tapped his fingers and how his head was slightly dipped forward. Not since her mother's death had she seen him like this and that was why she felt so disgusted with herself. We lie to protect Sora's voice echoed suddenly at the back of Mawari's mind. It was the strength she needed to continue and push her forward.
"It was a mistake papa." Mawari squeaked. Kaito had heard enough. He stood and slammed his hands down onto the solid oak dining table with a dark fury burning in his eyes.
"You're only fourteen! Mawari he's a grown man! Have you even considered the consequences of your actions if news of this had gotten out! Not only would your teacher be fired and his name spread throughout the papers but our family's name as well!" Kaito yelled a thick vein in his neck visible. Mawari stood to meet her father head on as she fired back.
"It will never happen again!" Yes it will...Many times, he's my husband. Mawari thought to herself somewhere deep in her subconscious. As she held onto that thought Kaito paced back and forth his eyes never leaving hers.
"Yes it never will. After I am done speaking with the man you're transferring schools. I don't know where yet but somewhere that is far away from him." At that moment everything shattered. Mawari didn't know what to say but she knew what she had to do. She apologized quietly to her father before heading to her room. He's my husband and I will be with him. Mawari mused silently as she sat on the edge of her bed, planning on what to do next.
Shark hadn't slept much since the final call. As the sun began to rise he quickly took a bath. After he was done he ate silently thinking over his options. Even if the man deserved death he was still Shark's father. Fujishiro had killed in cold blood before as an enforcer for the Yakuza but this was his own blood. There was a code, honor behind things like this. Masa reassured him that Gozaburo didn't know the truth but for some reason Shark didn't wholly believe that. Either way it didn't matter. In the end Gozaburo was planning to bury Shark with this final hit and by mid-day he received the call. All the boss had said was to meet him in person at a nearby bar for a drink and chat.
When he met the boss he looked an utter mess. The normally well-trimmed, sharp dressed man was in complete shambles. His hair was greasy and matted with a full grown beard. His yukata looked as if it was slightly stained. Yet what disheartened Shark most of all was his eyes. They were baggy and bloodshot as if he hadn't slept in ages.
"Hey, Fujishiro! Come here, take a seat!" Gozaburo slurred. He was already drunk. Shark sat with his hands folded. He offered his greetings before ordering himself water. Once it was served he gulped down half of it wishing it was tequila. Suddenly Gozaburo sobered up a bit and pulled out a manila envelope.
"I called you here to give you a job. Haven't wet your teeth in a while and know how you like wetting your teeth. There's a man in Tokyo. His name is Adrian Frost. Two days from now he'll be called to a meeting in his central office. You're going to kill him. Everything's been arranged, he's a VIP target so we've planned everything out to the letter. Akagi will plant several bombs throughout his office building. They'll be detonated just prior to his arrival, in the confusion that is when you'll strike. We have a contact inside of his organization that will contact you and direct you to him. Make it look like an accident." Shark opened the manila envelope. Inside were pictures of Adrian, his office building and red X's outlining the various stages of the plan. He committed everything to memory before tucking the envelope into his track jacket. If Shark could venture to guess the bombing was the real hit and whoever this "contact" was would turn him in to the police or kill him outright. Shark wanted to leave, he had the job and that was normally how he left but not today. If he really was about to be arrested and or killed he wanted to strike Gozaburo right where it hurt.
"How's San and your wife been doing lately, boss? Haven't seen either in a while, I really should drop by for a visit sometime." Gozaburo shuttered for a second as if he had been slapped. It was surprising he hadn't exploded and lost his temper. Then again Gozaburo didn't know that Shark knew. He had no choice to maintain or lose this chance to take care of him.
"Oh they're fine San's been doing well in school. As for my wife she's been distant. We've been fighting a lot lately." I can only imagine. Shark mused as he finished his glass. Wiping the excess water from his lips Fujishiro added dryly.
"You know I've always considered myself a second father to San, it makes me proud to hear she's doing so well in school." Gozaburo's eye began twitching violently. Fujishiro had to try his hardest to suppress a chuckle.
"Funny you say that, Shark. Sometimes I used to think that same thing when San was growing up. Thank you for always looking out for my daughter." No no, thank you for this, I haven't had this much fun in a while. Fujishiro thought to himself before getting to his feet. Gozaburo tried to offer him a drink but he declined. He wanted time to himself before he went to Tokyo. There were some things that he needed to get in order.
Shark dropped by the gym after his meeting with the boss. Luckily the owner was in. When he met the small man he smiled a wide toothy grin. Kirito was an old family friend that knew Shark's mother. Fujishiro only met the man a number of times but Kirito had earned Shark's trust and respect. Kirito was a short gaunt man with a receding hairline. What once was a thick mat of black hair was now a thinned line of charcoal. His eyes were tiny and amber with a hint of violet. When he saw Shark he pulled him into a strong hug and boomed happily.
"Look what the rats scavenged! I was wondering if I'd ever see you again boy! How've you been doing?" Fujishiro smiled again and replied wistfully.
"Pretty good old man! How's business?" The frown that Kirito offered was answer enough. Regardless the smile returned as Kirito ushered Shark inside. As usual they went to the back office. Kirito took his seat in his custom leather chair while Shark took the metal chair adjacent to the desk.
"So, what brings you to my gym without any gear? Surely not to just spit the shit with an old geezer like myself?" Fujishiro laughed and nodded his head.
"Actually it's just that. I haven't seen you in a long time, Kirito. How's your daughter?" Kirito cocked his head to one side as if confused. It didn't show long.
"I'll be damned, never thought I'd live to see the day you just wanted to visit with someone. You've always avoided things like this. Bah, I shouldn't complain! This is good! And so is my daughter! She's great Shinobu is going to America soon to go to college! I was against it but she was adamant!" Shark was surprised to hear that but was glad for her. He always knew she was a smart girl. Changing the subject Shark exclaimed.
"I'm going to Tokyo soon to take care of some business. I probably won't be back for a while." As he said that Shark dug into his pocket and retrieved his keys to the gym and tossed them to Kirito.
"Thank you for letting me use your gym whenever, Kirito it meant a lot." A sudden look of concern washed over the old man as he stammered.
"What's going on? I haven't offended you or anything have I? You haven't found a new free gym have you boy!" Fujishiro shook his head and laughed.
"Nothing like that old man. I just won't be around for a while and I wanted to make sure you had those. It's actually why I dropped by today." Shark stood and offered one last hug to Kirito and was off. As he made his way back to the front he heard the old geezer call.
"Whenever you're done my doors are always open, Sora!" That made Fujishiro smile.
San was lying down in the backyard spotting shapes in the clouds. Nagasumi was at school and she had the house to herself. Noriko had gone shopping and Nagasumi's father Akio was at work. San had finished her chores early so she had some free time. Her mind still wandered to what had happened but the worst of it was over. Now she was trying to pick up the pieces and figure out where to go from here. It all ended with her mother. She needed to talk with her but was too afraid of whatever she had to say. Whenever San picked up the phone to call her mother her hands would freeze up and she would end up just staring at the phone. So the sky was her only solace. It was vast, empty and silent. Perfect. There was a breeze but it was a nice one. In the distance cicadas chirped a melancholy song. One that nearly lulled San to sleep. Just as she was about to pass out she heard the front door open. Standing up with a stretch San went to help her mother in law with the groceries. To her surprise she was empty handed. Noriko seemed downcast but only for a second.
"San I lied earlier about the groceries. Your mother called me. She's really concerned for you so I spoke with her. She's here but if you don't want to talk to her I understand. Just tell me." Without thinking San fired back.
"No! Don't let her near me!" Noriko was taken aback by the sudden outburst but quickly composed herself.
"You can't avoid her forever, dear. At least think about it." San panicked and couldn't think. She wanted to run and hide but knew she couldn't. Not any longer. Resigned to what was about to happen San silently opened the door, letting her mother in. Neither said anything. The room suddenly felt deathly cold. Ren refrained from speaking and instead sheepishly let herself in. All of her movements were like a mouse so unlike the strong willed woman. It was a weird mix of depression and desperation that hurt to see. The memories of what she witnessed came back rawer than before. A defiant look washed over her and she spat
"Why did you do it? Why did you turn your back on Dad?" Ren sat on the couch and gestured for San to join. When San did she was able to see her mother in the light. She looked so tired. It was then she noticed that her mother's hands were shaking. They had been for a long time. Ren didn't say anything to her daughter but tried pulling her in close to embrace her but San violently fought her off. When her mother finally spoke it was in a cracked broken voice that sounded nothing like the strong woman she was.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. I never met to hurt you. I never should have lied to you and your father." San only narrowed her eyes and hissed.
"If he really even is my dad, is he?" Ren didn't reply. Her eyes narrowed and seemed as empty as the sky. Her face went blank as she drifted into a pitiful gaze. She mumbled something under her breath but San couldn't hear. She tried to say it again but Ren broke out into tears and cried in a near hysterical voice.
"I don't know! I just don't know San! I want to believe Gozaburo is your real father… I do but…I just don't know! Ever since you were born I knew one day this might come up but I buried it so deep that I nearly forgot it and now…now it's here and I just don't know!" Ren curled up into a tight ball unable to talk anymore and instead muffled cries escaped her. The anger that San had felt melted away into an emotion that she couldn't put to words. It wasn't exactly pity but it was mixed in somewhere. She tried speaking but found she couldn't control her voice. Instead all she could do was place a reassuring hand on her mother's back. When she did Ren's sobs stopped momentarily. She looked up to her daughter with puffy bloodshot eyes.
"I never met to hurt you, baby…I just wanted the best for you. I'm a failure as a parent…aren't I?" Before San knew it she had pulled her mother in close to her as tight as she could. Ren silently continued crying into her daughter's shoulder. Regret washed over San as she realized what she had said. As the two held each other San whispered soothingly to her mother.
"You're not." She continued repeating that over and over until her voice felt hoarse.
Adrian's Tokyo penthouse was a dove white with a painting of the Seto inland Sea on the west wall. Ritsuko had painted it years ago for him. He didn't like staying here for a reason. He kept all of her mementos stored in this penthouse. Adrian had thought he would never see this place for a long time. He was wrong. Now he was sitting in his recliner that overlooked the busy Tokyo streets with a glass of scotch in his hand. He sipped from it casually while he poked at the teddy bear in his lap. He pushed the little button nose in and lightly pulled a loose thread near the right paw.
"What did he name you again?" Adrian asked the bear as if it could answer. It had been so long he had forgotten. Adrian knew it was a Mr. something but couldn't remember what. Bearstein? Bearkin? Barney? He thought to himself as he sipped from his glass. As he did his cell phone began to ring. Without looking at the number he answered. A rookie mistake in the corporate world. There was static for a long while until finally a somewhat raspy voice asked.
"Hello, is this, Adrian Frost?" Adrian tugged at his recliner's armrest unsure of how to answer. This was unusual.
"Yes, this is he." He replied in a level monotone. There was that static again followed by a light cough. Now slightly irritated Adrian growled.
"If this a prank call it is in poor taste." The silence remained. After nearly hanging up the voice spoke up.
"Father, it's me, Sora." Adrian dropped his scotch the glass shattering everywhere on the maple flooring. All of sudden his throat tightened and his mouth went dry. This had to be some sort of prank or horrible joke. Yet as he heard the man's voice he could almost place it as Sora's save for it being a bit deeper than the last time both had spoken.
"This is a surprise. How'd you get this number?" Adrian managed to ask when he finally found his voice.
"An old friend of mine is an extremely resourceful man. I'll be quick. We have said a lot of things that we both regret. Don't mistake this as an apology or forgiveness it's far from that. I just wanted to tell you that despite everything you are my dad and we can't change that. You're the only family I have." Adrian's hands wouldn't be steady. He tried standing but he was cemented to his chair unable to move. He needed water.
"I never thought I'd hear from you again, son." Adrian managed with a weaker voice than he met. There was a part of Adrian that wanted to break down but his pride wouldn't let him. Instead he took a long breath and steadied whatever emotion that was trying to take hold.
"Can we start over? I said some very horrible things once. I hurt you and…and…" Shark cut him off curtly.
"We both know it's too late for something like that. I'm sorry that came out wrong. It's just I needed to talk to you one last time. I needed to hear your voice." A quick burst of adrenaline shot through Adrian when he heard his son say that. Out of instinct he barked.
"What do you mean last time?" There was another long pause as if Sora was about to hang up but he didn't. The tension grew as Adrian drummed his fingers against the armrest of his chair waiting for an answer. Finally Sora replied in a near whisper.
"You have a meeting in two days don't you? Promise me one thing, don't go to it. Call it off, for me?" As he said that Adrian could have sworn that his son was crying but he wasn't certain. Before he could ask anything more Sora had hung up the phone. Visibly shaken Adrian sucked in a long cold breath. In time he stood and cleaned up the glass and alcohol. Unsure of what he should be thinking or feeling he looked to his son's teddy bear and suddenly he remembered its name, it was Mr. Baxter Bearman.
Shark thanked Masa again for allowing him that chance to speak with his father. They were never close but Adrian deserved that much. Masa and Shark had a couple of drinks together to take the edge off of the tension that had gathered throughout the last couple of days. Shark had come here to Masa's after returning his keys to the gym. He needed to clear his head and a stiff drink.
"After this is all done we'll have to go fishing, catch and release of course." Masa said with a mild slur. Shark nodded his head slowly his body heavy with alcohol.
"If you bring the booze, I'll bring the bait." Shark exclaimed with a hiccup but his mind was elsewhere. Somewhere it really shouldn't have been. He wanted to speak with Mawari one last time. There was so much that he wanted to tell her but so much he knew he couldn't. So instead of thinking about it he drank until whatever he was feeling for her was numb. It didn't last long. Shark dug into his back pocket and retrieved a small envelope with Mawari's name hastily scribbled on its front. He didn't say anything as he slid it toward his best friend. Masa hesitated and looked at it a long time unsure of what to say. From his facial expression Shark knew Masa understood what this met.
"We're not going fishing again are we?" Masa asked quietly. All Shark could do was smile. For once he knew the answer to a question before Masa. It was a fleeting victory. So Shark filled their glasses again and offered a toast
"We've been through the bad and good but mostly just bad. Thanks for always having my back. Not many men can say they've had a friend as loyal as you." For the briefest second it seemed as if Masa had went red in the face but the moment passed by so quickly Shark was unsure. The two men clinked glasses and drank another round. It was shortly after that he threw on his worn leather coat and forced himself to sober up a bit. He hated walking home drunk. Before he could reach the door Masa stopped him.
"You're not going down. Not without a fight." Shark wanted to laugh but instead he tugged his jacket close to him and placed his hands into his pockets. Masa began to say something but Shark shook his head slowly.
"I never said I wasn't fighting. I just know I'm going to die bloody by the end of all this." Shark said solemnly before heading out of the door. The walk back home was long and cold. Night was starting to settle. Thankfully the sky was clear. Shark had always loved the stars. Often times as a child when Ritsuko was able she would walk with Fujishiro pointing out every constellation. For a time he knew where all of them were by heart but that was another lifetime ago. A time when blood and murder had not been so ingrained into his life and soul. A time when he was could still have dreams for the future. For now at least Shark let himself dream again. He dreamt of a life where he his hands weren't so bloody a time where he could still call himself human and before he knew it he had made it home. After a quick change into his nightwear Shark made his way to the kitchen for a glass of water. As he passed his book shelf he accidently stubbed his toe on it with all his might. Letting out several curses under his breath he slowly recovered. When the pain had subsided Shark noticed that the letter his mother had written him fell from its home. A queer feeling of melancholy suddenly washed over him as he picked it up. For a near instant he almost placed it back where it belonged. Instead he took the letter with him to the veranda. Placing on his slim rectangular reading glasses Shark delicately opened the envelope and began to read. Midway through Shark had to place the letter down as everything overwhelmed him.. Shark had forced her so far from his mind it was heart wrenching to read his mother's letter after all this time. His thoughts returned back to the stars as he held the letter in his calloused hands and for a brief moment he swore he felt his mother's presence. After gathering his thoughts and composure Shark finished reading the letter. He looked to night sky with a warm but cynical smile.
what up peoples! here's the next chapter! It's getting close! I don't know the exact number but i'm placing it at three to four more chapters, perhaps more! anyhoo, ENJOY! ...or not your choice entirely...XD