Tempest here! OMG packing for holiday has been a massive pain in the ass. Guess what else was? Episode 185... That put a spanner in the works a bit so half of the time was spent fixing the curse known as writers block. But everything is now sorted. This is the last chapter for about a week so I hope this will keep you happy.
Enjoy!
The beach. Literally God's gift to the world. The only thing that ruined it was the 35 degree heat. And even worse? Koutei, Yuri, Gai and I stuck in a small van, about the size of Shin's, with the AC broke and a traffic jam. Wonderful. This was how the drive was going so far. We were all packed but as soon as I realised the weather, Koutei had to literally drag me to the car because I had a spazy about the massive scar on my arm. But that was justified. And the weather forced me to wear shorts, flip flops and an unbuttoned short sleeve shirt, showing the world my numerous scars. Then we forgot the lunch which sparked an argument between Gai and Yuri and this time, Gai fought back. When the boxing match ended, we discovered that half of Japan had decided to go to the beach which leads up to now with us all sweating buckets.
"It's so hot!" Koutei said as if we hadn't noticed.
"We know it's hot but we can't do anything about which we have also realised so no need to point that out as well." Snapped Yuri. She really did not like the hot. Sunddenly, my phone began to ring, the chirpy and annoying ringtone telling me all I need to know.
"Anya, what's up?" I breathed, making it clear I was not in the best of moods. But then again, when was I?
"How did you know it was us?"
"Us?"
"Yep it's us!" Luke and Sammy. Brilliant, the newly coupled.
"Well as much as it is lovely to hear your voices which I say with the an extreme amount of sarcasm, what the bloody hell do you want?"
"You really need to sort out your nationality my friend." Sammy said with a snigger. I realise I sounded extremely English but with my new home's accent.
"I'm Japanese and that's all I'm saying." England was still a bit of a soft spot for me.
"Fine well we're telling you that we going to the beach with you but we won't be there till about three. Planning and packing and driving are rather last minute." Luke said normally, which surprised me as he normally shouted everything.
"Hold on, the couple at the beach, Sammy and Luke? Don't order cocktails guys."
"What? Ewww since when were we a couple?" Silence.
"Anya...what the hell! You did tell they were going out!"
"Oh yeah, turns out it was for a school play and they were practicing in the card shop as that was where the scene was set." She said with the happiest voice. I hung up. I looked at everyone, knowing paying any attention, Koutei playing out Vanguard scenarios on the dashboard in the traffic, Yuri swearing at every other driver who didn't drive to her standards in a traffic jam and Gai...well he might as well have had a neon sign saying "Thinking of something shifty." Once Yuri started another rant, Gai leaned over.
"I bet you the regular spot on our team to see who can get those two together." It was no secret that the two liked each other and both even confided in me. I smiled, having never really lost a bet in my life.
"Make it a kiss and we have a deal."
"Deal." And then we shook hands. Yuri turned around, puzzled.
"What are you two agreeing on?" I smiled and talked before Gai came up with an excuse.
"Oh just agreeing that I got the regular spot because Gai said I deserved a chance." I said innocently, earning a scowl from Gai. He then set about his elaborate plan.
1.) Playing an album by "5 seconds of summer." Dammit.
2.) Dropping subtle hints. Not good.
3.) Texting Koutei to kiss Yuri. Shit.
Luckily, the sudden jolt from traffic movement disrupted the staring-in-the-eyes-moment. I smiled at Gai's dismay. I never intended to steal the spot from Gai but I liked seeing him panic.
"Hey guys?" I said, breaking Yuri and Koutei's concentration. They only hmmed in response. I wasn't going to do anything.
"I'm...sorta worried. About the whole scar thing." Gai breathed in relaxation.
"Nothing to be worried about. No one will care so long as you're with us." Yuri said. I noticed Koutei was extremely quiet, I asked what was wrong. When he answered "it's so hot" it sparked another argument. I was happy this was my family. Especially as I was coming to terms with what happened and the lies I told.
ZZZ
We finally arrived at the beach at noon and it was about half past when we finished packing. I totally forgot that Q4 and Ultra Rare was somehow joining us for this and a barbeque. But because of the weather, we all decided to stop at the café nearby for drinks. It was nice, with blue and white umbrellas and small, metal tables. It was peaceful, until...
"Team Dragon Blade, do you mind." And a massive rabble formed. But that name...
Anger boiled as bittersweet memories formed. I smiled coolly when Q4 texted me a few seconds later. Time for more revenge.
"Koutei, Yuri, I need you to send the paparazzi over there to the car park. Tell them Q4's there. Gai, Invite that team over there into the bar area. I need to tie up loose ends. End of discussion, I'll explain everything later." I walked into the café and sat at the bar, not earning any complaints. That's because it was barren. Less of a hassle. I soon heard foot steps against the wooden floor and I heard someone sit down. I looked away and passed a cup of water to the figure next to me. As he reached, I grabbed the nearest steak knife and slammed it into the table in between his fingers. The shock was evident as I got off my chair, grabbed the collar of his shirt and kneed him in his legs, earning a groan and a shriek.I hit him several times on the jaw and the figure fell to the floor. I looked down at the dirty blond hair and the tall, athletic stature of the one who I loved most of my family.
"How could you Brook? Why the hell are you here?!" I said, pointing and sobbing. The figure looked up with kind blue eyes and a kinder face. But his next words...
"Blake? But...your dead." And my world began to shatter again. I lifted him up and embraced him, the brother who I dared not mention. I looked up. I saw Felicia, his fiancé...no wife from the ring with platinum blond hair, green eyes and a terrorised expression. Next to her was a tall man, Davis with black hair, muscly and equally worried. But, not worried. Surprised.
"H-how c-could you leave Broo, why." I said, like a little kid.
"You remember my nickname. And your as tall as me now. I remember you used to be quite the pipsqueak." He laughed, that laugh that always made me stop crying. I started laughing to. Finally, I was reunited with the brother who left in the night.
"We seriously need to talk Blake. But I missed you so much bro." He started to sob as well. Finally, the inseparable brothers were reunited. I missed him the most out of everyone. I took a few minutes to compose myself and I felt Brook wipe my eyes with his hands. Ah that brought back memories. How I was bullied endlessly and how Brook would always make me laugh with his awful jokes and his stories.
"First, what happened Brook?" Simple.
"Well, after Joe left, I followed him to try and sort the war out or at least wipe as much of it away from us as possible. I got there and I did sort it out. But then.."
"I know, I know. I still have the nightmares. I still haven't said anything about it to Koutei. Sorry continue." I said, having trouble keeping my emotions together.
"Anyway, Grandpa said that you had died as well and I ordered a ceasefire and it happened. Both families grieved. But I grieved mostly for you. I then fell into deep depression and wouldn't leave the house without Felicia. But then I remembered vanguard and we formed Dragon Blade to honour you and our parents. Then I was told you was alive by Jo when he was shot. It was his dying breath and he apologised. I had just gotten over depression and I couldn't believe it. Literally, I refused because...because I was scared it wasn't true. But Jo also said about...beatings. And scars. And that convinced me to find you. And I heard that team Caesar had a connection with you so I started to search. Media said something about the beach and here we are. I'm so glad it's true." I couldn't even say anything over my tears. Depression. Greif. Disbelief. All of these was for me. I embraced Brook again. I loved him so much. So I composed myself and explained all that had happened, Brook's eyes growing more and more worried and sad with every detail. I explained the pain and depression but the hope as well.
"Anyway, it's amazing to see you Broo. Felicia, Davis. Thank you for everything. It's great to see you again." I kissed Felicia's hand and hugged the both of them. Felling old connections felt so good. I felt delicate hands stroke my cheek and I stepped back to see Felicia drying my eyes as well.
"The last time I saw you was when you had you 7th birthday. You didn't even have a party, just a get together. It was a great meal actually, I never knew Brook could cook." We said, laughing. I knew the truth. Davis cooked but Brook took credit. It was the day I listened to my Mum and Dad play "Knight of Firmament" together and I followed suit. I loved that memory and I was surprised I remembered it. I heard the door open behind to see team Caesar and Q4 walk in. I decided to tell them everything. And I did. It was laughter, gasps and tears as my story was explained. Then...
"Brook, give me you phone. Now." He did without complaining as he knew that I didn't like to be turned down. Even 9 years later. I searched through the contacts of the phone until I saw the two numbers I needed. I dialled.
"This is Blake Truman. You know who I am and I wish to settle this. Meet me at my location at 5pm. Do not keep me waiting." I turned and saw Miwa. I ordered him to give me his phone as well. I dialled the number.
"Hey it's Blake. I need some help. Meet me at the beach at 4:30pm. Cool, thanks." Davis handed me his phone next as ordered.
"It's Blake Truman. Yeah long time no speak. Remember that favour from age ag- yeah. Listen..."
ZZZ
The sun began to set as the barbeque was being tended to. The coals began to sizzle as two limousines pulled up across the street. I looked and saw the two men in suits and another two accompanying them in butler uniforms. They walked up and I saw various people looking at them discreetly. All was going to plan. They walked across the sand, grim smiles across their face as they saw me and each other. I saw Brook terrified. I held his hand and promised it would be alright. It was time to change. It was time to be a Truman. To please my parents,
The fatter man spoke first, his full head of greying hair and bulbous cheeks stuck out. "Young master Blake. Good to say you." He said with a booming low voice.
"Grandpa Montague. I wish I could say the same." The lanky man then walked up with a sneer. His beard and glasses his main features."
"Master Truman, how lovely to see you again."
"Grandpa Truman, it would be considering you thought I was dead." I said, spitting on their shoes. The ultimate sign of disrespect.
"You will listen to me for once. But first let us not waste time. NOW!" I yelled as Miwa, Kai and Koutei tackled Montague while Miwa's dad, Brook and Davis took Truman. The raised them to their feet as the butlers were held by Ultra Rare and Dragon Blade and my friends, Anya hitting them both . The coals started to erupt in flames.
"Montague, Truman, I have physical evidence that has been secured by members of Scotland Yard on the murder of various people, including Joseph Truman, the attempted cooperative murder of myself and..." The coals went out.
"The murder of my parents. Other members of the family have either been rounded up and imprisoned without trial or have sworn fealty to myself. You will have a fair trial but the action of you crimes will land you life in prison. Never again will you taint this world or my family." And they were taken away, screaming and the butlers were left grovelling. I ignored them. But I had announced the biggest kept secret in my life.
"Blake...your parents...you never said." Koutei began and then clammed up. I felt ashamed of lying to him.
"Yes, my parents, which are also Brook's, were ordered to be killed by the head of each family. And the person to oversee everything was Joseph Lance Truman." I said solemnly. Soon, the barbeque started with everyone trying to sound light hearted but couldn't find it. I heard Brook walk up to me and sat down beside me.
"I never did know what to say to make the dramatic flair in front of family did I?" I chuckled.
"No but to me and Joe you was a cynical bastard."
"I was wasn't I?" We looked at the ocean waves, twinkling against the setting sun.
"Do you remember when we went to the beach? We always made the biggest sandcastle." I said out of the blue.
"And a moat."
"And Dad would"
"Always knock it over when he tripped up." We both laughed. Brook then turned serious.
"I so sorry for everything. The beatings, the streets, all of it."
"Don't be. It was in no way you fault."
"I won't be that person begging you to live with me. But I want to catch up for old times sake. I won't ask you to come back to me because I know the answer. Koutei's good anyway. You deserve family as good as him."
"Your good as well. But yeah, I'd prefer to stay with Koutei. But Broo. You have to at least let me stay for the next week. I need to catch up with you. We've both changed and I want the memories I have of you to grow. Koutei won't mind." I decided to ask because I wasn't actually sure. He walked over and sat down beside me, a worried expression on his face. But Brook started the conversation, eating a burger. He was always fast to grab food when I wasn't looking.
"We haven't properly met but I want to thank you for everything."
"N-no problem. But does this mean-"
"No it doesn't Koutei. I'm staying right where I am. But I was wondering if I could spend some time, maybe a week, with Broo to catch up. Please?" I interrupted. He suddenly brightened up.
"I'm so glad. I was so scared you was leaving because I'm so used to it all now and...and I really think of you as a brother." I looked at Brook to see him smiling at that.
"Thank you Kenji Mitsusa-
"Please, call me Koutei."
"Right. Koutei, I want to extend a hand and invite you to the family. I could never repay you but if Blake is happy, after everything, then I am more than happy. No matter what. You will always be family to us."
"Thank you. That means a lot and I accept that hand. Blake, you do need to spend some time with Brook. You take as long as you need." I jumped up in happiness. My brother, who had meant so much to me and my other brother, who gave me hope, were both at my side. My home was always with Koutei of course and Brook knew that. But to see him again and to be give a chance to speak again was a godsend. But to ultimately stop the family war...I felt as if my parents were not murdered by Jenji and Joseph in vain. That was how I came into the hands of Jenji. But I had finally been reunited with Broo. And I was going to catch up with him. I had missed him so much. He was the one that always protected me. And now, I had protected him.
It's done! By far my favourite chapter and Brook is my favourite side character. So yeah, Joseph and Jenji was enlisted by Montague and Truman together to kill Blake's parents and him but kept the other two brothers, Brook and Joseph, as they were older. It sort of worked and the parents died but... well I'll tell you next chapter what happened to Blake and where the nickname Broo came from. Also, "Knight of firmament" is a song from Cytus which is an awesome app game so check it out. Please review and favourite and follow because if you don't Blake will only get tortured more :p I do not own anything except my ideas,OCs and the half broken laptop I work on. Tempest signing off!